SERIE A - CLUB VS CLUB

[Blue Mastiff]

ATALANTA
Coach: Luigi Del Neri - A no-nonsense disciplinarian who did a solid job last term and has the knack of making the most out of scant resources.
Last season: 9th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Luca Cigarini - An Azzurrini midfielder produced in the Parma youth system who could provide a crucial injection of flair.
Pre-season: A long string of friendly wins over amateur opposition, but they weren't really tested and the arrival of Christian Vieri angered the fans.
Forecast: Mid-table awaits



BOLOGNA
Coach: Daniele Arrigoni - The 48-year-old tactician impressed at Cagliari in 2004-05, but is still relatively unproven at the highest level.
Last season: 2nd in Serie B
Signing of the summer: Marco Di Vaio - The former Azzurri hitman has gone off the rails over the last couple of years but he has a predator's eye.
Pre-season: The Felsinei earned an impressive draw with AEK Athens and saw off lower League sides with ease while doing just about enough in the market.
Forecast: The Emilia-Romagna outfit should expect a dogfight.

CAGLIARI
Coach: Massimiliano Allegri - A promising young boss but he faces a steep learning curve in his first Serie A season.
Last season: 14th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Robert Acquafresca - It was shrewd to bring the talented striker back for another season on loan. He should hit double figures.
Pre-season: Apart from a poor trip to Portugal, results have been encouraging but there has been a notable lack of investment.
Forecast: The arrival of an inexperienced tactician and a lack of summer spending could lead to a bleak campaign.



CATANIA
Coach: Walter Zenga - The former Inter goalkeeper arrived late last season and guided the Elefanti to a dramatic final-day escape.
Last season: 17th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Pablo Ledesma- An Argentine international midfielder who played over 100 games for Boca Juniors.
Pre-season: The Rossazzurri managed a confidence-boosting string of 10 wins.
Forecast: Zenga will look to lead his men away from the dogfight but the fight for survival could go to the wire again.



CHIEVO
Coach: Beppe Iachini - A novice at the highest level, but he assembled the superb Piacenza side of 2006-07 before leading Chievo to the Serie B title.
Last season: 1st in Serie B
Signing of the summer: Pablo Granoche - The unheralded Uruguayan predator blasted 24 goals for a dull Triestina side last term and could thrive with better service.
Pre-season: The Flying Donkeys started the summer well, beating QPR too, and a flurry of late signings may help but a Coppa Italia exit against Padova was worrying.
Forecast: The Veronese minnows have no shortage of experience in relegation battles and will need to fight tooth and nail once again to stay up.



FIORENTINA
Coach: Cesare Prandelli - Regarded by many as the greatest Coach in Italian football, the loveable former Parma man has built a top-four side from scratch.
Last season: 4th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Alberto Gilardino - He may have struggled horribly at Milan, but Gila is back in the Italy squad and ready for a renaissance.
Pre-season: The Tuscans disappointed in their friendly against Barcelona, but they signed astutely and crucially kept hold of Adrian Mutu.
Forecast: The Gigliati can equal last term's fourth place, but to do any more is a huge ask as they look to juggle a European campaign.



GENOA
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini - A quiet man of calcio, Gasperini gets on with his work and has led the Grifone back from Serie C with minimal fuss.
Last season: 10th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Ruben Olivera - The former Juventus midfielder has been electrifying in pre-season and has already become a cult figure at Marassi.
Pre-season: Some impressive victories have lifted the fans, while Raffaele Palladino fills the hole left by Marco Borriello.
Forecast: The Rossoblu will push for a UEFA Cup place and won't fall far short.



INTER
Coach: Jose Mourinho - All eyes are on the Special One. The Portuguese mastermind is no stranger to pressure but has no room for error in his Serie A debut.
Last season: 1st in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Amantino Mancini - One of the stars of Roma's Scudetto bid last term, the Brazilian wizard is a vital injection of flair.
Pre-season: Despite a defensive crisis, Jose managed to deliver wins over Benfica, Bayern Munich and Ajax as well as the Italian Super Cup.
Forecast: Inter are the side to beat once again. It's hard to imagine them losing their grip on the title, but the Champions League could remain a step too far.



JUVENTUS
Coach: Claudio Ranieri - The veteran Coach won plaudits for the smooth return to the top last term, but he has to prove that he is capable of winning silverware.
Last season: 3rd in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Amauri - The Palermo marksman was arguably the biggest transfer swoop of the summer and should be a goal machine.
Pre-season: A win over Arsenal and a draw with Manchester United were overshadowed by a thumping in the Trofeo Berlusconi. There are whispers that more should've been done in the market.
Forecast: A harder task for the Old Lady this season. They may have to settle for third place again but European success may ease the feeling of inertia.



LAZIO
Coach: Delio Rossi - A boss with a lot to prove. After leading the Aquile to third place in 2006-07, he nearly lost his job during a dismal 2007-08 campaign.
Last season: 12th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Juan Pablo Carrizo - Better late than never, the Argentine No 1 arrives a year late to end Lazio's goalkeeping woes.
Pre-season: Mixed results in friendlies and a string of adequate signings have given little indication of what lies ahead.
Forecast: Improvement on last season is almost inevitable, but there doesn't seem to be enough quality for a UEFA Cup berth.



LECCE
Coach: Mario Beretta - A survival specialist, Beretta led Siena to comfortable safety last season only to be given the push.
Last season: 3rd in Serie B
Signing of the summer: Daniele Cacia - Undoubtedly talented, Cacia is a proven Serie B scorer and saw what is expected on the big stage at Fiorentina last year.
Pre-season: A worrying lack of activity in the market and a succession of wins over minnows.
Forecast: It is hard to see how the Salentini will stay afloat.



MILAN
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti - Carletto enters his eighth season in the Milan hot seat keen to eradicate the memories of his worst campaign to date.
Last season: 5th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Ronaldinho - He may have gone off the boil in the last 18 months, but Dinho is still a rare talent and just what the Rossoneri needed.
Pre-season: An injury-ravaged side suffered a 5-0 humiliation against Chelsea but destroyed Juventus in the Trofeo Berlusconi. They have signed very well and the late addition of Andriy Shevchenko is an admirable gamble.
Forecast: If an ageing defence doesn't fall apart at the seams, the Diavolo will be second only to Inter and should lift the UEFA Cup.



NAPOLI
Coach: Edy Reja - A close friend of Fabio Capello and a highly respected Coach, Reja has guided the Partenopei back from the abyss of Serie C.
Last season: 8th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Christian Maggio - The wide man enjoyed a breakthrough season at Sampdoria last term and is on the cusp of Azzurri selection.
Pre-season: Powerful performances in Europe seemed to suggest a side in harmony, but the Trofeo Birra Moretti is best forgotten.
Forecast: The battle for a UEFA Cup place will be fierce and the Vesuviani are likely to fall just short again.



PALERMO
Coach: Stefano Colantuono - Sacked and reinstated last season, the unassuming ex-Atalanta man is yet to settle in Serie A.
Last season: 11th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Marco Amelia - Italy's second best goalkeeper has finally escaped Livorno and could stop the steady trickle of goals against.
Pre-season: Defeat against Porogruaro and a Coppa Italia slip-up at the hands of Ravenna caused embarrassment, but the personnel changed greatly and will need time to gel.
Forecast: No longer Amauri plus 10, the Sicilians will fare better without their former talisman and will be there or thereabouts in the UEFA Cup race.



REGGINA
Coach: Nevio Orlandi - Hardly a household name, Orlandi remarkably brought the Amaranto back from the brink when he stepped in last March.
Last season: 16th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Bernardo Corradi - Back from a poor spell in England, the fiery hitman will look to recreate the steady scoring of his Lazio days.
Pre-season: A draw with Gubbio and a defeat against Ancona saw Orlandi admit that his side wasn't good enough but they eased past Grosseto in the Coppa Italia.
Forecast: The Calabrians won't go down without a fight, but they will go down.



ROMA
Coach: Luciano Spalletti - The shiny-headed Tuscan has created an entertaining a highly effective side and is regarded as one of Europe's best.
Last season: 2nd in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Julio Baptista - He's not Adrian Mutu but if he can rediscover the form he showed at Sevilla he will be an asset.
Pre-season: Disastrous. Defeat against Steaua Bucharest and a 5-0 pummeling at Tottenham caused panic as the Giallorossi's transfer campaign never really got started.
Forecast: The only way is down for the Lupi and they may struggle to keep a place in the top four.



SAMPDORIA
Coach: Walter Mazzarri - The ex-Reggina man exudes authority and ended a spell of Blucerchiati underachievement with an impressive 2007-08 campaign.
Last season: 6th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Bruno Fornaroli - The man nicknamed 'The Tuna' was hot property and could bag some vital goals if he adapts to Italian football.
Pre-season: Steady if not spectacular. Samp notched up some confidence-boosting wins and Antonio Cassano looked especially sharp.
Forecast: Last season will be hard to follow but Mazzarri's men are capable of maintaining sixth spot.



SIENA
Coach: Marco Giampaolo - Sacked by Cagliari last year, young tactician Giampaolo has his work cut out to repeat Mario Beretta's efforts with the Robur.
Last season: 13th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Emanuele Calaiò - Frozen out by Edy Reja at Napoli last term, the experienced Sicilian striker could provide a much-needed cutting edge.
Pre-season: Giampaolo's men were booed off after a stalemate with Salernitana, they lost to Ascoli, drew with Cittadella and fell to Sampdoria.
Forecast: It's a return to nail biting for the Siena faithful and Giampaolo may not have what it takes to safeguard their eight-year residency in Serie A.



TORINO
Coach: Gianni De Biasi - The well-travelled Coach stepped in to steady the ship with five weeks to go last season.
Last season: 15th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Rolando Bianchi - After his English aberration, Bianchi is back in the peninsula and hungry to repeat his 18-goal haul with Reggina in 2006-07.
Pre-season: The necessary new recruits were eventually delivered but the mood isn't altogether harmonious and a 2-2 draw with Fulham left fans unsure what to think.
Forecast: A relegation battle is almost certain but there should be more fireworks than we saw in a dour 2007-08 campaign.



UDINESE
Coach: Pasquale Marino - The ex-Catania Coach adapted to life at the other end of Serie A quickly and is one of Italy's brightest tacticians.
Last season: 7th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Marco Motta - An Azzurrini defender with a promising future ahead of him.
Pre-season: A fairly low-key series of games but a 1-0 win over Villarreal was a huge boost. However, the lack of big-name signings is worrying, if not surprising.
Forecast: The Friulani will need their usual suspects to play out of their skins and could drop into mid-table.

[El Pibe D'Oro]

Napoli looking at Dainelli, Daniele Galloppa (Siena) and Ever Banega (Valencia)

All three would be welcome!!

[delfino_1936]

very good read.

Max Allegri coaching Cagliari

[Blue Mastiff]

Will someone just bloody buy Domizzi.

hes starting to become a pain in the ass.

[Blue Mastiff]

Our beloved Serie A kicks off this weekend and it’s preview time. After thinking that last season was a tough season to predict, this season it becomes even tougher. There are so many quality sides in the top flight this season that it is really hard to predict who will finish where this season. It is shaping up to be a very interesting season and should be really fun to follow. (By the way did anyone catch that horrible FSC Serie A preview show? I had to turn it off after 5 minutes. It was really useless). Here is the preview (in alphabetical order) starting with clubs A-C. Tomorrow we’ll see F-L, followed by M-R, and then S-U. So let’s begin:



ATALANTA
The Orobici look to confirm themselves as a good mid-table Serie A side and get rid of the yo-yo club reputation they have had to carry for years. Last season Atalanta finished a very respectable 9th place, only 2 points away from an Intertoto place. Manager Gigi Del Neri likes to play a strict defensive 4-4-2 that relies on good counter-attacking play and the technical ability of Cristiano Doni, who when in form is very difficult to stop and can work magic with the ball. The problem with Doni is that sometimes he lets his emotions get the best of him and he is frequently suspended due to yellow card accumulation or red cards. To satisfy this problem, Atalanta has brought in Chilean attacking midfielder Jamie Valdes on a free transfer. He will most likely be Doni’s sub and understudy. Atalanta made some other good buys, bringing in Austrian right back Gyorgy Garics from Napoli and securing U21 and Roma youth product Alessio Cerci on loan. Cerci, a versatile player who can play in almost any attacking position, has loads of talent and is coming off an impressive year with Pisa in Serie B. Look for him to raise eyebrows. Another notable acquisition was Christian Vieri, who makes his return to Atalanta (admist protests from fans) and will most likely be used as a sub. The Atalanta fans didn’t want him but Vieri can provide valuable experience and a handful of goals. Italy U21 keeper Andrea Consigli was brought in to fight for a starting spot with Ferdinando Coppola. The coup of Atalanta’s transfer campaign however was securing Italy U21 midfielder Luca Cigarini on a co-ownership deal. Cigarini has loads of potential and will direct Atalanta’s midfield. Up front Sergio Floccari, who seems to improve every season, will look to have a big year. Midfielders Simone Padoin and Tiberio Guarante also come off impressive seasons. Atalanta have put together a really good squad and barring a disaster they should finish comfortably mid-table yet again.

