Business is not booming: Slow Market

The squads are beginning to get together to go off to the pre season training camps, and in reality little has happened to most of the big Italian sides to conjure up much excitement for next season for the battle hardened tifosi. Put it down mainly to the world cupJuve have, of course, had the most impact so far with Marco Motta, Leo Bonucci, Simone Pepe, the talented Jorge Martinez and back up keeper Marco Storari arriving. More is certain to come from them, with Milos Krasic, Philpe Mexes and Edin Dzeko targets for the old lady. Milan and Inter however have been quite inactive. Whilst Milan have signed goalkeepr Marco Amelia to replace Dida at San Siro, little else of note has happened. This is a dangerous sign for Milan, whose fans voted on their feet last season with 20,000 a game less attending in most cases. Kaka was never replaced, even if it was the right time to sell, and outside a still impressive starting 11 their is little depth to compete across three competitions. Berlusconi must act else it will be another title less season. Inter however have far less to worry about, but should look to strengthen their line up as every team in Europe will be gunning for them next year. Still, we await their first action of this slow mercato.

Dropping down south both Rome clubs have hardly set the world on fire either. Cash strapped Roma look set to be up for sale which may help them secure an investor, but despite this Adriano has arrived from Flamengo. The enigmatic hit man has undoubted quality, but can he keep his mind on the job in hand, that remains the question. Still, a Totti, Vucinic, Adriano front line remains an impressive one. Conversely Lazio have been trimming their ridiculously huge squad down, seemingly forgetting to actually adding in quality. Marc Bresciano has arrived and quality front man Sergio Floccari has signed, but more must arrive in the middle of the park if they are to push for a European place.

Elsewhere, Napoli and Palermo have yet to really get going, while Fiorentina have only added Gaetano D'Agostino to their midfield. Still, their squad is already very competitive and with just Serie A to focus on they will be a dangerous proposition.

Ultimately, slow mercato. But, take a look around Europe and it aint much different anywhere else.