As ASR’s Serie A preview comes to an end, we leave you with Udinese, followed by predictions of how the final table might turn out.

Udinese

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Location: Udine
Manager: Pasquale Marino
Ground: Stadio Friuli (Capacity: 41,652)

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Pre-Season Training Began July 13 in Belluno

Friendlies Played: Udinese 10-0 Rapprresentativa Val Complico (July 16); Udinese 2-0 Pacos Ferreira (Casablanca Tournament, July 22); Udinese 0-3 Athletic Bilbao (Casablanca Tournament, July 25); Udinese 3-0 Bassano (July 27); Udinese 0-0 Gaziantepspor (August 1); Udinese 1-3 PAOK (August 6); Udinese 1-0 Villareal (August 21); Udinese 0-1 Espanyol (August 24)

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In: Alexis Sanchez (S, River Plate); Daniel Bradaschia (S, Treviso); Giovanni Pasquale (D, Livorno); Gaetano Cala (D, Messina); Frenando Damian Tissone (M, Atalanta); Marco Motta (D, Torino); Alian Nef (D, Piacenza); Salvatore Masiello (M, Vicenza); Dusan Basta (M, Stella Rossa); Nikola Vujadinovich (D, Bulgara); Luigi Sala (D, Sampdoria)

Out: Tomas Zapotocny (D, Besiktas); Antonio Candreva (M, Livorno); Andrea Migliorini (D, Livorno); Andrea Dossena (D, Liverpool); Federico Raul Laurito (S, Livorno); Giandomenico Mesto (D, Reggina); Tomas Sivok (M, Besiktas); Gyan Asamoah (S, Rennes); Michele Paolucci (S, Catania); Riccardo Colombo (D, Torino); Diogo Monteiro (S, Bari); Saulo Squarsone (G, Albinoleffe); Raffaele De Martino (M, Avellino); Roman Eremenko (M, Dinamo Kiev); Giampiero Pinzi (M, Chievo)

Negotiating For: Jose Carlos Alemao (S, Santos); Maurizio Domizzi (D, Napoli); Christian Terlizzi (D, Catania); Massimo Bonanni (M, Bari); Odion Jude Ighalo (S, Lyn Oslo)

Transfer Rating: 6

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Pasquale Marino’s men have had a tough going in their summer friendlies leading up to the start of the new Serie A campaign.  Their greatest success has been defeating Villareal 1-0, but aside from that the Zebrette have struggled to pick up many positive results.  It may or may not be a sign of things to come in the near future, but you can’t blame them for struggling somewhat after several key players left in the summer market.

The Udinese defense lost Giandomenico Mesto to Genoa and Andrea Dossena to Liverpool, both of whom were major contributors to their 7th place finish last season.  The Bianconeri have reloaded at this position by bringing in Azzurrini starlet Marco Motta from Torino and veteran defender Luis Sala from Sampdoria.  Both of these new arrivals will be immediately thrown to the wolves and should be starting due to injuries and lack of depth at this position for the Friulian club.

The Udinese midfield remains strong with Swiss international Gokhan Inler returning for another year. Inler has been a target for Arsenal, but chose to stay in Udinese to improve his game for at least one more season.

The key to Udinese’s success ultimately comes down to their attack.  The Zebrette relied on this attack to carry them into a UEFA Cup spot last season.  It appears as if they will need the same production from their forwards if they want to continue to stay competitive with the top clubs.  Udinese loses Ghanain striker Gyan Asamoah to Rennes, but certainly has plenty of other attacking options.  Italian internationals Antonio Di Natale and Fabio Quagliarella are as good a duo as any in Serie A. Quagliarella has scored 25 goals in his last two seasons in Serie A and we should see plenty more to come, being only 25-years-old.

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Prediction: Mid table (9th-13th place). In recent years, Udinese has been a consistent threat to top level teams in Serie A  They aren’t short on talent, but they could have done maybe just a little bit more in the summer market.  In a Serie A season which will give us plenty of parity, they will avoid relegation comfortably but fall short of any European qualifcation.