Manager: Luigi Del Neri

Best Buy: Luca Cigarini- The Italy U21 midfielder has loads of potential and has been likened to Andrea Pirlo for the way he controls the play of the team. He should have a good year.

Probable Formation (4-4-1-1): Coppola; GARICS, Rivalta, Pellegrino, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Guarente, CIGARINI, Padoin; Doni; Floccari.



BOLOGNA
Bologna return to Serie A after 3 seasons in Serie B. The management have invested around 20 million euro on new signings to assure the Rossoblu stay in Serie A. Manager Daniele Arrigoni likes to play a 4-4-2 and relies on experienced players to get the job done (the average age of the Bologna squad must be sky high). Bologna were the leaders in Serie B for a while last season but towards the end were overtaken by Chievo. They also had a proven goalscorer in Massimo Marazzina who hit a good number of goals. The whole squad has been revamped. Francesco Antonioli is still an excellent goalkeeper at his old age and Bologna can rely on the former Roma keeper to make some good saves. In defense Cristiano Zenoni and Salvatore Lanna have been brought in to defend the flanks, while Britos has been brought in to shore up the center. In midfield, Bologna did a great job in securing the services of Sergio Volpi, who knows how to control the midfield and dictate the tempo. Brazilian Coelho has been likened to Cafu and will play on the wing. Belgian midfielder Gaby Mudingayi was brought in from Lazio to be the workhorse in midfield. Up front, target man Marco Bernacci was brought from Ascoli after a very impressive year in Serie B and experienced striker Marco Di Vaio was bought from Genoa to provide experience and goals up front. On the bench there are some decent players, like Brazilian attacking midfielder Adailton who has a magical left foot, experienced midfielders Davide Bombardini and Christian Amoroso, and defenders Vangelis Moras and Claudio Terzi. Bologna aim to avoid the drop and with their squad it is doable.

Manager: Daniele Arrigoni

Best Buy: Sergio Volpi- the center midfielder has been one of the most consistent players in Serie A over the years and brings tons of experience and playmaking ability to Bologna’s midfield.

Probable Formation (4-4-2): Antonioli; C. ZENONI, Castellini, BRITOS, LANNA; COELHO, VOLPI, MUDINGAYI, Valiani; Marazzina, DI VAIO.



CAGLIARI
What can we say about Cagliari. The Sardinian side quite simply performed a miracle last season. After looking all set for the drop, Davide Ballardini was called in to take charge and led the squad (with key performances from Conti, Cossu, and Acquafresca) to a magical salvation. However owner Massimo Cellino is known to be a little on the crazy side and did not renew Ballardini’s contract this summer. Instead, he brought in ex-player Massimiliano Allegri to manage the squad. Last year Allegri led tiny northern club Sassuolo to a surprising promotion to Serie B. For the most part, Cagliari has not changed much at all. The starting line-up will be exactly the same as last season except for the goalkeeper, Federico Marchetti, who was brought in after a good season with Albinoleffe. Other new signings were 21 year old defender Davide Astori, and 24 year old midfielder Andrea Lazzari, who was one of the best midfielders in Serie B last season. The surprise of the season could be 17 year old striker Daniele Ragatzu, who has been impressive in the preseason. Otherwise, Cagliari will look towards their experienced players to pull off another salvation. Lopez and Canini should put together a good central defensive pairing, while Davide Biondini, Andrea Parola, and captain Daniele Conti will do all the work in midfield. The creative duties will be handed to Andrea Cossu. Cossu, a Cagliari native, was on loan at Serie C1 side Hellas Verona last season but was called back to base in January. He was placed into the starting line-up by Ballardini and immediately became an integral part of the Cagliari side, making countless assists, dribbles, and scoring crucial goals. He will look to have another good year. Up front Robert Acquafresca is back (on loan from Inter) and will have to confirm himself as a promising talent after netting 10 goals last season. He will most likely be partnered by Brazilian striker Jeda, who had a good year as well. On the bench are Alessandro Matri (who I still think is not a Serie A caliber player) and Argentine Joaquin Larrivey (who still has yet to impress). Cagliari’s inactivity in the transfer market may come back to haunt them as the season goes on, and they may not be able to perform another miracle.

Manager: Massimiliano Allegri

Best Buy: Andrea Lazzari- The young midfielder is very versatile and can play any position in midfield. He was one of the best midfielders in Serie B last season with Grosseto and should be able to confirm himself as a good Serie A player.

Probable Formation (4-3-1-2): MARCHETTI; Pisano, Lopez, Canini, Agostini; Biondini, Conti, Parola; Cossu; Acquafresca, Jeda.



CATANIA
The Sicilian side looks to have a good season after narrowly avoiding relegation the last two seasons. Walter Zenga seems to be very focused and really wants to turn Catania into a good midtable side instead of fighting for relegation. Catania, with the sale of Juan Vargas, made a good amount of money to spend on the transfer market and spent it wisely. Two Argentine midfielders were brought in- Ezequiel Carboni from Red Bull Salzburg and Pablo Ledesma from Boca Juniors. Both midfielders will play defensive roles in front of the defense. Zenga used his knowledge of Romanian football to bring in attacking midfielder Niculae Dica. Dica is a very technical player who can make the difference on a small Serie A side like Catania and should have a good year, especially when you have another technical player like Giuseppe Mascara playing right next to you. Mascara has been the talisman of this side, at times he can do things that are world class, but other times he can look like a Serie D player. Giacomo Tedesco is another player with excellent technique but he is also a very dirty player and gets in trouble with the referee often. Up front young striker Michele Paolucci was brought in to prove himself, and Zenga has shown faith in him during the preseason. However on the bench there is the experience of Gionatha Spinesi, who is a natural goalscorer. In midfield Davide Baiocco is the workhorse and inspirational captain. However the one thing that doesn’t convince me is the defense, which could have used an experienced central defender. Also in net it is unclear whether Zenga will go with Bizzarri, Polito, or new signing Kosicki. But then again Zenga, a former goalkeeper, should make a good decision in that department. All in all, Catania have a side capable of finishing comfortably midtable.

Manager: Walter Zenga

Best Buy: Niculae Dica- The Romanian attacking midfielder was handed the number 10 shirt by Giuseppe Mascara because he is so talented. If he can adapt to Italian football Catania will have a very good player on their hands.

Probable Formation (4-2-3-1): Bizzarri; Sardo, Terlizzi, Stovini, Sabato; CARBONI, LEDESMA; Mascara, DICA, Gia. Tedesco; PAOLUCCI.



CHIEVO
The Flying Donkeys are back in Serie A after a year in purgatory. Manager Beppe Iachini (who is known for always wearing a hat) will take charge of a Serie A side for the first time, and will most probably play a 4-3-3. In goal Stefano Sorrentino returns to Italy after trying some experiences abroad. In defense Nicholas Frey (yes, brother of Viola keeper Sebastian Frey) has been brought in from Modena. Chievo also signed some interesting Serie B players. Emmanuele D’Anna joins after an impressive year with Pisa while Bogdan Patrascu (played under Iachini at Piacenza) has been signed as well. The real coups of the transfer market came a couple of days ago. Chievo made a double deal with Udinese, bringing in Giampiero Pinzi and Antonio Langella. Pinzi has always been a hardworking midfielder who will fit well into the Chievo midfield while Langella, despite being signed by Udinese this summer, was quickly sent to Chievo as he realized he would get little playing time in Udine. Langella is coming off an excellent season at Atalanta and will look to continue his impressive form. Some of the names you will probably recognize, as Moro, Mandelli, and Malago’ were all part of Chievo’s last stint in Serie A. Marcolini and Bentivoglio will start in midfield. Keep an eye on Simone Bentivoglio, he is a classic “regista” who knows how to control the tempo in midfield. Up front Chievo will rely on the goals of captain Sergio Pellissier, and the attacking ability of Luciano, who has been with Chievo since their miracle 2001/2002 season. On the bench there is also Nigerian striker and Olympic silver medalist Victor Obinna, but he may leave before the transfer window ends. Albanian striker Erjon Bogdani will provide a good attacking threat off the bench, and is excellent in the air. The big news for Chievo is that before the transfer window ends Kerlon may arrive on loan. Kerlon is the young Brazilian player that is famous for the “seal dribble” (he balances the ball on his head and runs around the field, which means the only way to stop him is to foul him). Inter look set to buy him and then send him on loan to Chievo for experience. We’ll see if it happens. Chievo are back and avoiding relegation is their main priority. They should be able to do it.

Manager: Giuseppe Iachini

Best Buy:Antonio Langella- The skillful winger arrives from Udinese and will look to continue where he left off last season. If he can get into form Chievo will have made an excellent acquisition.

Probable Formation (4-3-3): SORRENTINO; Moro, Mandelli, FREY, Malagò; Marcolini, Bentivoglio, PINZI; LANGELLA, Pellissier, Luciano.



FIORENTINA
2007/2008 was a good year for Viola fans. Well, it wasn’t just a good year, it was a great year. Fiorentina, led by great performances from key players like Frey, Gamberini, Montolivo, and Mutu, ended the season in 4th place, gaining Champions League qualification for the first time since the days of Batistuta and reaching the semi-final of the UEFA Cup. There’s lots of enthusiasm around Florence, and the Delle Valle family has done a great job turning this club into a contender again. Fiorentina arguably had the best transfer market of any team in Italy, strengthening their squad in all areas (except for center defense, but one may arrive before the window ends) and are ready to compete in Serie A and in Europe. Of course it always helps when you have a transfer genius like Pantaleo Corvino working for you. The biggest name to arrive was of course Alberto Gilardino. Prandelli managed Gila at Parma and will look to get the best out of the World Cup winning striker. At Milan Gila lacked confidence and was never the player we saw at Parma, but at Fiorentina he is the main man and feels loved, which means we’ll have a confident Gilardino and we may see the player we saw a couple of years ago. Also he’ll get help from Adrian Mutu, who in my book was the best foreign player in Serie A last season. Mutu is the true talisman of this squad, and when he’s in form he’s a joy to watch and Fiorentina can beat anyone. The most important thing Fiorentina did this summer was convince Mutu to stay. On the bench there is Giampaolo Pazzini, who had a difficult year last season goalscoring wise, but did a lot of hard work for the team. He has been playing well in preseason and should be a great option for Prandelli this season. In goal they can always rely on Sebastian Frey, who is one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A and his cat-like reflexes allow him to perform jaw-dropping saves. In defense Alessandro Gamberini had an excellent year last season, showing that he has the potential to be the next great Italian defender. Fiorentina could’ve tried harder to find a really good partner for him this summer, but as I said one may arrive before the end of the transfer market. One area that has been completely strengthened is the fullbacks. Fiorentina brought in Juan Vargas from Catania, Gianluca Comotto from Torino, and Luciano Zauri from Lazio. Vargas was easily the best left-back in Serie A last season. The Peruvian likes to get forward and attack, but he can also defend. He also has an awesome left foot which guarantees a couple of goals every season. Gianluca Comotto is a hardworking player who never stops running, during a game you’ll see him constantly motoring up and down the wing. Luciano Zauri is experienced and provides excellent defensive cover, even if he’s not as good offensively as Vargas and Comotto. With all the competition left-back Manuel Pasqual may be on the way out before the window ends. In midfield, Fiorentina lost their director in Fabio Liverani but bought two players to make up for it. Felipe Melo arrives from Spanish side Almeria, and Sergio Almiron arrives from Juventus. When I watched Felipe in Fiorentina’s Champions League qualifier, I was very impressed. He may very well be the revelation of the season. He is a player that knows how to dominate the midfield: he can break up plays but has very good technique. Then there’s Riccardo Montolivo. For years we’ve been hearing that he’s the next great Italian midfielder, and for years we’ve waited for it to show. Last season we saw glimpses, as he started out very well then dropped off in form, but he picked up towards the end of the season. This season should be the year of his consecration. Zvradko Kuzmanovic is also improving rapidly and should be another excellent option in midfield for La Viola. Another surprise could be young Montenegrin Stevan Jovetic. The 19 year old attacking midfield arrives from Partizan Belgrade and has been compared to Roberto Baggio. He probably won’t see so much time (Prandelli said it himself) but he will get his chance to make a contribution. To sum it up, Fiorentina did an excellent job this summer and if they fire on all cylinders there is no reason why they shouldn’t challenge for a top 4 spot in Serie A and even getting out of the group stage in the Champions League.

