Atalanta go into the new season hoping to replicate their efforts from last term when they finished in a highly respectable ninth place.
The Nerazzurri have been in outstanding pre-season form, having won all eight of their games, and they will be in confident mood going into this clash.
Siena saved themselves from relegation last year with a magnificent 2008, eventually ending the season in the lofty heights of 13th.
The Tuscans’ pre-season results have been mixed, with four wins, two draws and two defeats. Marco Giampaolo has replaced Mario Beretta as coach.
Cagliari - Lazio
Cagliari had seemed certain to be relegated last term, but they too saved themselves after performing a late Houdini act.
However, the Sardinians are many peoples favourites for relegation this season, having lost Pasquale Foggia, and making no notable signings. They also have a new inexperienced boss in Massimiliano Allegri.
Lazio had a disastrous 2007/08, finishing 12th, and failing to qualify for Europe.
Hope and expectation is much higher this term, following some impressive transfer work, with newboys Mauro Zarate, Juan Pablo Carrizo and Foggia standing out.
Catania - Genoa
Catania are fast becoming Italy’s second home to South Americans (behind Inter) after they added the likes of Argentina’s Pablo Ledesma this summer.
The Sicilians only escaped the drop on the last day of last season, but they are expected to be more comfortable this time around, and indeed their pre-season has been perfect. Ten games, ten wins.
Genoa’s friendly record is also good, as they have emerged victorious in all but one of their tests.
The Rossoblu returned to Serie A for the first time in 12 years last term and duly finished tenth. They have lost their revelation of last term though, Marco Borriello, even if they have replaced him with some young talent such as Juventus’ Raffaele Palladino.
Chievo - Reggina
One of Italy’s most romantic sides are back in the top-flight, but it is asking a lot for them to repeat their incredible fifth place finish of a few years back.
The Flying Donkeys will be merely happy with survival, and on Thursday they sold their star player Victor Obinna, who signed for Inter, before being loaned to Everton.
Reggina are yet another side who flirted with relegation last season, only to save themselves with a strong finish.
Things will be tough for the Calabrians though this time around, as they have lost veteran hitman Nicola Amoruso, as well as the impressive Francesco Modesto.
Fiorentina - Juventus
The game of matchday one comes from the Stadio Franchi, where two of Italy’s bitterest rivals lock horns.
Fiorentina have had a hugely impressive transfer campaign, splashing millions and millions on the likes of Gilardino, Vargas, Felipe Melo and Jovetic.
The Viola, who finished fourth last time around, are even being named by some as a possible Scudetto contender.
Juventus surprised many last term after returning from their Calciopoli-imposed exile in Serie B, as they crossed the line in third.
This year expectations will be high, and supporters expect a major trophy. The likes of Amauri and Poulsen have strengthened the squad, but there are selection problems going into this game, with Sissoko, Chiellini, and possibly Nedved all out.
Milan - Bologna
Milan had one of their worst domestic seasons of the Silvio Berlsuconi era last term, finishing in fifth and failing to qualify for their beloved Champions League.
In 2008/09 there is only one objective – the Scudetto. To achieve this aim, a whole host of big names have been brought in, including Zambrotta, Flamini and of course Ronaldinho.
Bologna return to the big time for the first time since their controversial relegation in 2005 when they lost to Parma in a play-off.
The Rossoblu have brought in a number of experienced players, including Sampdoria duo Zenoni and Volpi, and many experts feel they will have enough to stay up. One player to look out for is Brazilian hardman Coelho.
Roma - Napoli
A game that almost ranks alongside Fiorentina-Juventus in intrigue this weekend is Roma-Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Giallorossi, who finished second last season, gave a good account of themselves in the Italian Supercup on Sunday, but lost out to Inter in an epic penalty shootout, following a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Roma’s pre-season had been poor, including a 5-0 thrashing by Tottenham Hotspur, but their confidence has been boosted by the recent signings of Julio Baptista and Jeremy Menez.
Napoli are one of the fastest rising teams in Italy, and they had an excellent first season back in Serie A last term, finishing eighth, and eventually qualifying for the UEFA Cup, via the Intertoto.
Some more impressive signings in pre-season, including German Denis and Christian Maggio, suggests they will have another good campaign, and they will be a tough nut for Roma on Sunday.
Sampdoria - Inter
The third of the big weekend games is on Saturday night as Sampdoria host injury-hit champions Inter at the Stadio Ferraris.
The home side were close to qualifying for the Champions League last season, eventually having to settle for a UEFA Cup slot.
With the magical Antonio Cassano making his loan move permanent, Samp will be confident of another good campaign, and on their day they are capable of beating anyone.
Scudetto-holders Inter will be hoping to win their fourth Championship on the trot, as Jose Mourinho makes his Serie A debut as coach.
The Special One has already won a trophy after the Nerazzurri defeated Roma on penalties in the Italian Supercup last Sunday. However, they go into this game with a defensive injury crisis.
Torino - Lecce
Torino had a desperately disappointing 2007/08 season, finishing 15th, and only avoiding relegation in the penultimate week.
The Granata are under pressure to give their long-suffering fans something to cheer about, and they will be hoping to get off to a winning start.
Lecce will bring a bit of colour to Serie A with their shirts following their promotion from Serie B, but what about their football?
The Giallorossi are one of the favourites to be relegated this time around, but with former Siena boss Mario Berretta taking over, they have the prefect man to save them.
Udinese – Palermo
Udinese had a superb first half to the 2007/08 Serie A season and looked set for the Champions League at one point, but they dropped off after Christmas and eventually settled for a UEFA Cup slot.
Having kept most of their young squad together, the Zebrette should do well again this time around, and they will be confident of three points in this clash.
Palermo were expected to finish in the top six last term, but had a terrible season, finishing in 11th, and failing to qualify for Europe.
This has led to a summer revolution, with big names such as Amauri, Barzagli and Zaccardo all leaving, and being replaced by youngsters such as Nocerino, Lanzafame and Amelia.
The Rosanero will need time to gel, as their Coppa Italia exit last week proved, and whether it was wise to make so many sweeping changes remains to be seen.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment