It's time for a closer look at all the teams involved in this years beautiful Championship, with the big question being can anybody catch and conquer European and Italian Champions Inter Milan.
Bari
Coach: Giampiero Ventura
Last season: 10th
Bari came back into Serie A last year and played some superb football, made their home ground a fortress with the highlight being a 4-1 destruction of Juve and discovered two Italian centre backs that could be the foundations for the national teams for years to come. Coach Ventura remains but the defensive pair of Bonucci and Ranocchia do not. However, they will still be a tough proposition on home soil and the derby against Lecce will be a great spectacle. I'd be surprised if they went down, a lower midtable position is likely.
Bologna
Coach: Franco Colomba
Last season: 17th
Rhen Khrin is the exciting prospect Bologna have landed from Inter this summer. After two seasons of struggle it is hard to envisage anything else but a battle against relegation for Bologna this year. The goals of Di Vaio will help but this club needs more if they are to remain in the division long term.
Brescia
Coach: Giuseppe Iachini
Last season: 3rd, Serie B
It's a big welcome back to Brescia in Serie A and one wonders whether they can make the same sort of impact that Parma and Bari did last year. Eder, the dangerous forward from Empoli has arrived as has play maker Alessandro Diamanti from West Ham. Fabio Grosso and Mauro Camoranesi have been linked and if these two arrive then Brescia would seem to have quality and experience to survive in this division. Matteo Sereni takes up the gloves in goal.
Cagliari
Coach: Pierpaolo Bisoli
Last season: 16th
A slightly disappointing end to the Allegri ere saw Cagliari stumble over the finish line last season but key talents in Matri, Jeda, Nene and keeper Marchetti have remained and will be joined by old friend Robert Aquafresca. With no manjor departures Cagliari will likely remain a strong mid table side this season and be a difficult place for any Serie A side to visit.
Catania
Coach: Marco Giampaolo
Last season: 13th
Struggled at the start of last season but that superb win in Turin in Juve began the turning of the tide as along with the arrivals of Maxi Lopez and Sinisa Mihajlovic as coach the club from Sicily looked a different side. The 3-1 win over Inter was the season's highlight even surpassing their 2-0 derby win and with Maxi Lopez still adorning Catania colours this campaign its hard to see them leaving this division.
Cesena
Coach: Massimo Ficcadenti
Last season: 2nd Serie B
Will their fairy tale continue? Not in the division since 1991 so this season will be one of pleasure for their fans no matter what happens. Stefan Appiah is the big name to arrive in midfield but one struggles to see the huge level in quality after that. However, this is what most said about Bari last season and look how they responded to the critics. Will be an interesting club to watch.
Chievo
Coach: Stefano Pioli
Last season: 14th
The flying donkeys have become somewhat of a mainstay in this division over the last decade. The question is whether they can become anything more in this division this season. Stefano Piolo takes over from Domenico Di Carlo who gets his chance at Sampdoria. Hero Sergio Pellissier remains, Bogliacino arrives from Napoli, Guana from Palermo and Andreolli from Roma.
Fiorentina
Coach: Sinisa Mihajlovic
Last season: 11th
After an excellent campaign in Europe Fiorentina's domestic form went down the toilet. However, Sinsa Mihajlovic arrives and so does Gaetano D'Agostino as a slimmer fixture list should seem the Viola return to the right end of the table this season. No Stefan Jovetic or Adrian Mutu for some time does however put a lot of pressure on Gilardino. Likely to return to Europe next season however.
Genoa
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini
Last season: 9th
A mammoth summer mercato will see Genoa line up with a lot of quality in their squad. Miguel Veloso and goalkeeper Eduardo arrive from Portugal while highly rated wing back Rafinha arrives from Schalke 04. Domenico Criscito is now a permanent Genoa player and Luca Toni joins him as well. Add into the mix the likes of Rodrigo Palacio and then its easy to see why Genoa are tipped for a very good season. Anything but a place in Europe will be seen as a failure.
Inter Milan
Coach: Rafa Benitez
Last season: 1st
A quiet mercato by their standards, with the sale of Mario Balotelli being the major news item. Rising star Coutinho arrives but the retention of Maicon can be seen as a big boost. The Italian and European Champions look immensely strong and will be top dogs to beat at home and abroad. Expect someone to arrive before the window shuts as well.
Juventus
Coach: Luigi Del Neri
Last season: 7th
After last years debacle much has changed in Turin. Defenders Bonucci and Motta have arrived with midfielders in Krasic, Pepe, Aquilani and Martinez joining Felipe Melo and Momo Sissoko in a strong central line. The big signing up front has yet to arrive and it remains to be seen whether Del Neri will try to tempt Pazzini out of Sampdoria or rejuvenate Amauri. Diego may still be sold, but expect Juve to be a much better side this season and at least get into the top four. If the team galvanises early then a Scudetto bid could be on the cards.
Lazio
Coach: Edy Reja
Last season: 12th
Another squad with big changes afoot. Sergio Floccari has been signed permanently while Cristian Ledesma has signed on. However, the capture of Hernanes has been a huge signing and if pre season is anything to go by then Lazio have signed a real winner here. Mark Bresciano joins as well and Andrea Barzagli, Davide Trezeguet and Roque Santa Cruz remain heavily linked. Should finish much better than their 12th of last season.
Lecce
Coach: Luigi De Canio
Last season: 1st Serie B
A classic Serie A yoyo club returns and without much investment in the side that won promotion last year it will be difficult for them to retain their status in the division. Defender Reginiussen arrives from Germans Schalke 04 and talented forward Chevanton joins from Sevilla but will it be enough? A relegation battle in likely in store and Milan away in week one is where it begins.
Milan
Coach: Massimo Allegri
Last season: 3rd
A new coach, and some new talent as well could ensure an exciting season for Milanistas across the globe. Allegri has shown his quality with Cagliari in recent seasons and is joined by talented defender Sokratis from Genoa and world cup star Kevin Prince Boateng from Portsmouth. Marco Amelia takes up the reins in goal after a less than great spell in Genoa. Also young players from the youth sector like exciting talent Alex Merkel are being pushed into the first team to good effect as pre season draws at Arsenal and Barcelona suggest. However, the big news could be Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival and that could push Milan from top four material to genuine Scudetto contenders. Keeping Pato and Nesta fit for the whole season would help as well.
Bari
Coach: Giampiero Ventura
Last season: 10th
Bari came back into Serie A last year and played some superb football, made their home ground a fortress with the highlight being a 4-1 destruction of Juve and discovered two Italian centre backs that could be the foundations for the national teams for years to come. Coach Ventura remains but the defensive pair of Bonucci and Ranocchia do not. However, they will still be a tough proposition on home soil and the derby against Lecce will be a great spectacle. I'd be surprised if they went down, a lower midtable position is likely.
Bologna
Coach: Franco Colomba
Last season: 17th
Rhen Khrin is the exciting prospect Bologna have landed from Inter this summer. After two seasons of struggle it is hard to envisage anything else but a battle against relegation for Bologna this year. The goals of Di Vaio will help but this club needs more if they are to remain in the division long term.
Brescia
Coach: Giuseppe Iachini
Last season: 3rd, Serie B
It's a big welcome back to Brescia in Serie A and one wonders whether they can make the same sort of impact that Parma and Bari did last year. Eder, the dangerous forward from Empoli has arrived as has play maker Alessandro Diamanti from West Ham. Fabio Grosso and Mauro Camoranesi have been linked and if these two arrive then Brescia would seem to have quality and experience to survive in this division. Matteo Sereni takes up the gloves in goal.
Cagliari
Coach: Pierpaolo Bisoli
Last season: 16th
A slightly disappointing end to the Allegri ere saw Cagliari stumble over the finish line last season but key talents in Matri, Jeda, Nene and keeper Marchetti have remained and will be joined by old friend Robert Aquafresca. With no manjor departures Cagliari will likely remain a strong mid table side this season and be a difficult place for any Serie A side to visit.
Catania
Coach: Marco Giampaolo
Last season: 13th
Struggled at the start of last season but that superb win in Turin in Juve began the turning of the tide as along with the arrivals of Maxi Lopez and Sinisa Mihajlovic as coach the club from Sicily looked a different side. The 3-1 win over Inter was the season's highlight even surpassing their 2-0 derby win and with Maxi Lopez still adorning Catania colours this campaign its hard to see them leaving this division.
Cesena
Coach: Massimo Ficcadenti
Last season: 2nd Serie B
Will their fairy tale continue? Not in the division since 1991 so this season will be one of pleasure for their fans no matter what happens. Stefan Appiah is the big name to arrive in midfield but one struggles to see the huge level in quality after that. However, this is what most said about Bari last season and look how they responded to the critics. Will be an interesting club to watch.
Chievo
Coach: Stefano Pioli
Last season: 14th
The flying donkeys have become somewhat of a mainstay in this division over the last decade. The question is whether they can become anything more in this division this season. Stefano Piolo takes over from Domenico Di Carlo who gets his chance at Sampdoria. Hero Sergio Pellissier remains, Bogliacino arrives from Napoli, Guana from Palermo and Andreolli from Roma.
