bet.MyForum.ro :: Italian League preview 2007-2008

Trimis: 27/08/2007 13:21

Here my preview on serie A that after last strange season without Juventus and many teams with penalty can be interesting with the return of three important teams like Juve, Napoli and Genoa.

Anyway Serie A is very far from the glory of 80' and 90' years. The best players of world don't like Italy anymore and prefer to go in England and Spain, and many Italian players too went in foreign leagues. Particularly serie A lost many central forward as Toni, Bianchi, Lucarelli and young talented Rossi and Pellè went across Europe.

This is my ranking for this years splitted up in groups

Inter
Milan challenging for Scudetto

Roma
Juventus Ch league with some chance to fight for title

Fiorentina Uefa Cup with chance for Champions League

Palermo
Lazio
Udinese challenging for a spot in Uefa Cup and Intertoto

Sampdoria
Torino midtable with some chance for an European spot,
Livorno particularly for Sampdoria
Napoli

Atalanta safe salvation

Catania
Parma
Empoli challenging for salvation with Cagiari and Reggina
Siena that are weaker
Genoa
Reggina
Cagliari

For every team I indicate possible line-up, coach and pre-seasonal results

INTER (4-4-2)

Julio Cesar
Maicon
Cordoba
Materazzi
CHIVU
Vieira
Cambiasso
Zanetti
Stankovic
Crespo
Ibrahimovic

Mancini

In: Cesar (d, Livorno, f.p.), Chivu (d, Roma), Rivas (d, River Plate), Coco (d, Torino), Jimenez (m, Lazio), Fatic (m, Chievo), Suazo (f, Cagliari)

Out: Carini (g, Murcia), Andreolli (d, Roma), Grosso (d, Lione), Gonzalez (m, Porto), Choutos (f, Larissa)

Inter-Alto Adige 2-0
Inter-Cina Olimpica 3-0
Inter-Partizan 1-0
Inter-Valencia 0-2
Arsenal-Inter 2-1
Manchester Un.-Inter 2-3
Aston Villa-Inter 3-0
Inter-Juventus 1-0 (45 minuti)
Inter-Napoli 2-0 (45 minuti)
Az-Inter 4-2
Milan-Inter 0-1 (45 minuti)
Inter-Juve 5-4 rig. (0-0 45 minuti)
Roma-Inter 1-0 (Supercoppa)

Inter returned to win Scudetto on the field after 18 years that means an eternity for an historical club and for his owner Moratti that spent millions ov euro every season. Their task was easier as Juventus was in înșiruire B and Milan had penalty, anyway Inter march was impressive with a integral dominion of tournament. Inter were already the best team and now are even stronger having improved their roster with defender Chivu from Roma and striker Suazo from Cagliari. Chivu will be very important since is able to play both in the middle of the defense and on left side and can play also in midfield. Suazo is an important weapon for Counter-attack. Inter have an excellent midfield with players like Stankovic, Veira and Cambiasso and an incredible choice for attack since apart Ibrahimovic, the only one sure of a spot in line-up there are Crespo, Cruz, Recoba and Adriano.

MILAN (4-3-1-2)

Dida
Oddo
Nesta
Maldini
Jankulovski
Gattuso
Pirlo
Seedorf
Kakà
Ronaldo
Inzaghi

Ancelotti

In: Ba (m, free), Digao (d, Rimini), Pato (f, Internacional Porto Alegre, Emerson (m Real Madrid)

Out: Storari (g, Levante), Costacurta (d, retired), Grimi (d, Siena); Oliveira (f, Real Saragozza), Borriello (f, Genoa)

Lecco-Milan 0-4
Milan-Psv 3-4 rig (0-0)
Lok. Mosca-Milan 7-8 rig (3-3)
Betis-Milan 1-0
Milan-Inter 0-1 (45 minuti)
Milan-Juventus 1-1 (45 minuti)
Milan-Juventus 2-0

Milan are the main opponent for Inter. Last season the scandal cost penalty points and some problems in pre-season for un unexpected qualification round of CL that caused some problem for their preparation. Anyway Milan were great in he second half of the season and forgot all their domestic sorrows winning Champions' League. Milan didn't change many players and team have many old players but two purchases made them stronger. Emerson can be important if will return to play at high standard, Pato are a skilfull plaers that could be a "new Kakà". Owner Berlusconi like a team with two strikers more Kaka, but probably with the arrive of Emerson Ancellotti will play with a lone striker. With Emerson Milan is closer to Inter. Not same large roster but a tested and organized kind of play.

