Serie A League Predictions – 2013/2014
First – Juventus
Second – Napoli
Third – Fiorentina
Fourth – Inter
Fifth – Milan
Sixth – Udinese
Juventus
Juventus seem to be going from strength to strength with an array of impressive signings to improve their only real weakness, their attacking front line. In Tevez and Llorente La Juve will have one of the most formidable strike forces on the continent and I am certain that their league rivals are dreading the start of the campaign knowing that they will be unstoppable. Juve have also secured the services of promising Italian defender Ogbonna to ensure they maintain their impressive, stingy defence. They are without a doubt favourites to secure a third Serie A title in a row following an impressive transfer window.
Napoli
Napoli finally sold off their most prized asset, Edinson Cavani, after accepting an offer they couldn’t refuse from the latest rich kids on the block, PSG. Their fans might not be too downhearted since they have replaced him with the likes of Higuain and Callejon. These two, partnered with Hamsik in attack should ensure that they keep playing their exciting, fast flowing football under new coach Benitez, whose only previous experience in Italy turned sour very quickly at Inter Milan. They have also shored up their defence with Spaniards Pepe Reina and Albiol, who should ensure they maintain their title challenge against Juventus until the very end!
Milan
The Rossoneri secured champions league football last season through some very dubious refereeing decisions, including various penalties in the last few months of the campaign and a notably soft penalty in their final game of the season to beat Siena on their travels and finish in third. Milan have had a very quiet transfer window and it will most likely stay that way with Galliani and Co seeming on the look out for bargains. Perhaps the Milan faithful will take relief in managing to hold onto star man El Shaarawy who formed a deadly partnership with Balotelli, as well as coach Allegri who has done a fantastic job considering his limited options. With just under one month before the close of the transfer window anything can happen however it seems as if the Rossoneri will overall remain as they are and struggle once again to secure the third Champions League spot against the improving Fiorentina and Udinese sides.
Inter
Just like their city rivals, Inter have had a very quiet summer and have so far gotten by with a number of free transfers and swap deals. The black and blue side of Milan is waiting for the final closure of a reportedly €300M deal between longstanding President Moratti and Indonesian business magnate Erick Thohir which will see the transfer of around 70% control to the latter party. Should this deal go through before the end of August than a few big names might be brought in to bolster Walter Mazzarri’s squad, particularly the middle of the park. Should no big signings be made this summer, Inter atleast have quite a ‘relaxed’ season ahead in terms of fixtures with only Serie A matches and a few Coppa Italia fixtures to contend with.
Fiorentina
La Viola have come along way following their demise through bankruptcy in the early 2000’s and now boast one of he most complete teams in Italy. Vincenzo Montella has done a fantastic job with the resources available, not only through excellent signings but also through the free flowing football his side play. Even though they star man Jovetic left to Manchester City for a hefty €27M fee, they have managed to bring in the likes of Ilicic, Joaquín and Ambrosini, as well as goal machine Mario Gomez from Bayern Munich. This will be an extremely exciting season for Fiorentina who were very unfortunate to miss out on Champions League football last season, that is why I predict they will finish third this season.