Manager: Cesare Prandelli

Best Buy: Felipe Melo- I could’ve said Gila but I have to go with Felipe. The Brazilian midfielder is extremely talented and could become one of the top midfielders in Serie A.

Probable Formation (4-3-2-1): Frey; COMOTTO (ZAURI), Kroldrup, Gamberini, VARGAS; Kuzmanovic, FELIPE, Montolivo; Santana, Mutu, GILARDINO.



GENOA
Last season was Genoa’s first season in Serie A since the mid-90’s and they didn’t let down their fans. Led by the goalscoring of Marco Borriello, the squad exceeded expectations and finished in the top half of the table. Gian Piero Gasperini showed that he is one of the top up-and-coming managers in Serie A. He plays a 3-4-3, relying on the two outside midfielders to run up and down the wing all game. Even though Genoa lost their top scorer in Borriello, Genoa did an excellent job on the transfer market, strengthening their squad in all areas. In goal is the Brazilian Rubinho, who did very well last season. Defense is a department where they revamped completely. Matteo Ferrari was signed on a free transfer and will look to be the leader in defense (although he suffers from lapses of concentration many times). Domenico Criscito, who played for Gasperini in the Juventus youth team, will start on defense and look to impress this season after Juventus sent him away to gain more experience. Giuseppe Biava was brought in from Palermo, and right back and former Italy U21 captain Alessandro Potenza was signed from Fiorentina. Salvatore Bocchetti, who played with Italy at the Olympics, also was signed. From Greece 20 year old central defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos (who probably has the longest name in Serie A) has been signed. He has drawn comparisons to Fabio Cannavaro. Moving to the flanks, Gasperini got the wingers he needed. Giandomenico Mesto, who has long been one of the most consistent right backs in Italy, was signed from Udinese and will start on the right. Mesto never tires and likes to get forward and join the attack. On the opposite side Francesco Modesto was signed from Reggina. Modesto has been impressive in Reggio Calabria (he was linked with Roma all of last summer) and is also very good going forward but better defensively than Mesto. In midfield Genoa will rely on the inspirational play of captain Marco Rossi, who can literally play anywhere on the pitch. They also have a hardman in the form of Croatian midfielder Ivan Juric. Promising young attacking midfielder Davide Di Gennaro was signed on a co-ownership deal from Milan as part of the Borriello sale. Up front, Gasperini signed two former pupils of his from his Juventus youth team days: Andrea Gasbarroni and Raffaele Palladino. Gasbarroni is incredibly talented yet incredibly inconsistent. Maybe Gasperini will know how to motivate him. Palladino has long been touted as one of the best young talents in Italy, but could find no space at Juventus and therefore this will be the year where he will have to confirm himself. He really knows how to beat a defender one on one and should be a valuable asset for the Rossoblu. The big story of the preseason is Ruben Olivera. The former Juventus player was signed this summer and moved to a new position (striker) by Gasperini, where he has been flourishing. Maybe he will make the Grifone fans forget about Borriello. If all the new signings can come together and work as a team, this squad is very good and could be good enough to even reach a UEFA spot.

Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini

Best Buy: Raffaele Palladino- Palladino is extremely talented and if Gasperini can get the best out of him he can make the difference.

Probable Formation (3-4-3): Rubinho; FERRARI, PAPASTATHOPOULOS, Criscito; MESTO, Rossi, Juric, MODESTO; GASBARRONI, OLIVERA, PALLADINO.



INTER
Of course the biggest story of the summer for Inter has been Jose Mourinho. The egotistical Portuguese manager has made his way to Serie A, and will take charge of last season’s Scudetto winners. Inter will look to win their 3rd consecutive Scudetto but what would make owner Massimo Moratti really happy would be a Champions League success. Inter didn’t really make big moves on the market at all (if it ain’t broke don’t fix it), but brought back Adriano from his Brazilian rehab session, signed Amantino Mancini from Roma, and bought Sulley Muntari from Portsmouth. Mourinho really wanted Lampard, but the English midfielder decided to stay in London with Chelsea. Mourinho as also asked for Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma, but Moratti has been unwilling to open his wallet. However you never know and he may arrive before the transfer deadline. Mourinho looks set to play a 4-3-3, although once Adriano comes back from injury he may decide to test a 4-2-3-1. In goal there is Julio Cesar, who has confirmed himself as one of the best shotstoppers in Italy. In defense Maicon is one of the most consistent performers in Serie A, making marauding runs down the right flank. On the other side Maxwell will start on the left, and has always been extremely underrated. In the center we will most probably see a Chivu-Samuel partnership with Materazzi, Cordoba, and Rivas as other options. Also as we saw Cambiasso could play at the back in emergency situations. In the center there will be influential captain Javier Zanetti, along with the aforementioned Estaban Cambiasso and new signing Sulley Muntari, who seems to have fit in very well into Mourinho’s plans. There is also Dejan Stankovic who will contribute from the bench and we can’t forget Patrick Vieira, who is currently injured but once he gets back he should figure in a starting role. Chilean attacking midfielder Luis Jimenez, who played well last season, will most probably play a bit-part role. In attack Luis Figo looked all set to retire but the arrival of Mourinho convinced the former Golden Ball winner to stay for another season. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will also work his magic up front, and new signing Mancini will work on the left wing. Mancini’s problem has always been poor confidence and inconsistency and we’ll have to see if Mourinho can get the best out of him. Then on the bench there is the always reliable Julio Cruz, who is great at coming off the bench and scoring goals, and the experienced Hernan Crespo, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea. However it remains to be seen if Crespo will make a last minute move to Lazio. David Suazo looks to be 100% on the way out and will most probably leave before the deadline. Adriano will try to rediscover his form and become the Imperatore again, but the most interesting player is of course Mario Balotelli. 18 year old Balotelli is incredibly talented and has all the tools to become a superstar. Mourinho has shown confidence in him and if Balotelli has the right attitude he can go very far. I would be lying if I said Inter wasn’t a strong team. They have all the tools necessary to be Scudetto winners again and possibly have some European success.

Manager: Jose Mourinho

Best Buy: Sulley Muntari- There weren’t many buys, but I liked what I have seen from Sulley Muntari. The Ghanaian midfielder looks to be very motivated and is very skillful with a rocket of a shot. He will do very well.

Probable Formation (4-3-3): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Chivu, Samuel, Maxwell; J. Zanetti, Cambiasso, MUNTARI; Figo (Balotelli), Ibrahimovic, MANCINI.



JUVENTUS
After two seasons away from Europe, La Vecchia Signora are back where they used to be. The Bianconeri, led by Claudio Ranieri, look to compete on 2 fronts (3 if we count Coppa Italia) and have put together a squad that can handle multiple competitions. Juventus have had an active transfer campaign, no gigantic names, but players have been acquired that will fit into Ranieri’s system and work for the team. The biggest move was signing Brazilian striker Amauri from Palermo. Amauri had been a king in Sicily the past few seasons but it came time for the striker to make the big jump to a big club and prove his worth. In goal there is of course Gigi Buffon, but this summer Juve were looking for valid understudies in case of emergency and they signed two. Antonio Chimenti makes his return to Torino and provides experience on the bench. Alex Manninger, who has been impressive with Siena for a couple of years, was also signed and will most probably be the back-up. Ranieri also brought in experienced Swedish defender Olof Mellberg from Aston Villa to reinforce the backline. He will most likely start next to Giorgio Chiellini, who is starting to look world class, but since Chiellini is injured his partner will probably be Nicola Legrottaglie, who was one of the surprises of last season. Legrottaglie was all ready to sign a contract with Beskitas last year, but in the end Juventus kept him and he turned out to be a solid performer last season and impressed many. Also brought in to help out in defense is Dario Knezevic, who had a solid year at Livorno and will be a good sub. On the right is Zdenek Grygera, who had a discrete year last season but got the job done, and the experienced Jonathan Zebina is still on the roster. On the opposite side there is Christian Molinaro, who has loads of pace and knows how to get forward, but he needs to work on his crossing ability. He will face competition from the young Paolo De Ceglie, who was very good at Siena last year and in my opinion De Ceglie will be the starter by the end of the year (however that’s my opinion, Ranieri seems to be in love with Molinaro). De Ceglie is a solid player who knows how to defend as well as attack, and his crossing ability is very good. In midfield there is the reliable quartet of Mauro Camoranesi, Momo Sissoko, Cristiano Zanetti, and Pavel Nedved. When fit Camoranesi is untouchable on the right wing, and Sissoko impressed all of Italy last season after many were skeptical about him at first. Cristiano Zanetti was simply awesome last year. He seemed to gain a second wind under Ranieri and really was one of the top central midfielders in Italy. If he plays like that this season he will be hard to remove from the starting line-up. To strengthen center midfield Juventus signed Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen (of Totti spitting fame). Many Juve fans did not want Poulsen to sign but after seeing his performances in the preseason they may have changed their mind. Italy U21 starlet Claudio Marchisio will also be in the squad, he is a complete midfielder who can defend, attack, tackle, pass, score, etc. Promising young Swedish midfielder Albin Ekdal was acquired as well and really impressed everyone in preseason with his confident play. Tiago is still around, but he really should just leave already. Marchionni is a really good player when he’s not injured, but he’s always injured. Then we have Pavel Nedved. He signed a 1 year extension last season to play in the Champions League one more time. This will most probably be his last season but we never know. The one everyone is waiting to see is Sebastian Giovinco. Giovinco is the star of the Italy U21 team and has so much skill and technique. This season he will probably be Nedved’s understudy, however if he impresses he may force himself into the line-up. Up front Ranieri has 4 excellent strikers at his disposal. Alessandro Del Piero always gives his all when he’s wearing a Juve jersey and this season should be no different. David Trezeguet’s goalscoring record speaks for itself. He may be asleep all game and then just show up and score a goal. Then there’s the aforementioned Amauri and Vincenzo Iaquinta, another player that is excellent having off the bench. The one thing they seem to be missing (and that Ranieri has wanted all summer) is a central midfield director that can dictate the tempo of the squad. That’s why they wanted Xabi Alonso and have been linked with Aquilani. We will have to see if it happens. Otherwise, Juventus have a strong roster and should be able to compete for the Scudetto and make a good run in the Champions League.

Manager: Claudio Ranieri

Best Buy: Amauri- If the Brazilian striker can replicate his Palermo form in a black and white shirt, Juventus will have a very talented player on their hands and valid goalscorer.

Probable Formation (4-4-2): Buffon; Grygera, MELLBERG, Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi, Sissoko, C. Zanetti, Nedved; Trezeguet, Del Piero.



LAZIO
The Biancocelesti were very disappointing last season. After an excellent season in 2006-2007, where they finished 3rd place, last season was an utter disaster. Lazio returned to Champions League football but were eliminated in the group stage. Things in Serie A weren’t going well either, and they wound up finishing in 12th place, not even qualifying for Europe. There were many problems with injuries, squad depth, and they had serious goalkeeping issues. President and famed loudmouth Claudio Lotito looked to rectify those problems for this campaign. First, the goalkeeping issues were solved. Ballotta retired and is now working at a desk in the Modena front office. Argentine goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo was signed from River Plate (he was signed last year but had passport issues). Lazio will finally have a reliable goalkeeper and Lazio fans are thanking the good lord that Fernando Muslera will be sitting on the bench. Manuel Belleri was brought back from his loan to Atalanta to add some depth in defense. Swiss international right back Stephan Lichtsteiner was signed from Lille and will start on the right. There is the Romanian defender Radu who impressed last season and Czech center back David Rozehnal. There is also Brazilian center back Cribari and Sebastiano Siviglia. On the left 20 year old Lorenzo De Silvestri, who I really think has all the potential to be the next great left back, will most probably start. There is also young Serbian Aleksander Kolarov, who has a rocket of a left foot and is good in the air. In midfield skillful winger Pasquale Foggia was brought back from his loan. Foggia’s first stint at Lazio was not successful but he will look to improve and impress Delio Rossi. The leader in midfield is Argentine Christian Ledesma, who was recently having problems with the club but will stay this season. Doing the hard work will be Frenchman Ousmane Dabo, and the new signing is Brazilian Francelino Matuzalem. Matuzalem already has some Serie A experience, playing with Napoli, Parma, Piacenza, and Brescia in the past. Matuzalem is a skillful player and is a very good passer and he will be a good addition to the Lazio midfield. There is also Mourad Meghni on the bench and the experienced winger Christian Manfredini. Up front the new boy is Argentine Mauro Zarate, who was signed with big fanfare but has not pleased Delio Rossi in the preseason (Delio Rossi said he doesn’t run enough). Zarate is very talented and he should be able to work himself into the starting line-up. There is Stefano Mauri, who has always been a good skillful player, and Goran Pandev. The Macedonian was really good last season and has tons of skill. Captain Tommaso Rocchi leads the line up front, and will look to score lots of goals, especially since his Olympic dream ended so quickly. Lazio will look to improve this season and try to qualify for Europe, but for some reason this squad still doesn’t convince me.

