Sizing up Serie A

By: Bob | August 24th, 2007

As we approach the opening weekend of the 2007-2008 Serie A season with much anticipation, there is a feeling of both unfamiliarity and familiarity. For a change, the summer news has not been dominated by talk of point deductions and scandals. The craziness has largely been muted. At the same time, the league welcomes back some familiar faces.

Last season was a strange one in Italy. Fresh off the country’s World Cup winning efforts in Germany, Serie A lacked the drama and competitiveness of days gone by. Inter Milan basically wrapped the title up before the winter break, while Roma and AC Milan were content to play their way through the Champions League. These three teams are again the favorites to finish atop the Serie A table.

Inter lost one time in 38 league games last season. They outscored their opponents 80-34 along the way. They were dominant. And they return most of the key cogs in their machine. Added to the mix are Roma defender Cristian Chivu and Cagliari striker David Suazo.

Roma have added the Brazilian defenders Juan and Chinho, as well as former Barcelona winger Ludobic Giuly. They still appear to be very dependent on the success and health of striker Francesco Totti who is coming off a masterful 26-goal year.

Last season AC Milan had to dig their way out of an eight-point hole. At times they looked like they couldn’t be bothered with Serie A, but a strong finish and Champions League trophy brought Berlusconi’s boys back to life. It is a bit surprising that they didn’t use their Champions League riches to gobble up experienced world talent (I have a hard time using talent and Emerson in the same sentence), but they did acquire Alexandre Pato, the young Brazilian all the cool kids were lusting after.

The Old Lady returns to the fold this season with Juventus back in Serie A. Linked to just about every transfer rumor in the world, Juve are largely the same team that won promotion from Serie B. Their talent should see them through to the upper part of the table, but where it will lead them in the end is one of the more intriguing plots to watch this reason.

The rest of Serie A seemingly features teams that can be competitive but likely won’t challenge the big four. Traditional fans will be pleased to see the Napoli and Genoa are both back at the top level, marking the first time in 12 years that all the big city derbies are in the top level.

Infallible Predictions
I see this as a three-pony race with Inter being more of a thoroughbred than a pony. 1. Inter Milan 2. AC Milan 3. Roma 4. Juventus

Serie A Coverage
Our cast of characters covering the various Serie A teams do an excellent job. You’d be a fool not to check out their thoughts.

AC Milan Offside
Fiorentina Offside
Inter Milan Offside
Italy Offside
Juventus Offside
Napoli Offside
Palermo Offside
Roma Offside

Have a favorite Serie A that you would like to blog about? Get in touch