Chievo Verona

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Location: Verona (Veneto)
Manager: Giuseppe Iachini
Ground: Stadio Maracantonio Bentegodi (Capacity: 42,160)

Pre-Season Training Began July 13th in Verona, then moved to San Zeno di Montagna
Friendlies Played: Chievo 14-0 San Zeno di Montagna (July 20); Chievo 6-0 Melbourne Phoenix (July 23)
Friendlies Scheduled: Pergocrema (July 27); Veneto (July 31); Queens Park Rangers (August 2)

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In: Nicolas Frey (D, Modena); Stefano Olivieri (D, Ancona); Stefano Sorrentino (G, Recrativo Huelva); Francesco Scardina (D, Vicenza); Emanuele D’Anna (M, Pisa); Giovanni Marchese (D, Bari)

Out: Aleandro Rosi (M, Roma); Marino Defendi (S, Atalanta); Angelo Antonazzo (D, Frosinone); Daniele Aldegani (G, Free Agency); Federico Cossato (S, Free Agency); Michele Troiano (M, Modena); Tommaso Chiecchi (D, Lumezzane); Maurizio Ciaramitaro (M, Palermo)

Negotiating For: Francesco Tavano (S, Livorno); Papa Waigo (S, Fiorentina); Nicolas Andres Cordova (M, Messina); Biagio Pagano (D, Rimini); Daniele Capelli (D, Atalanta); Jose Ignacio Castillo (S, Pisa); Gaetano De Rosa (D, Genoa); Stefano Guberti (M, Ascoli); Adrian Ricchiuti (S, Rimini); Paolo Foglio (D, Vicenza); Mark Edusei (M, Catania); Andrea Capone (S, Vicenza); Giuseppe Biava (D, Genoa)

Transfer Rating: 5

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The Flying Donkeys have been a great success story, and after their recent relegation they quickly turned things around and have found themselves flying back into Serie A.  It will be a difficult season for the northern minnows with a less than impressive lineup of unproven players.  Nigerian hitman Victor Obinna is no doubt on his way out, leaving captain Sergio Pellissier to take over the task of leading this Chievo team.  Albanian striker Erjon Bogdani is also an option up front, but it has been made known that head coach Iachini has no made no room for Bogdani in his plans.

Chievo is in dire need of at least two more impact signings at the midfield and forward positions, or they will be heading back to Serie B in a hurry.  One possible name that has been mentioned is that of 33-year-old Argentine Jose Ignacio Castillo, who is currently on the books at Pisa.  The veteran striker netted 21 times in 38 appearances for Pisa last term, and might have earned himself a surprise jump to Serie A with his stellar performance.  Siena are also rumored to be pursuing his services.

Minding the net for the Flying Donkeys next season will be new signing Stefano Sorrentino. Sorrentino, once a Juventus youth product, has seen plenty of action in Serie A during his time with Torino from 2001-2005.  Sorrentino is an important signing for Chievo, who were in desperate need of a shot-stopper. Chievo beat out the competition of Catania, as well as Juventus who eyed the veteran goalkeeper as a dependable backup for Gigi Buffon.  Sorrentino will without a doubt have his work cut out for him as he makes his return to Italy.

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Prediction: Relegation. Passionate fan base is a plus, but in the end not enough talent to get the job done.

Probable Formation: 4-3-3
Sorrentino; Mantovani, Cesar, Mandelli, Malago; Marcolini, Italiano; Bentivoglio; Iunco, Pellissier, Luciano

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New Kits For 2008-09:

Popularity: 1%

Catania

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Location: Catania (Sicily)
Manager: Walter Zenga
Ground: Stadio Angelo Massimino (Capacity: 23,420)

Pre-Season Training Began July 14th in Catania
Friendlies Played: Catania 5-0 Viole (July 16th); Catania 8-0 RRU Carabinieri (July 16th); Catania 12-1 Torandrea (July 20th); Catania 8-1 Angelana (July 21st); Catania 1-0 Botev Plovdiv (July 24th)
Friendlies Scheduled: Benevento (July 25th)

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In: Julian Di Cosmo (S, Igea Virtus); Tomas Kosicki (G, Inter Bratislava); Ezquiel Carboni (D, Red Bull Salzburg); Pablo Ledesma (M, Boca Juniors); Mirko Delia (S, Francavilla); Anderson Babu (S, Triestina); Michele Paolucci (S, Atalanta); Nicolae Dica (S, Steaua Bucharest); Andrea Catellini (S, Reggiana); Mauro Minelli (D, Triestina); Gianvito Plasmati (S, Taranto)

