More than Matteo Bonetti on each Serie A club and what to expect from them this season:
Atalanta:
The side from Bergamo remains virtually untouched and figures to be a mid-table side. Losing Matteo Brighi & the potential departure of left back Peluso to Juventus won’t help the squad, but they remain out of the relegation danger zone.
Bologna:
Coach Stefano Pioli returns to lead the impressive side from last year which lost its star striker Di Vaio to the MLS. The major question is if they can hang on to their prized possession, Uruguayan playmaker Gaston Ramirez.
Cagliari:
Another side with mid/lower table written all over it. Keep an eye on their striker Victor Ibarbo, who has lightning speed and an awkward, slinky like play style.
Catania:
The ‘Elefanti’ continue to be a study abroad program for mediocre Argentine players.
With an excellent home crowd, they can beat anyone on their own turf. But how will they cope without Vincenzo Montella?
Chievo:
They’re called the flying donkeys, and not because of their ‘high flying attack’. Having lost ‘The General’ Michael Bradley to Roma, the side looks weak across the board. Pellissier & Di Michele form an attack with a combined age of 80.
Fiorentina:
Most improved side in A. Virtually new XI, added a highly technical midfield with new acquisitions Aquilani, Borja, and Mati Fernandez. El Hamdaoui is a question mark, but keeping Jovetic is key to their success.
Genoa:
Led by their dancing diva owner Preziosi, the Ligurian side continues their merry go round of players. Made a great move by getting Serie B’s top scorer, Ciro Immobile.
Inter:
Writing anything positive about Inter makes my bowels turn inside out, but the squad rejuvenated itself and will field a dangerous all Argentine attack with Palacio & Milito. Will finish top 3.
Juventus:
The Bianconeri have undoubtedly improved their undefeated domestic squad. Although Bonucci remains in hot water and faces suspension, Lucio can fill the void. The only question remains in the attack. Can the Bianconeri secure a world class striker who make the difference in Europe?
Lazio:
Zarate returns to the Biancocelesti. The Roman side will be top 5 in Serie A.
Milan:
Losing Ibra/Silva has implications in Europe, but the main question will be how serious Berlu/Galliani are about the rebuilding project. The burden of the attack lies on the brittle shoulders of Pato, who could explode this year if healthy. Top 3 in Serie A.
Napoli:
Although they lost Lavezzi, his replacement Insigne has world class potential. The Partenopei have added depth at the back/midfield. Top 5 in Serie A.
Palermo:
Mid/Upper table side, will finish top 10. An electric attack is negated by a defense that was horrendous last year, and lost its best piece (Silvestre) to Inter. Most games will have high scorelines.
Parma:
Front line spearheaded again by the immortal Amauri, who actually shined on his previous loan stint to Parma. Good signings in midfield with Parolo. Will be slightly above relegation zone.
Pescara:
The fairy tale of Serie B last year has lost all its thunder. Their diabolically offensive coach Zeman is now with Roma, and their 3 top youngsters are now on different teams. (Insigne w/Napoli, Immobile w/Genoa, Verratti w/PSG). Will be relegated next year.
Roma:
Led by Zeman, Roma’s 4-3-3 will feature some of the most entertaining games this year. Led by a youthful core of Erik lamela, Destro, and Bojan, the Capital club will win over the hearts of neutrals this year.
Sampdoria:
Recently promoted Ligurian side finally back in A will give us the joys of two more ‘Derby della Lanterna’. Good signing to acquire Maxi Lopez from Milan, but will struggle to stay afloat in the top division.
Siena:
Anytime Erjon Bogdani is in your starting XI, your team is in hot water and will most likely: 1. Change three coaches during a season; 2. have half empty stadiums & 3. be relegated.
Torino:
Another promoted side that will need to pump out every drop of their below average side to stay in the top division. Keeping star defender Ogbonna will help their cause, and they’ve improved their midfield, but how will fallen star Rolando Bianchi (their leader in attack) fair in A after years of dominating the second division?
Udinese:
Incredibly handled club from a business perspective. Every year they sell off their stars and yet remain at the top. Di Natale needs to score 25+ to give them a chance, but in his mid 30’s, does Toto’ have any enough gas left in the engine?
So it looks like Matteo is picking Juventus to win the title ahead of the two Milan clubs. Napoli and Lazio round out the top five.
At the bottom of the table he expects Siena and Pescara to certainly get relegated with Torino and Sampdoria to potentially battle it out for that third relegation spot.
What do you think? Agree or disagree?