Probable Formation: 4-3-3
Handanovic; Pasquale, Lukovic, Coda, Motta; Tissone, D’Agostino, Inler; Di Natale, Quagliarella, Pepe

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New Kits For 2008-09:

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2008-09 Serie A Table Prediction (Compiled from all 20 club previews)

1. Roma
2. Inter
3. Fiorentina
4. Sampdoria
5. Juventus
6. Milan
7. Napoli
8. Genoa
9. Lazio
10. Palermo
11. Udinese
12. Catania
13. Reggina
14. Torino
15. Lecce
16. Atalanta
17. Bologna
18. Chievo
19. Siena
20. Cagliari

Stay tuned to ASR all season long for weekly previews and match recaps! Forza ASR

Torino

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Location: Turin
Manager: Gianni De Biasi
Ground: Stadio Olimpico (Capacity: 27,500)

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Pre-Season Training Began July 15 in Turin
Friendlies Played: Torino 8-0 Malles (July 26); Torino 1-1 Kerkyra (July 30); Torino 2-1 Vicenza (August 1); Torino 2-2 Fulham (August 9); Torino 11-0 Sommariva Perno (August 10); Torino 3-0 Ivrea (August 13); Torino 0-0 Lugano (August 19)

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In: Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (D, Crotone); Elvis Abbruscato (S, Lecce); Marco Moro (S, Messina); Nicola Amoruso (S, Reggina); Matteo Melara (D, Livorno); Tommaso Vailatti (M, Livorno); Alex Calderoni (G, Treviso); Riccardo Colombo (D, Udinese); Jurgen Saumel (M, Strum Graz); Rolando Bianchi (S, Lazio); Francesco Pratali (D, Empoli)

Out: Marco Motta (D, Udinese); Pablo Hernan Dellafiore (D, Palermo); Alvaro Recoba (Inter); Gianluca Comotto (D, Fiorentina); Nikola Lazetic (M, Free Agency); Masashi Oguro (S, Free Agency); Sesa Bjelanovic (S, Vicenza); Matteo Melara (D, Free Agency); Salvatore Lanna (D, Bologna); Davide Bottone (M, Vicenza); Vincenzo Grella (M, Blackburn)

Negotiating For: Massimo Mutarelli (M, Lazio); Matteo Brighi (M, Roma); Cristian Ledesma (M, Lazio); Ovidiu Petre (M, Steaua Bucarest)

Transfer Rating: 6.5

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Torino have had a difficult time adjusting to life in the top flight since their return to Serie A just two seasons ago.  High expectations surround this club, yet once again its hard to see them as anything more than a relegation contender.  They escaped relegation at the end of last season, after head coach Walter Novellino was sacked with 5 games remaining and replaced by Levante savior Gianni De Biasi.  Like his predecessor, De Biasi will be on the hot seat and must lead this club to some form of success.  He will have his work cut out for him, with not much help arriving in the summer market.

Two notable signings for the Granata have been forwards Nicola Amoruso and Rolandi Bianchi.  Nicola Amoruso, a hero for Reggina the past couple of seasons, wanted to move to a more notable club as he winds down his career.  At 34, he still has the talent to get the job done but has probably reached his physical peak.  Perhaps he will have continued sucesss when he rejoins with Bianchi, his former partner-in-crime at Reggina.  The striking duo combined for 35 goals during Reggina’s historic 2006-07 season and helped their team escape an –11 point penalty.  Bianchi joins Toro after a disappointing spell at Manchester City.  Not frequently in the starting lineup, he failed to settle in with the English club and was eventually loaned out to Lazio last year.  Now Bianchi will stay in Italy after signing a five year deal with Torino.

Toro have also snapped up Milan youth product Ignazio Abate.  The 20-year-old hopes to add a spark to the Torino midfield, but he will have to wait to do so.  Abate was injured while playing for the Azzurri at the Beijing Olympics and could miss up to six weeks.

“My adventure here did not start very well, because I arrived from the Olympic disappointment,” Abate said. “But now we turn the page!”

Torino will be eager to get Abate back to full fitness, especially after their most recent transaction saw talented midfielder Vincenzo Grella move to EPL side Blackburn.  Grella, a staple for the Australian national team, attracted the attention of Blackburn manager Paul Ince with a style of play that Ince feels could be well suited in England.  Grella is not the only important loss for Torino this summer.  Azzurrini star defender Marco Motta’s loan spell in Turin has ended, and he rejoins fellow Serie A club Udinese.

The attack will definitely be the strength of the Granata this year. Aside from the aforementioned Bianchi and Amoruso, Torino will have Nicola Ventola, Elvis Abbruscato, Roberto Stellone, and David Di Michele at their disposal.  The midfield also seems well set with captain Alessandro Rosina, Simone Barone, and Eugenio Corini.  However, worries are already starting to settle in after a disappointing goalless draw in their last friendly against Lugano.  Torino created many chances in the match, but lacked sharpness and were unable to finish in front of goal.

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Prediction: Lower-half finish (14th-17th place). They have too much talent to end the season in the relegation zone, but will suffer through another season of underachievement.