Fiorentina
Coach: Sinisa Mihajlovic
Last season: 11th
After an excellent campaign in Europe Fiorentina's domestic form went down the toilet. However, Sinsa Mihajlovic arrives and so does Gaetano D'Agostino as a slimmer fixture list should seem the Viola return to the right end of the table this season. No Stefan Jovetic or Adrian Mutu for some time does however put a lot of pressure on Gilardino. Likely to return to Europe next season however.
Genoa
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini
Last season: 9th
A mammoth summer mercato will see Genoa line up with a lot of quality in their squad. Miguel Veloso and goalkeeper Eduardo arrive from Portugal while highly rated wing back Rafinha arrives from Schalke 04. Domenico Criscito is now a permanent Genoa player and Luca Toni joins him as well. Add into the mix the likes of Rodrigo Palacio and then its easy to see why Genoa are tipped for a very good season. Anything but a place in Europe will be seen as a failure.
Inter Milan
Coach: Rafa Benitez
Last season: 1st
A quiet mercato by their standards, with the sale of Mario Balotelli being the major news item. Rising star Coutinho arrives but the retention of Maicon can be seen as a big boost. The Italian and European Champions look immensely strong and will be top dogs to beat at home and abroad. Expect someone to arrive before the window shuts as well.
Juventus
Coach: Luigi Del Neri
Last season: 7th
After last years debacle much has changed in Turin. Defenders Bonucci and Motta have arrived with midfielders in Krasic, Pepe, Aquilani and Martinez joining Felipe Melo and Momo Sissoko in a strong central line. The big signing up front has yet to arrive and it remains to be seen whether Del Neri will try to tempt Pazzini out of Sampdoria or rejuvenate Amauri. Diego may still be sold, but expect Juve to be a much better side this season and at least get into the top four. If the team galvanises early then a Scudetto bid could be on the cards.
Lazio
Coach: Edy Reja
Last season: 12th
Another squad with big changes afoot. Sergio Floccari has been signed permanently while Cristian Ledesma has signed on. However, the capture of Hernanes has been a huge signing and if pre season is anything to go by then Lazio have signed a real winner here. Mark Bresciano joins as well and Andrea Barzagli, Davide Trezeguet and Roque Santa Cruz remain heavily linked. Should finish much better than their 12th of last season.
Lecce
Coach: Luigi De Canio
Last season: 1st Serie B
A classic Serie A yoyo club returns and without much investment in the side that won promotion last year it will be difficult for them to retain their status in the division. Defender Reginiussen arrives from Germans Schalke 04 and talented forward Chevanton joins from Sevilla but will it be enough? A relegation battle in likely in store and Milan away in week one is where it begins.
Milan
Coach: Massimo Allegri
Last season: 3rd
A new coach, and some new talent as well could ensure an exciting season for Milanistas across the globe. Allegri has shown his quality with Cagliari in recent seasons and is joined by talented defender Sokratis from Genoa and world cup star Kevin Prince Boateng from Portsmouth. Marco Amelia takes up the reins in goal after a less than great spell in Genoa. Also young players from the youth sector like exciting talent Alex Merkel are being pushed into the first team to good effect as pre season draws at Arsenal and Barcelona suggest. However, the big news could be Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival and that could push Milan from top four material to genuine Scudetto contenders. Keeping Pato and Nesta fit for the whole season would help as well.
Napoli
Coach: Walter Mazzari
Last season: 6th
Sixth place last season under Walter Mazzari was the result of a season of hard work and quality in the San Paolo and more of the same is expected this season. Indeed, the signing of Edison Cavani for 16 million euros and Cristiano Lucarelli has added firepower to an already potent attack containing Ezequiel Lavezzi, Fabio Quagliarella and Marek Hamsik. With Cristian Maggio and Juan Zuinga providing creativity down the flanks Napoli have an exciting team and should push for a European place with ease. Top four given the investment and ability should be the target.
Coach: Walter Mazzari
Last season: 6th
Sixth place last season under Walter Mazzari was the result of a season of hard work and quality in the San Paolo and more of the same is expected this season. Indeed, the signing of Edison Cavani for 16 million euros and Cristiano Lucarelli has added firepower to an already potent attack containing Ezequiel Lavezzi, Fabio Quagliarella and Marek Hamsik. With Cristian Maggio and Juan Zuinga providing creativity down the flanks Napoli have an exciting team and should push for a European place with ease. Top four given the investment and ability should be the target.