Manager: Delio Rossi

Best Buy: Juan Pablo Carrizo- Ever since Peruzzi retired Lazio has had goalkeeping woes, but they finally look to be solved with the arrival of Carrizo. Lazio fans no longer have to worry about the goalkeeping department.

Probable Formation (4-3-3): CARRIZO; LICHTSTEINER, Radu, Siviglia, De Silvestri; Dabo, Ledesma, MATUZALEM; Mauri, Pandev, Rocchi.



LECCE
The Pugliese club returns to Serie A after a two year absence. The Giallorossi’s first move of the season was firing coach Giuseppe Papadopulo and hiring Mario Berretta, who miraculously saved Siena last season and in recent years has been an expert in avoiding relegation. Last year Lecce relied on the goals of ex-Chievo striker Simone Tiribocchi, but this season they have given him some help. Promising striker Daniele Cacia was signed from Fiorentina, and he will look to impress and show his potential. Jose Castillo, who spent most of his career with small teams before exploding with Pisa last season, was signed as well. (I guess the nickname for the front pair will be Ca-Ca. Anyone? Anyone?) Fabio Caserta was signed from Palermo. Caserta is an all-around midfielder who is very good at breaking up plays but good at passing as well. Luca Ariatti has Serie A experience and so does Andrea Zanchetta, who is also a free-kick specialist. Experienced midfielder Guillermo Giacomazzi was signed as well, and for the Uruguayan this will be his second stint with the club. Also young Portuguese left-back Antunes was signed from Roma to get some experience. Francesco Benussi is a decent goalkeeper but the defense is Serie B caliber. They really should have signed some experienced defenders. I have a feeling they will be giving up some goals. Lecce’s main goal is avoiding relegation, and having Berretta at the helm helps, but it will be very tough.

Manager: Mario Berretta

Best Buy: Daniele Cacia- The 24 year old striker scored boatloads of goals in Serie B but didn’t get playing time at Fiorentina. Now he’s at a club where he will play and be able to prove his worth.

Probable Formation (3-5-2): Benussi; Polenghi, Diamoutene, Cottafava; Angelo, CASERTA, Zanchetta, GIACOMAZZI, ANTUNES; CACIA, CASTILLO.

Tomorrow we’ll look at Milan, Napoli, Palermo, Reggina, and Roma.

[Blue Mastiff]

Our beloved Serie A kicks off this weekend and it’s preview time. After thinking that last season was a tough season to predict, this season it becomes even tougher. There are so many quality sides in the top flight this season that it is really hard to predict who will finish where this season. It is shaping up to be a very interesting season and should be really fun to follow. (By the way did anyone catch that horrible FSC Serie A preview show? I had to turn it off after 5 minutes. It was really useless). Here is the preview (in alphabetical order) starting with clubs A-C. Tomorrow we’ll see F-L, followed by M-R, and then S-U. So let’s begin:



ATALANTA
The Orobici look to confirm themselves as a good mid-table Serie A side and get rid of the yo-yo club reputation they have had to carry for years. Last season Atalanta finished a very respectable 9th place, only 2 points away from an Intertoto place. Manager Gigi Del Neri likes to play a strict defensive 4-4-2 that relies on good counter-attacking play and the technical ability of Cristiano Doni, who when in form is very difficult to stop and can work magic with the ball. The problem with Doni is that sometimes he lets his emotions get the best of him and he is frequently suspended due to yellow card accumulation or red cards. To satisfy this problem, Atalanta has brought in Chilean attacking midfielder Jamie Valdes on a free transfer. He will most likely be Doni’s sub and understudy. Atalanta made some other good buys, bringing in Austrian right back Gyorgy Garics from Napoli and securing U21 and Roma youth product Alessio Cerci on loan. Cerci, a versatile player who can play in almost any attacking position, has loads of talent and is coming off an impressive year with Pisa in Serie B. Look for him to raise eyebrows. Another notable acquisition was Christian Vieri, who makes his return to Atalanta (admist protests from fans) and will most likely be used as a sub. The Atalanta fans didn’t want him but Vieri can provide valuable experience and a handful of goals. Italy U21 keeper Andrea Consigli was brought in to fight for a starting spot with Ferdinando Coppola. The coup of Atalanta’s transfer campaign however was securing Italy U21 midfielder Luca Cigarini on a co-ownership deal. Cigarini has loads of potential and will direct Atalanta’s midfield. Up front Sergio Floccari, who seems to improve every season, will look to have a big year. Midfielders Simone Padoin and Tiberio Guarante also come off impressive seasons. Atalanta have put together a really good squad and barring a disaster they should finish comfortably mid-table yet again.

Manager: Luigi Del Neri

Best Buy: Luca Cigarini- The Italy U21 midfielder has loads of potential and has been likened to Andrea Pirlo for the way he controls the play of the team. He should have a good year.

Probable Formation (4-4-1-1): Coppola; GARICS, Rivalta, Pellegrino, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Guarente, CIGARINI, Padoin; Doni; Floccari.



BOLOGNA
Bologna return to Serie A after 3 seasons in Serie B. The management have invested around 20 million euro on new signings to assure the Rossoblu stay in Serie A. Manager Daniele Arrigoni likes to play a 4-4-2 and relies on experienced players to get the job done (the average age of the Bologna squad must be sky high). Bologna were the leaders in Serie B for a while last season but towards the end were overtaken by Chievo. They also had a proven goalscorer in Massimo Marazzina who hit a good number of goals. The whole squad has been revamped. Francesco Antonioli is still an excellent goalkeeper at his old age and Bologna can rely on the former Roma keeper to make some good saves. In defense Cristiano Zenoni and Salvatore Lanna have been brought in to defend the flanks, while Britos has been brought in to shore up the center. In midfield, Bologna did a great job in securing the services of Sergio Volpi, who knows how to control the midfield and dictate the tempo. Brazilian Coelho has been likened to Cafu and will play on the wing. Belgian midfielder Gaby Mudingayi was brought in from Lazio to be the workhorse in midfield. Up front, target man Marco Bernacci was brought from Ascoli after a very impressive year in Serie B and experienced striker Marco Di Vaio was bought from Genoa to provide experience and goals up front. On the bench there are some decent players, like Brazilian attacking midfielder Adailton who has a magical left foot, experienced midfielders Davide Bombardini and Christian Amoroso, and defenders Vangelis Moras and Claudio Terzi. Bologna aim to avoid the drop and with their squad it is doable.

Manager: Daniele Arrigoni

Best Buy: Sergio Volpi- the center midfielder has been one of the most consistent players in Serie A over the years and brings tons of experience and playmaking ability to Bologna’s midfield.

Probable Formation (4-4-2): Antonioli; C. ZENONI, Castellini, BRITOS, LANNA; COELHO, VOLPI, MUDINGAYI, Valiani; Marazzina, DI VAIO.



CAGLIARI
What can we say about Cagliari. The Sardinian side quite simply performed a miracle last season. After looking all set for the drop, Davide Ballardini was called in to take charge and led the squad (with key performances from Conti, Cossu, and Acquafresca) to a magical salvation. However owner Massimo Cellino is known to be a little on the crazy side and did not renew Ballardini’s contract this summer. Instead, he brought in ex-player Massimiliano Allegri to manage the squad. Last year Allegri led tiny northern club Sassuolo to a surprising promotion to Serie B. For the most part, Cagliari has not changed much at all. The starting line-up will be exactly the same as last season except for the goalkeeper, Federico Marchetti, who was brought in after a good season with Albinoleffe. Other new signings were 21 year old defender Davide Astori, and 24 year old midfielder Andrea Lazzari, who was one of the best midfielders in Serie B last season. The surprise of the season could be 17 year old striker Daniele Ragatzu, who has been impressive in the preseason. Otherwise, Cagliari will look towards their experienced players to pull off another salvation. Lopez and Canini should put together a good central defensive pairing, while Davide Biondini, Andrea Parola, and captain Daniele Conti will do all the work in midfield. The creative duties will be handed to Andrea Cossu. Cossu, a Cagliari native, was on loan at Serie C1 side Hellas Verona last season but was called back to base in January. He was placed into the starting line-up by Ballardini and immediately became an integral part of the Cagliari side, making countless assists, dribbles, and scoring crucial goals. He will look to have another good year. Up front Robert Acquafresca is back (on loan from Inter) and will have to confirm himself as a promising talent after netting 10 goals last season. He will most likely be partnered by Brazilian striker Jeda, who had a good year as well. On the bench are Alessandro Matri (who I still think is not a Serie A caliber player) and Argentine Joaquin Larrivey (who still has yet to impress). Cagliari’s inactivity in the transfer market may come back to haunt them as the season goes on, and they may not be able to perform another miracle.

Manager: Massimiliano Allegri

Best Buy: Andrea Lazzari- The young midfielder is very versatile and can play any position in midfield. He was one of the best midfielders in Serie B last season with Grosseto and should be able to confirm himself as a good Serie A player.

Probable Formation (4-3-1-2): MARCHETTI; Pisano, Lopez, Canini, Agostini; Biondini, Conti, Parola; Cossu; Acquafresca, Jeda.



CATANIA
The Sicilian side looks to have a good season after narrowly avoiding relegation the last two seasons. Walter Zenga seems to be very focused and really wants to turn Catania into a good midtable side instead of fighting for relegation. Catania, with the sale of Juan Vargas, made a good amount of money to spend on the transfer market and spent it wisely. Two Argentine midfielders were brought in- Ezequiel Carboni from Red Bull Salzburg and Pablo Ledesma from Boca Juniors. Both midfielders will play defensive roles in front of the defense. Zenga used his knowledge of Romanian football to bring in attacking midfielder Niculae Dica. Dica is a very technical player who can make the difference on a small Serie A side like Catania and should have a good year, especially when you have another technical player like Giuseppe Mascara playing right next to you. Mascara has been the talisman of this side, at times he can do things that are world class, but other times he can look like a Serie D player. Giacomo Tedesco is another player with excellent technique but he is also a very dirty player and gets in trouble with the referee often. Up front young striker Michele Paolucci was brought in to prove himself, and Zenga has shown faith in him during the preseason. However on the bench there is the experience of Gionatha Spinesi, who is a natural goalscorer. In midfield Davide Baiocco is the workhorse and inspirational captain. However the one thing that doesn’t convince me is the defense, which could have used an experienced central defender. Also in net it is unclear whether Zenga will go with Bizzarri, Polito, or new signing Kosicki. But then again Zenga, a former goalkeeper, should make a good decision in that department. All in all, Catania have a side capable of finishing comfortably midtable.

Manager: Walter Zenga

Best Buy: Niculae Dica- The Romanian attacking midfielder was handed the number 10 shirt by Giuseppe Mascara because he is so talented. If he can adapt to Italian football Catania will have a very good player on their hands.

Probable Formation (4-2-3-1): Bizzarri; Sardo, Terlizzi, Stovini, Sabato; CARBONI, LEDESMA; Mascara, DICA, Gia. Tedesco; PAOLUCCI.