ROMA (4-2-3-1)

Doni
Panucci (CICINHO)
Mexes
JUAN
Tonetto
De Rossi
Pizarro
Taddei
Perrotta
Mancini
Totti

Spalletti

In: Juan (d, Bayer Leverkusen), Kuffour (d, Livorno), Andreolli (d, Inter), Alvarez (m, Messina), Brighi (m, Chievo), Pit (m, Bellinzona), Barusso (m, Rimini), Giuly (m, Barcellona), Esposito (f, Cagliari)

Out: Chivu (d, Inter), Faty (m, Bayer Leverkusen), Wilhelmsson (m, Bolton); Tavano (f, Livorno), Okaka (f, Modena)

Last season Roma was the team to show best football and also the only team that were able to give some problems to Inter. They won in Milan and in the final of Coppa Italia with an incredible 6-2 in the first leg. The recent Extra Coppa demonstred that Roma can compete with Inter. Roma lost defender Chivu that renforced Inter. Probably team aren't better than last year but more complete with more good players on the bench.Totti won't play in National team anymore and can be focused only on Roma. Juan isn't Chivu but form an excellent central couple together with NMexes. Giuly, Esposito, Brighi, Kuffour and Barusso good renforces for the bench. Roma are still far from Inter and Milan but skills of their coach Spalletti micșorează the gap.
Preview must be updated with the sigh of Cicinho that improve furtherly Roma that now is closer to top couple.

JUVENTUS (4-4-2)

Buffon
GRYGERA
ANDRADE
CRISCITO
Chiellini
Camoranesi
ALMIRON
NOCERINO
Nedved
Del Piero
Trezeguet

RANIERI

In: Vanstrattan (g, Verona), Molinaro (d, Siena), Grygera (d, Ajax), Criscito (d, Genoa), Andrade (d, Deportivo La Coruna), Nocerino (m, Piacenza), Salihamidzic (m, Bayern Monaco), Almiron m, Empoli), Tiago (m, Lione), Olivera (m, Sampdoria f.p), Iaquinta (f, Udinese)

Out: Mirante (g, Sampdoria), Bonnefoi (g, Dijon), Piccolo (d, Empoli), Balzaretti (d, Fiorentina), Kovac (d, Borussia Dortmund), Tudor (d, Hajduk Spalato), Paro (m, Genoa), De Ceglie (m, Siena) , Giannichedda (m, Livorno), Venitucci (m, Treviso), Tacchinardi (m, Brescia), Kapo (m, Birmingham), Guzman (m, Piacenza), Marchisio (m, Empoli), Giovinco (f, Empoli), Maniero (f, Ascoli), Bojinov (f, Manchester City), Zalayeta (f, Napoli)

Juventus-Mezzocorona 5-0
Juventus-Cina Olimpica 4-0
Newcastle-Juventus 2-0
Amburgo-Juventus 1-0
Sunderland-Juventus 1-1
Napoli-Juventus 0-1 (45 minuti)
Juventus-Inter 0-1 (45 minuti)
Juventus-Roma 5-2
Milan-Juventus 1-0 (45 minuti)
Inter-Juve 5-4 rig. (0-0 45 minuti)
Milan-Juventus 2-0

After a year in purgatory Juventus return in serie A and can immediately to act an important role. They have four world champions (Iaquinta from Udinese joined to Buffon, Del Piero and Camoranesi), have two great expert players like Nedved and Trezeguet and bought many good players, and most important imo will be the most unknowed since defender Criscito and midfielder Nocerino have a great futura and have already convinced coach Ranieri to give them a place in line-up. Juventus have something less than Roma and obviously than Milan and Inter but the fact that they will be involved in European Cups allow them to be focused on domestic leauge in every part of the season.For this reason Juventus will have an advantacge that could take them on the fight for the title.

FIORENTINA 4-2-3-1

Frey
Ujfalusi
Dainelli
Gamberini
Pasqual
Donadel
Montolivo
Santana
Mutu
SEMIOLI
Pazzini

Prandelli

In: Vanden Borre (d, Anderlecht), Balzaretti (d, Juventus), Mazuch (d, Brno), Hable (m, Hradec), Semioli (m, Chievo), Lupoli (f, Derby County), Vieri (f, Atalanta)

Out: Brivio (d, Atalanta), Toni (f, Bayern), Pettinari (m, Reggina), Reginaldo (f, Parma), Blasi (m, Napoli)

Fiorentina-Veneto Team 3-2
Fiorentina-Larissa 0-0
Fiorentina-Figline 2-0
Fiorentina-Fiorentina youth 5-0
Fiorentina-Viareggio 2-0
At.Bilbao-Fiorentina 3-0

Fiorentina appears the only team that could gain a spot in CL apart the four big teams of the league. They had two great season and without penalty they had token two 3th place. Key-striker Toni moved to Munich and this is a geat loss to hope in fight for the best positions anyway Fiorentina are a team that have great prospect for the future since have many talented young players so as striker Pazzini and midfielder Montolivo. Mutu had a great season and will be the key player. The team is renforced on the wings with the purchase of Balzaretti from Juventus and Simeoli from Chievo. On the bench there will be an other promising young players like Lupoli. Frey are the best goalie apart Buffon imo and have a qualty defence particularly on the sides with Ujfalusi and Pasqual. It's difficult to understand signing of Vieri, that is a player with a gret past but that seems to have fired all his cartidges.