Probable Formation: 4-3-2-1
Sereni; Pisano, Di Loreto, Natali, Diana; Barone, Corini, Samuel; Amoruso, Rosina; Bianchi

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New Kits For 2008-09:

Siena

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Location: Siena (Tuscany)
Manager: Marco Giampaolo
Ground: Stadio Artemio Franchi (Capacity: 15,725)

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Pre-Season Training Began July 7 in Siena
Friendlies Played: Siena 10-0 Fonte Belverde (July 24); Siena 6-0 Rieti (July 27); Siena 2-0 Botev Plovdiv (July 31); Siena 0-0 Benevento (August 2); Siena 1-3 Ascoli (August 9); Siena 0-0 Salernitana (August 11); Siena 2-1 Arezzo (August 13); Siena 0-1 Sampdoria (August 16)

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In: Antonio Zito (M, Taranto); Manuel Mancini (M, Taranto); Gianluca Curci (G, Roma); Ahmed Apimah Barusso (M, Roma); Goncalo Jardim Brandao (D, Belenenses); Emanuele Calaio (S, Napoli); Abdel Ghezzal (S, Crotone); Nicola Belmonte (D, Bari); Lorenzo Del Prete (D, Lanciano); Juan Camilo Zuniga (D, Atelico Nacional)

Out: Paolo De Ceglie (M, Juventus); Simone Loria (D, Roma); Enrico Chiesa (S, Figline); Arthur (G, Roma); Alex Manninger (G, Juventus); Thomas Locatelli (M, Mantova); Valentin do Carmo Alberto (M, Free Agency); Valerio Bertotto (D, Free Agency); Andrea Gasparri (G, Parma); Caetano (M, Crotone); Mirko Guadalupi (M, Ancona); Daniele Corvia (S, Empoli)

Negotiating For: Paolo Bianco (D, Cagliari); Cristiano Del Grosso (D, Cagliari); Zheng Zhi (M, Shandong Luneng); Maurizio Domizzi (D, Napoli); Francesco Parravicini (M, Parma); Guilherme Siqueira (S, Udinese); Mauro Esposito (S, Roma); Salvatore Aronica (D, Reggina); Gaetano De Rosa (D, Free Agent); Stefano Okaka Chuka (S, Roma)

Transfer Rating: 5.5

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The Tuscan minnows have been a mainstay in Serie A since their historic promotion back in 2001. They are often overshadowed by their powerful neighbors in the north of Italy and always surprise the skeptics when the season comes to an end.  An example would be last season,  with head coach Mario Beretta leading the Bianconeri to a suprising 44 points and a 13th place finish in Serie A.

The upcoming campaign will be a difficult one, as Siena will have to adapt with several new players and a new head coach. Beretta surprisingly decided to quit Siena at the end of last year, later taking the vacant job with Lecce.  Replacing the departed tactician will be Marco Giampaolo, a relatively young coach who has had much success in his brief Serie A tenure, leading Cagliari to consecutive top flight survivals.

Giampolo shouldn’t have higher expectations than survival in his first year with Siena.  They are one of the leading relegation candidates, yet they failed to really add any quality signings this summer.  The biggest signing has been Napoli’s Emanuele Calaio, but many wonder if that is enough to help Siena’s lackluster attack.  Hitman Massimo Maccarone lead all scorers for the Bianconeri last year with 13 goals, and he will have the pressure to repeat this performance with his new strike partner, Calaio.

Siena’s success last year can also be attributed to excellent goalkeeping by Alex Manninger.  However, the Austrian international is no longer with the Tuscan outfit, after making a move to Serie A giants Juventus.  The Old Lady snagged up Manninger to be the new number two option behind Gigi Buffon, after Emanuele Belardi wasn’t working out.  To replace Manninger between the posts, Siena have brought in former Italian U-21 keeper Gianluca Curci from Roma.  Curci, although only 23 years of age, has plenty of top flight experience with his former club.  In the 2004-05 season he was their number one choice following several injuries.

It has no doubt been a rough pre-season for Siena.  They drew with Salernitana, lost to Ascoli, and fell to Sampdoria.  But perhaps it was a sign of good things to come during their recent Coppa Italia triumph.  They thrashed a decent Serie B side in Albinoleffe by a score of 4-0, with both Maccarone and Calaio finding the back of the net.

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Prediction: Relegation. Loss of Simone Loria, not much added in the market, and a new (young) head don’t necessarily give much reassurance to Bianconeri faithful.  It might go down to the wire, but they won’t have enough in them to stay afloat.

Probable Formation: 4-3-1-2
Curci; Rossi, Ficagna, Portanova, Zuniga; Galloppa, Cordrea, Vergassola; Kharja; Maccarone, Calaio

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New Kits For 2008-09:

Sampdoria

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Location: Genoa
Manager: Walter Mazzarri
Ground: Stadio Luigi Ferraris (Capacity: 36,536)

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Pre-Season Training Began July 15 in Genoa
Friendlies Played: Sampdoria 16-0 Monto Pallidi (July 16); Sampdoria 4-1 Bolzano (August 2); Sampdoria 0-2 Sporting Lisbon (August 9); Sampdoria 3-1 Carrarese (August 13); Sampdoria 1-0 Siena (August 16); Sampdoria 2-0 Al Shabab (August 21); Sampdoria 2-0 Saudi Arabia (August 24)

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In: Marius Stanevicius (D, Brescia); Marco Padalino (M, Piacenza); Daniele Dessena (M, Parma); Daniele Padelli (G, Pisa); Jonathan Bottinelli (D, San Lorenzo); Bruno Fornaroli (S, Uruguay)

Out: Sergio Volpi (M, Bologna); Christian Maggio (M, Napoli); Vincenzo Montella (S, Roma); Christian Zenoni (M, Bologna); Luigi Sala (D, Free Agency); Nikola Gulan (M, Fiorentina); Matteo Lanzoni (D, Bari); Leonardo Martin Miglionico (D, Livorno); Carmelo Cucciniello (M, Perugia); Ikechukwu Kalu (S, Bellinzona); Vladimir Koman (M, Avellino); Gianluigi Bianco (D, Empoli); Luigi Sala (D, Udinese)

Negotiating For: Hernan Crespo (S, Inter); David Suazo (S, Inter); Fabio Santos (N, Monaco); Conduelo Piriz (M, Nacional Montevideo); Ever Banega (M, Valencia); Pablo Caballero (M, Nacional Montevideo)

Transfer Rating: 6.5

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Lead by head coach Walter Mazzarri, Sampdoria are coming off of an inconsistent season that was eventually capped off on a high note with a UEFA Cup spot.  Some might call this a success, but the Blucerchiati had the potential to do so much more.  They struggled against bottom clubs, and had an early elimination from the UEFA Cup.  Antonio Cassano fueled this club and, despite his usual questionable antics, he gave enough of a spark at the end of the season to put Sampdoria among the top tier clubs in Serie A and earn himself a call to the national team.  The question remains whether or not Cassano can keep up this up and lead his club to another successful finish.

It has not been the best summer for Blucerchiati faithful, as several key players have departed.  Samp lost two veteran leaders to Bologna in Cristian Zenoni and Sergio Volpi, as well as star right back Christian Maggio who left for Napoli.  Sampdoria has been making an effort in the summer market to reload after these key losses.  A rising young star with the Azzurrini, Daniele Dessena, comes in from Parma to fill the void in the midfield.  To fill the vacancy in the right wing left by Maggio, Lithuian international Marius Stankevicius was brought in from Brescia.

Sampdoria has also been busy scouting in South America.  They have captured the signature of Argentine interntional defender Jonathan Pablo Bottinelli.  Bottinelli joins a defense in desperate need of reinforcements after Mazzarri’s preferred 3-back formation conceded a massive 46 goals.

“I am very happy to be here,” Botinelli said. “Playing in Europe for me, like every other Argentine footballer, is a dream come true,”

Meanwhile up front, Samp has brought in Uruguayan starlet Bruno Fornaroli from Nacional Montevideo.  There are hopes that young Fornaroli will eventually from a successful strike partnership with Cassano.

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Prediction: Champions Leaugue qualifiers (3rd-4th place finish). Going out on a limb here. Mazzarri is an excellent coach and despite losing several veterans, he can manage to get the job done.  I believe Cassano will continue to shine for this club.  He was recently left out of the Azzurri’s friendly and will have a great desire to earn back a call.

Probable Formation: 3-5-2
Castellazzi; Accardi, Lucchini, Campagnaro; Pieri, Dessena, Palombo, Sammarco, Stanevicius; Cassano, Bellucci

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“New” Kit For 2008-09:

Roma

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Location: Reggio Calabria
Manager: Luciano Spalletti
Ground: Stadio Olimpico (Capacity: 72,698)

Pre-Season Training Began July 21 in Trigoria
Friendlies Played: Roma 3-1 Steaua Bucharest (July 26); Roma 0-0 Monaco (August 2); Roma 3-0 Al Ahly (August 5); Roma 0-5 Tottenham (August 10); Roma 1-0 Frosinone (August 14)

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In : Vincenzo Montella (S, Sampdoria); John Arne Riise (D, Liverpool); Simone Loria (D, Siena); Aleandro Rosi (M, Chievo); Guilherme Arthur (G, Siena); Marco Andreolli (D, Vicenza); Julio Baptista (S, Real Madrid)

Out : Ahmed Apimah Barusso (M, Siena); Gianluca Curci (G, Siena); Amantino Mancici (M, Inter); Matteo Ferrari (D, Free Agency); Ludovic Giuly (S, PSG); Carlo Zotti (G, Contract Expired); Adrian Pit (M, Pisa);

Negotiating For : Florent Malouda (M, Chelsea); David Di Michele (S, Torino); Lulas Podolski (S, Bayern Munich); Jeremy Menez (S, Monaco); Anderson Luis Nene (S, Monaco); David Suazo (S, Inter); Nery Castillo (S, Man City); Edy (S, Sevilla)

Transfer Rating: 7.5

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It’s almost scary how loaded this Roma side is this year.  The Giallorossi have to be mentioned in the list of contenders for the Scudetto this season, especially if Francesco Totti gets back to maximum fitness.  The Roma captain injured his knee in April, and has been working on his recovery since.  He plans to make his first competitive appearance since the injury in the upcoming Italian Super Cup this Sunday.

Although Roma lost their key playmaker to Inter in Amantino Mancini, they have done an excellent job in the summer market.  Following Mancini’s departure, Roma were on a search for an attacker all summer.  They found their difference maker in Real Madrid’s “Beast,” Julio Baptista.  Baptista is also preparing to make his debut in the Super Cup match.  The 26-year-old will fit in well in the Eternal City, as he will be used in the attacking role he feels best suits him.

"I became known here in Europe as a support striker at Seville but at Real I never played there,” Baptista said. "Playing in midfield at Real Madrid, I couldn’t capitalise on my skill. What is for certain is that here I’ll be able to express my attacking nature to its best."

Roma have also make a big splash in the summer market when they brought in Norwegian John Arne Riise from Liverpool. Riise is a tough defender who is an excellent finisher inside the box, frequently finding the back of the net.  Riise’s move came as a surprise to most, but the 27-year-old is convinced it was the right move at this stage of his career.

“Clubs like Liverpool are always looking round the world for players, and there is always going to be someone new challenging you,” Riise said. “I spent seven years at Liverpool and played more than 250 games. The challenge in Italy was the right one for my career and the time was right to change to another country.”

The Giallorossi have a laundry list of star-caliber players and plenty of depth.  Players such as Mirk Vucinic, Rodrigo Taddei, Mauro Esposito, Max Tonetto, Marco Cassetti, and Stefano Okaka Chuka might end up fighting for playing time, despite the fact that they all could be starting on any Serie A team.  The situation with Italian national Alberto Aquilani is also an interesting one.  The midfielder’s future has been up in the air after disputes over his contract renewal.  While rumors have surfaced it might even lead to Aquilani quitting the club, Juventus are known to be pursuing the 24-year-old.  Juve fans have even launched an online petition to get their club to sign Aquilani.

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Prediction: League winners. This has to be the year for Roma. They are stacked with talent and I believe they have what it takes to win the Champions League as well.

Probable Formation: 4-2-3-1
Doni; Riise, Juan, Mexes, Panucci; Pizarro, De Rossi; Perotta, Baptista, Taddei; Totti

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New Kits for 2008-09:

Reggina

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Location: Reggio Calabria
Manager: Nevio Orlandi
Ground: Stadio Oreste Granillo (Capacity: 27,763)

Pre-Season Training Began July 19 in Brusson, then moved to Gubbio
Friendlies Played: Reggina 12-0 Val D’Ayas (July 22); Reggina 2-1 Casale (July 27); Reggina 3-1 Aosta (July 31); Reggina 2-0 Pro Vercelli (August 1); Reggina 3-1 Juve Stabia (August 8); Reggina 0-0 Gubbio (August 9)
Friendlies Scheduled: Ancona (August 13)

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In: Antonio Rizzo (D, Perugia); Fabiano (M, Genoa); Santos (D, Genoa); Carlos Carmona (M, O’Higgins); Christian Puggioni (G, Peurgia); Francesco Cosenza (D, Ravenna); Bernardo Corradi (S, Parma)

Out: Francesco Modesto (D, Genoa); Nicola Amoruso (S, Torino); Gaetano Ungaro (D, Ravenna), Leonardo Pettinari (M, Ravenna); Nicolo Cherubin (D, Cittadella); Stephen Makinwa (S, Lazio); Nenad Novakovic (G, Aalesund); Mike Tullberg (S, Hearts)

Negotiating For: Alberto Paloschi (S, Milan); Papa Waigo (S, Fiorentina); Elvis Abbruscato (S, Torino); Alessio Sestu (M, Avellino); Pasquale Foggia (M, Lazio)

Transfer Rating: 6

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The Amaranto have gained a reputation around Italy for pulling off improbable survivals over the last few years.  Two years ago, they were penalized –11 points and managed to stay up due to the prolific strike partnership between Rolando Bianchi and Nicola Amoruso.  Bianchi left last season, but Nicola Amoruso remained and he lead the team to another incredible survival after two coaching changes.  The signing of Franco Brienza in January also played a great role in their second half success story.

Now Amoruso is gone and Reggina have replaced him with Man City outcast Bernardo Corradi.  Corradi was granted his wishes when he left Manchester and signed for Reggina, where he knew he would get plenty of playing time.  However, it will be a hard task for the veteran to fill the shoes of Amaranto hero Nicola Amoruso.

Aside from Corradi, Reggina haven’t added very many pieces this season.  They are counting on young talent, such as defender Andrea Costa and Uruguayan striker Christian Stuani, to lead them to salvation this season.  Another huge piece this year will once again be playmaker Franco Brienza, who netted 7 goals for the Calabrian outfit after he moved from Palermo in January.  Reggina fans are holding their breath with Brienza being a wanted man throughout Europe.  It is said that Reggina president Pasquale Foti has denied Brienza the new contract he wants, due to the fact he had signed one less than a year ago.  Brienza feels he deserves it and could be on his way out of Reggio.  German side Wolfsburg and La Liga’s Real Betis are said to be keen on Brienza’s services.  Reports are that Reggina are looking into bringing back Lazio playmaker Pasquale Foggia, a move that indicates they need a replacement for Brienza.

“Brienza remains with us,” President Foti has insisted.

No matter what happens, it will be a tough start to the season for Reggina as their captain Francesco Cozza will be out about two months with an injury.  For Reggina to be competitive, they must bring in another signing to bolster their attack.  Rumors surfaced about bringing Viola hitman Papa Waigo to Calabria, but the Senegalese player has stated his desire to prove himself with Fiorentina, even if he isn’t a regular in the starting lineup.

Reggina have lost defender Francesco Modesto to Genoa, while speedy back Salvatore Aronica is also ready to find greener pastures.  Good news is that star midfielder Edgar Barreto will be back another season for the Calabrians.  The Paraguayan national became a fan favorite for his trademark long-distance goals.  He will lead the way in the midfield, where we will also see young Carlos Carmona.  Carmona, a U-21 Chilean interntional, was the star of the Toulon tournament this past Spring and will be exciting to watch in the upcoming Serie A season.

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Prediction: Mid-table (9th-13th place). Homer pick maybe? This will only happen if they hold onto Brienza and sign one more striker.  If not, it will be another relegation dogfight.

Probable Formation: 4-3-2-1
Campagnolo; Costa, Cirillo, Valdez, Lanzaro; Hallfredsson, Carmona, Barreto; Brienza, Cozza; Corradi

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New Kits For 2008-09: Not yet released.

Palermo

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Location: Palermo (Sicily)
Manager: Stefano Colantuono
Ground: Stadio Renzo Barbera (Capacity: 37,000)

Pre-Season Training Began July 14 in Bad Lkeinkirchheim, Austria
Friendlies Played: Palermo 9-0 Nockberge (July 20); Palermo 3-1 SV Feldkirchen (July 23); Palermo 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt (July 26); Palermo 1-3 Portogruaro (August 1); Palermo 1-0 Larissa (August 7); Palermo 9-0 Levico Terme (August 9)
Friendlies Scheduled: Wolfsburg (August 12)

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In: Simon Kjaer (D, Midtjylland); Tulio De Melo (S, Le Mans); Andrea Raggi (D, Empoli); Fabio Liverani (M, Fiorentina); Davide Lanzafame (S, Brazil); Antonio Nocerino (M, Juventus); Igor Budan (S, Parma); Marco Amelia (G, Livrono); Cesare Bovo (D, Genoa); Moris Carrozzieri (D, Atalanta); Hernan Dellafiore (D, Torino); Maurizio Ciaramitaro (M, Chievo)

Out: Andrea Barzagli (D, Wolfsburg); Cristian Zaccardo (D, Wolfsburg); Amauri (S, Juventus); Leandro Rinaudo (D, Napoli); Giuseppe Biava (D, Genoa); Alberto Cossentino (D, Triestina); Edgar Cani (S, Ascoli); Federico Agliardi (G, Rimini);Fabio Caserta (M, Lecce)