CHIEVO
The Flying Donkeys are back in Serie A after a year in purgatory. Manager Beppe Iachini (who is known for always wearing a hat) will take charge of a Serie A side for the first time, and will most probably play a 4-3-3. In goal Stefano Sorrentino returns to Italy after trying some experiences abroad. In defense Nicholas Frey (yes, brother of Viola keeper Sebastian Frey) has been brought in from Modena. Chievo also signed some interesting Serie B players. Emmanuele D’Anna joins after an impressive year with Pisa while Bogdan Patrascu (played under Iachini at Piacenza) has been signed as well. The real coups of the transfer market came a couple of days ago. Chievo made a double deal with Udinese, bringing in Giampiero Pinzi and Antonio Langella. Pinzi has always been a hardworking midfielder who will fit well into the Chievo midfield while Langella, despite being signed by Udinese this summer, was quickly sent to Chievo as he realized he would get little playing time in Udine. Langella is coming off an excellent season at Atalanta and will look to continue his impressive form. Some of the names you will probably recognize, as Moro, Mandelli, and Malago’ were all part of Chievo’s last stint in Serie A. Marcolini and Bentivoglio will start in midfield. Keep an eye on Simone Bentivoglio, he is a classic “regista” who knows how to control the tempo in midfield. Up front Chievo will rely on the goals of captain Sergio Pellissier, and the attacking ability of Luciano, who has been with Chievo since their miracle 2001/2002 season. On the bench there is also Nigerian striker and Olympic silver medalist Victor Obinna, but he may leave before the transfer window ends. Albanian striker Erjon Bogdani will provide a good attacking threat off the bench, and is excellent in the air. The big news for Chievo is that before the transfer window ends Kerlon may arrive on loan. Kerlon is the young Brazilian player that is famous for the “seal dribble” (he balances the ball on his head and runs around the field, which means the only way to stop him is to foul him). Inter look set to buy him and then send him on loan to Chievo for experience. We’ll see if it happens. Chievo are back and avoiding relegation is their main priority. They should be able to do it.

Manager: Giuseppe Iachini

Best Buy:Antonio Langella- The skillful winger arrives from Udinese and will look to continue where he left off last season. If he can get into form Chievo will have made an excellent acquisition.

Probable Formation (4-3-3): SORRENTINO; Moro, Mandelli, FREY, Malagò; Marcolini, Bentivoglio, PINZI; LANGELLA, Pellissier, Luciano.



FIORENTINA
2007/2008 was a good year for Viola fans. Well, it wasn’t just a good year, it was a great year. Fiorentina, led by great performances from key players like Frey, Gamberini, Montolivo, and Mutu, ended the season in 4th place, gaining Champions League qualification for the first time since the days of Batistuta and reaching the semi-final of the UEFA Cup. There’s lots of enthusiasm around Florence, and the Delle Valle family has done a great job turning this club into a contender again. Fiorentina arguably had the best transfer market of any team in Italy, strengthening their squad in all areas (except for center defense, but one may arrive before the window ends) and are ready to compete in Serie A and in Europe. Of course it always helps when you have a transfer genius like Pantaleo Corvino working for you. The biggest name to arrive was of course Alberto Gilardino. Prandelli managed Gila at Parma and will look to get the best out of the World Cup winning striker. At Milan Gila lacked confidence and was never the player we saw at Parma, but at Fiorentina he is the main man and feels loved, which means we’ll have a confident Gilardino and we may see the player we saw a couple of years ago. Also he’ll get help from Adrian Mutu, who in my book was the best foreign player in Serie A last season. Mutu is the true talisman of this squad, and when he’s in form he’s a joy to watch and Fiorentina can beat anyone. The most important thing Fiorentina did this summer was convince Mutu to stay. On the bench there is Giampaolo Pazzini, who had a difficult year last season goalscoring wise, but did a lot of hard work for the team. He has been playing well in preseason and should be a great option for Prandelli this season. In goal they can always rely on Sebastian Frey, who is one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A and his cat-like reflexes allow him to perform jaw-dropping saves. In defense Alessandro Gamberini had an excellent year last season, showing that he has the potential to be the next great Italian defender. Fiorentina could’ve tried harder to find a really good partner for him this summer, but as I said one may arrive before the end of the transfer market. One area that has been completely strengthened is the fullbacks. Fiorentina brought in Juan Vargas from Catania, Gianluca Comotto from Torino, and Luciano Zauri from Lazio. Vargas was easily the best left-back in Serie A last season. The Peruvian likes to get forward and attack, but he can also defend. He also has an awesome left foot which guarantees a couple of goals every season. Gianluca Comotto is a hardworking player who never stops running, during a game you’ll see him constantly motoring up and down the wing. Luciano Zauri is experienced and provides excellent defensive cover, even if he’s not as good offensively as Vargas and Comotto. With all the competition left-back Manuel Pasqual may be on the way out before the window ends. In midfield, Fiorentina lost their director in Fabio Liverani but bought two players to make up for it. Felipe Melo arrives from Spanish side Almeria, and Sergio Almiron arrives from Juventus. When I watched Felipe in Fiorentina’s Champions League qualifier, I was very impressed. He may very well be the revelation of the season. He is a player that knows how to dominate the midfield: he can break up plays but has very good technique. Then there’s Riccardo Montolivo. For years we’ve been hearing that he’s the next great Italian midfielder, and for years we’ve waited for it to show. Last season we saw glimpses, as he started out very well then dropped off in form, but he picked up towards the end of the season. This season should be the year of his consecration. Zvradko Kuzmanovic is also improving rapidly and should be another excellent option in midfield for La Viola. Another surprise could be young Montenegrin Stevan Jovetic. The 19 year old attacking midfield arrives from Partizan Belgrade and has been compared to Roberto Baggio. He probably won’t see so much time (Prandelli said it himself) but he will get his chance to make a contribution. To sum it up, Fiorentina did an excellent job this summer and if they fire on all cylinders there is no reason why they shouldn’t challenge for a top 4 spot in Serie A and even getting out of the group stage in the Champions League.

Manager: Cesare Prandelli

Best Buy: Felipe Melo- I could’ve said Gila but I have to go with Felipe. The Brazilian midfielder is extremely talented and could become one of the top midfielders in Serie A.

Probable Formation (4-3-2-1): Frey; COMOTTO (ZAURI), Kroldrup, Gamberini, VARGAS; Kuzmanovic, FELIPE, Montolivo; Santana, Mutu, GILARDINO.



GENOA
Last season was Genoa’s first season in Serie A since the mid-90’s and they didn’t let down their fans. Led by the goalscoring of Marco Borriello, the squad exceeded expectations and finished in the top half of the table. Gian Piero Gasperini showed that he is one of the top up-and-coming managers in Serie A. He plays a 3-4-3, relying on the two outside midfielders to run up and down the wing all game. Even though Genoa lost their top scorer in Borriello, Genoa did an excellent job on the transfer market, strengthening their squad in all areas. In goal is the Brazilian Rubinho, who did very well last season. Defense is a department where they revamped completely. Matteo Ferrari was signed on a free transfer and will look to be the leader in defense (although he suffers from lapses of concentration many times). Domenico Criscito, who played for Gasperini in the Juventus youth team, will start on defense and look to impress this season after Juventus sent him away to gain more experience. Giuseppe Biava was brought in from Palermo, and right back and former Italy U21 captain Alessandro Potenza was signed from Fiorentina. Salvatore Bocchetti, who played with Italy at the Olympics, also was signed. From Greece 20 year old central defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos (who probably has the longest name in Serie A) has been signed. He has drawn comparisons to Fabio Cannavaro. Moving to the flanks, Gasperini got the wingers he needed. Giandomenico Mesto, who has long been one of the most consistent right backs in Italy, was signed from Udinese and will start on the right. Mesto never tires and likes to get forward and join the attack. On the opposite side Francesco Modesto was signed from Reggina. Modesto has been impressive in Reggio Calabria (he was linked with Roma all of last summer) and is also very good going forward but better defensively than Mesto. In midfield Genoa will rely on the inspirational play of captain Marco Rossi, who can literally play anywhere on the pitch. They also have a hardman in the form of Croatian midfielder Ivan Juric. Promising young attacking midfielder Davide Di Gennaro was signed on a co-ownership deal from Milan as part of the Borriello sale. Up front, Gasperini signed two former pupils of his from his Juventus youth team days: Andrea Gasbarroni and Raffaele Palladino. Gasbarroni is incredibly talented yet incredibly inconsistent. Maybe Gasperini will know how to motivate him. Palladino has long been touted as one of the best young talents in Italy, but could find no space at Juventus and therefore this will be the year where he will have to confirm himself. He really knows how to beat a defender one on one and should be a valuable asset for the Rossoblu. The big story of the preseason is Ruben Olivera. The former Juventus player was signed this summer and moved to a new position (striker) by Gasperini, where he has been flourishing. Maybe he will make the Grifone fans forget about Borriello. If all the new signings can come together and work as a team, this squad is very good and could be good enough to even reach a UEFA spot.

Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini

Best Buy: Raffaele Palladino- Palladino is extremely talented and if Gasperini can get the best out of him he can make the difference.

Probable Formation (3-4-3): Rubinho; FERRARI, PAPASTATHOPOULOS, Criscito; MESTO, Rossi, Juric, MODESTO; GASBARRONI, OLIVERA, PALLADINO.



INTER
Of course the biggest story of the summer for Inter has been Jose Mourinho. The egotistical Portuguese manager has made his way to Serie A, and will take charge of last season’s Scudetto winners. Inter will look to win their 3rd consecutive Scudetto but what would make owner Massimo Moratti really happy would be a Champions League success. Inter didn’t really make big moves on the market at all (if it ain’t broke don’t fix it), but brought back Adriano from his Brazilian rehab session, signed Amantino Mancini from Roma, and bought Sulley Muntari from Portsmouth. Mourinho really wanted Lampard, but the English midfielder decided to stay in London with Chelsea. Mourinho as also asked for Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma, but Moratti has been unwilling to open his wallet. However you never know and he may arrive before the transfer deadline. Mourinho looks set to play a 4-3-3, although once Adriano comes back from injury he may decide to test a 4-2-3-1. In goal there is Julio Cesar, who has confirmed himself as one of the best shotstoppers in Italy. In defense Maicon is one of the most consistent performers in Serie A, making marauding runs down the right flank. On the other side Maxwell will start on the left, and has always been extremely underrated. In the center we will most probably see a Chivu-Samuel partnership with Materazzi, Cordoba, and Rivas as other options. Also as we saw Cambiasso could play at the back in emergency situations. In the center there will be influential captain Javier Zanetti, along with the aforementioned Estaban Cambiasso and new signing Sulley Muntari, who seems to have fit in very well into Mourinho’s plans. There is also Dejan Stankovic who will contribute from the bench and we can’t forget Patrick Vieira, who is currently injured but once he gets back he should figure in a starting role. Chilean attacking midfielder Luis Jimenez, who played well last season, will most probably play a bit-part role. In attack Luis Figo looked all set to retire but the arrival of Mourinho convinced the former Golden Ball winner to stay for another season. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will also work his magic up front, and new signing Mancini will work on the left wing. Mancini’s problem has always been poor confidence and inconsistency and we’ll have to see if Mourinho can get the best out of him. Then on the bench there is the always reliable Julio Cruz, who is great at coming off the bench and scoring goals, and the experienced Hernan Crespo, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea. However it remains to be seen if Crespo will make a last minute move to Lazio. David Suazo looks to be 100% on the way out and will most probably leave before the deadline. Adriano will try to rediscover his form and become the Imperatore again, but the most interesting player is of course Mario Balotelli. 18 year old Balotelli is incredibly talented and has all the tools to become a superstar. Mourinho has shown confidence in him and if Balotelli has the right attitude he can go very far. I would be lying if I said Inter wasn’t a strong team. They have all the tools necessary to be Scudetto winners again and possibly have some European success.

Manager: Jose Mourinho

Best Buy: Sulley Muntari- There weren’t many buys, but I liked what I have seen from Sulley Muntari. The Ghanaian midfielder looks to be very motivated and is very skillful with a rocket of a shot. He will do very well.

Probable Formation (4-3-3): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Chivu, Samuel, Maxwell; J. Zanetti, Cambiasso, MUNTARI; Figo (Balotelli), Ibrahimovic, MANCINI.



