Inter Milan could manage only a draw on the opening day after being held by Bologna. Playing on Monday after their European Super Cup defeat by Atletico Madrid on Friday, Inter dominated but were unable to find a way past the Bologna defence.

Inter were encamped in Bologna's half for much of the second period but Emiliano Viviano made some key saves.

And late on Samuel Eto'o clipped the bar from substitute Coutinho's cross.

"He did very well with his head, with his hands, with everything," joked Benitez of Viviano's performance.

On Sunday, Inter's rivals AC Milan romped to a 4-0 win over Lecce, while on Saturday Claudio Ranieri's Roma, who finished second last season, drew 0-0 with Cesena.

Elsewhere in Europe, Real Madrid were held 0-0 at Mallorca in Jose Mourinho's first game in charge, while champions Barcelona cruised to a 3-0 win over Racing Santander.