Negotiating For: Sergio Floccari (S, Atalanta)

Transfer Rating: 7.5

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In recent years, Palermo have been the gold standard for teams in the south of Italy.  They set the bar high, yet failed to live up to those expectations in the 2007-08 season.  They finished at a mediocre 11th place and couldn’t seem to settle on a coach.  In May of 2007, their current coach, Stefano Colantuono was called upon to replace Francesco Guidolin.  Following a series of unsuccessful matches, Colantuono was sacked and the Rosanero went back to Guidolin for a 4th stint as their head coach.  In an unbelievable and comical turn of events, Guidolin was again sacked in March of 2008… and Colantuono was once again called to replace him.  This made it difficult for the team to get any rhythm throughout the season. Added to this drama was the UEFA Cup, in which the club didn’t get past the first round.  The one high point of the season was Brazilian striker Amauri and his 15 goals.

Colantuno has a fresh start in 2008, along with many new faces for the Renzo Barbera side.  With the departure of Amauri to Juventus, Palermo had to reinforce their attack.  They made a couple of excellent signings in Croatian striker Igor Budan and Italian U-21 superstar Davide Lanzafame.  The latter has a knack for scoring goals, but is yet to prove himself at the highest level, scoring in double digits for Serie B side Bari last term.

Well-traveled forward Fabrizio Miccoli is one of the few familiar faces that will return to the starting lineup of the Rosanero.  After arriving with high acclaim from Benfica last season, he netted only 8 goals and was bogged down by injuries most of the season. Although rumors are afoot that he will return to Benfica, Miccoli has claimed he wants to stay with Palermo and has promised his loyalty.

“My aim is to have a different season and to stay free from injuries,” Miccoli said.  “I want to reach double figures and to feature in the Capocannoniere chart.”

Palermo was also forced to bulk up their defense due to two notable moves in the off season.  Both Andrea Barzagli and Cristian Zaccardo left Sicily for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.  Reinforcements arrived in the form of ex-Genoa player Cesare Bovo, and Danish defender Simon Kjaer.  Palermo are also comforted by the return of Hernan Dellafiore, who spent last season on loan at Torino.  The Rosanero also made waves across the Peninsula by bringing in Livorno and Azzurri keeper Marco Amelia.  Amelia is the likely favorite to start over veteran Jimmy Fontana, but he believes the competition is still up in the air.

“With Jimmy there is a fair competition,” Amelia said.  “He is an excellent goalkeeper who always found himself ready, and won the first team place.”

In what should be an interesting upcoming friendly on August 12th, Palermo is scheduled to meet Wolfsburg.  Palermo will also raise the curtain on the 2008-09 Serie A season when they take on Udinese, Saturday August 30.

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Prediction: Mid-table (9th-13th place). Colantuono has been on the hot seat before and will no doubt be there again.  It will be a difficult campaign with a lot of new faces for this Palermo side.  They will improve on last year, but still fall short of Europe.

Probable Formation: 4-3-3
Amelia; Balzaretti, Bovo, Carrozzieri, Raggi; Nocerino, Liverani, Migliaccio; Miccoli, De Melo, Lanzafame

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New Kits for 2008-09:

Napoli

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Location: Naples
Manager: Edoardo Reja
Ground: Stadio San Paolo (Capacity: 78,210)

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Pre-Season Training Began July 3 in Jennersdorf, Austria
Friendlies Played: Napoli 10-0 Jennersdorf (July 8); Napoli 0-1 Hayduk Split (July 11); Napoli 5-0 Eubelbach (July 13); Napoli 1-1 Zalagerszeg (July 15); Napoli 1-1 Aversa Normanna (August 2); Napoli 5-0 Gaeta (August 3)
Friendlies Scheduled: Frosinone (August 7); Trofeo Birra Moretti w/ Juventus and Milan (August 21)

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In: Leanardo Runuado (D, Palermo); Christian Maggio (M, Sampdoria); German Denis (S, Independiente); Roberto De Zerbi (M, Brescia); Nicolas Amodio (M, Mantova); Inacio Pia (S, Catania); Andrea Russotto (S, Treviso)

Out: Roberto Carlos Sosa (S, Gimnasia La Plata); Erminio Rullo (D, Triestina); Gyorgy Garics (D, Atalanta); Emanuele Calaio (S, Siena); Andrea Cupi (D, Empoli); Marco Capparella (M, Free Agency); Roberto Sosa (S,Gimnasia)

Negotiating For: Alessandro Diamanti (S, Livorno); Franco Brienza (S, Reggina); Salvatore Aronica (D, Reggina)

Transfer Rating: 7

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Napoli begin their 2008 campaign on a high note following a 2-0 aggregate win over Panionios in the Intertoto Cup, sending them to the UEFA Cup this year.  The winning goal was scored by highly-wanted midfielder Marek Hamsik.  Napoli have fought temptation and held onto the Slovak star midfielder, who will likely be the centerpiece of their side in the upcoming season.

