Serie A Comment: Mourinho unveiled at Madrid, Lecce and Cesena in Serie A

The inevitable has happened, Jose Mourinho has left Inter and has signed a four year deal at Real Madrid. The press conference is live as I write and the great man is embarking on a new chapter in his managerial career. Whether you follow La Liga or not, and if you don't its well worth giving it a watch, the attraction of it now cannot be denied given the rivalry created been Mourinho and Barcelona over his time and Chelsea and Inter Milan. Anyhow, there is now a vacant seat on the Inter Milan bench and Fabio Capello has been rumoured for the hot seat, along with Gus Hiddink. Whoever gets the job will have a difficult challenge on their hands to retain all three trophies that the club achieved this season. It was an outstanding achievement, one never before achieved by an Italian club and when you think of some of the great sides to have come out of the boot, such as Grande Inter of the 60s, 'that' Milan side of the early 90s and the Juventus side of the mid 90s as well then it puts the recent achievement in a context. Barcelona achieved the same last season and failed to retain all three so that outlines how difficult it will be for Inter to do the same. Jose ultimately deserves huge credit for this and his presence will be missed in Italian football, and arguably will go down as Inter's greatest ever coach. Who knows, one day maybe he will return.

With Atalanta, Livorno and Siena all relegated three new faces will adorn Serie A next season. The first is Lecce this seasons Champions of Serie B. A packed Via Del Mare saw Lecce return to the top flight yesturday after a year in Serie B. Lecce have become a typical yo yo club, never quite strong enough for Serie A and yet too strong for Serie B. Lecce have had prior to this 13 seasons in Serie A and will line up for their 14th season in the 2010/2011 campaign. Joining them will be Cesena for the first time in Serie A since 1991. They have had an excellent season having been there or there abouts the whole season long and hoardes of travelling fans whitnessed their 1-0 win away at Piacenza yesturday. Whether or not they will be able to remain amongst the top dogs remains to be seen but it will be interesting to watch them try.

The third promoted team will come from the playoffs with nostalgic teams such as Brescia and Torino involved alongside Cittadella and Sassuolo.

Calcio Mercato

So, the season is upon us again. The endless summer months in which rumour after rumour confronts us about who is going where and who is staying put. So far nothing of note has happened, in Serie A at least. Barcelona have got themselves of the mark with the 40 million Euro capture of David Villa. An interesting deal, as what does this mean for Zlatan Ibrahimovic who despite scoring 22 goals in his first season has been seen as somewhat of a disappointment, mainly in all likelyhood because he does not fit the pace of their system. Will Zlatan be happy to sit on the bench while Villa, Messi, and Pedro take to the field before him? Today he is strongly linked with AC Milan though they have been reluctant to splash the cash in recent years.

Juve however are most certainly in search of a striker and Pazzini and Sergio Aguero are at the front of the que. Both have been targets for some time but the latter will probably be harder to obtain than the former. That being said he is unlikely to move to another club in Spain given the rivalry with Real Madrid and the fact that Barca are full upfront. The odds of him moving this summer are high and Chelsea and Inter are arguably more attractive destinations given they have Champions League football. But, Juve are said to be ready to offer Diego and Thiago as well as Cash for the Argentine. Yet, these rumours change daily as only Yesturday Edin Dzeko was linked to Juve in a deal that would see Diego move the other way to Wolfsberg.

Elsewhere Roma look set to strengthen their forward line with the imminent arrival of Adriano. It seems like the hugely talented forward will return to Italy after some dark times at Inter Milan and a rejuvenated spell in Brazil.

Lazio seem to be edging closer to signing Sergio Floccari for 8.5 million Euros without having to sacrifice Radu, Lichsteiner and Ledesma. After an appalling season Lazio have set out aims of trimming their huge squad and re-enforcing the midfield. Martinez from Catania and Ederson from Lyon have been mentioned in recent days.

