AC Milan's title winning coach Stefano Pioli has welcomed a tough start to the new season.

In the opening nine rounds, they will go head-to-head with Atalanta, Inter Milan, Napoli and Juventus.

“It's a competitive start to the season, but as we know all too well, the fixture list really only depends on our performances," Pioli told the official Milan website.

“It doesn't matter who we face, what makes the difference is the level of belief we have and the desire to keep challenging ourselves, after an exhilarating season with the Scudetto victory and love that was shown from all corners of the earth.

“The objective is to keep growing. We can't wait to get started!'