Immobile on target as Lazio win Serie A opener

Italy forward Immobile -- top Serie A scorer last season with 36 goals -- grabbed Lazio's second goal in the last quarter of an hour in Sardinia.

Lazio return to Champions League football this season after finishing fourth in Serie A just behind Atalanta.

Both Lazio and Atalanta's scheduled season opener last week was pushed back because of the Bergamo side's Champions League last eight appearance in Portugal.

The two teams will go head-to-head in Rome next Wednesday.

"Today we have shown that we are still that tight group that can do well," said Immobile.

"Players have arrived who will give us a lift on the pitch and in the changing room, but the group is the same and there is no lack of motivation."

Lazio had Adam Marusic to thank for their two goals. After setting up Manuel Lazzari for the opener after four minutes, the Montenegrin again broke down the left flank to serve up the pass for Immobile after 74 minutes.

Promoted Benevento came from two goals down to beat Sampdoria 3-2.

Visitors Benevento were trailing after 18 minutes in Genoa following goals from Fabio Quagliarella and Omar Colley.

But Luca Caldirola hit back with a brace after 33 and 72 minutes with Marco Sau sealing the victory two minutes from time.

Inter Milan open their campaign later Saturday against Fiorentina with a maximum 1,000 spectators allowed in all stadiums in Italy because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Andrea Pirlo's Juventus face their first major test this season Sunday when the Serie A champions tackle Roma in the Stadio Olimpico.