Manager Merry go round
On the managerial from, Domenico Di Carlo, the former Chievo manager, has taken the reins at Sampdoria while Luigi Del Neri has moved onto the big job at Juventus. Additional changed are set at Parma with Guidolin set to take over at Udinese and Milan where Leonardo has left and Massimo Allegri is set to take over their. Cesare Prandelli is set to become the new Italy boss after the world cup and currently Sinisa Mihajlovic is favourite for the Fiorentina role.

Champions League: Inter Champions of Europe

Inter Milan crowned the most stunning of seasons with a 2-0 win over Bayern at Real Madrid's historic Bernabeu. You could smell the history of the proceedings before kick off as Inter and Bayern fans both unveiled fantastic banners and flags over their adopted Curva's. But the real show was on the pitch. Bayern, as expected, dominated possession in the early going but Inter soaked it all up. Arjen Robben however was having a field day down the right channel against Christian Chivu and began to influence proceedings. However, a route 1 goal from Inter late in the second half gave the Nerazzurri the lead. After a goal kick from Julio Cesar Sneijder and Milito combined and the Argentina scored a superb effort to put Inter ahead. It could, and should, have been 2-0 moments later and Sneijder and Milito combined again. This time it was the Dutchman's turn to shoot, but his left footed drive was well saved by Bayern goalkeeper Butt.

After the break Inter were almost caught napping as Bayern began the half with much more pace and purpose than they had in the first. Arjen Robben was again at the centre of it all, and his curling effort later on produced a fine save from Julio Cesar. However, Inter, masters of the counter attack, broke again midway through the second half. Eto'o this time, who energy and sacrifice epitomised Inter on the night, fed Milito once more who cut inside on his right, then outside on his left to bamboozle the Bayern defence and ultimately fired home with a consummate right footed finish confirming himself as arguably the best forward in the world at present and bring the trophy back to Italy for the 12th time, the joint most in any league with Spain. Zanetti lifted the cup in a joyous moment for the third European Cup in Inter Milan's history, moving them ahead of bitter rivals Juventus.

Trophy winners

Real Madrid: 9 Titles
AC Milan: 7 Titles
Liverpool: 5 Titles
Bayern Munich: 4 Titles
Ajax: 4 Titles
Barcelona: 3 Titles
Inter Milan: 3 Titles
Manchester United: 3 Titles
Juventus: 2 Titles

All Things Calcio Team of the Season

So, here is my Serie A team of the season. I'd love to have comments on this one, and peoples alternative lines up as well. Feel more than free, to disagree. My line up is in a 4-3-1-2. Ciao.

Goal Keeper: Julio Cesar, Inter: A rock in the back line for Inter, a his superb save against Messi in the Nou Camp springs to mind now as a true difference maker for Inter.

RB: Douglas Maicon, Inter: I can't think of a better wing back in world football right now, a constant threat down the channel and his goal against Juventus was a contender for goal of the season.

CB: Alessandro Nesta, Milan: Returned to his very best for Milan at the start of this season and only injury, as sadly usual, prevented him from completing an outstanding campaign on a personal level.

CB: Walter Samuel, Inter: The Wall held firm against the likes of Messi and Drogba in this seasons Champions League. There was never any way through for the opposition, and alongside Lucio he formed arguably the best defensive partnership in Europe.

LB: Juan Manuel Vargas, Fiorentina: A key cog in Fiorentina's excellent Champions League campaign. Frighteningly powerful left foot has caught the attention of Real Madrid, Juventus and other top European clubs.

RCM: Javier Zanetti, Inter: Tireless, full of running and adaptable to practically every position. Left back, right back, midfield, he did it all. Fitting that Milito's final day goal came from his surging run through the midfield.

CM: Danielle De Rossi, Roma: A true world class midfielder. Pulled the strings in the Roma midfield alongside Pizzaro all season long weighing in with big goals, as he did against Inter.

LCM: Estaban Cambiasso, Inter: Quite simply the best in the world in his position. A guard in front of the defence that can launch a counter attack with one swing of his left foot. Weighed in with some important goals, none more so than against Chelsea in the Champions League.