JUVENTUS
After two seasons away from Europe, La Vecchia Signora are back where they used to be. The Bianconeri, led by Claudio Ranieri, look to compete on 2 fronts (3 if we count Coppa Italia) and have put together a squad that can handle multiple competitions. Juventus have had an active transfer campaign, no gigantic names, but players have been acquired that will fit into Ranieri’s system and work for the team. The biggest move was signing Brazilian striker Amauri from Palermo. Amauri had been a king in Sicily the past few seasons but it came time for the striker to make the big jump to a big club and prove his worth. In goal there is of course Gigi Buffon, but this summer Juve were looking for valid understudies in case of emergency and they signed two. Antonio Chimenti makes his return to Torino and provides experience on the bench. Alex Manninger, who has been impressive with Siena for a couple of years, was also signed and will most probably be the back-up. Ranieri also brought in experienced Swedish defender Olof Mellberg from Aston Villa to reinforce the backline. He will most likely start next to Giorgio Chiellini, who is starting to look world class, but since Chiellini is injured his partner will probably be Nicola Legrottaglie, who was one of the surprises of last season. Legrottaglie was all ready to sign a contract with Beskitas last year, but in the end Juventus kept him and he turned out to be a solid performer last season and impressed many. Also brought in to help out in defense is Dario Knezevic, who had a solid year at Livorno and will be a good sub. On the right is Zdenek Grygera, who had a discrete year last season but got the job done, and the experienced Jonathan Zebina is still on the roster. On the opposite side there is Christian Molinaro, who has loads of pace and knows how to get forward, but he needs to work on his crossing ability. He will face competition from the young Paolo De Ceglie, who was very good at Siena last year and in my opinion De Ceglie will be the starter by the end of the year (however that’s my opinion, Ranieri seems to be in love with Molinaro). De Ceglie is a solid player who knows how to defend as well as attack, and his crossing ability is very good. In midfield there is the reliable quartet of Mauro Camoranesi, Momo Sissoko, Cristiano Zanetti, and Pavel Nedved. When fit Camoranesi is untouchable on the right wing, and Sissoko impressed all of Italy last season after many were skeptical about him at first. Cristiano Zanetti was simply awesome last year. He seemed to gain a second wind under Ranieri and really was one of the top central midfielders in Italy. If he plays like that this season he will be hard to remove from the starting line-up. To strengthen center midfield Juventus signed Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen (of Totti spitting fame). Many Juve fans did not want Poulsen to sign but after seeing his performances in the preseason they may have changed their mind. Italy U21 starlet Claudio Marchisio will also be in the squad, he is a complete midfielder who can defend, attack, tackle, pass, score, etc. Promising young Swedish midfielder Albin Ekdal was acquired as well and really impressed everyone in preseason with his confident play. Tiago is still around, but he really should just leave already. Marchionni is a really good player when he’s not injured, but he’s always injured. Then we have Pavel Nedved. He signed a 1 year extension last season to play in the Champions League one more time. This will most probably be his last season but we never know. The one everyone is waiting to see is Sebastian Giovinco. Giovinco is the star of the Italy U21 team and has so much skill and technique. This season he will probably be Nedved’s understudy, however if he impresses he may force himself into the line-up. Up front Ranieri has 4 excellent strikers at his disposal. Alessandro Del Piero always gives his all when he’s wearing a Juve jersey and this season should be no different. David Trezeguet’s goalscoring record speaks for itself. He may be asleep all game and then just show up and score a goal. Then there’s the aforementioned Amauri and Vincenzo Iaquinta, another player that is excellent having off the bench. The one thing they seem to be missing (and that Ranieri has wanted all summer) is a central midfield director that can dictate the tempo of the squad. That’s why they wanted Xabi Alonso and have been linked with Aquilani. We will have to see if it happens. Otherwise, Juventus have a strong roster and should be able to compete for the Scudetto and make a good run in the Champions League.

Manager: Claudio Ranieri

Best Buy: Amauri- If the Brazilian striker can replicate his Palermo form in a black and white shirt, Juventus will have a very talented player on their hands and valid goalscorer.

Probable Formation (4-4-2): Buffon; Grygera, MELLBERG, Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi, Sissoko, C. Zanetti, Nedved; Trezeguet, Del Piero.



LAZIO
The Biancocelesti were very disappointing last season. After an excellent season in 2006-2007, where they finished 3rd place, last season was an utter disaster. Lazio returned to Champions League football but were eliminated in the group stage. Things in Serie A weren’t going well either, and they wound up finishing in 12th place, not even qualifying for Europe. There were many problems with injuries, squad depth, and they had serious goalkeeping issues. President and famed loudmouth Claudio Lotito looked to rectify those problems for this campaign. First, the goalkeeping issues were solved. Ballotta retired and is now working at a desk in the Modena front office. Argentine goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo was signed from River Plate (he was signed last year but had passport issues). Lazio will finally have a reliable goalkeeper and Lazio fans are thanking the good lord that Fernando Muslera will be sitting on the bench. Manuel Belleri was brought back from his loan to Atalanta to add some depth in defense. Swiss international right back Stephan Lichtsteiner was signed from Lille and will start on the right. There is the Romanian defender Radu who impressed last season and Czech center back David Rozehnal. There is also Brazilian center back Cribari and Sebastiano Siviglia. On the left 20 year old Lorenzo De Silvestri, who I really think has all the potential to be the next great left back, will most probably start. There is also young Serbian Aleksander Kolarov, who has a rocket of a left foot and is good in the air. In midfield skillful winger Pasquale Foggia was brought back from his loan. Foggia’s first stint at Lazio was not successful but he will look to improve and impress Delio Rossi. The leader in midfield is Argentine Christian Ledesma, who was recently having problems with the club but will stay this season. Doing the hard work will be Frenchman Ousmane Dabo, and the new signing is Brazilian Francelino Matuzalem. Matuzalem already has some Serie A experience, playing with Napoli, Parma, Piacenza, and Brescia in the past. Matuzalem is a skillful player and is a very good passer and he will be a good addition to the Lazio midfield. There is also Mourad Meghni on the bench and the experienced winger Christian Manfredini. Up front the new boy is Argentine Mauro Zarate, who was signed with big fanfare but has not pleased Delio Rossi in the preseason (Delio Rossi said he doesn’t run enough). Zarate is very talented and he should be able to work himself into the starting line-up. There is Stefano Mauri, who has always been a good skillful player, and Goran Pandev. The Macedonian was really good last season and has tons of skill. Captain Tommaso Rocchi leads the line up front, and will look to score lots of goals, especially since his Olympic dream ended so quickly. Lazio will look to improve this season and try to qualify for Europe, but for some reason this squad still doesn’t convince me.

Manager: Delio Rossi

Best Buy: Juan Pablo Carrizo- Ever since Peruzzi retired Lazio has had goalkeeping woes, but they finally look to be solved with the arrival of Carrizo. Lazio fans no longer have to worry about the goalkeeping department.

Probable Formation (4-3-3): CARRIZO; LICHTSTEINER, Radu, Siviglia, De Silvestri; Dabo, Ledesma, MATUZALEM; Mauri, Pandev, Rocchi.



LECCE
The Pugliese club returns to Serie A after a two year absence. The Giallorossi’s first move of the season was firing coach Giuseppe Papadopulo and hiring Mario Berretta, who miraculously saved Siena last season and in recent years has been an expert in avoiding relegation. Last year Lecce relied on the goals of ex-Chievo striker Simone Tiribocchi, but this season they have given him some help. Promising striker Daniele Cacia was signed from Fiorentina, and he will look to impress and show his potential. Jose Castillo, who spent most of his career with small teams before exploding with Pisa last season, was signed as well. (I guess the nickname for the front pair will be Ca-Ca. Anyone? Anyone?) Fabio Caserta was signed from Palermo. Caserta is an all-around midfielder who is very good at breaking up plays but good at passing as well. Luca Ariatti has Serie A experience and so does Andrea Zanchetta, who is also a free-kick specialist. Experienced midfielder Guillermo Giacomazzi was signed as well, and for the Uruguayan this will be his second stint with the club. Also young Portuguese left-back Antunes was signed from Roma to get some experience. Francesco Benussi is a decent goalkeeper but the defense is Serie B caliber. They really should have signed some experienced defenders. I have a feeling they will be giving up some goals. Lecce’s main goal is avoiding relegation, and having Berretta at the helm helps, but it will be very tough.

Manager: Mario Berretta

Best Buy: Daniele Cacia- The 24 year old striker scored boatloads of goals in Serie B but didn’t get playing time at Fiorentina. Now he’s at a club where he will play and be able to prove his worth.

Probable Formation (3-5-2): Benussi; Polenghi, Diamoutene, Cottafava; Angelo, CASERTA, Zanchetta, GIACOMAZZI, ANTUNES; CACIA, CASTILLO.

Tomorrow we’ll look at Milan, Napoli, Palermo, Reggina, and Roma.

[Blue Mastiff]

apologies for the DOUBLE entry.

i coughed and hit the mouse twice.

too many fags and booze in the middle of the week!!!!!!!

[Blue Mastiff]

It’s late summer which means that nothing is going on in the international footy world. Instead, I’ll give you guys a heads up about what’s going on around the Italian peninsula.

So going by club, in no particular order:

AC Milan just bought the Sheva monster back from the harsh island of England. I have no idea what to think of this to be honest. Pre-Chelsea, he was one of the most feared strikers on the peninsula…but that was before the Chelsea move. Once he was in England, he just looked old and out of it (might be because he never got to play). So part of me thinks he’s old, past it and crappy, which means he fits perfectly into Milan’s mercato this year (zing! I jest). But really, is he what they need? They really need a young, strong center forward who can score a lot of goals, and defenders. I mean, Maldini and Nesta are stellar but for chrissakes, Maldini is 40 and Nesta is always injured. Where’s the defender Galliani? The rest of the team is pretty solid (If not aging)- the midfield and attack especially, is great. But does it matter when 2 of your 3 goalies are Dida and Kalac? On the other hand, they did need a striker. Pato is great but he’s young, and Pippo isn’t getting any younger and has injury problems. I’m still not sold on Borriello, either.

Udinese beat Villareal recently in a friendly. I know, it’s a friendly and nobody gives a rat’s ass. But it’s still newsworthy for 2 reasons: one, Villareal finished second last year in La Liga (Ahead of Barca for those out of the Spanish loop), and beating them can only be positive for Udin. And two, Quags scored. Yes, Fabio *HolyShitDidHeReallyJustScoreThat* Quagliarella. Personally, I find Quags to be one of the most entertaining players out there. I don’t think he scores a single goal that doesn’t come out of fricking nowhere.

Finally, Inter and Roma. Key things to watch for:
Mourinho’s managerial style. It’s his first game in charge that counts for something(read: it’s not a friendly and Inter-Roma is turning into quite the rivalry), and the guy’s record speaks for itself. He’s a born winner and he wants this trophy. How do Inter play now compared to when Mancini was the coach?
New signings slotting in. How will the other Mancini play against his former club, Roma? How will Baptista fit in with Roma’s style of play?
Finally, superstar cameos. Totti and Ibra will probably (hopefully) play at least part of the match. They’re both injured/been injured recently, but they’re both probably the most influential guys on their respective teams. If any subs during the game can change it, it’s these two.

The Serie A starts again next weekend (Thank God. I miss soccer. I mean, the EPL is on but it’s practically like watching rugby, if rugby had no tactics and balls kicked so high that they brush Mercury as they head back to Earth) I think Udin-Palermo is the opening game on Sat, followed by Inter-Samp(Cassano!!!). The rest of the games are on Sunday

[El Pibe D'Oro]

Will someone just bloody buy Domizzi.

hes starting to become a pain in the ass.

Surely they would look to swap him for Dainelli???

[Translator]

INTER
Of course the biggest story of the summer for Inter has been Jose Mourinho. The egotistical Portuguese manager has made his way to Serie A, and will take charge of last season’s Scudetto winners. Inter will look to win their 3rd consecutive Scudetto but what would make owner Massimo Moratti really happy would be a Champions League success. Inter didn’t really make big moves on the market at all (if it ain’t broke don’t fix it), but brought back Adriano from his Brazilian rehab session, signed Amantino Mancini from Roma, and bought Sulley Muntari from Portsmouth. Mourinho really wanted Lampard, but the English midfielder decided to stay in London with Chelsea. Mourinho as also asked for Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma, but Moratti has been unwilling to open his wallet. However you never know and he may arrive before the transfer deadline. Mourinho looks set to play a 4-3-3, although once Adriano comes back from injury he may decide to test a 4-2-3-1. In goal there is Julio Cesar, who has confirmed himself as one of the best shotstoppers in Italy. In defense Maicon is one of the most consistent performers in Serie A, making marauding runs down the right flank. On the other side Maxwell will start on the left, and has always been extremely underrated. In the center we will most probably see a Chivu-Samuel partnership with Materazzi, Cordoba, and Rivas as other options. Also as we saw Cambiasso could play at the back in emergency situations. In the center there will be influential captain Javier Zanetti, along with the aforementioned Estaban Cambiasso and new signing Sulley Muntari, who seems to have fit in very well into Mourinho’s plans. There is also Dejan Stankovic who will contribute from the bench and we can’t forget Patrick Vieira, who is currently injured but once he gets back he should figure in a starting role. Chilean attacking midfielder Luis Jimenez, who played well last season, will most probably play a bit-part role. In attack Luis Figo looked all set to retire but the arrival of Mourinho convinced the former Golden Ball winner to stay for another season. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will also work his magic up front, and new signing Mancini will work on the left wing. Mancini’s problem has always been poor confidence and inconsistency and we’ll have to see if Mourinho can get the best out of him. Then on the bench there is the always reliable Julio Cruz, who is great at coming off the bench and scoring goals, and the experienced Hernan Crespo, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea. However it remains to be seen if Crespo will make a last minute move to Lazio. David Suazo looks to be 100% on the way out and will most probably leave before the deadline. Adriano will try to rediscover his form and become the Imperatore again, but the most interesting player is of course Mario Balotelli. 18 year old Balotelli is incredibly talented and has all the tools to become a superstar. Mourinho has shown confidence in him and if Balotelli has the right attitude he can go very far. I would be lying if I said Inter wasn’t a strong team. They have all the tools necessary to be Scudetto winners again and possibly have some European success.

