In the opening match of the Serie A 2012/2013 campaign, football fans will definately not be let down, in what should be an extremely exciting encounter. While both teams have lost a number of stars, including Fiorentina’s former captain Montolivo to Milan and Asamoah and Isla both joining Juventus from Udinese’s end, you can be sure that this game will produce a lot of goals. Both teams have recruited heavily over the summer and will therefore need time to find their feet.
Prediction 2-2
Serie A champions Juventus take on Parma in the evening fixture of match day 1. While Parma last season proved that they are no pushovers and deservedly finished 8th in the standings, Juve have only gotten stronger this season with the arrival of a number of exciting recruits, including Giovinco who rejoined the Old Lady following an inspiring spell at Parma last season. The champions will definately miss Conte’s presence on the bench, as he starts serving his 10-month ban, however I predict that they will overpower Parma infront of their home fans.
Prediciton 3-1
Milan offloaded a number of key squad members this summer including superstars Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic, as well as the aging Gattuso and Nesta thus leaving Alegri with a lot of work to re-build squad around Prince Boateng, Nocerino and Pato. Milan are looking particularly weak in defence this year, which I am sure will be worrying the Milan coach. Sampdoria are back in Serie A after being relegated two seasons ago and will look towards on loan Maxi Lopez to retain their Serie status.
Prediction 2-1
Atalanta could have ended last season in 9th place, had they not been deducted 6 points for their involvement in a match fixing scandal. Coach Colantuono will be looking to build on last year’s impressive season. Lazio narrowly missed out on Champions League football, finishing 4th in the standings and they will be keen to start the new season on a good note, with Hernanes and Klose leading their attacking talent.
Prediction 2-1
These two teams finished two points adrift of eachother last season, and with neither making any major signings so far, I expect this to be a close encounter, with both teams playing safe football to secure a point.
Prediction 2-2
Genoa had a season to forget last year, in which they finished in 17th place and experienced a number of protests from their ‘Ultras’ following a series of extremely poor performances. One match was stopped for 45 minutes when said fans were demanding that the Genoa players remove their shirts. With little reinforcements coming in this season , they may be in for another tough year. Cagliari are probably in the same position as Genoa, who were very poor last season and have signed no one worth mentioned.
Prediction 1-0
The ‘Derby del Sud’ is gauranteed to be a match full of action and aggression between these two long standing rivals. While Napoli are stronger on paper, Palermo will prove tough opposition in front of them home supporters. Napoli have lost the services of Lavezzi but have so far been able to hold on to their star striker Cavani.
Prediction 1-2
Inter take on newly promoted Pescara, in what many pundits will see as a one sided affair. However Inter have yet to find their identity under young coach Stramaccioni, and hence this match will not be a straight forward affair for the Nerazzuri, who I predict will battle hard for an away win.
Prediction 1-2
A new look Roma take on tough Sicilian side Catania at the Olimpico, following a number of changes over the summer, which has seen the experienced Zeman take over the reigns from the unpopular Luis Enrique. Roma have also signed the Italian left-back and former Palermo Captain Balzaretti, as well as hot Italian prospect Destro. Catania will be overpowered during this fixture hence I predict a comfortable home win for the Romans.
Prediction 2-0
Siena struggled last season and will have to fight hard if they are to survive another term in the Serie A, especially since they will start the season with a 6 point deduction following their role in the Scommessopoli scandal. They will be glad to facing newly promoted Torino in front of their home fans to start the year on a positive note, however Torino might have other plans and will know the importance of grabbing a point in fixtures like these.
Prediction 2-1