AM: Wesley Sneijder, Inter: Brilliant attacking midfield performances all season long, with some crucial assists and goals along the way. Probably the best attacking midfielder in Europe this season alongside Arjen Robben, although he is a winger.

RF: Antonio Di Natale, Udinese: 29 majestic goals this season for Totto, scoring more than half of Udinese's goals in a poor campaign for them. The little wizard scored some beautiful goals as well and basically assured Udinese top flight football for next season on his own. It will be interesting to see how he does at the world cup. I think he will do well.

LF: Diego Milito, Inter: A glut of goals as usual from El Principe, one of the best goal scorers in world football and has replaced Zlatan Ibrahimovic in terms of goal contribution with ease.



Honourable Mentions

Mirko Vucinic, Roma: Weighed in with 14 goals for Roma this season and was a key cog in their Scudetto push. Numerous world class finishes demonstrated his quality.

Fabrizio Miccoli, Palermo: 19 goals and an inspiration for Palermo and their new set of young strikers. Expect Abel Hernandez and Edison Cavani to learn a lot from the Italian wizard.

Marek Hamsik, Napoli: Yet another stellar season for the young Slovakian with 12 goals coming from midfield. A huge star in the making and Napoli must keep him to build their side around him.

Lucio, Inter: Brilliant all season long for Inter no more so than against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Giampaolo Pazzini, Sampdoria: Probably has surpased Gilardino now as Italys best hitman up front. Works brilliantly with Cassano and hopefully can have a similar relationship with Di Natale this summer.

Ronaldinho, Milan: A real return to form this year for the superb Brazilian. 12 goals, countless assists means he must stay but he cannot do it all for Milan. He can however make the difference against anyone, at anytime.

Serie A Round 38: Inter Campioni 18

Inter Milan won their 18th Scudetto in the familiar setting of Siena on Sunday afternoon, although it could have been so very different. Roma comfortably disposed of Chievo through excellent Vucinic and De Rossi goals, while at the same time Inter struggling to break the deadlock against Siena with Curci on fine form and Balotelli hitting the woodwork. But the ever reliable Diego Milito capitalised on a surging run from evergreen Javier Zanetti to give Inter the advantage, and from that point there was never any way back for Siena. Roma, as they did two years ago, will have to settle for second but have the prospect of Champions League football, and the Italian Super Cup final in China, to soften the blow.

Inter however can be considered deserving champions. They have stuttered somewhat in over the last few months after they had at one point amassed a huge lead, but the growing quality again in Serie A put Inter under considerable pressure in the closing months. A 3-1 defeat in Catania, held in both Naples and Palermo, and beaten of course in Rome against Roma. However, they have fought on three fronts for the whole season and are 90 minutes away from an unprecedented treble and I feel few can deny them the plaudits for that. The selling of Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a shame, if only for the genius he provided that side, but the guile and team ethic that has replaced that has made them an irresistible unit on the continent especially. Inter, Campioni di Italia and rightly so based on this season. Now its up to the rest to demonstrate their value and surpass Inter next season.

Elsewhere Sampdoria secured Champions League football next season with a 1-0 win over Napoli, but even that was not enough to lure Luigi Del Neri to stay on the bench next season and his arrival at Juve is all but confirmed for next season. There he will have to settle for the Europa League and a reconstruction of the less than grand old lady based on this season, again highlighted after a 3-0 mauling in Milan on Saturday night. They will be joined by Napoli and Palermo who beat Atalanta 2-1 on the final day to finish a credible 5th in the table.

Elsewhere, Lazio climbed the table to finish 12th this season with a fine 3-1 victory of ten man Udinese. Sergio Floccari was on the mark, as usual, with an outstanding finish to allow the Aquile to finish on a high after a dismal campaign. Catania were also victorious in a 1-0 victory over Genoa with Maxi Lopez hitting his 11th goal of the season since joining the club in January. Fiorentina's campaign ended in Bari with a 2-0 defeat, but for them it's been a case of almost but not quite as many would argue that they and not Bayern should have been in the quarter finals of the Champions League. Still, one side that can be righlty pleased with their season is Parma who rounded off with a crushing 4-1 win over Livorno to confirm their place in the top ten along with Bari, both fresh up from Serie B last season. Finally, Cagliari and Bologna played out a 1-1 draw and that was all that was written for this season. Its been one of ups and downs for every side, high tension and drama to the last. Even going into this last round pivotal pieces of the Championship had not been decided, and this is testament to the quality and entertainment that this division provides.