Manager: Jose Mourinho

Best Buy: Sulley Muntari- There weren’t many buys, but I liked what I have seen from Sulley Muntari. The Ghanaian midfielder looks to be very motivated and is very skillful with a rocket of a shot. He will do very well.

Probable Formation (4-3-3): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Chivu, Samuel, Maxwell; J. Zanetti, Cambiasso, MUNTARI; Figo (Balotelli), Ibrahimovic, MANCINI.

we already have three straight, looking for fourth on the trot. Cheers Moggi

Laugh how hardly any of these so call experts highlight the fact that Samuel & Materazzi come in with serious injury concerns while Cordoba, Rivas, Burdisso & Chivu all are carrying injuries as well.

Could well line up with Cambiasso & Zanetti as our two central defenders for the Samp game.

Personally I'd be surprised if Mourinho has us top during the winter campaign, we should come home strong though in the return fixtures. Question is how much damage in the first 19 rounds.

[FerrariTifosi27]

REGGINA
Coach: Nevio Orlandi - Hardly a household name, Orlandi remarkably brought the Amaranto back from the brink when he stepped in last March.
Last season: 16th in Serie A
Signing of the summer: Bernardo Corradi - Back from a poor spell in England, the fiery hitman will look to recreate the steady scoring of his Lazio days.
Pre-season: A draw with Gubbio and a defeat against Ancona saw Orlandi admit that his side wasn't good enough but they eased past Grosseto in the Coppa Italia.
Forecast: The Calabrians won't go down without a fight, but they will go down.

True about the part that we won't go down without a fight, but disagree with us going down. This is the most strongest side we've had in a long time. If Di Michele or Papa Waigo and Guana or Fiore come into the side our squad will be complete. Stuani and Corradi looks the goods, we just need to get a new trequartista and centrocampista and we'll be fine. I'm impressed with Capurro in preseason, the Uruguayan once he is signed will be set for a fine spell with us. Our squad should do some surprising upsets this season. Forza Reggina!

[Blue Mastiff]

Throughout the `80s and `90s Serie A was known as the most beautiful championship in the world and with good reason. Over a 20-year period six of its clubs won a total of 24 major European honours. Every winner of the Ballon d’Or between 1980 and 2000 played on the peninsula at some stage in their career and not just for one of the eight clubs that took home the Scudetto in that period, but for the likes of Parma, Verona, Brescia and Cagliari.

In the last few years though, Serie A’s status as the most competitive League on the planet has not only been challenged but taken by its Spanish and English counterparts. The reasons why are well known and so, rather than revisiting them, I would prefer to use this blog to wax optimistic about Serie A and make a case for it as a resurgent force.

An ambitious summer in the transfer bazaar makes this season as hotly anticipated as any in recent years. Far from being unable to compete with their continental rivals in the spending stakes, Italy’s top-flight clubs have opened their wallets and invested £310m in new players [the most since 2001], that’s £100m more than La Liga’s teams and £15m less than the Premiership’s sides.

And the spending isn’t confined to the top four. Napoli, Genoa, Palermo and Lazio have splurged £85m between them, heralding a return to the competitiveness that characterised the First Division in the late `90s. While flashing the cash doesn’t necessarily guarantee success, it indicates aspiration and a desire for improvement that will ultimately strengthen the championship for the benefit of us all.

On an ascetic level, Serie A is better for having Bologna, Napoli, Genoa and Juventus back. No disrespect to Ascoli, Treviso, Modena and Livorno, but the above mentioned teams have illustrious histories and have won 45 Scudetti between them. On that note it’s a shame Parma, one of the notorious Seven Sisters, were relegated last term.

How do we measure the success of a League though? Some suggest we look at its clubs’ performance in Europe, others its financial wherewithal. Yet these indicators, while helpful, are misleading. What about excitement, drama, unpredictability [the final day of the 2007-08 season] and a little bit of romance [in one word…Chievo]?

Even Serie A’s harshest of critics have to admit it’s on the up. Four of the last five Ballon d’Or winners play or have played in Italy. New stadia have been commissioned in Turin and Cagliari, and TV rights are to be collectively bargained for in 2010. So let’s revel in watching Serie A re-emerge.

[Blue Mastiff]

NAMES TO LOOK OUT FOR

1. Stevan Jovetic
His substitute appearance in a summer friendly against Barcelona was enough for the Artemio Franchi crowd to chant: “This kid can play!” He won’t turn 19 until November, but has the confidence that comes from playing for Partizan Belgrade for five years. Captain of the Under-21 Montenegrin side aged 17 and already a full international, this creative starlet who can play in a range of attacking or midfield positions was wanted by Real Madrid and Manchester United before joining Fiorentina for £6m. If nothing else, you’ll notice him this season for his spectacular hair.

2. German Gustavo Denis
Napoli seem to have done it again, as after unleashing the exciting Ezequiel Lavezzi on us, the San Paolo will be lit up by another Argentine talent. Lavezzi recommended Denis’ acquisition, which tells you all you need to know. A centre-forward who is every bit as effective in creating space and assists for teammates, he has already impressed in the summer during Lavezzi’s Olympic duty.

3. Davide Lanzafame
Last season it was Sebastian Giovinco who proved the strength of Juventus’ youth system. Be prepared to see a similar flowering of this prodigious talent at Palermo. It is important to note that the Sicilians demanded 21-year-old Lanzafame in a co-ownership deal rather than simply a loan before handing Amauri over to Juve, so his value as a striker for the future is considered immense.

4. Pablo Granoche
‘El Diablo’ was a good bit of business for Chievo towards the end of the transfer window, as the Uruguayan netted a whopping 24 goals for Triestina in Serie B last season. Already well-travelled after spells in his homeland and Mexico, the 25-year-old is a pure fox in the box who, a bit like David Trezeguet, can disappear for long periods only to pop up with the winner.

5. Alberto Paloschi
Whether he plays for Milan or Torino this term, the 18-year-old is determined to build upon his first appearances. Few could forget his Serie A debut, scoring a cracking angled drive just 18 seconds after stepping on to the field against Siena on February 10 in what proved to be the only goal of the game. He netted another top-flight goal in just seven total appearances and has held up under pressure well during the summer when there were no other alternatives.

6. Stefano Okaka Chuka
Paloschi’s teammate in the Italy team that was runner-up in this year’s Under-19 European Championship, Okaka returns to Roma after a spell at Modena. As the transfer market has still not brought in a real centre-forward, he is their best option until Francesco Totti fully recovers. Think David Suazo as a teenager, his explosive pace can sometimes mean his feet move quicker than his brain, but with the Giallorossi churning out through balls, he can do serious damage to the offside trap.

7. Jose Ignacio Castillo
The centre of a transfer tug-of-war this summer, the Argentine played a big part in Pisa’s incredible campaign with 21 goals in 39 appearances. Nacho has taken his time to reach Serie A, as the 32-year-old has been in Italy since 2001 in the lower Leagues and was always prolific, but hadn’t made the step up until now after moving to Lecce. That never stopped Christian Riganò bagging a hatful, though, did it?

8. Sokratis Papastathopoulos
The epically-named Greek centre-back was quite a coup for Genoa. Considered the great hope of Greek football, the 20-year-old is already a full international with experience in the Champions League and UEFA Cup, although he was only an alternate for Euro 2008. Powerful and above all very quick, Sokratis has been compared to Fabio Cannavaro.

9. Marius Stankevicius
It’s about time this giant got another shot at Serie A and Sampdoria have given him that chance. The Lithuanian already got himself noticed at international level in the same group as Italy and Scotland in Euro 2008 qualifying, while he has been in Italy since 2002 at Cosenza and then Brescia. He decided to stick with the Rondinelle despite their relegation in 2005, but finally took the step up in his career. A rugged midfielder who can smack free-kicks in from any distance, Stankevicius will quickly become a fan favourite.

10. ?
Who have we left out in our list of players to watch in 2008-09?

[Blue Mastiff]

If there is one thing I have come to love over the years it is how unpredictable football can be. Just when you think you know exactly how a game is going to go, something out of the ordinary can happen. That is my excuse for being hopeless at making forecasts for the season ahead.

Mind you, that doesn't stop me trying. This time around, however, I have decided to avoid predicting who will win the Scudetto (Roma), the Coppa Italia (Juventus) or the Champions League (Inter). I have tried to analyse who might be the surprise side of this year's Serie A campaign.

I toyed with a few teams. I was tempted to predict that the Flying Donkeys of Chievo might rise again. I studied Torino to decide if they might finally live up to expectations. I even cast an eye across the water to Cagliari. But in the end I kept coming back to Bologna.

Let me make it clear, I discarded a couple of sides on the basis that they would not constitute a genuine surprise. I expect Napoli and Sampdoria to do well again this season, but they did the groundwork last year. But if the boys from the Dall'Ara could finish in the top half of the table it would truly be a revelation.

There is a high risk element in my deductions. The Rossoblu have made wholesale changes this summer which may or may not work out. Still, I like the look of the team they have constructed. If they can find a striker worth 15 goals a season or so they could be a real force to be reckoned with.

Sergio Volpi guarantees good shape to any team he is part of, while Gaby Mudingayi is the kind of player who provides drive and purpose in midfield. If any of their young South Americans proves to be any good that would give them an extra dash of quality.

In many ways, of course, they are a sentimental choice too. The last great piece of the Serie A jigsaw, really, as all the biggest teams in the history of the Italian game have returned to the top. They have always been a tough side to beat on their home patch and there is no reason why that should change this year. And, if they can click, they might just be able to burst back into the top 10 teams in the country.

[Blue Mastiff]

Relegation is the nightmare scenario of every team in the top flight and there will be a feisty battle on the right-hand side of the table this term. It looks like nine teams will be involved in it on some level, with Cagliari clear favourites to prop up the table.


Cagliari – The Rossoblu were lucky to avoid relegation last term and they’ve done little over the summer to improve. With Federico Marchetti being their only significant capture, I think relegation will be inevitable for the Sardinians. Chances of going down: 80%


Reggina – How can you hope to avoid relegation if you keep on selling your best strikers season after season? Go and ask President Lillo Foti who sold Rolando Bianchi and then gave away Nicola Amoruso to direct rivals Torino… Chances of going down: 50%


Bologna – An average team which lacks quality. You start to wonder whether they are good enough when you see Massimo Marazzina and debutant Marco Bernacci starting up front… Chances of going down: 40%


Chievo – Will the Donkeys be able to fly high and avoid relegation? Probably yes, as the Gialloblu have a promising squad packed with talented players. But it won’t be easy for them, that is for sure. Chances of going down: 25%


Lecce – With the arrival of talented boss Mario Beretta the Pugliesi can be confident ahead of this season. Simone Tiribocchi and Daniele Cacia form a valuable attacking duo, but playing the role of the newcomers could be costly in the long run. Chances of going down: 25%


Siena – Can’t see them going down considering the good work which Beretta did before the arrival of Marco Giampaolo. Simone Loria will be greatly missed, but Simone Calaiò and Massimo Maccarone will score plenty. Chances of going down: 25%


Atalanta – Bobo or no Bobo, that is the problem. If Christian Vieri is fit then they could go far, if not Cristiano Doni and Sergio Floccari will have to perform miracles yet again. Chances of going down: 20%


Catania – The Etnei have been active during the summer, but changing too much doesn’t always pay back. Their backline looks unstable without Juan Vargas. Pablo Ledesma could do well but will Michele Paolucci be able to step up to this level? Chances of going down: 20%


Torino – Here is another team which should have done better during the summer. The Granata dream of reaching the UEFA Cup, but they better watch out. Key players Alessandro Rosina and Matteo Sereni are unhappy, yet the arrivals of Amoruso and Francesco Pratali should be enough for them to survive. Chances of going down: 20%

[delfino_1936]

Some quality on that list to look out for. I am interested to see how Granoche, Stankevicius and Castillo do after making the step up from B

[Piola]

True about the part that we won't go down without a fight, but disagree with us going down. This is the most strongest side we've had in a long time. If Di Michele or Papa Waigo and Guana or Fiore come into the side our squad will be complete. Stuani and Amoruso looks the goods, we just need to get a new trequartista and centrocampista and we'll be fine. I'm impressed with Capurro in preseason, the Uruguayan once he is signed will be set for a fine spell with us. Our squad should do some surprising upsets this season. Forza Reggina!

