Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis admits they face a difficult Serie A start.

The fixtures for 2018-19 were drawn today, and the Partenopei face Lazio, Milan, Fiorentina and Juventus within the first seven rounds.

“We have an objectively difficult start," De Laurentiis acknowledged on the club's official website.

“I don't think it's appropriate to worry though, because I'm optimistic about the world we're doing with [Coach Carlo] Ancelotti.

“With Carlo we want to create a new era, not just for Napoli but for Italian football."