PALERMO (4-4-2)

Fontana
Zaccardo
Barzagli
RINAUDO
Pisano
Diana
Guana
Simplicio
JANKOVIC
MICCOLI
Amauri

COLANTUONO

In: Conteh (d, Atalanta), Bovo (d, Torino), Rinaudo (d. Siena), Migliaccio (m. Atalanta), Ujkani (g. Anderlecht), Matteini (f. Empoli), Jankovic (f. Maiorca), Miccoli (f. Benfica).

Out: Corini (m. Torino), Caracciolo (f. Sampdoria), Parravicini (m. Parma), Di Michele (f. Torino), Bovo (d. Genoa), Ciaramitaro (m, Chievo)

Kaernten-Palermo 1-3
Palermo-Lecce 2-3
Palermo-Triestina 3-1
Palermo-Vicenza 1-2
Palermo-Itala San Marco 3-2
Palermo-Saragozza 4-2

Palermo lost key-player Corini but the team seems improved a lot with new purchases. Miccoli can form a well-mixed attack couple together with Amauri (and on the bench there is young talented Cavani). Migliaccio from Atalanta, pupil of new coach Colantuono, will give substance to a midfield that have quality offered by Jankovic and Simplico. In defence there are International Zaccardo and Barzagli. Palermo weren't too much brilliant in pre-season but is destinated to improve unter the guidance of Colantuono, that have always obtained good results in his career and that seems destinated to become one of best Italian coaches.

LAZIO (4-3-1-2)

Ballotta
SCALONI
Siviglia
Stendardo
Zauri
Mudingayi
Ledesma
Mutarelli
Mauri
Pandev
Rocchi

Rossi

In:Kolarov (d, Ofk Belgrado); Scaloni (d, Racing Santander), Quadri (m, Spezia), Correa (m, Lucchese), Del Nero (m, Brescia), Meghni (m, Bologna)

Out: Peruzzi (g, retired), Bonetto (m, Bologna), Sereni (g, Torino), Jimenez (m, Inter), Foggia (m, Cagliari)

Lazio-West Ham 2-0
Lazio-Kapfenberg 2-1
Lazio-Peikan 2-0
Lazio-Southampton 5-2
Lazio-Arsenal 1-2
Lazio-Atletico Madrid 1-3
Lazio-Panathimaikos 2-1
Lazio-Fiuggi 7-0 (45 minuti)
Lazio-Ferentino 3-0 (45 minuti)
Lazio-Dinamo Bucarest 1-1 (prel. Champions)
Lazio-Colleferro 2-0
Lazio-Sora 2-0

Analysis of Lazio can change after the match of CL against Dynamo Bucarest that is the real crossroads of the season. A fast elimination could represent an heavy blow on the spirit and on the finances of the Club. Lazio had a great season last year due to an excellent work of coach Rossi that were able to built a squad with good organization. Lazio have almost the same squad of last season. The only new regular is Scaloni, while there is a problem for the goalie since Peruzzi stopped to play, the purchase of Carrizo from River Plate is suspended since he won't have Italian citizenship that is necessary to complete the signing, and actual goalies Ballotta (43 years old) and Berni don't give adequate warranties. Lazio have his strenght in attack with couple Pandev-Rocchi and the support of mdfielder Mauri. Other two important players are ledt back Zauri and midfielder Ledesma.It will be diifult to repeat the results of last season but a spot in Uefa Cup is very probable.

UDINESE (4-3-3)

HANDANOVIC
MESTO
Coda
Zapata
Felipe
Pinzi
Obodo
D'Agostino
QUAGLIARELLA
FLORO FLORES
Di Natale

MARINO

In: Chimenti (g, Cagliari), Handanovic (g, Rimini, f.p.), Micolucci (d, Bari), Mesto (d/m, Reggina), Boudianski (m, Ascoli), Inler (m, Zurigo), Candreva (m, Ternana), Floro Flores (f, Arezzo), Quagliarella (f, Sampdoria), Pepe (f, Cagliari), Sforzini (f, Modena), Goitom (f, Murcia), Ferronetti (d, Parma)

Out: De Sanctis (g, Siviglia), Natali (d, Torino), Muntari (m, Portsmouth), Iaquinta (f, Juventus), Buonoc**to (f, Prato), Paolucci (m, Prato), Montiel (m, Reggina), Barreto (f, Treviso), D. Zenoni (m, Parma)

Udinese-Spezia 3-0
Udinese-Monaco 1-1
Coventry-Udinese 0-2
Udinese-Arta Cedarchis 19-0
Udinese-Rivignano 7-0
Udinese-Under 17 Colombia 1-1
Foggia-Udinese 1-1

Udinese are another team that will fight for a spot in European Cups. They sold key-strker Iaquinta but in spite of this thay have still a first-class strikers. Di Natale and Qualiarella are both playing in National team and floro Flores is among the best Italian young strikers (and on the bench there are other two good strikers like Asamoah and Pepe). Imprtant players were sold like goali De Sanctis, defender Natali and midfielder Muntari but there is still quality in the midfied with Obodo and in defense with Zapata and Felipe. Coach Marino mde a great work with Catania in the first half of the season taking the team in CL zone and only after the bloody night of derby with Palermo, with the killing of a policeman and the ban of the ground, Catania dropped in the table risking relegation.

SAMPDORIA (3-4-2-1)

Castellazzi
LUCCHINI
Sala
Accardi
Maggio
Palombo
Volpi
Ziegler
CASSANO
BELLUCCI
MONTELLA

MAZZARRI

In: Mirante (g, Juventus), Lucchini (d, Empoli), Campagnaro (d, Piacenza), Gastaldello (d, Siena), Poli (m, Treviso), Eramo (m, Bari), Sammarco (m, Chievo), Bonanni (m, Ascoli), Bellucci (f, Bologna), Caracciolo (f, Palermo), Montella (f, Fulham), Cassano (f, Real Madrid), Kalu (f, Chiasso)

Out:Falcone (d, Parma), Terlizzi (d, Catania), Parola (m, Cagliari), Olivera (m, Juventus), Quagliarella (f, Udinese), Bazzani (f, Brescia), Romeo (f, Legnano), Soddimo (m, Cremonese)

Samp-Montipallidi 15-0
Cherno More-Samp 0-1 (prel. Uefa)
Samp-Cherno More 1-0 (prel. Uefa)
Newcaste-Sampdoria 1-0
Sampdoria-Albinoleffe 0-0
Hajduk-Sampdoria 0-1 (prel. Uefa)

After five years Sampdoria change Coach and substitute Novellino with Mazzarri. Novellino had great results in the first three years with a promotion in succesiune A and an 8th and a 5th place, very close to grab a spot for CL. Latest two tears were anonymous and I think that is right to change. Sampdoria lost Quagliarella that was key-player last year with great goals, but the attack is still strong on the paper with Cassano, Montella and Bellucci, and with Caracciolo on the bench. If Montella have still stamina, Bellucci will confirm the quality of latest two seasons in serie B, and Cassano will stop to make stupid think and will demonstre to be matured then Sampdoria could fight for an European spot, otherwise it will be another medium season for Sampdoria. Mazzari will change the module passing from 4-4-2 to 3-4-1-2 but the key-players of midfield will be atill Volpi and Palombo that form a couple very strongly in covering.

TORINO (4-4-2)

SERENI
Comotto
NATALI
Di Loreto
LANNA
Rosina
CORINI
GRELLA
Lazetic
VENTOLA
BJELANOVIC

NOVELLINO

In: Sereni (g, Lazio); Masiero (d, Ancona), Rubin (d, Cittadella), Natali (d, Udinese), Lanna (d, Chievo); Corini (m, Palermo), Grella (m, Parma), P. Zanetti (m, Ascoli); Ventola (f, Atalanta), Bjelanovic (f, Ascoli), Malonga (f, Monaco), Di Michele (f, Palermo)

Out: Taibi (g, Ascoli), Abbiati (g, Atletico Madrid), Franceschini (d, Atalanta), Balestri (d, Mantova), Bovo (d, Genoa), Coco (d, Inter), De Ascentis (m, Atalanta), Gallo (m, Novara), Ardito (m, Lecce), Konan (f, Lecce), Abbruscato (f, Lecce), Muzzi (f, Padova)

Torino-Malles 10-0
Torino-Val Venosta 8-0
Torino-Larissa 3-0
Torino-Treviso 1-0
Tottenham-Torino 2-0
Torino-Bruges 2-1
Genoa-Torino 4-4 (8-6 dopo gli shoot out)
Torino-Acqui 3-0
Torino-Penarol 4-3

Torino was a great disappointing last year. Chairman Cairo spent money and bought many players but maybe compromise the season with the sacking of coach De Biasi, substituted by Zaccheroni. A great mistake if we consider that he recalled former coach to save Torino from relegation. Now the coach is Novellino that have always obteined good results in his career apart latest two disappointing seasons with Sampdoria. Market was very good and are arrived good players like defenders Natali and Lanna, midfielders Corini and Grella and striker Di Michele (that will miss in the first month for suspension) but very important is the confimation of Rosina. Torino are improved a lot and won't have problem about relegation but maybe have something less than other teams to fight for Uefa Cup.