Out: Inacio Pia (S, Napoli); Fabrizio Lasagna (S, Paganese); Juan Vargas (D, Fiorentina); Adriano Mezavilla (M, Perugia); Andrea Sottil (D, Free Agency)

Negotiating For: Mariano Stendardo (D, Messina); Pablo Granoche (S, Triestina); Danilo (D, Genoa)

Transfer Rating: 7

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Having spent most of their tenure as a club in Serie B, the southern minnows have had surprising success since their most recent promotion to Serie A, peaking at 4th place after twenty games in the 2006-07 season.  They have made their presence known across the peninsula and believe they can set their sites higher than just Serie A salvation.  Perhaps UEFA Cup dreams are in the eyes of the Catania faithful?

For the 2008-09 season they have retained most of their squad, not including star left-back Juan Varags, whose departure was pretty much a given.  In addition, the Elefanti have brought in some important players.  Boca Juniors star midfielder Pablo Ledesma joins Catania after following out of favor at the Argentine club.  Catania have also made in an impressive signing in bringing in Romanian international Nicolae Dica, an attack-minded midfielder.  Dica had motivation to join Catania because of his past relationship with head coach Walter Zenga.  Zenga took over reigns this past April and showed a lot of promise for the upcoming season after leading them to a dramatic last minute survival, drawing 1-1 against Roma.  Zenga last coached Dica at Romanian club Steaua Bucuresti.

“Serie A is a very tough league, so it is a new challenge for me,” Dica said  “Our objective is to make Catania a team capable of competing with the more prestigious northern clubs.”

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Prediction: Mid-table finish (9th-13th place).  With these new important signings and Zenga at the helm, Catania should comfortably avoid relegation and continue to show that the smaller southern clubs can hang with the big boys.

Probable Formation: 4-1-4-1
Bizzarri; Alvarez, Stovini, Terlizzi, Sardo; Carboni; Dica, Biagianti, Ledesma, Martinez; Paolucci

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New Kit For 2008-09:

Popularity: 6%

Cagliari

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Location: Cagliari (Sardinia)
Manager: Massimiliano Allegri
Ground: Stadio Sant’Elia (Capacity: 23,486)

Pre-Season Training Began July 14th in Cagliari
Friendlies Played: Cagliari 6-0 Serie D Representative XI. (July 20th)
Friendlies Scheduled: Olbia (July 27th); Nuorese (August 2nd)

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In: Davide Astori (D, Cremonese); Federico Marchetti (G, Albinoleffe); Andrea Lazzari (S, Grosseto); Claudio Pani (M, Modena)

Out: Marco Storari (G, Fiorentina); Luca Capecchi (G, Ravenna); Davide Marchini (M. Triestina); Pasquale Foggia (M, Lazio)

Negotiating For: Pasquale Foggia (M, Lazio); Fabrizio Zambrella (M, Brescia); Carl Valeri (M, Grosseto)

Transfer Rating: 5.5

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The Isolani had a magnificent second half of their season in 2007-08.  After being hit with a small point penalty and spending some time in last place, the Rossoblu climbed their way out of the bottom under the guidance of coach Nedo Sonetti, who returned to the Cagliari bench in November.  In a surprise decision, the club decided to part ways with Sonetti at the end of the year and bring in a less-experienced tactician in Max Allegri.  For 2008-09, they have lost both playmaking midfielder Pasquale Foggia and an excellent goalkeeper in Marco Storari.  However, young star forward Robert Acquafresca is going to remain with the Islanders due to his willingness to see regular first team action and hopefully catch the eye of Inter.  With Acquafresca and the return of captain Daniele Conti, this cohesive unit could once again surprise a few people in the upcoming season.  You would like to see Cagliari make a few more moves, but you have to respect them for sticking with what hopefully will work.  Among the more recent signings for the Rossoblu is young defender Davide Astori, who played in 31 games for Cremonese last term.

“I have a great desire to be put to the test, to learn and grow.” said Astori.  “I am ready if and when the coach calls upon me.”

