Bologna v Inter

New Inter coach Rafael Benitez expects his team to show an improved performance tomorrow when they begin their Serie A title defence at Bologna.

The Nerazzurri's hopes of adding to a remarkable year were dashed on Friday night when they lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid in the European Super Cup final in Monaco.

Inter were attempting to win a sixth trophy in 2010 but came up short against a very lively and impressive Atletico.

The result marked Benitez's first loss since replacing Jose Mourinho at the helm of the Nerazzurri this summer.

"We are a bit annoyed," said Benitez. "We played badly.

"We need to look at what we did wrong and learn from those mistakes.

"Last season this team played all the time in counter-attack and we need time to change that approach."

Benitez, who led Inter to the Italian Supercoppa this month by beating Roma, has a tough act to follow with his predecessor Mourinho having won an unprecedented treble last term of Serie A, Champions League and Coppa Italia crowns.

The Spaniard is set to hand Brazilian striker Coutinho his league debut against Bologna.

The former Vasco de Gama star was one of additions made by the European champions this summer.

Bologna narrowly escaped relegation last season and their first game this campaign could hardly be tougher.

"It is going to be a really hard game, but we will give it our best shot," said Bologna defender Gyorgy Garics.

"We all want to get back on the field and our fury and rage will make life difficult for them."

To complicate matters, reports in Italy claim Mario Beretta and not Franco Colomba will guide the team tomorrow.

Colomba, who helped Bologna retain their top-flight status last term, could be the first Serie A coach to be sacked with speculation rife that he has fallen out with club president Sergio Porcedda.