Champions League: Italians in Europe

Italian clubs have a proud history in Europe and Inter have the chance to enhance that even further next Saturday in the Grand Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid against Bayern Munich. Yes, Inter instead of AC Milan, twice winners in the last decade and twice in the decade before, and Juventus, winners in 1996 and runners up in 1997,1998 and 2003. Perhaps this decade represents the chance for this Inter side to carve out their piece of history in Italian football much as they, and Milan, did in the 60s.

Anyhow, its another final for an Italian club from a nation that can boast the largest amount of finalists from the big three leagues, England and Spain being the other two. Italy have produced 26 finalists in the European Cup/Champions League over its history transpiring to 11 winners, 14 runners up and Inter this year who are yet to be defined in either category. The closest rival after this is Spain who have produced 12 winners of this grand competition and 9 runners up. Its worth noting that Juventus, twice winners of the Champions League, have been runners up on a staggering 5 occasions. Indeed they have lost their last three finals in this competition against Dortmund, Real Madrid and Milan. AC Milan of course have enjoyed far more success winning this competition seven times and are just two wins behind Real Madrid who have nine Cups to their name. But, despite their success Milan also have four defeats in the final, most notably 'that' final in 2005 when Liverpool came back from 3-0 down to take the title on penalties. Their most recent win came in 2007 against Liverpool as well where Pippo Inzaghi weighed in with a brace.

However, Inter have turned a corner, beating the best team in England in Chelsea and the best team from Spain along the way. They stood alone in the quarter finals in terms of Italian representatives and now stand alone against Bayern in the final. They have the opportunity to claim a championship that Milan and Juve have had outstanding success in over the last two decades. Both of those clubs will of course be back, but for now Inter have the chance to add to their two titles claimed during the 60s, and adding a third will allow them to surpass Juve, in terms of titles at least in this competition. Madrid is the setting on May 22nd and history will be made either way.

Champions League winners

Real Madrid - Nine time Champions
AC Milan - Seven time Champions
Liverpool - Five time Champions
Bayern Munich - Four time Champions
Ajax - Four time Champions
Barcelona - Three time Champions
Mancester United - Three time Champions
Juventus - Two Time Champions
Inter Milan - Two Time Champions
Benfica - Two Time Champions
Nottingham Forest - Two Time Champions

World Cup Comment: Never mind, Estaban and Javier

It won't just be Antonio Cassano sitting at home this summer when he should be playing football in South Africa. A glance over towards South America will show just how ridiculous the situation with the Argentine National team has become. Always packed with quality, and always underachieving. So, it was somewhat of a surprise when they looked towards Diego Maradona to steady the ship and lead them towards glory with what has to be said is a crop of excellent players. However, Maradona in the qualifiers selected everybody and their mother, providing no stability and little continuity. This was evident against Brazil in the qualifying campaign where despite all their flare and technical ability they were brushed aside in Argentina by a quality, but slightly workmanlike Brazil side. So, really, who better than to provide some iron in the midfield and the defense to support a side that is more than capable of winning the world cup than Estaban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti. Both have had simply outstanding seasons for Inter and it may well culminate in a treble winning domestic season on the 22nd of May in Madrid when Inter take on Bayern in the final of the Champions League.

Inter are packed with Argentines and one in Diego Milito has been granted passage to Argentina's current 30 man squad. So has Walter Samuel, but only just, as he was omitted largely in qualifying. But the omission of Cambiasso especially is simply mind boggling. With Sneijder pushing forward in the role of a trequarista Cambiasso has been the padlock in front of the Inter defence, safeguarding it front all comers. Still, his offensive qualities shine through time and time again as well. His magical left foot often provides instinctive through balls to Milito et al and also weighs in with superb goals, as he did against Chelsea and again at the weekend with an excellent volley after running 30 odd yards to meet a cross. He will be missed at this world cup, not least because he scored the goal of the tournament in the 2006 edition after a wonderful passing move culminated in an assured finish against Serbia. However, the omission of Zanetti is perhaps even sader. It's highly unlikely he will be at the next world cup, and this season he has missed just one game through suspension after playing 137 straight for Inter over the last few years. At 36 his desire, quality and guile put others to shame. Never mind.

Week 37: Inter and Roma survive scares to maintain the status quo

It turned out to be an enthralling afternoon in the 37 round of the Italian Championship as both Inter and Roma's title credentials were tested by teams with nothing but pride left to play for this season. Both Chievo and Cagliari are outside the top ten, but both put on displays in which they will be disappointed not to have taken something from the match. It looked like it was going to be a comfortable afternoon for Inter as despite conceding an early own goal they bounced back to lead 3-1 at the interval thanks to two wonderful finishes from Estaban Cambiasso and Diego Milito. Roma at the time were drawing 0-0 and the Scudetto was in Inter's hands, and that looked even more so when Mario Balotelli went clear through on goal to make it 4-1. Chievo however had other ideas and Granoche taped home a true strikers goal, but news filtered through to the San Siro that Roma were loosing 1-0. The players didnt keep their heads and Sergio Pellissier pulled one back to make it 4-3. To make it worse for Inter, news filtered through again that Roma had not only equalised but taken the lead through a Totti brace. Inter, and Roma, both held on so the title goes right down to the last weekend of the season. Inter go away to an already relegated Siena while Roma head to Verona to take on Chievo. Few would bet on either side not winning, but anything can still happen and it almost did yesterday

Sampdoria look to have stolen the march to fourth spot, drawing superbly at Palermo in a packed Barbera stadium. They took the lead through a Pazzini penalty but Miccoli leveled from the spot as well to maintain their unbeaten home record. Juve's final humiliation was complete, losing at home to Parma 3-2 as they now will have to begin their season in late July for the Europa League qualifiers. an awful season will end in Milan next week against another side in need of big changes in the summer as they crashed to another away defeat this time to Genoa 1-0.

In the relegation battle Atalanta went down losing away in Naples 2-0, while Lazio won in Livorno 2-1 to move them up to a paltry 14th place. Bologna and Catania played out a 1-1 draw with Maxi Lopez on the scoresheet again while Udinese drew with Bari at home 3-3. Antonio Di Natale took his goal total this season to 28, a superb achievement and a huge seven ahead of Diego Milito and ten ahead of Giampaolo Pazzini. Fiorentina ended their home campaign with a 1-1 draw with Siena, and question marks will now appear over the future of Cesare Prandelli as perhaps he has taken this Fiorentina side as far a he can. Does Juventus now beckon for him? For one thing, a lack of Champions League football in Turin will not be off immediate concern as he would surely relish the chance to rebuilt the Italian giants. He certainly presents a far better case than Rafa Benitez, whose wasted market buys and constant grumblings of a lack of money sums up his managerial ability in a nut shell. Prandelli conversely has worked miracles in Florence and may still wish to do so next year. They won't have European football, but this would allow them to focus on the league and perhaps even mount some sort of challenge at the top. Thats for next season, but now this one is all but over it won't be long before 2010/2011 takes shape.

Semi return of a giant?

As Serie A will demand and take all the attention in Italy, and across the world, this afternoon spare a thought for Hellas Verona currently second in Serie C 1B with one round to play. Hellas have lead the division for some time, since deep into the winter months of last year yet a defeat away at Rimini last week and a draw for direct promotion rivals Portogruaro allowed the latter side to assume top spot, for now. Serie C comes to a conclusion today before their playoffs commence and one of these sides will be involed in that but a chance for automatic promotion is at stake, and as fate would have it Hellas Verona have a chance to earn that against Portogruaro today at home in the Bentegodi. A win for Hellas and they return to some sort of normality in the shape of Serie B football. It would be worthy for a team that still attracts gates of around 18,000 even in the third division and today may see the Hellas fans finally with something to cheer about after years of seeing rivals Chievo in Serie A.