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Probable Formation: 4-3-1-2
Marchetti; Agostini, Canini, Lopez, Pisano; Parola, Conti, Fini; Cossu; Acquafresca, Jeda

Prediction: Relegation. You have to give them credit for not selling every vital part of their team.  But is what they have going to be enough? I don’t think they will have enough in the tank with a new coach to survive another year in Serie A.  But they always seem to prove their critics wrong.

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New Kit for 2008-09:

Popularity: 10%

Bologna

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Location: Bologna
Manager: Daniele Arrigoni
Ground: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara (Capacity: 39,444)

Pre-Season Training Began July 19th in Sestola
Friendlies Played: Bologna 7-0 Faro (July 20th)
Friendlies Scheduled: Rappresentativa della Montagna (July 23rd); Melbourne Phoenix (July 26th); Virtus Castelfranco (July 30th); Sassuolo (August 2nd); Japan Under-21 (August 6th); Ternana (August 9th); Rimini (August 13th); Aek Atene (August 18th)

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In: Sergio Volpi (M, Sampdoria); Marco Bernacci (S, Ascoli); Cristian Zenoni (D, Sampdoria); Gabriele Paonessa (S, Avellino); Massimo Coda (S, Crotone); Dyego Rocha Coelho (S, Atletico Mineiro); Diego Rodriguez (M, Penarol); Manuel Angel Britos (D, Montevideo Wanderers); Gaby Mudingayi (M, Lazio); Stefano Okaka (S, Modena)

Out: Davide Di Gennaro (S, Genoa); Cristian Bucchi (S, Ascoli); Dino Fava (S, Treviso); Riccardo Bonetto (D, Lazio); Francesco Della Rocca (M, Sassuolo); Daniele Daino (D, Foggia); Davide Colomba (M, Foggia)

Negotiating For: Stefano Guberti (M, Ascoli); Simone Pesce (M, Ascoli); Edilson Cavani (S, Palermo); Tomas Locatelli (M, Siena); Freddy Adu (S, Benfica); Matteo Ferrari (D, Roma) Guglielmo Stendardo (D, Lazio); Riccardo Zampagna (S, Vicenza); Alberto Palosci (S, Milan); Jose Ignacio Castillo (S, Pisa); Roberto Guana (M, Palermo); Roberto Stellone (S, Torino); Luca Ariatti (M, Lecce); Edgar Alvarez (M, Livorno)\

Transfer Rating: 7

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Seven-time Serie A champions Bologna return to Serie A with high hopes following a short stint in the lower division.  A defeat over Pisa in the Serie A promotion playoff saw the northern club return to Italy’s top flight for the first time since the 2004-05 season.  Adding strength to their side has been a top priority for this club in the off-season as they prepare to face the giants of Italy.  With only a signature pending, Bologna have added Roma-owned starlet Stefano Okaka Chuka to their new-look top flight side, along with talented Sampdoria duo Zenoni and Volpi. More recently, a key move was acquiring Belgian national Gaby Mudingayi from Lazio, a player who likely see plenty of first team action after struggling to do so in Rome.

“I’m here, I’m very happy,” said Mudingayi.  “I immediately felt comfortable with my new team mates and I’m sure I’ll do well, that’s the most important thing.”

Bologna have been in the news after the club was nearly bought by a group of American investors, but the deal recently collapsed.  Bologna President Alfredo Cazzola rejected a request from the would-be owners for a 3 week extension to a payment deadline, thus ending the possible sale.  Some may argue that foreign investment could have been a beneficial move for the future of this historic club and for their survival.

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Probable Formation: 4-4-2
Antonioli; Rodriguez, Britos, Moras, Zenoni; Valiani, Mingazzini, Volpi, Coelho; Bernacci, Marazzina

Prediction: Lower-half finish (14th-17th place). The Rossoblu will have a rude awakening in the top flight, with the competition being tougher than ever.  They will struggle for survival, but ultimately will have enough talent to live to see another day in Serie A.

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New Kits for 2008-09:

Popularity: 15%

As players across Italy arrive at their training grounds and coaches begin developing new tactics for their new faces, American Soccer Reader previews 20 Serie A clubs in 20 days, From A to Udinese.

