Leonardo, the new Inter Milan coach, and AC Milan signing Antonio Cassano face difficult debuts tomorrow when Serie A's resumes from a mid-season break.
Former AC Milan manager Leonardo, the shock choice to replace the departed Rafael Benitez, takes charge of stuttering champions Inter for the first time in the home clash with second-placed Napoli.
Inter's victory in December's Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi means they have two games in hand but have slipped down to seventh, 13 points behind leaders Milan.
Leonardo needs to silence doubters who still cannot comprehend how a Milan mainstay, far from successful in his one term in charge of the Rossoneri last season, can become coach of their biggest rivals.
"This challenge was too great to resist, and unexpected, and I just couldn't refuse," Leonardo told reporters.
In contrast, Leonardo's former team look more brittle than at any time this term and numbers are limited for the trip to coach Massimiliano Allegri's ex-side Cagliari.
Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suspended, Alexandre Pato is feeling his way back after over a month out with thigh problems and Robinho needed stitches in his leg after colliding with a television camera during their 2-1 friendly win over Al Ahli in a Dubai last week.
Cassano is in contention to start, having not played since October, when he was suspended by Sampdoria for swearing at the club president before being sold to Milan.
Federico Macheda, the Manchester United forward, 19, has confirmed he is close to agreeing a loan move to Sampdoria, to fill the gap left by Cassano, with the aim of furthering his development.
In Spain, the second legs of the Cope del Rey take place today and tomorrow. Barcelona, who welcome back Lionel Messi, have a tough trip to Athletic Bilbao after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
Real Madrid have no such concerns. They trounced Levante 8-0 in the first leg and can rest their first team for tomorrow's match.