LIVORNO (4-4-2)

Amelia
Grandoni
Knezevic
Galante
Pasquale
A. Filippini
PULZETTI
GIANNICHEDDA
E. FILIPPINI
TRISTAN
TAVANO

Orsi

In: De Lucia (g, Parma); Loviso (m, Sambenedettese), E. Filippini (m, Bologna), Dhorasoo (m, Paris S.G.), Rossini (f, Catania), Tavano (f, Valencia), Diamanti (f, Prato), Volpe (f, Ravenna), Pulzetti (cm, Verona), Tristan (f, Maiorca); Giannichedda (m, Juventus)

Out: Kuffour (d, Roma, f.p.), Pfertzel (d, Bochum), Fiore (m, Mantova), Cesar (m, Inter, f.p.), Coppola (m, Messina), Passoni (m, Mantova), Giallombardo (m, Ascoli), Gambadori (m, Pistoiese), Morrone (m, Parma); Paulinho (f, Grosseto), Lucarelli (f, Shakhtar Donetsk)

Livorno-Dimaro 13-0
Livorno-Pro Sesto 2-0
Livorno-Mezzocorona 2-1
Carrarese-Livorno 1-2
Aek Atene-Livorno 1-3
Paok Salonicco-Livorno 1-1
Livorno-Pistoiese 1-1
Villareal-Livorno 6-5

Livorno have lost key-striker Lucarelli and other important players like Fiore, Pasoni, Morrone and Kuffour, but was very active on market and new purchase can allow them to avoid the fear of last season when reached the salvation just a round before the end of the tournament and with a fixed draw with Torino that had same problems. New strikers Tavano and Tristan have high value even if they were very disappointing in last season. Giannichedda is an expert midfielder that can give necessary order on the field. Pulzetti is an interesting midfielder that had a good pre-season and that probably have gained a spot in line-up. The key-player is Amelia that in my opinion is the best Italian goalie below Buffon.

NAPOLI (3-5-2)

Iezzo
P. Cannavaro
Domizzi
CONTINI
Grava
HAMSIK
GARGANO
BLASI
Rullo
LAVEZZI
Calaiò

Reja

In: Contini (d, Parma), Gargano (m, Danubio), Hamsik (m, Brescia), Schettino (m, Pro Vasto), Giglio (f, Gallipoli), G. Esposito (f, Pro Vasto), Lavezzi (f, San Lorenzo), Blasi (m, Fiorentina), Zalayeta (f, Juventus)

Out: Giubilato (d, Vicenza), Trotta (d, Treviso), Amodio (m, Treviso), Bucchi (f, Siena)

In latest days Napoli bought three players that raised the value of the roster. Contini are a good defender, and able to play both in center than on the side of defense, Zalayeta isn't a striker usefull for air play, Blasi are an expert midfielder very strong in defensive phase. Napoli made smart purchaes with midfielders Gargano and Hamsik and striker Lavezzi, all them young and promising players that are already in their national team and are a good investment for the future. Calaiò scored much in latest years in C and B and finally can demonstre his value in higher divisin. The main problem of Napoli is coach Reja, that have a defensive attitude and a jurassic style. Napoli rarely showed good football in latest two years but had two promotion in a row, amd for this reason chairman De Laurentis mantain that to confirm Reja is a fair decision.

ATALANTA (4-4-1-1)

COPPOLA
Rivalta
Talamonti
Carrozzieri
Bellini
Ferreira Pinto
DE ASCENTIS
Tissone
LANGELLA
Doni
Zampagna

DEL NERI

In: Forsyth (g, Alianza Lima), Coppola (g, Piacenza), Franceschini (d, Torino), De Ascentis (m, Torino), Lazzari (m, Piacenza), Guarente (m, Verona), Padoin (m, Vicenza), Muslimovic (f, Parma), Osvaldo (f, Lecce), Langella (f, Cagliari), Floccari (f, Messina)

Out: Calderoni (g, Treviso), Brivio (d, Vicenza), Loria (d, Siena), Conteh (d, AlbinoLeffe), Ariatti (m, Lecce), Migliaccio (m, Palermo), Donati (m, Celtic), Ventola (f, Torino), Vieri (f, Fiorentina), Bombardini (m, Bologna)

Atalanta-Presolana 16-0
Atalanta-Tritium 3-1
Atalanta-Varese 4-1
Atalanta-Monza 1-0
Deportivo-Atalanta 7-6 rig (1-1)
Atalanta-Belenenses 1-2
Cremonese-Atalanta 1-2
Atalanta-Empoli 1-1

Atalanta sold two important players like defender Loria and midfielder Migliaccio thet were among the best ones in last season. Coach Colantuono too move to Palermo. The most important news for Atalanta is the arrive of coach Delneri, that after many excellent seasons in lower division and in serie B and A with Chievo, failed totally in Roma and Palermo showing to be unable to support the heavy pressure that there is in important teams. Atalanta could be the right team for a revenge. Delneri will found two players like Ferreira Pinto and Langella that can be the right players to develop his usual play oh the wings with a 4-4-2 that can trasform in a 4-2-4. There is high quality in mifield with Tissone, Costinha (but the Portoguese haven't officialy completed his signing) and Doni. Atalanta have something more than other supposed low-table teams and with Costinha can be save themselves fro m relegation without many problems.

CATANIA (4-2-3-1)

BIZZARRI
Silvestri
TERLIZZI
Stovini
Vargas
Baiocco
G. TEDESCO
Mascara
Edusei
Caserta
Spinesi

BALDINI

In: Bizzarri (g, Gimnastic Tarragona), Terlizzi (d, Sampdoria), Gia. Tedesco (m, Reggina); Gazzola (m, Torres), Llama (m, Arsenal), Del Core (f, Cesena), Babù (f, Verona), Jorge Martinez (f, National Montevideo)

Out: A. Tedesco (d, Gela), Cesar (d, Chievo), Bucolo (m, Gela), Danucci (m, Ternana), Iannelli (f, Gela), Monastra (m, Gela), Rossini (f, Livorno), Corona (f, Mantova)

Catania-Val d'Aosta 5-0
Catania-Gela 6-0
Catania-Atromitos 2-1
Catania-Paternò 8-1
Catania-Pisa 0-0
Panathinaikos-Catania 2-1

Ctania had a double-face season. In winter were in CL zone (even because best teams have penalty in the table) but afer the derby with Palermo and following suspension of the ground they felt down and risked the relegation. Catania have more or less same quality than last year even if they lost something in attack with the sold of Corona. Anyway new coach Baldini will play with a lone striker and Spinesi can be enough. Defender Terlizzi is a good defender able with head in attack zone, and Giacomo Tedesco is a good midfielder for a low-table team. There is curiosity about Argentinian Llama from Arsenal and goalie Bizzarri. Three players were put out of roster (Pantanelli, Biso and Lucenti) but are returned after the decison of judge that considered "mobbing" the behaviohur of Catania. I can't see anything than fight from salvation for Catania.

PARMA (4-3-3)

Bucci
ZENONI
FALCONE
Couto
Castellini
Parravicini
Cigarini
MORRONE
Gasbarroni
Budan
REGINALDO

DI CARLO

In: Petr (g, Banik Ostrava), Pavarini (g, Siena), D. Zenoni (d/m, Udinese), Falcone (d, Sampdoria), M. Rossi (d, Modena, f.p.), Savi (m, Monza f.p.), Morrone (m, Livorno), Reginaldo (f, Fiorentina)

Out: De Lucia (g, Livorno), Contini (d, Napoli), Perna (d, Modena), Grella (m, Torino), Muslimovic (f, Udinese), G. Rossi (f, Villareal), Kutuzov (f, Pisa), Bolano (m, Modena), Ferronetti (d, Udinese)

Parma-Cittadella 1-1
Celtic-Parma 1-0
Parma-Spezia 2-0
Huelva-Parma 2-4 pen (1-1)
Parma-Saragozza 2-0
Parma-Brescia 1-3 pen (0-0, 45 minuti)
Parma-Ravenna 3-1 pen(0-0, 45 minuti)
Parma-Meletolese 5-0

Parma is considered a possible surprise particlarly because there is trust in new coach Di Carlo, but I insert them in the group of teams that will fight to avoid relegation. Last season Parma seemes sure relegated but were able to reach salvation thans coach Ranieri and striker Giuseppe Rossi. Now both left Parma and were sold other good players like Grella and Contini. Defenders Zenoni and Falcone, and midfielder are players that can give experience to many young players of Parma. Striker Budan stayed in Parma and will be key-player to avoid relegation.

EMPOLI (4-2-3-1)

Bassi
Raggi
Adani
Marzoratti
Tosto
Marianini
MARCHISIO
Buscè
GIACOMAZZI
Vannucchi
Saudati

Cagni

In;Piccolo (d, Juventus), Abate (m, Modena), Marchisio (m, Juventus), Antonini (m, Siena), Giacomazzi (m, Lecce), Giovinco (f, Juve), Volpato (f, Arezzo)

Out: Lucchini (d, Samp.), Almiron (m, Juventus), Matteini (m/f, Palermo), Ficini (m, free)

Empoli-Carrarese 5-0
Empoli-Frosinone 3-1
Empoli-Cagliari 0-0

It will be difficult to repeat the great result reached last season with the first qualification for Uefa Cup in Empoli's history. The lost of Almiron is too important as he was absolutely the key-player of the team but also defender Lucchini and attacking midfielder Matteini were importat players. In addition other good defender Pratali is actually out of roster as he quarreled with Club as he have many requests and want be sold. The fortune of Empoli could come from Juventus' trio Giovinco-Marchisio-Volpato (last one played in Arezzo last season) but their quality must be verified in higher division. Goali Balli (40 years old) will be on the bench and young Bassi is promoted like regular. Uefa Cup could represent a problem for Empoli that haven't a large roster but I think that when season will be hot will be used reserves in Europe, so as very often happens for Italian teams.

SIENA (4-3-3)

Manninger
Bertotto
Portanova
A. LUCARELLI
GRIMI
Vergassola
Codrea
DE CEGLIE
Frick
Chiesa
Maccarone

MANDORLINI

In: Eleftheropoulos (g, Ascoli), A. Lucarelli (d, Reggina), Loria (d, Atalanta), Grimi (d, Milan), Ficagna (d, Cesena), Veron (m, Reggina), Caetano (m, Ipatinga), Jarolim (m, Slavia Praga), De Ceglie (m, Juventus), Guadalupi (m, Perugia), Bettega (m, Juventus), Forestieri (f, Genoa), Bucchi (f, Napoli), Scardovelli (d, Campogrande)

Out: Pavarini (g, Parma), Molinaro (d, Juventus), Gastaldello (d, Sampdoria), Rinaudo (d, Palermo), Cozza (m, Reggina), Antonini (m, Empoli), Konko (m, Genoa), Eremenko (m, Udinese)

Siena-Foligno 6-1
Siena-Viterbese 2-1
Siena-Atromitos 0-0
Siena-Ascoli 1-0
Siena-Valle Giovenco 1-2
Siena-Scafatese 4-0
Siena-Sorrento 2-1
Siena-Perugia 3-0
Cesena-Siena 0-2

It will be a difficult season for Siena, that after the market seems weaker than last season, or at least no improved. They needed something in attack but nobody arrived, so new coach Mandorlini is obliged to insist on the three strikers that had not a good season. Itps difficult to understand why Siena bought defender Lucarelli from Reggina and then sold it to Genoa. He isn't a champion but a reliable defender that now will improve an opponent in the fight for salvation that had problems in defense after the injury of two players.

GENOA (3-4-3)

Rubinho
BOVO
De Rosa
SANTOS
Rossi
Milanetto
PARO
Fabiano
PAPA WAIGO
BORRIELLO
Di Vaio

Gasperini

In: Pegolo (g, Verona), Barasso (g, Taranto), Santos (d, AlbinoLeffe), Bovo (d, Palermo), Paro (m, Juventus), Danilo (m, Ponte Preta), Konko (m, Siena), Papa Waigo (f, Cesena), Borriello (f, Milan)

Out: Galeoto (d, Messina), Criscito (d, Juventus), Carobbio (m, Albinoleffe), Botta (m, Cesena), Di Maio (d, Lugano), Tavares (f, Lugano), Forestieri (f, Siena)

Genoa-Val Stubaital 9-0
Genoa-Pavia 3-0 (45 minuti)
Legnano-Genoa 2-0 (45 minuti)
Genoa-Bassano 6-4
Genoa-Padova 1-0 (45 minuti)
Genoa-Cagliari 0-1 (45 minuti)
Trento-Genoa 0-5
Genoa-Torino 4-4 (8-6 dopo gli shoot out)
Genoa-Grosseto 2-1 (Coppa Italia)
Ascoli-Genoa 3-2 (Coppa Italia)

Genoa are considered like a possible upset and somebody think that they can reach higher half of the table. Surely Genoa were the team that played best football last year in serie B. They always looked for the win, but sometimes happened to lose matches cnceding goals in counter-attack even with weak teams. Coach Gasperini play with a 3-4-3 module that can means a suicide in serie A where opponent teams have higher quality. Genoa have improved the attack with Papa Waigo and Borriello, but lost an important defender like Criscito, that is very young but that wil be regular in Juventus, and this fact says clearly how strong he is. Two defenders Bovo and Masiello are inured and Genoa was obliged to sign Lucarelli from Siena, but he will need time to insert themselves in the particular module of Genoa. In my opinion with his kind of play Genoa can beat every team in a single match but will struggle in long run.