Palermo
Coach: Delio Rossi
Last season: 5th
Coach: Delio Rossi
Last season: 5th
Much like Napoli Palermo had an excellent season last campaign and in many respects should have been filling fourth spot but for an inability to beat Sampdoria at home in week 37 of the season. However with Simon Kjaer and Edison Cavani moving on the pressure will fall on Javier Pastore and Abel Hernandez to fill the void, something which they did last week in the Europa League. Massimo Maccarone has arrived and should get the platform here to display his considerable talent they he showed at Siena. In reality a top four spot will be difficult but a place in the Europa League again is well within their grasp. Indeed, they should look to progress well in this years competition.
Parma
Coach: Pasquale Marino
Last season: 8th
Coach: Pasquale Marino
Last season: 8th
Parma completed an excellent season last year with an 8th place finish with an impressive frontline of Bojinov and Biabiany. The latter has left but the former will be joined up front with Juve talent Seb Giovinco, who finally will get the chance to show his quality on a consistent basis. Antonio Mirante, formally of Sampdoria, lines up in goal with Gab Paletta coming into defence from Boca Juniors. Spanish midfielder Fernando Marques also comes into the Tardini lineup from Espanyol. There is a lot of quality in this side, whether or not a European place can be attained is probably just out of their reach.
Roma
Coach: Claudio Ranieri
Last season: 2nd
An outstanding season for Roma last year will have expectations set very high for their tifosi. They had the chance to win the Scudetto set up on a plate when they went clear of Inter in week 35 but then blew it against Sampdoria on home turf when Giampaolo Pazzini hit a double. However, their squad is strong and additions like Adriano and Simplicio add to the depth. Mirko Vucinic and De Rossi have remained and Jeremy Menez continued his impressive form from last season into the pre season. With Juve and Milan restocking this summer Roma will have more competition around them for their battle against Inter but they are capable of achieving consistent results and that is what wins titles. Likely to be there or there abouts once again.
Sampdoria
Coach: Domenico Di Carlo
Last season: 4th
Already out of the Champions League, a tough season could be in store for Doria. Compared to City rivals Genoa little has been spent, and while Cassano, Pazzini and Palombo remain, at the moment, there is little creativity or great quality outside of that. Andrea Poli is however growing superbly into his midfield role and Stefano Guberti and Daniele Dessena are perhaps the best signing they have made this mercato. However, if I was a Doria fan I would have been expecting more quality to arrive. The similarities with the 2008-2009 campaign are there to be seen and playing two games a week may well leave this squad overstretched, and out of Europe next year.
Udinese
Coach: Francesco Guidolin
Last season: 15th
A woeful season battling relegation was the story from Udine last year, where Di Natale was the sole shining light. 29 goals was a stunning output from the diminutive hitman and he remains, but midfielders D'Agostino and Pepe move on. However, German Denis has arrived from Napoli and given the right service he could well hit 10+ goals for the Friuli outfit. Exciting talents Alex Sanchez and Kwadko Asamoah also remain so it certainly is not all doom and gloom, and with Francesco Guidolin at the helm much better can be expected I feel.
Roma
Coach: Claudio Ranieri
Last season: 2nd
An outstanding season for Roma last year will have expectations set very high for their tifosi. They had the chance to win the Scudetto set up on a plate when they went clear of Inter in week 35 but then blew it against Sampdoria on home turf when Giampaolo Pazzini hit a double. However, their squad is strong and additions like Adriano and Simplicio add to the depth. Mirko Vucinic and De Rossi have remained and Jeremy Menez continued his impressive form from last season into the pre season. With Juve and Milan restocking this summer Roma will have more competition around them for their battle against Inter but they are capable of achieving consistent results and that is what wins titles. Likely to be there or there abouts once again.
Sampdoria
Coach: Domenico Di Carlo
Last season: 4th
Already out of the Champions League, a tough season could be in store for Doria. Compared to City rivals Genoa little has been spent, and while Cassano, Pazzini and Palombo remain, at the moment, there is little creativity or great quality outside of that. Andrea Poli is however growing superbly into his midfield role and Stefano Guberti and Daniele Dessena are perhaps the best signing they have made this mercato. However, if I was a Doria fan I would have been expecting more quality to arrive. The similarities with the 2008-2009 campaign are there to be seen and playing two games a week may well leave this squad overstretched, and out of Europe next year.
Udinese
Coach: Francesco Guidolin
Last season: 15th
A woeful season battling relegation was the story from Udine last year, where Di Natale was the sole shining light. 29 goals was a stunning output from the diminutive hitman and he remains, but midfielders D'Agostino and Pepe move on. However, German Denis has arrived from Napoli and given the right service he could well hit 10+ goals for the Friuli outfit. Exciting talents Alex Sanchez and Kwadko Asamoah also remain so it certainly is not all doom and gloom, and with Francesco Guidolin at the helm much better can be expected I feel.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment