Wonderful stuff Mr Totti. I hope your predictions will be revised to reflect a Roma title win. It may be too much to ask for, however.
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7]Preview Special (Part 2)[/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6]TEN YOUNGSTERS TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS SEASON[/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5]Erik Lamela[/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4]Club: [/size][/size][/size][size=6][size=5][size=4]Roma[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4]Position: Attacking midfielder[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4]Age: 19[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4]Lamela is one of the most exciting signings in Serie A this summer, arriving from Argentine giants River Plate. Blessed with great athleticism, wonderful dribbling ability and a lethal left foot, he will be hoping to make a big impact on Serie A in his debut season. Lamela’s style of play is quite similar to that of fellow Argentine Javier Pastore who made a huge impact in his two seasons in Italy.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4]Lamela will probably have to bide his time at the beginning of the season with stiff competition in the attacking department. He is also likely to miss the start of the season with an ankle injury picked up in the U-20 World Cup.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5]Diego Fabbrini[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Club: Udinese[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Position: Attacking midfielder[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Age: 21[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Many will be hoping that Fabbrini is the new no.10 that Italian football has been crying out for. With an elegant poise on the ball and an extremely sharp football mind, how Fabbrini develops this season will be of great interest to Nazionale fans. An impressive couple of seasons in Serie B and with the u-21 national side have done enough to persuade Udinese to purchase his transfer rights from Empoli.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]With Alexis Sanchez leaving for Barcelona in the summer, a gap has emerged that Udinese want filled as urgently as possible. Gabriel Torje (The Romanian Messi) and Roberto Pereyra (Lamela’s ex team mate at River and fellow Argie U-20 star) have also arrived so the battle to take Sanchez spot will be fierce. When the young Italian’s chance comes along he will need to take it, otherwise he could be waiting a while for another onw.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5]Bojan Krkic[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Club: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]Roma[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Position: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]Forward[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Age: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]21[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Bojan burst on the scene as a young teenager and was hailed as the next big star of Barcelona’s much vaunted youth system. Alas things have not worked out as they were meant to for the young Spaniard. With his career having come to a halt with the Catalans ,he has decided to follow Luis Enrique to the Italian Capital. [/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]You always got the feeling watching Bojan with Barcelona that their two styles did not quite marry, although he possessed the technical one-touch skills that you need in their system, Bojan likes to play with a bit more directness than the extremely patient Barcelona play. With the greatest player of all time along side him at Rome this season, you would imagine Bojan can only profit from this. With his clever movement and speed of thought the young Spaniard will surely be well amongst the goals as De Rossi, Pjanic, Gago and Totti look to pick out his clever runs. Converting his chances is an area that Bojan certainly needs to look at though.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5]Stephan El Sharaawy[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Club: [/size][size=4]Milan[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Position: [/size][size=4]Wide attacker[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Age: [/size][size=4]18[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Milan have been miserly, if shrewd, in the transfer market this campaign, picking up bosmans and cut-price deals for established players. What was surprising though was a relatively big outlay - €7.5m on 50% of 18 year old Stephan El Sharaawy’s transfer rights. Making your debut as a 16 year old in Serie A is quite a big deal, but since then he went off the radar, only re-emerging last season when he was loaned out to Serie B side Padova making a big impression, which prompted Milan to splash out on him.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]El Shaarawy’s preferred position is on the left side on a front three, cutting inside and commiting players. It’s unlikely he will get to sample that position with Milan as Allegri has been quite rigid in his 4-3-1-2 formation and faces stiff competition from the likes of Aquilani, Seedorf, Robinho and Cassano for the role just off the strikers. It looks like El Sharaawy’s purchase is for the future but when Milan invest a considerable sum of money in a teenager, they have usually done their homework, see Pato and Kaka.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5]Luc Castaignos[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Club: Inter[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Position: Forward[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Age: 18[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Castaignos arrived with little fanfare over the summer, the deal having already been agreed last spring. His impact in pre-season has been notable however. Physically powerful for a player of his age, standing 6ft2 with speed and power, means he is ready for Serie A right now. Comparisons have been made between the Dutchman and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry but Castaignos has alot to prove yet.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]The new footballing philisophy that Gasperini will bring to Inter is sure to bring the best out of all his attackers, and that includes Castaignos. More freedom empowered in an attacking sense will surely provide Castaignos with ample scoring opportunities and as he proved in the Aviva - he can finish.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5]Manuel Giandonato[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Club: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]Lecce (on loan from Juventus)[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Position: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]Central midfielder[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Age: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]19[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]The youngster arrives of loan from Juventus and will be eager to make an impression to stay in his ambitious parent club’s plans. A really imposing physical presence in midfield, Giandonato will be hoping to show that he is capable of performing in Serie A at his young age. The youngster is not all brawn though, as he possesses great technical abilities (see his goal against Man Utd in Scholes testimonial).[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]In a team that is destined to be battling relegation, Giandonato is going to have to learn quickly at this level and as one of his sides more skilled and rounded players, there will be an extra onus on the teenager to show himself and what he’s capable of with the watching eyes of the Juventus management keeping a close eye on his development.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5]Alexander Merkel[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Club: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]Genoa[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Position: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]Attacking midfielder[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Age: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]19[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Merkel had a bigger role with the champions last season than most people would have thought , making the most of an injury crisis and equipping himself relatively well amongst his more experienced opponents. Which makes it more of a surprise that he was offloaded to Genoa this season - alebit on a co-ownership basis. Still a bit frail physically, his energetic and fearless attitude won many admirers and he should find playing minutes easier to come by in the port city.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]He has expressed his desire to return to Milan and there’s no better way for that to happen than making a considerable impression for Genoa this season. Preferring a more advanced role, Merkel is the type of player who can adapt to any role across the midfield.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5]Abel Hernandez[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Club: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]Palermo[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Position: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]Striker[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Age: [/size][/size][size=5][size=4]21[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]The Uruguayan would have been looked on to fill the void left by his fellow countryman, Edinson Cavani, last season. Unfortunatley for Hernandez he was hit by injuries. Now injury-free and eager to prove himself, he will be looking to figure heavily on the scoring front. With Pastore having departed already this season, the Uruguayan will be earmarked as Palermo’s biggest attacking weapon.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=6][size=7][size=6][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Very direct, pacey and strong. Hernandez has all the characterisitics to prove himself a thorn in the side for Serie A defences. His powerful shooting on his left foot are bound to test goalkeepers out aplenty. A good season with likely see him move on for a large sum of money - as Zamperini likes to do.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=5]Manolo Gabbiadini[/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=5][size=4]Club: [/size][/size][/font][font=times new roman][size=5][size=4]Atalanta[/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=5][size=4]Position: [/size][/size][/font][font=times new roman][size=5][size=4]Stiker[/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=5][size=4]Age: [/size][/size][/font][font=times new roman][size=5][size=4]19[/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=4]Gabbiadini was a relative nobody until he exploded on the scene at this summer’s Toulon tournament. At 19 the youngster has netted an impressive 6 goals in 10 appearance for the national U-21 side. After spending last season on loan at Cittadella, where he scored an underwhelming 6 in 25, he has returned to Atalanta in a haze of glory after his national team exploits.[/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=4]Tall and instinctive, he will be hoping to establish his name in the Bergamo outfit’s starting team this season as they battle bravely against relegation, having alreadly being docked 6 points before the season has already begun. Whether Gabbiadini is the real deal or not is open for debate but you have to be impressed by his recent record.[/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=5][size=4][size=5]Alberto Paloschi[/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Club: [/size][/size][/size][/size][/font][font=times new roman][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Chievo (on loan from Milan)[/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Position: [/size][/size][/size][/size][/font][font=times new roman][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Striker[/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Age: [/size][/size][/size][/size][/font][font=times new roman][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]21[/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[font=times new roman][size=5][size=4][size=5][size=4]Paloschi made his name from scoring on his Serie A debut for Milan, aged 17. The following season he went on loan to Parma, then in Serie B, where he further enhanced his reputation with a decent goal return, since then the youngster has battled for game time at Parma and latterly, Genoa. Milan purchased his rights this summer and subsequently loaned him out to Chievo - where he looks set to be trusted upon to fire the flying donkeys away from relegation.[/size][/size][/size][/size][/font]
[size=4][font=times new roman]Paloschi is a natural penaly box striker, alert, composed and an excellent finisher, his downfall the past few seasons were coaches who preferred more established and experienced players. At Chievo I believe he will get the opportunity to prove himself in Serie A, I believe he’ll come out of it with a decent goal showing too.[/font][/size]
[size=5][font=Times New Roman]PALERMO[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]http://football-euro.net/photo/History/Italy/palermo_crest.jpg[/font][/size]
![http://football-euro.net/photo/History/Italy/palermo_crest.jpg[/font][/size]](http://football-euro.net/photo/History/Italy/palermo_crest.jpg%5B/font%5D%5B/size%5D){kind=link}
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Manager: Stefano Pioli[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Last season: 8[sup]th[/sup][/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Palermo kick-off another season with another new manager as the ever-controversial Maurizio Zamparini has wielded his axe again and brought in Stefano Pioli from Chievo. Delio Rossi who took the rosanero to the Coppa Italia final is rather harshly dismissed but that shouldn’t surprise anyone when Zamparini is at the helm.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Salvatore Sirigu has joined Leonardo’s revolution at PSG. Francesco Benussi took up the goalkeeping post in the Europa League qualifiers and is likely start the season in goals. Defenders Matias Silvestre, Mauro Cetto and Andrea Mantovani have all joined and should make a rather porous defence a bit more secure. The full backs slots will be manned by Italian internationals Mattia Cassani and Federico Balzaretti.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]The summer story in Sicily has dominated around playmaker Javier Pastore, the constant press musings of the controversial president finally paid off when he joined PSG for a fee of €43m. Italian international Antonio Nocerino remains despite only having a year remaining of his contract while the Slovenians Bacinovic and Ilicic will also provide a probing presence in midfield. Israeli international Eran Zahavi who some of you might remember as the man who scored a stunning bicycle goal against Lyon in last seasons Champions League has joined from Hapoel Tel Aviv.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]In attack Fabrizio Miccoli has remained after a summer of speculation, as has the talented but inconsistent Mauricio Pinilla. Abel Hernandez will be the main man up front and the Sicilians will be hoping the Uruguayan youngster can have his break out season.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Palermo were dumped out of the Europa League at their first test against Swiss side Thun on the away goals. They have made steps to improve a leaky defence but the loss of a match winner in Pastore will damage their prospect, another mid-table finish awaits.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Key player: Josip Ilicic[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Prediction: 11[sup]th[/sup] [/font][/size]
[size=5][font=Times New Roman]PARMA[/font][/size]
[font=Times New Roman][size=3]http://pes.neoseeker.com/w/i/pes/1/1c/Parma_Crest.gif[/size][/font]
![http://pes.neoseeker.com/w/i/pes/1/1c/Parma_Crest.gif[/size][/font]](http://pes.neoseeker.com/w/i/pes/1/1c/Parma_Crest.gif%5B/size%5D%5B/font%5D){kind=link}
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Manager: Franco Colomba[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Last season: 12[sup]th[/sup][/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Parma will be looking to build on a steady term last year but are a long way from the force they were in the mid 90’s when they could boast Cannavaro, Buffon, Thuram and Veron amongst their ranks.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Fabio Santacroce is an intriguing signing for the gialloblu this season. The young defender arrives from Napoli after his career has stagnated in recent years, he was in the past lauded as the heir to Nesta, thanks to his grace on the ball and excellent reading of the game. The defence also boasts World Cup winner Zaccardo and the experienced Luccarelli. Former Liverpool defender Gabriel Palleta is also presence. Antonio Mirante is a reliable figure in goal.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]With Dzemaili gone to Napoli, Parma have looked to the Naples side for his replacement. The tough Manuele Blasi has joined and will link up with Daniele Gallopa and skipper Stefaon Morrone in midfield.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Parma have acquired 50% of Sebastian Giovinco’s transfer rights after an impressive term in 10/11. The pint-sized attacker will be joined by Chelsea prospect Fabio Borini who arrives on a bosman after an eye-catching loan spell at Swansea. Hernan Crespo is still around to sniff out chances while Jonathan Biabiny returns on loan from Inter. Raffaele Pallindo will offer another trick alternative on the wing but Bulgarian Valery Bojinov has left for Portugal.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]With the joyful Giovinco on show there should be plenty of exciting football on show at the Tardini this term. The ex-Juve man looks set to live up to his early promise and his partnership with fellow young prospect Borini will have calcio fans’ mouths watering. Fabio Santacroce is another man who will desperate to get his career back on track and will also add some athleticism to the Parma defence. Parma will hope to build on last season and may even find themselves in with a shout of European football.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Key player: Sebastin Giovinco[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Prediction: 10[sup]th[/sup][/font][/size]
[size=5][font=Times New Roman]ROMA[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Manager: Luis Enrique[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Last season: 6[sup]th[/sup][/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]A summer of change at Trigoria has seen Thomas DiBenedetto (Uncle Tom) take over the ownership of the famous yellow and red. Luis Enrique has come in as the new manager and looks to revolutionise an aging squad with his brand of quick passing Spanish football.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]The goalkeeping position which has been a problem for Roma in the past has been resolved emphatically with the signing of the world-class Maarten Stekelenburg. Julio Sergio and Doni have departed with Gianluca Curci providing able back up. In defence Mexes and Riise have exited the city while Heinze and Jose Angel have replaced them. Youngster Loic Nego has also joined the lupi, but his first team prospects are unknown as of yet.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]In midfield, Roma badly need new faces, it’s been a problem position for years and with no arrivals here yet the Roma faithful are beginning to grow frustrated. Hopefully the arrival of Enrique will propel the hugely gifted Daniele De Rossi back to his wonderful best after a couple of worrying seasons.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]In attack Menez and Vucinic have joined new clubs and have been replaced thus far by Bojan and Argentine wonderkid Erik Lamela. Roma will still look to the imperious Francesco Totti in attack, the 34 year old was in stunning form at the end of last season and will need to be at his best early this term as the side from the eternal city look to avoid another slow start.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]No more so than any club, the remaining time left in the transfer window will dictate Roma’s season. There is a need and will from the board to get another 4/5 players for the first team – whether they are successful or not, could decide their faith in the coming season.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Key player: Daniele De Rossi[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Prediction: 5[sup]th[/sup][/font][/size]
[size=5][font=Times New Roman]SIENA[/font][/size]
[font=Arial][size=2]http://www.watchlivefootball.tv/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/italy_siena.png[/size][/font]
![http://www.watchlivefootball.tv/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/italy_siena.png[/size][/font]](http://www.watchlivefootball.tv/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/italy_siena.png%5B/size%5D%5B/font%5D){kind=link}
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Manager: Guissepe Sannino[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Last season: 2[sup]nd[/sup] (Serie B )[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Siena return to Serie A after just a season out and their sabbatical from the top flight seems to have done them the world of good. The bianconer finished 2[sup]nd[/sup] in Serie B last season and were able to keep most of the squad that went down the year before.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Serbian keeper Zelkjo Brkic has joined on loan from Udinese while their defence boasts plenty of familiarity and Serie A experience in the likes of Del Grosso and Terzi. Gabrielle Angella is another loanee from Udinese and the youngster will be looking to establish himself in the league this season.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]In midfield, Siena have pulled off a masterstroke with the signing of Gaetano D’Agostino from, you gussed it, Udinese. The playmaker has arrived for a fee of €2.5m. D’Agostino was one of the top midfielders in Serie A in the 08/09 season but has disappointed somewhat since. I have no doubt he will produce a big season for Siena this year. Daniele Maninni has arrived from Napoli and will also provide a goal threat from midfield.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Mattia Destro is the big signig up front and the high rated youngster, on loan from Genoa, who is a product of the Inter youth academy will be looking to get amongst the goals this term. Michele Paolucci, Franco Brienza and Emanuel Calaio will look to assist the youngster in getting the goals needed to keep Siena up. Calaio hit 18 goals in Serie B last term and will be hoping to leave his mark on Serie A.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Out of the three promoted teams, Siena look by far the best placed to stay up. After only a season out they have returned at the first time of asking and with D’Agostino pulling the strings in midfield, there is enough experience and firepower in the team to make sure that hey are not making a quick return to the confines of Serie B.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Key player: Gaetano D’Agostino[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Prediction: 14[sup]th[/sup][/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]UDINESE[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]http://forzaitalianfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Udinese-Crest-150x150.png[/font][/size]
![http://forzaitalianfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Udinese-Crest-150x150.png[/font][/size]](http://forzaitalianfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Udinese-Crest-150x150.png%5B/font%5D%5B/size%5D){kind=link}
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Manager: Francesco Guidolin[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Last season: 4[sup]th[/sup][/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Udinese secured the chance of Champions League football last season but the summer has seen a mass exodous of the stars the helped propel them there. Zapata, Inler and Sanchez would have been indentified as the key men in each sector but they have all departed in big money moves.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Slovenian international Handanovic exhibits a calming and reliable presence in goal while Brazilians Danilo and Neuton have been brought into to replace the commanding Zapata. Mehdi Benatia had an extremely impressive outing in his first season with Udinese and there will be an even bigger responsibility on him now with the possibility of Champions League football.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]In midfield Udinese have lost their midfield leader in Gokhan Inler, but his departure opens up the door for the enthusiastic young Ghanaian Badu. He will be partnered by another young Ghanaian in Kwadwoah Asamoah as the Udinese scouting systems shows off its vast success stories. They are flanked on the wings by the tireless and exciting South American duo of Mauricio Isla and Pablo Armero. The summer has also seen midfielders Thierry Doubai and Abdoulwhaid Sissoko (brother of Momo) arrive.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]In attack Udinese felt their greatest loss of all as the outrageously talented Alexis Sanchez left for Barcelona. The Chilean was one of the shining lights in last year’s campaign his departure is a great loss, not just for Udinese, but for Serie A as well.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Antonio Di Natale will be asked to continue his fantastic goal scoring exploits and the return of Antonio Floro Flores after an encouraging loan spell with Genoa will be a boost. Youngster Diego Fabbrini, the creative force in the u-21 national side also joins as does Barreto from Bari. German Denis offers a more robust approach up front.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Udinese have lost some big players this summer and while Inler and Zapata may be replaced, there is no replacing Sanchez. There will be doubts over whether or not Di Natale can contribute another season of goals given he is now 33 and the added pressure of European football with stretch Udinese’s squad just that little bit further, maybe too far.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Key player: Antonio Di Natale[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Prediction: 9th[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Sadly some of this information is now dated given the late happenings in the transfer window.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]Just a few quick points on the 5 teams above.[/font][/size]
[list]
[][size=4][font=Times New Roman]Pioli was sacked as manager of Palermo, there has been no permanent appointment since[/font][/size]
[][size=4][font=Times New Roman]Cassani and Nocerino have left Palermo, Edgar Barreto has joined from Atalanta[/font][/size]
[][size=4][font=Times New Roman]Fabio Borini has left Parma for Roma[/font][/size]
[][size=4][font=Times New Roman]Roma have signed Kjaer, Osvaldo, Gago, Pjanic and Borini (as mentioned above)[/font][/size]
[][size=4][font=Times New Roman]Udinese have signed Roberto Peryrera and Gabriel Torje[/font][/size]
[][size=4][font=Times New Roman]German Denis left Udinese for Atalanta and Brighi has left Roma for Atalanta also[/font][/size]
[/list]
[size=4][font=Times New Roman]I now believe Roma will finish ahead of Lazio in 4th. I also believe Atalanta could avoid relegation with the late signings of Denis, Cigarini and Brighi. Palermo are in a much weaker position now.[/font][/size]
Stunning report Mr. Totti, i’ve just got around to finishing it now. Keep up the good work. 
I’m confident Roma will have a huge season, i think a strong title challenge is inevitable.
That’s a cracking read Mr Totti.