REGGINA (4-3-1-2)

Campagnolo
Lanzaro
VALDEZ
Aronica
Modesto
Vigiani
CASCIONE
Tognozzi
COZZA
Amoruso
JOELSON

FICCADENTI

In: Kovacsik (g, Labdarugo); Cherubin (d, Cittadella), Alvarez (d, Nacional Montevideo), Miguel Garcia (d, Sporting Lisbona), Collacchioni (d, Pistoiese), Valdez (d, Treviso); Pettinari (m, Fiorentina), Preklet (m, Gyori), Cozza (m, Siena), Cascione (m, Rimini), Barreto (m, Nec), Montiel (m, Udinese); Joelson (f, AlbinoLeffe), Halfredsson (m, Lyn)

Out: Puggioni (g, Perugia), Lucarelli (d, Siena), Mesto (d/m, Udinese), Amerini (m, Frosinone), Di Dio (d, Ternana), Esteves (m, Maritmo), Gia. Tedesco (m, Catania), Foggia (m, Cagliari), Veron (m, Siena), Gazzi (m, Bari), Bianchi (f, Manchester City)

Reggina-Valenzana 5-1
Reggina-Wisla Cracovia 1-1
Reggina-Toluca 0-2
Reggina-Sorrento 1-0
Reggina-Deruta 1-0 (45 minuti)
Reggina-Foligno 1-0 (45 minuti)
Reggina-Cisco 4-0

Reggina so as Cagliari will be fight hardly to avoid relegation. Last season was wonderful, with an incredible salvation in spite of heavy penalty of points in the table, but the team is very unweakened after the market. The lost of coach Mazzari is heavy even if novice coach Ficcadenti isn't bad, but even more important is the departure of striker Bianchi, that scored 18 goals in last season and was decisive for salvation. Other important sold players are defenders Mesto and Lucarelli and midifielders Foggia, Veron and Tedesco and the new players don't seems able to warrany the same level. Reggina need a miracle to avoid relegation.

CAGLIARI (4-4-2)

Fortin
Ferri
Lopez
Bianco
Del Grosso
FOGGIA
PAROLA
Conti
FINI
ACQUAFRESCA
MATRI

Giampaolo

In: Marruocco (g, Foggia), Magliocchetti (d, Roma), Fini (m, Ascoli), Parola (m, Sampdoria), Shala (m, Foggia), Foggia (m, Reggina), Matri (f, Rimini), Larrivey (f, Huracan), Acquafresca (f, Treviso)

Out: Aresti (g, Pistoiese), Chimenti (g, Udinese), Semedo (d, Charlton), L. Colucci (m, svincolato), Conticchio (m, free), Penalba (m, Quilmes), Suazo (f, Inter), Capone (f, Vicenza), Pepe (f, Udinese), Esposito (f, Roma), Langella (f, Atalanta)

Cagliari-Maita Alta 5-1
Cagliari-Alto Adige 1-1
Cagliari-Cisco 3-1
Cagliari-Rimini 1-1
Cagliari-Padova 2-0 (45 minuti)
Genoa-Cagliari 0-1 (45 minuti)
Cagliari-Brescia 1-1
Empoli-Cagliari 0-0

Coach Giampaolo is considered among the best young players and if will save Cagliari will demontre to be a great coach. Cagliari sold all the strikers that played there in last season. Suazo was the key-player but very important were Langella and Esposito too (both called in National team before last disappointing last season) that were bought by Atalanta and Roma. Also substitute Capone and Pepe are players with some skills. Cagliari sold also midfielder Colucci and goalie Chimenti. Giampaolo said that without Suaso Cagliari will play better and to have a good team he called Parola, Fini and foggia, three midfielder that had a good season two years ago in Ascoli coached by Giampoli. Really midfield seems enough reliable since also Conti is a decent player, but problems will be in forward where strikers Larrivey, Matri and Acquafresca must be verified in serie A and paricularly in defence that seems the worst one of the whole league.

Trimis: 17/09/2009 03:53

I am energized to meet new people here. It appears to be a
amazing place!

I'm happy.

How random is this? I wound up on this forum
as I was scouring the net for google images! How stupid is that?

I long to submit my ideas here

Peace