Serie A and La Liga Preview

Serie A Title Race

Inter Milan

Inter are looking for their 5th successive Seria A title this season and few would bet against them. Normally, the loss of a world-class centre forward like Zlatan Ibrahimovic would shatter a club but in return Inter have signed Europe’s top striker last season in Samuel Eto’o.

Possibly the best deal in history, Inter recieved £45 million plus Eto’o for Ibrahimovic. Given that Ibrahimovic is only a year younger and is not neccessarily a better striker, Inter must have snapped Barcelona’s hands off to secure the deal.

With possibly the most talented manager in the world in Jose Mourinho, Inter will feel they have the fire power to win the league and will also be desperate to give a great showing in the Champions League. Inter’s main aim will be to win in Europe and owner Massimo Moratti has repeatedly reminded everyone of this for a few years now.

Inter’s strength will be the depth of their squad, the likes of :

Vieira, Suazo, Cambiasso, Stankovic, Quaresma, Zanetti, Cordoba, Samuel, Materazzi, Chivu, Militio, Mancini, Muntari, Maicon, Cesar, Toldo, Motta and Eto’o, will strike fear into any opponents next season. Not many clubs can boast 18 such well known established players in their squads, if any.

Inter need to deliver this season especially in Europe because although they have won 4 Scudettos in a row, the black and blue have always struggled in the massive European games.

Prediction 1st

A.C. Milan

The underachievers of recent years have lost their talismanic manager Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea. Having appointed the inexperienced Brazilian club legend Leonardo as the new boss, Milan have taken a risk but maybe one they feel they have to take.

It will take a monumental effort to unsurp Inter and selling Kaka has all but ended any real hopes that they may do so. Kaka was sold for £56 million and whilst the money will be great for the club, the loss of the player could be detrimental to their title chances, Kaka’s apparent replacement Klaas Jan Huntelaar is not a player in the similar mould. Huntelaar will score goals but does not have the same ability to drive teams forward and win matches that Kaka was so adored for.

An aging squad last season has just got a year older, Milan seem in decline and owner Silvio Berlusconi has conceded that the club cannot compete financially will the biggest clubs in Europe anymore.

Prediction 4th

Roma and Juventus should be stronger this year and should fight it out for 2nd and 3rd places.

La Liga Title Race

Real Madrid for thoughts on Real in the new season please visit this link on an article written last week https://sportsportsport.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/madrid-the-real-deal/

Barcelona

The most beautiful football team in the world have signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer. The forward is a welcome addition to the squad and his nonchelant style should suit the free flowing creative football of the Nou Camp.

The loss of Eto’o however may be bigger than expected. To sell a 35 goal a season player is always a risk, no matter who you bring in. Whilst Mourinho has procliamed ‘Ibra’ to be the best player in the world, there are a few who prefer Eto’o and actually feel he is the better forward.

Regardless of this Barcelona still have a squad capable of winning the league. Guardiola has kept his squad together and the likes of Henry, Xavi, Iniesta and of course wonderkid Messi should help Barca secure another title. Real will take time to gel their squad and so will need a season or two before they can become world beaters.

Prediction Barcelona 1st, Real Madrid 2nd

Atletico Madrid have done very well to hold onto Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero and as such should take 3rd place. The other team to have done well to hold their squad together is Valencia, with Silva and Villa still there they should finish 4th.