Mercato Magic: Genoa Revolution

During the 90s there were the seven sisters of Italian football. All had a chance to win the Scudetto or at least challenge for a champions league spot. But with the demise of Parma, bankruptcy of Fiorenina, near insolvency of my Lazio, forced relegation of Juventus seven became just three in 2006 after Calciopoli with Inter, Milan and Roma left to fly the flag as it were. It looked bad, it looked desperate. But how times have changed. Fiorentina have bounced back with avengence. They have invested in young talent, Jovetic and Montolivo to name a few, and reformed players who had lost it elsewhere, Gilardino as a prime example. Combine this with Mutu, Frey, Melo etc etc the foundation for success is there and they are back in the sisterhood.

Juventus of course are back in it also. Today they have completed the signing of Diego. Quite simply this player is outstanding and I believe he will have the same impact for Juve as Kaka has done for Milan. Combine this with Iaqunita, Amauri, Chielini, Sissoko, Marchisio, Giovinco etc etc the future looks outstanding for Juve.

My beloved Lazio are also back in the sisterhood. 10th in the league though I hear you say. True, but winning the coppa took outstanding performances, flashes of brilliance as shown in the league against Roma and Fiorentina this season. A couple of additions here and there and they can challenge for a top four place again.

Ok, so we have six teams back in the seven sisters with Parma, the final member, just having got back to the big time. Yet, I believe they have lost their place to none other than Genoa. Despite loosing Milito and Motta to Inter they have wasted no time. In come Atalanta striker Sergio Floccari and Cagliari hitman Robert Aquafresca. Hernan Crespo is also on his way as is now as it appears is Richardo Quaresma. Giuseppe Rossi is rumoured to be on his way also. The Genoa fans must be pinching themselves as it appears that with a squad like this they may be able to make a serious assult in Serie A next year.

Its early days in the mercato, the season is not even finished yet. But Genoa have made a statement, albeit with Inters help, that they are serious. Fiorentina, Roma, Lazio will have to respond, while Napoli, Palermo and Sampdoria will look to close the gap in quality. But it looks like that, for now at least, Genoa have joined the 'sisterhood'.