Optimism kicks off the season in Emilia-Romagna this weekend – and not just that of the visiting side Napoli.

Indeed, Cesena go into the game with a great deal of positive energy. A better-than-expected first season back in Serie A has been followed by a better-than-expected transfer window that sees the likes of Antonio Candreva and Adrian Mutu line up in Cavallucci Marini shirts.

Technical director Lorenzo Minotti, however, has pointed out the club’s biggest coup has been Coach Marco Giampaolo, someone he describes as one of Italy’s most popular Coaches. Giampaolo returns to Serie A with an element of something to prove however, in light of a disappointing end to his Catania tenure last season, where his team struggled to score goals.

Bookmakers also have Cesena as third favourites for relegation, even as the club is set for record support this season, having sold their highest number of season tickets ever in the build-up for a campaign.

Saturday offers a reasonable test of how far the team have developed, as they welcome the side that comfortably beat them 4-1 to in the same fixture last season.

Not playing in their favour though is that those returning opponents, Napoli, are all the more stronger themselves having bought big across all areas of the pitch in the summer.

The players, though, would be forgiven for having one eye already on their Champions League campaign that begins in midweek away to Manchester City. For instance, Paolo Cannavaro spoke of the balance that needs to be struck between the League and Europe, before admitting the excitement and tension that is dominating the dressing room ahead of the return to the European Cup after two decades.

However, expectations are that the club is in a position for a strong domestic showing and even a Scudetto push, making starting the season with a win, particularly away from home, looking important.

Two sides with different reasons for needing a strong start to the season meet on Saturday, with plenty of new faces to keep an eye out for too.

Keep an eye on: Edinson Cavani (Napoli) – No one is worth following more than Edinson Cavani at the moment. The striker with 26 League goals to his name last year has endured a frustrating personal summer, having not scored a goal in four months. For Napoli to progress this season, a lot relies on his scoring again. Failure to put in a performance against Cesena could really play on his mind..

Last five in Serie A: Cesena (- - - - - ) Napoli (- - - - -)

Last season: Cesena 1-4 Napoli

Stat fact: Napoli failed to score away from home only three times last season, the second best such away scoring record after Roma.