Just like that another season of Serie A is upon us, this means you can hear calcio fans rejoicing across the world. The season kicks off today with Parma hosting last season’s Scudetto winning Juventus. This match is followed by last season’s runner up Napoli making the trip to Florence to take on a much rejuvenated Fiorentina. Many are predicting Juventus to be the favourite to win a ninth consecutive title, which can be hard to argue against with the signings of former Ajax central defender Matthijs de Ligt for £77 million. This paired with the free transfers of the Welsh and French internationals Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot makes them the definitive title favourite.
However, title contenders Inter and Napoli have also done their best to ensure that Juve’s reign at the top is contested until the last match day. Inter have strengthened their leadership in the form of new manager Antonio Conte, and strengthened the squad with the notable signings of attacker Romelu Lukaku, midfielder Nicolo Barella, and defender Diego Godin. Napoli on the other hand have added attacker Hirving Lozano, and defender Kostas Manolas from Roma to partner with the Koulibaly, whom many consider as one of the world’s best. The signings by these squads show intent but questions surrounding the Icardi drama (for Inter), and if Napoli can challenge with injury prone striker Milik.
Furthermore, the battle for fourth place and the final Champions League place should be interesting with Milan, Roma, and Lazio projected to be fighting for the spot, and the other two playing in the Europa League. Last season’s shock third place finishers Atalanta are in a tricky situation with them lacking squad depth and being in three competitions, many predict them to take a step back. With it being tough to rate this team we will have to see if they take this step back or shock everyone again and exceed expectations.
Moving down the table with Fiorentina, and Torino, their objectives should be to battle for seventh place which grants access to the Europa league qualification round. Fiorentina has made many big moves this summer such as the signings of Franck Ribery, and Prince Boateng and should greatly improve on their 16th place finish last season. Torino mainly kept their strong squad together which should keep continuity as they hope to improve on their eighth place finish. Whilst Parma, Sampdoria, Caligari, Bologna, and Genoa should make up the midtable. They have all made improvements and should all avoid relegation, but won’t be able to challenge for European places this season, barring a shock. Newly promoted Lecce, and Hellas Verona accompanied with Udinese and SPAL should be seriously worried about being relagated. Also, Sassuolo (sold everyone) and Brescia (even though they signed Balotelli) should be concerned with their squads quality and could be occupy a relegation place with an injury or two, but time will tell.
Nonetheless, excitement is in the air and many pundits are curious to watch if contenders Inter or Napoli can finally knock Juventus off the top and prevent them winning for a ninth consecutive season…or could it a be a dark horse similar to Leicester City in the Premier League? All that can be said is good luck (in bocca al lupo in italian) to the all the squads and let’s make for an exciting season in Serie A.
Post By That Serie A Guy
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