Genoa will be hoping to spoil David Beckham's return to AC Milan when the Serie A season resumes following its winter break on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old England midfielder, who has joined the Rossoneri for a second loan spell from the Los Angeles Galaxy, is set to be included in Leonardo's squad for the clash with the Grifoni and is keen to make an immediate impact.

"I am happy to return to play with AC Milan," said Beckham. "I am looking forward to help them team do well.

"I think we have a chance to win the title this season.

"There are other great teams like Inter and Juventus fighting for the Scudetto but I believe we have enough quality and strength to win the league title."

Milan head into their first league game of the year in second place, eight points behind leaders Inter Milan but with a game in hand.

Inter could hand a debut to Goran Pandev when the table-topping Nerazzurri travel to Verona to meet Chievo - if a deal for the Macedonia striker is completed in time.

Third-placed Juventus will be wanting the new year to bring about a change in fortunes when they go up against Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

The Bianconeri went into the Christmas break having lost three of their last four games and nine points adrift of Inter.

Roma will look to extend their seven-match unbeaten run when they make the journey to Sardinia to face Cagliari. The Giallorossi hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

A defeat for Roma could see Napoli leapfrog the Eternal City club and take fourth spot, provided the Partenopei triumph at struggling Atalanta. The Azzurri trail Roma by one point heading into Wednesday's games.

In-form Sampdoria will be confident of maintaining their positive run at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris when they host Palermo.

Samp have only given away three points this campaign in Genoa and lie eighth, one position and one point worse off than their visitors.

Fiorentina meet rock-bottom Siena in Wednesday's Tuscan duel looking to climb from 10th position in the table.

Cesare Prandelli's men will have to show a vast improvement on the road, having won just two games on their travels this season.

Udinese travel to Bari desperate to spot the rot after losing four of their last five games. Another loss in midweek could prove costly for under-pressure coach Pasquale Marino.

Lazio will be looking to begin 2010 on the right foot when they welcome Livorno to the Stadio Olimpico.

The Biancoceleste have won just three games of 17 this term and lie only three points clear of the drop zone.

Relegation-threatened Catania will be aiming to post their second home win of the season when they take on Bologna at the Stadio Angelo Massimino.

The Sicilian outfit head into the fixture four points behind Bologna, who hold the last position of safety.

Vote for your Footballer of the Decade now!