The faces may be recognizable, but the locations are all mixed up. Previewing this Serie A season is reminiscent of a gossip-filled catch-up with friends who have lost touch with each other’s lives.
Do you recall how Thiago Motta led Bologna to European competition? That chapter is closed; he’s now with Juventus. Bologna has since brought in Vincenzo Italiano after his departure from Fiorentina. They considered Raffaele Palladino, but that left Monza without a coach until, surprisingly, Alessandro Nesta arrived. And that’s not even the most exciting part. Antonio Conte is back in the mix—surprise—he’s with Napoli.
The changes continue. Thirteen out of the 20 Serie A teams are starting this season with new managers—14 if you count Cesc Fàbregas, who was Osian Roberts’s assistant at Como for the latter half of last season while he completed his coaching qualifications. Ten of these hires came directly from other Italian clubs.
In the midst of all this upheaval, the bond between reigning champions Internazionale and their manager, Simone Inzaghi, appears to be stronger than ever. There were rumors of a potential split in the spring of 2023, but their journey to the Champions League final helped restore their partnership. Inter concluded last season 19 points ahead at the top of Serie A, earning a second gold star on their badge.
No team has managed to secure back-to-back Scudetti since Juventus’s nine-year domination ended in 2020, but Inter is in a good position to make that attempt. This summer marks the first of Inzaghi’s tenure without any regular starters departing the squad. Instead, Inter has bolstered their midfield and attack, bringing in Piotr Zielinski and Mehdi Taremi on free transfers.
Will the competition intensify? Motta did remarkable work at Bologna, leading them to the European Cup for the first time in 60 years, and Juventus are ensuring he has the resources necessary to thrive in Turin.
Their €51.5m (£39.5m) acquisition of Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa stands out as the largest expenditure on a single player by any Serie A club this summer, part of a significant midfield revamp. Khéphren Thuram joined from Nice, while Juventus is still in pursuit of Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners, who could demand one of the highest transfer fees.
Douglas Luiz fights for the ball against Antoine Griezmann during Juventus’ pre-season encounter with Atlético Madrid. Photograph: Mathias Bergeld/Bildbyrån/Shutterstock
However, neither Motta nor Juventus officials have publicly stated that winning the Scudetto is their goal. The manager has indicated that he wants to cultivate a team that leaves the field feeling “proud and happy after every match”—a wise approach for a club whose supporters were discontented with Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive strategies and last season’s title collapse. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that Motta’s predecessor still managed a third-place finish and won the Coppa Italia.
Conte has similarly refrained from discussing title aspirations. Two seasons ago, Napoli clinched the championship, but after witnessing his new side struggle to secure a penalty shoot-out victory against Serie B team Modena in the Coppa Italia on Saturday, he reminded everyone that they ended up 10th last season and have said goodbye to 12 first-team players since then.
Nonetheless, Napoli appears to be this season’s unpredictable factor. Conte has secured league titles at three of his last four clubs, with Tottenham being the lone exception. Napoli will not part with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during this transfer window, and as of now, no club has activated Victor Osimhen’s release clause. They’ve also signed a solid center-back, Alessandro Buongiorno, from Torino, and lack European commitments to divert their focus.
For the time being,
However, Milan’s new manager, Paulo Fonseca, has been the sole figure to emerge publicly. Following a successful tour in the United States that included victories against Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, the Portuguese was queried about his ambitions for the upcoming season and responded firmly, stating, “Win the Scudetto.”
Last season, the Rossoneri secured a second-place finish and have prioritized their needs this summer by bringing in Álvaro Morata to take over from Olivier Giroud in the forward position, as well as Serbian center-back Strahinja Pavlovic to strengthen a defense that conceded 49 goals in the league. Nevertheless, the most pressing concern will be whether Fonseca can transform individual talents into a more consistent unit than his predecessor, Stefano Pioli.
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Atalanta deserves consideration as contenders after clinching the Europa League title last season. Nonetheless, injuries to two key players, Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini, pose significant challenges, and the potential loss of Koopmeiners just before the season starts would exacerbate matters.
Across the league, uncertainties abound. What will become of Bologna following the departures of Motta, Joshua Zirkzee, and Riccardo Calafiori? Italiano guided Fiorentina to successive Europa Conference League finals, but will the chance to coach in the Champions League turn out to be an empty reward?
Can Daniele De Rossi build on his positive start with Roma, who have refreshed their attacking options by signing Artem Dovbyk and Matías Soulé but may be saying goodbye to Paulo Dybala? Will Lazio’s new manager, Marco Baroni, discover ways to work alongside owner Claudio Lotito that his predecessor, Igor Tudor, could not?
What about the Verona side he left behind? They are among the favorites for relegation, alongside Cagliari, Udinese, Empoli, Lecce, and newly promoted teams Parma and Venezia – the latter reportedly facing bankruptcy this summer before securing new investment from Canadian rapper Drake.
Cesc Fàbregas (right), alongside Sampdoria’s Andrea Pirlo during pre-season, is now the star player at Como. Photograph: Gabriele Siri/IPA Sport/ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock
Como, the other promoted team, has recruited a number of prominent veterans, including Raphaël Varane, Alberto Moreno, Pepe Reina, and Andrea Belotti. Both they and Monza should find themselves in a more secure position as they pursue safety.