Serie A: Week 37 Preview

The season is almost done, but really most of the pivotal points of it are far from decided. Inter host Chievo in what will no doubt be a packed house at Casa San Siro tomorrow, but they will have to do it without the genius of Wesley Sneijder and co. After picking up three points away to Lazio last week Inter look to have overcome any potential banana skins, but Chievo are one of the best defensive units in Serie A and will not be easy to break down. However, they have one of the worst attacks in the division and will likely not put Inter under severe pressure. Title challengers Roma however are also at home to Cagliari as the away side look for continuity following the departure of Massimo Allegri. They are not however likely to find it here and Roma will be determined to keep the title fight going right to the 90th minute in round 38.

The Scudetto race aside, arguably the most fascinating tie of the round comes in Sicily as Palermo and Sampdoria go head to head in a battle for fourth spot. Palermo for me start as favourites. Unbeaten at home, they know how to get big wins as the demolition of Juve and Milan this season showed. However, few would have predicted Samps ability to win in Rome, therefore its certainly not unlikely that they can surprise again. Winner takes all here.

Whilst some battle for glory, others battle for survival and Lazio will look to put to bed a dismal season by winning in Livorno tomorrow to secure survival on their terms. However, If Napoli beat or draw with Atalanta then Lazio, Bologna and Catania can rest easy as the Bergamo side will fall into the depths of Serie B, however again Bologna and Catania have the ability to ensure it for themselves as they go head to head.

Elsewhere its only a matter of pride at stake. Udinese will look to continue their fine home record against Bari, while the away side will look to secure a top ten finish. Impressive that would be, considering this is their first season since promotion from the Cadetti. Juventus host Parma in a rivalry that in blossomed in the 90s, thanks to numerous meetings in Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup finals and of course in a time where Parma were legitimate Scudetto challengers. Parma stand 11th at the moment and have taken some impressive away scalpes this season, including at Fiorentina, so they will no be phased in any way when they arrive at the Olimpico tomorrow. For Juve this is their last home game before their expected transfer revolution in the summer after a dismal season. Finally, Fiorentina face Siena in a Tuscan derby while and Milan travel to Genoa looking to secure third place before their big, but largely irrelevant, game against Juventus in week 38.

Inter take Coppa Crown

Inter Milan won their sixth Coppa Italia title and their first out of a potential three trophy haul this season. Roma came into this game, on home soil, having the chance to win their 10th Coppa Italia crown and put them clear of Juve, who have nine, as the most dominant side in the history of this tournament. But, a classy Diego Milito finish put paid to that opportunity just before half time as he barged his way through the Roma defence and fired a strong effort past Julio Sergio into the top corner of the Olimpico Curva Nord end goal. Inter had the ball in the net earlier but that was adjudged as offside, while Roma went close and only a figure tip save from Julio Cesar prevented the home crowd from celebrating. Inter held out in the end as Totti was dismissed late on for a classes kick at Mario Balotelli. Ugly scenes followed as Roma players crowded Inter players at the final whistle while a Roma fans invaded the pitch in an attempt to attack an Inter player. In a week where Roma accused Lazio of ugly behaviour and a lack of morals, it seems the club that once gave every referee in Serie A a rolex watch, that being AS Roma, has a lot to learn indeed. Meanwhile Inter's stunning trophey haul in recent years continues to grow and this Coppa Italia is Mourinho's first in Italy after Lazio won it last year.

Coppa Italia roll of honour

Juventus 9 titles
Roma 9 titles
Fiorentina 6 titles
Inter Milan 6 titles
Torino 5 titles
Milan 5 titles
Lazio 5 titles
Sampdoria 4 titles