Atalanta

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Location: Bergamo
Manager: Gigi Del Neri
Ground: Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia (Capacity: 26,638)

Pre-Season Training Began July 16th in Bergamo
Friendlies Scheduled: Pergocrema (August 6th)

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In: Jamie Valdes (M, Lecce); Marino Defendi (S, Chievo); Gyorgy Garics (S, Napoli); Christian Vieri (S, Fiorentina), Luca Cigarini (M, Parma); Andrea Consigli (G, Rimini); Alessio Manzoni (M, Spezia); Antonino D’Agostino (M, Treviso)

Out: Antonio Langella (S, Udinese); Moris Carrozzieri (D, Palermo); Fernando Damian Tissone (M, Udinese); Simone Inzaghi (S, Lazio); Manuel Belleri (D, Lazio); Andrea Ivan (G, Svincolato); Cristian Tiboni (S, Verona)

Negotiating For: Michele Anaclerio (D, Piacenza); Federico Peluso (D, Piacenza); Nicolas A. Cordova (S. Fiorentina); Victor Hugo Pele (M, Inter); Victor Obinna (S, Chievo); Alessio Sestu (M, Avellino); Piermario Morosni (M, Vicenza); Alessio Cerci (S, Roma)

Transfer Rating: 6.5

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The Bergamo-based club has certainly been busy during this summers transfer window.  After just missing out on European competition with a 9th place finish in Serie A, Atalanta have added some great talent without losing too many key pieces to their puzzle.  Most importantly, they have retained captain Cristiano Doni.  One acquisition in particular, however, has come in great dismay of their fans.  This would be Cristian Vieri, whose arrival was protested due to the manner in which he left to join Fiorentina last year.  Although you have to believe that if the aging Vieri produces, fans will forgive him.  The Nerazzurri have also added Azzurrini star and upcoming Olympic athlete Luca Cigarini, a player who was being pursued by several top clubs across Europe this summer. If Atalanta can secure just one more talented attacker, such as Victor Obinna or Roma starlet Alessi Cerci, fans can be happy with the way their summer has gone.

Nerazzurri faithful will be holding their breath in the coming days after accusations of match fixing have recently surfaced.   Defenseman Gianpaolo Bellini could be disqualified for 3+ years and Atalanta could face a penalty of –6 points if they are found guilty in the match-fixing probe.  Atalanta general manager Alessandro Ruggeri remains confident that there was no wrongdoing.

“We are relaxed,” Ruggeri said. “We await the verdict of the Disciplinary Commission with confidence.”

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Probable Formation: 4-4-1-1
Coppola; Bellini, Manfredini, Talamonti, Rivalta; Padoin, Guarente, Cigari, Ferreira; Doni; Vieri

Prediction: Lower-half finish (14th-17th place). Possibly relegation should there be a point penalty.

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New Kits for 2008-09:

Popularity: 16%

Reggina are hoping to land a loan deal for Milan striker Alberto Paloschi.  Reggina president Lillo Foti was in Milan to meet about the young talent.

“Paloschi is a player I like very much,” Foti said. “I met this afternoon with Milan.”

Paloschi, who scored just 15 seconds upon making his Serie A debut with Milan, is wanted by a Reggina side that are in desperate need of a goal scorer.  Milan vice president Adriano Galliani had made it known earlier in the year that they were willing to loan out Paloschi for some first team experience in the top flight, but only if other reinforcements were to arrive in his place.

Reggina are also reportedly very close to a deal with Manchester City to bring out of favor striker Bernardo Corradi to the southern side.  The Amaranto recently lost hero Nicola Amoruso to Torino and are hoping Corradi can fill those large boots.

Popularity: 20%

Amantino Mancini has officially joined Inter this afternoon after the Nerazzurri agreed to a deal with Roma.  The 28-year-old Brazilian has spent five successful years with the Giallorossi, and has been one of Jose Mourinho’s main summer targets as he looks to build his Inter side.

Terms of the deal are not yet officially known, but early indications say that the Inter will pay around €13-€15 million euros for the player.  Mancini will sign a four year deal worth €3.5 million per season.

“Both parties are satisfied,” Inter director Gabriele Oriali said. “It wasn’t easy but in the end we reached an agreement, therefore we’re all happy.”

Meanwhile, Inter remain keen on also bringing Cheslea midfielder Frank Lampard to San Siro, but the situation at his current club remains unresolved.

Popularity: 16%

A weekly recap of all the latest happenings in Italy, including transfer news and rumors.