This leaves Fiorentina, Torino, and Genoa. The Viola have brought in David de Gea and Moise Kean.
However, the most significant expectation is that Palladino can introduce innovative strategies. Torino is also welcoming a new manager, Paolo Vanoli, who successfully guided Venezia to promotion. Nonetheless, the departure of Buongiorno is a considerable setback.
Last season, Genoa finished in 11th place under the leadership of Alberto Gilardino, establishing a solid presence after their promotion. They will begin this new campaign at home against Inter on Saturday afternoon. It’s a notable occurrence this season: two teams are being managed by individuals who have retained their positions for over three months.
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Serie A Preview: A Season of Change and New Beginnings
Overview of Serie A 2023/2024 Season
The 2023/2024 Serie A season promises to be an exciting chapter in the story of Italian football. With significant changes in team rosters, managerial shifts, and fresh talent emerging, fans can expect thrilling matches and intense rivalries. This year, the stakes are higher than ever as clubs strive for glory in one of the most competitive leagues in Europe.
Key Changes and New Beginnings
This season marks a turning point for many teams in Serie A. Here are some pivotal changes to watch:
- Managerial Changes: Several clubs have opted for new leadership, aiming to rejuvenate their squads. Notable managerial appointments include:
| Club | New Manager |
|---|---|
| AC Milan | Marco Giampaolo |
| AS Roma | Jose Mourinho |
| Juventus | Massimiliano Allegri |
| Lazio | Maurizio Sarri |
Top Transfers to Watch
This season features several high-profile transfers that could change the dynamics of the league. Here are some standout signings:
- Victor Osimhen (Napoli): The Nigerian striker’s move from Lille has been one of the most talked-about transfers, and fans expect him to be a key player for the Partenopei.
- Paulo Dybala (AS Roma): After leaving Juventus, Dybala brings a wealth of experience and skill to Roma, making them a formidable contender.
- Frenkie de Jong (AC Milan): The Dutch midfielder’s arrival adds depth to Milan’s midfield, and his vision on the pitch will be crucial for their title ambitions.
Rising Stars to Keep an Eye On
Every season, Serie A is known for nurturing young talent. This year is no exception, with several players poised to make a significant impact:
- Jude Bellingham (Bologna): The English midfielder has shown immense potential and is expected to be a game-changer for his club.
- Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta): The young defender has been making waves and could be a future star for both club and country.
- Samuel Iling-Junior (Juventus): A product of Chelsea’s academy, his creativity and pace are qualities that could shine in Serie A.
Title Contenders
As the season unfolds, several teams are positioned as strong title contenders. Here’s a closer look at the favorites:
| Club | Key Players | Previous Season Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Juventus | Federico Chiesa, Dusan Vlahovic | 4th Place |
| AC Milan | Olivier Giroud, Sandro Tonali | 2nd Place |
| Inter Milan | Lautaro Martinez, Nicolò Barella | 1st Place |
| AS Roma | Paulo Dybala, Tammy Abraham | 6th Place |
Benefits of Following Serie A
Following the Serie A offers numerous benefits to fans and aspiring players alike:
- High-Quality Football: Serie A is known for its tactical depth and technical proficiency, providing fans with exciting matches.
- Exposure to Young Talent: The league serves as a platform for emerging players, giving fans the opportunity to witness the future stars of football.
- Rich History and Culture: Serie A is steeped in history, with legendary clubs and unforgettable moments that enhance the viewing experience.
Practical Tips for Enjoying the Season
To make the most of the Serie A season, consider these practical tips:
- Stay Updated: Follow official Serie A social media accounts and sports news outlets to keep up with match schedules, player stats, and injury updates.
- Engage with the Community: Join online forums or local fan clubs to connect with fellow supporters and discuss matches.
- Watch Live: Streaming services like Paramount+ and FuboTV offer live coverage of Serie A matches.
Case Studies: Teams to Watch This Season
Analyzing the performance of certain teams can provide insights into potential outcomes for the current season:
Inter Milan
After clinching the Serie A title last season, Inter Milan retains a strong squad led by key players such as Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella. Their attacking prowess and solid defense make them a formidable opponent.
AC Milan
With a mixture of experienced players and young talent, AC Milan aims to reclaim their status in the top tier of Italian football. Their recent signings and tactical approach under Marco Giampaolo could bring them closer to the title.
AS Roma
With Jose Mourinho at the helm, AS Roma looks set for a competitive season. Dybala’s addition adds flair to their attacking play, while the defense seeks to stabilize after a mixed performance last year.
First-Hand Experience: What Fans Should Expect
As a Serie A fan, experiencing match days is unlike anything else. Here’s what to expect:
- Electric Atmosphere: From the roaring crowds at the Stadio Olimpico to the passionate fans of San Siro, the energy in the stadiums is palpable.
- Iconic Derbies: Matches like the Derby della Madonnina (Inter vs. Milan) and the Derby della Capitale (Roma vs. Lazio) are not to be missed.
- Celebrating Goals: The joy of witnessing a last-minute winner or a spectacular goal is what makes Serie A so captivating.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Serie A
As the 2023/2024 Serie A season unfolds, the combination of new talent, managerial changes, and the quest for glory will shape the narrative of Italian football. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, this season promises thrills and unforgettable moments.
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