My preview of the new Serie A season continues today with a review of the top ten new players to join the league this summer. With Kaka and Zlatan Ibrahimovic heading to pastures new it is time to take a look at the players that will replace their brilliance this summer. Of course, some of the future best players in the world are already here. Marek Hamsik, Alexandre Pato, Sebastian Giovinco and Mauro Zarate have demonstrated they have the ability to step up to the plate this season, but some new arrivals may challenge them also. Here is my top ten new boys to Serie A.
10. Nene - Cagliari, arrived from Nacional
Cagliari have pulled off a real coup here. Nene arrives from Nacional in Portugal after topping the goal scoring charts in the Portuguese top flight last season after scoring 20 goals in 25 games. He should fit in well with the attacking Cagliari outfit and help them continue to maintain their Serie A status. Robert Acquafresca has gone, but Cagliari fans should be excited about this prospect.
9. Fabio Cannavaro - Juventus, arrived from Real Madrid
Il Capitano come back to Juventus after three seasons and two championships with Real Madrid to help bolster Juve's back line. With Chielini and Legrottaglie already in the centre back positions Juve certainly do look strong in this department. Cannavaro still remains one of the worlds best and with Momo Sissoko and Felipe Melo providing additional defensive midfield cover Juve look rock solid now.
8. Alberto Zapater - Genoa, arrived from Real Zaragoza
Alberto Zapater arrives from Spain with huge experience already in a top league having at the age of just 24 made nearly 200 appearances for Real Zaragoza. He helped them return to La Liga's top flight this year and was allowed to move onto pastures new. Noted for his great passing ability Zapater will help replace Thiago Motta who left for Inter. Again it seems Genoa may have unearthed another gem here in their push for European and domestic success this year. However, can he break the chain of unsuccessful Spanish players who have graced Serie A? Lets hope so.
7. Eliseu - Lazio, arrived from Malaga
Lazio signed the Portuguese international winger for just £1 million due to his contract almost about to expire. The pacey winger can run the 100mtrs in under 11 seconds and used this to great effect last season in La Liga. He tourmented even the best defences, registering two goals for Malaga in a defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. With his pace, technical ability and powerful shot Eliseu will complement Pasquale Foggia, Lazio's left winger, well and add an extra dimension to the Lazio attack.
6. Lucio - Inter Milan, arrived from Bayern Munich
The Brazilian International central defender was requested by Mourinho as he can help bridge the defence and midfield through his ability to play the ball. A fearsome centre back noted for his tough tackles, Lucio will also weigh in with his fair share of goals as well as he does for Brazil. Inter already had the best defence in Serie A with Maicon, Samuel, Chivu, Cordoba and Santon in the mix. Lucio just adds to the quality.
5. Rodrigo Palacio - Genoa, arrived from Boca Juniors
Finally Palacio arrives in Serie A after 185 games for Boca Juniors. The highly rated winger has added to an already fearsome Genoa attack and will bring with him experience at International level also. During his 185 games for Boca Palacio netted 82 goals. Expect him to ripple the net in Italy, often. With Genoa loosing Diego Milito it has been suggested that they are weaker this season. But with Palacio, Crespo and Sergio Floccari now upfront that does not seem the case.
4. Klass Jan Huntelaar - AC Milan, arrived from Real Madrid
The Hunter comes to Serie A after scoring goal after goal in the Eredivisie for Ajax. Even in his brief spell with Real Madrid he was almost at the level of 1 goal in 2 games. This is a real bargin for Milan, no pun intended. With Pato and Ronaldinho supplying the goods all Huntelaar will have to do it put the ball into the back of the net. Much like Pazzini did for Sampdoria after he was frozen out by Fiorentina last season expect Huntelaar to florish in an environment that apprechiates him.
3. Javier Pastore - Palermo, arrived from Hurican (Argentina)
Some may not have heard of the Argentine wonder talent who was the star of the Argenine clausura this year with 7 goals and 3 assists, but give it time because you soon will have. Pastore arrives with a huge reputation much like Pato did in the beginning of 2008. The attacking midfielder has been dubbed as the Argentine Kaka and it would seem for good reason. Already he has settled well with Palermo snubbing the chance to take a summer break and getting straight into training and settling into his new environment. He turned down Milan, Porto and Manchester United to secure first team football with Palermo.
2. Samuel Eto'o - Inter Milan, arrived from Barcelona
Arguably the best forward in the world in terms of output of goals has arrived in Milan. Eto'o knows how to score and carries this through into crucial matches especially in the Champions League, something that Zlatan Ibrahimovic often struggled to do. He is already off the mark in the Italian Super cup with a thunderous goal. The favourite for the top scorers title, Eto'o will spark fear into every defender.
1. Diego - Juventus, arrived from Werder Bremen
Mooted as the new Kaka, Diego has a techincal abiltity which actually appears more like the Ronaldinho of old. After a few years of ripping defences to shreds in the Bundesliga Diego joins Juventus in the mould of their new creative force after the retirement of Pavel Nedved. For me he is the best arrival to the league this summer because of his ability to run a game and whilst he is at it deliver knock out blows to the opposition. He can score from virtually anywhere, and even registered a goal for Bremen from 60 yards out in his debut season in the Bundesliga. Two games for Juve already and two goals in pre season suggest he has settled well. He will be crucial to Juve's success this year but he rarely fails to deliver. Certain people suggest that the loss of Kaka is a blow. They are right, but Diego will fill this void. Anyone who has watched Serie A in the last two seasons will tell you that Kaka has been a fading force due to his knee injury. It has blighted his progress all too often. Diego conversely looks set to explode and spend the best years of his career in Serie A. He will likely be the new face of the league.
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