Florence

We begin our trip with a Fiorentina side that has been rather busy in the last few days. The Viola have recently confirmed three important signings. First, the signing of Peruvian national Juan Manuel Vargas has finally been made official. Vargas caught the eye of many clubs around Europe with his dazzling play for Serie A minnows Catania. A move to a bigger club was inevitable, with Fiorentina eventually beating out Real Madrid for the services of the left back. Fiorentina have also strengthed their back line with another important signing, Gianluca Comotto from Torino. Comotto was captain of Toro during this past season, but injury troubles kept him out for most of the second half. And to top it off, Brazilian wiz-kid Jefferson has signed a five-year contract with the Viola, but he will likely be loaned out to a Serie B team to gain some Italian footballing experience.

Rome

After Nicola Amoruso’s move to the eternal city fell through, Lazio have picked up U-21 Argentine starlet Mauro Zarate. Zarate, who spent last season on loan at Birmingham City, is said to be playing a key role in the upcoming season for the Bioncolesti. Lazio president Claudio Lotito coined the young striker as the most important signing of the season. In addition, Lazio have picked up another young forward in 19-year-old Czech talent Libor Kozak. Meanwhile, Swiss winger Valon Behrami has reiterated his intent to leave, but has shrugged off rumors linking him to West Ham. Behrami hopes for a move to the Bundesliga.

Milan

Drama continues over Frank Lampard’s possible move to Inter. The Italian champions are hoping to make three big signings to reinforce their club and defend their title. They have apparently sent their final offer for Lampard, who is described by a source as being 60/40 in favor of a move to San Siro. Inter are also turning their attention to Roma’s Brazilian ace Mancini. Roma have lowered their initial demands from 15 million euros to 13 million. Inter initially offered 10, but are hoping that a 12 million dollar bid might satisfy the high demands of their rival club. To round up their high profile signings, Jose Mourinho is hoping to bring in Porto midfielder Ricardo Quaresma. While sources say Quaresma’s move to Inter is imminent, Porto prsesident Pinto da Costa has denied receiving any offers for the Portuguese national.

AC Milan are also still hoping to land a big summer signing, but have made a stance that they will not overpay. The Rossoneri have been chasing Premiership stars Emmanuel Adebayor and Didier Drogba. Sources say they are not out of the running just yet for either of the two. As Milan continue their search for one of Europe’s top marksmen, they deny that their star Brazilian Kaka is going anywhere, after reports surfaced that Chelsea prepared a giant 94 million euro bid for Kaka’s services.

Lecce

We end our trip down south with Lecce, who are back in Seire A after a short absence and have no intention of leaving any time soon. The southern minnows are hoping to land a prolific forward, and they have set their sights on several targets including Emiliano Bonazzoli and unsettled Fiorentina striker Daniele Cacia. Lecce will have competition for both players, with Bonazzoli being linked with a move back to Reggina, as well as Cacia being pursued by Catania. Lecce will have a tough road ahead of them after they decided to part ways with manager Giuseppe Papadopulo, who lead them to their recent promotion. They have decided to hire former Siena boss Mario Beretta.

Popularity: 27%

Veteran striker Christian Vieri is no longer a free agent after he agreed to a one year deal with Atalanta. It will be the third time Vieri has played for the northern club. During his tenure with Fiorentina last season, he netted 6 goals in 26 matches.

Vieri’s arrival in Bergamo is hardly met with open arms by the fans. Nerazzurri faithful have been protesting the move ever since rumors of his return first surfaced. When Vieri made the move to Fiorentina, fans felt that he had ran out of them, despite allowing him to play following a major knee injury that sidelined him for over a year.

The streets of Bergamo are littered with graffiti-based messages such as, “Ungrateful Vieri, you’re not worthy of Atalanta.”

Like it or not, Atalanta fans must now accept the arrival of the 34-year-old Italian national.

Popularity: 18%

A day after Reggina purchased the remaining 50% of Giandomenico Mesto’s contract from Udinese, he is on the move back up north to Genoa. Mesto enjoyed great success with Udinese last term and had hoped for an extended say with the Friulian club. Instead he is heading to Genoa, while Reggina in return will receive 3 million euros, full ownership of Brazilian defender Santos, as well as the loan of Brazilian midfielder Fabiano. The Brazilian pair had 44 games of experience between them for Genoa last season.

Mesto, who has been capped with the Italian national team, will have to fill in the shoes of the recently departed Genoa right wing-back Abdoulay Konko, who left I Grifoni for Sevilla after opening the eyes of many top clubs last season. Genoa has been one of the busiest teams in the summer market, verifying their desire to push for a spot in Europe next year.

Popularity: 23%