LOL, strongest side in a long time. This current team has nothing on your 06-07 side, and the replacements are unproven.

Amoruso looks the goods huh??? Isnt it great that he plays for Torino these days.

[FerrariTifosi27]

True about the part that we won't go down without a fight, but disagree with us going down. This is the most strongest side we've had in a long time. If Di Michele or Papa Waigo and Guana or Fiore come into the side our squad will be complete. Stuani and Amoruso looks the goods, we just need to get a new trequartista and centrocampista and we'll be fine. I'm impressed with Capurro in preseason, the Uruguayan once he is signed will be set for a fine spell with us. Our squad should do some surprising upsets this season. Forza Reggina!

LOL, strongest side in a long time. This current team has nothing on your 06-07 side, and the replacements are unproven.

Amoruso looks the goods huh??? Isnt it great that he plays for Torino these days.

Yes it has this squad does look better and after seeing the preseason games this squad does look like it'll do very well, so shiraz you! We have had a killa preseason all wins except for a draw and a loss. You don't even follow the Amaranto's progress, you just assume our squad is cabernet when it looks classy and can compete this season with the best. Who cares about my mistake I was half asleep this morning I meant Corradi. If we finish in a killa position and I know we can with this squad at the end of the season me & the reggina fans will be pissing ourselves laughing at you. The only thing that your Lazio are lacking is faith. I'm not agreeing with this kid anymore. He acts like he can talk the talk but in the end he might not walk the walk. Just worry about your own club and quit your little mind games.

[The Kop]

Papastathopoulos will impress a lot at Genoa, shiraz steal at €3.8m.
Will be playing at an Inter, Juve, Roma or Milan within 2 seasons, thank god we've got a 20% sell on fee......

[Piola]

Yes it has this squad does look better and after seeing the preseason games this squad does look like it'll do very well, so shiraz you! We have had a killa preseason all wins except for a draw and a loss. You don't even follow the Amaranto's progress, you just assume our squad is cabernet when it looks classy and can compete this season with the best. Who cares about my mistake I was half asleep this morning I meant Corradi. If we finish in a killa position and I know we can with this squad at the end of the season me & the reggina fans will be pissing ourselves laughing at you. The only thing that your Lazio are lacking is faith. I'm not agreeing with this kid anymore. He acts like he can talk the talk but in the end he might not walk the walk. Just worry about your own club and quit your little mind games.

yea bro, no worries. Reggina can compete with the best, I guess they'll be fighting for Lo Scudetto again. Dont worry if it wasnt for the lega giving Milan and Juve blowjobs, Reggina would have one in the bag by now ey? We've heard it all before, at the end of the day, unless these new nobodies that they seem to sign every year pull something miraculous out of their ass, its another relegation dogfight for you

I follow enough - http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomer ... gina.shtml

blind faith isn't good, you'll set yourself up for disappointment

and lastly, who gives a f*ck what Reggina fans are laughing at????? When they are the biggest club in their regione, come back and talk

FORZA MASSIMO PALANCA!!!!

[FerrariTifosi27]

Yes it has this squad does look better and after seeing the preseason games this squad does look like it'll do very well, so shiraz you! We have had a killa preseason all wins except for a draw and a loss. You don't even follow the Amaranto's progress, you just assume our squad is cabernet when it looks classy and can compete this season with the best. Who cares about my mistake I was half asleep this morning I meant Corradi. If we finish in a killa position and I know we can with this squad at the end of the season me & the reggina fans will be pissing ourselves laughing at you. The only thing that your Lazio are lacking is faith. I'm not agreeing with this kid anymore. He acts like he can talk the talk but in the end he might not walk the walk. Just worry about your own club and quit your little mind games.

yea bro, no worries. Reggina can compete with the best, I guess they'll be fighting for Lo Scudetto again. Dont worry if it wasnt for the lega giving Milan and Juve blowjobs, Reggina would have one in the bag by now ey? We've heard it all before, at the end of the day, unless these new nobodies that they seem to sign every year pull something miraculous out of their ass, its another relegation dogfight for you

I follow enough - http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomer ... gina.shtml

blind faith isn't good, you'll set yourself up for disappointment

and lastly, who gives a f*ck what Reggina fans are laughing at????? When they are the biggest club in their regione, come back and talk

FORZA MASSIMO PALANCA!!!!

Midtable finish dude, and btw it isn't blind faith it's faith in God that's stronger. The Reggina fans we'll be pointing and laughing at you as your prediction goes down the drain along with all the media. Catanzaro merda they can stay in Serie D for as long as they want.

[Juventino]

The gazzetta did give Milan a 7 though so not sure if they can be trusted. Bloody bias . We need some Tuttosport rankings

[Piola]

lol

no worries

not basing anything on Gazzetta's rating, just the mercato moves listed there

[reggina]

Hey Bianchi dont worry about these laziale...they have a massive inferiority complex because of Roma...

But admittedly, Lazio DID look dangerous last year

If we had the cash that a team from the CAPITAL had we'd be alot stronger - but seriously, if there was one prez more hell bent on destroying their club than Foti of Reggina, it has to be LOTITO of Lazio right?

I mean, who takes a team from Champs League (where they embarrased Italian football) to a LOFTY 12th in Serie A (only 6 pts infront of Reggina by the way) in 10 months?

Yeah, if i was a Lazio fan, id be CREAMING...

[Reggina10Cozza]

Yes it has this squad does look better and after seeing the preseason games this squad does look like it'll do very well, so shiraz you! We have had a killa preseason all wins except for a draw and a loss. You don't even follow the Amaranto's progress, you just assume our squad is cabernet when it looks classy and can compete this season with the best. Who cares about my mistake I was half asleep this morning I meant Corradi. If we finish in a killa position and I know we can with this squad at the end of the season me & the reggina fans will be pissing ourselves laughing at you. The only thing that your Lazio are lacking is faith. I'm not agreeing with this kid anymore. He acts like he can talk the talk but in the end he might not walk the walk. Just worry about your own club and quit your little mind games.

yea bro, no worries. Reggina can compete with the best, I guess they'll be fighting for Lo Scudetto again. Dont worry if it wasnt for the lega giving Milan and Juve blowjobs, Reggina would have one in the bag by now ey? We've heard it all before, at the end of the day, unless these new nobodies that they seem to sign every year pull something miraculous out of their ass, its another relegation dogfight for you

I follow enough - http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomer ... gina.shtml

blind faith isn't good, you'll set yourself up for disappointment

and lastly, who gives a f*ck what Reggina fans are laughing at????? When they are the biggest club in their regione, come back and talk

FORZA MASSIMO PALANCA!!!!

You are calling Brienza and Corradi nobody's? and I would hardly call Costa and Sestu unknowns, probably two of the best young talents in Serie B, I think they will do well... seriously you go on about serie a being so good, but then you bag the quality of teams, it makes no sense.... Reggina's best line would look like this, and I expect more signings

----------Campagnolo
--Lanzaro---Cirillo---Aronica--
--Sestu-----------------Costa--
---------Barretto--Vigiani------
----Brienza-----------Cozza
------------Corradi...............................Not one unknown it that line up, but keep reading your your dodgy Italian news reports, anyone with any knowledge can see Reggina have a strong side this season.

[Piola]

You are calling Brienza and Corradi nobody's? and I would hardly call Costa and Sestu unknowns, probably two of the best young talents in Serie B, I think they will do well... seriously you go on about serie a being so good, but then you bag the quality of teams, it makes no sense.... Reggina's best line would look like this, and I expect more signings

----------Campagnolo
--Lanzaro---Cirillo---Aronica--
--Sestu-----------------Costa--
---------Barretto--Vigiani------
----Brienza-----------Cozza
------------Corradi...............................Not one unknown it that line up, but keep reading your your dodgy Italian news reports, anyone with any knowledge can see Reggina have a strong side this season.

I bag Reggina because I dont like them....why would I??

fyi, the unknowns are not the italians, but the foreigners that w are yet to see play in Italy, credit to the signings of the last 2 years that mostly adapted very well

3 teams have to go down bud, so far I've read many predictions from all sorts of people, experts, people on forums, and clowns like myself..the only people predicting survival are the Reggina fans!

[mail man]

Tutto calcio minuto per minuto

[sweeps]

good read....in depth.

Thanks amte

hope inter roll on!

[Piola]

Hey Bianchi dont worry about these laziale...they have a massive inferiority complex because of Roma...

But admittedly, Lazio DID look dangerous last year

If we had the cash that a team from the CAPITAL had we'd be alot stronger - but seriously, if there was one prez more hell bent on destroying their club than Foti of Reggina, it has to be LOTITO of Lazio right?

I mean, who takes a team from Champs League (where they embarrased Italian football) to a LOFTY 12th in Serie A (only 6 pts infront of Reggina by the way) in 10 months?

Yeah, if i was a Lazio fan, id be CREAMING...

of course we looked dangerous with Kolarov hitting 30+ m belters... who was that against again??

I wasnt aware that Foti was "destroying" Reggina?? Actually I thought he does good things for the Calos.

Lazio embarrassed Italian football in the CL??? I thought that it was the record breaking campioni Inter who did that, round of 16 after a season where you picked up 97 points just gives ammo to the ignorant anti-Italians doesn't it? make no mistake, apart from the laziali, no one was wasting their time watching us play CL

wouldn't worry though, if reggina go down, at least Inter's next Scudetto will soften the blow. at least reggina10cozza supports one club.

f*ck I love the season proper....regional rivalries every week

calabria resta merda

[FerrariTifosi27]

Hey Bianchi dont worry about these laziale...they have a massive inferiority complex because of Roma...

But admittedly, Lazio DID look dangerous last year

If we had the cash that a team from the CAPITAL had we'd be alot stronger - but seriously, if there was one prez more hell bent on destroying their club than Foti of Reggina, it has to be LOTITO of Lazio right?

I mean, who takes a team from Champs League (where they embarrased Italian football) to a LOFTY 12th in Serie A (only 6 pts infront of Reggina by the way) in 10 months?

Yeah, if i was a Lazio fan, id be CREAMING...

of course we looked dangerous with Kolarov hitting 30+ m belters... who was that against again??

I wasnt aware that Foti was "destroying" Reggina?? Actually I thought he does good things for the Calos.

Lazio embarrassed Italian football in the CL??? I thought that it was the record breaking campioni Inter who did that, round of 16 after a season where you picked up 97 points just gives ammo to the ignorant anti-Italians doesn't it? make no mistake, apart from the laziali, no one was wasting their time watching us play CL

wouldn't worry though, if reggina go down, at least Inter's next Scudetto will soften the blow. at least reggina10cozza supports one club.

f*ck I love the season proper....regional rivalries every week

calabria resta merda

I asked every single forumite on regginanews & gentereggina because I do have so much time on my hands and in all seriousness they all told me in their words that they all love Reggina and they support them with a passion. They also told me that every person in Calabria like Juve as a 2nd team not 1st they love Reggina, they said that Juve have built a small fan base their and there is only a small friendship between them. Oh well that closes that argument. You lose Laziale! It is all over between Amaranto fans and you. If we survive this season and I know sure as hell we can along with all Amaranto fans in Calabria & Australia/America etc. we'll be getting drunk and having a great time.

Lazio = Satan's wonderkids and one more thing most Laziale support Liverpool I couldn't believe that when I heard this. Under Lazio's training ground a dark fiery place is hidden below the surface.