Although the Azzurri lost some key pieces to their attack, including Sosa and Calaio, they have added Argentine hitman German Denis to make up for this.  Denis, nicknamed ‘The Tank’, has won over Napoli supporters with his fine performance in the Intertoto Cup.  Denis himself is also warming up to the fans and the city of Napoli.

“It’s fantastic. The Sao Paolo Stadium is exciting and impressive,” Denis said. “I have spoken about the passion of the Neapolitans before, but I haven’t seen a fever like this before.”

While Denis will pair up with fellow Argentine Lavezzi, another attacking option that the San Paolo outfit will have at their disposal is Inacio Pia.   The Brazilian is a player who is determined to prove his worth with the Napoli shirt, after spending last season on a less-than-impressive loan spell at Catania.

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Prediction: UEFA Cup (5th-7th place).  Napoli believes they have the talent to earn a Champions League spot, but with focus away from Serie A on their current European Competition, it won’t be an easy task.  This team is just returning to Serie A and need to take it one step at a time.  I think a 5th-7th place finish would be a fair prediction and a successful season.

Probable Formation: 3-5-2
Iezzo; Contini, Cannavaro, Santacroce; Mannini, Hamsik, Gargano, Blasi, Maggio; Denis, Lavezzi

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New Kit For 2008-09:

Milan

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Location: Milan
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
Ground: San Siro (Capacity 83,955)

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Pre-Season Training Began July 16 in Milanello
Friendlies Played: Milan 0-0 Cremoneese (July 23); Milan 0-0 Inter & Milan 2-2 Juventus (Trofeo TIM, July 29); Milan 0-1 Sevilla & Milan 0-5 Chelsea (Moscow Tournament, August 1-3)
Friendlies Scheduled: Manchester City (August 9); Trofeo Berlusconi w/ Juventus (August 17); Trofeo Birra Moretti w/ Napoli and Juventus (August 21); Sporting Gijon (August 24)

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In: Mattieu Flamini (M, Arsenal); Marco Borriello (S, Genoa); Christian Abbiati (G, Atletico Madrid); Gianluca Zambrotta (D, Barcelona); Luca Antononi (M, Empoli); Ronaldinho (S, Barcelona); Mathias Cardacio (M, Nacional Montevideo); Tabare Viudez (M, Defensor Sporting)

Out: Alberto Gilardino (S, Fiorentina); Yoann Gourcuff (M, Bordeuax); Marcos Cafu (D, Santos); Seginho (D, Contract Expire); Willy Aubameyang (S, Digione); Ronaldo (Contract Expire); Valerio Fiori (G, Contract Expire)

Negotiating For: Andriy Shevchenko (S, Chelsea)

Transfer Rating: 7.5

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After a poor finish to the 2007-08 season and failing to obtain a Champions League qualifying spot, Milan has had a rough start to their new campaign.  2008 has been a summer riddled with injuries and absences for the Rossoneri.  They made the biggest splash in the summer market by bringing in Ronaldinho from Barcelona, but the Brazilian fantasista is currently training with his home country for the Olympics.

Milan were recently humiliated in a friendly with Chelsea by a score of 5-0.  Not only were they missing Ronaldinho and youngster Pato at the Olympics, but the aforementioned injuries might also be blamed, as experimental tactics were used to make up for these absences.

Marco Borriello is out for two months and Kaka is out a least a couple weeks with a tendonitis problem in his knee.  Kaka’s injury is even worse than originally expected.  Milan released an official statement confirming he would be undergoing a specialist training schedule over the next few days due to “a persistent inflammation of the left knee.”

Milan’s attacking situation is such trouble right now that the only fit striker is youngster Alberto Paloschi, the 19-year-old who was  practically set to join another Serie A club on loan to gain some top flight experience.  It turns out he may get this experience without leaving the San Siro.  Milan had announced that their summer shopping was officially over, but due to these circumstances they are said to be looking for another striker.  Who do you think they would turn to other than former hero Andriy Shevchenko, currently with Chelsea.  Shevchenko has struggled to make an impact with the London giants since moving from Milan a couple seasons ago.  Milan are rumored to have made a bid for the Ukranian striker, but the deal has practically fallen through.

“I want to bring Shevchenko back to Milan and it is very likely I’ll achieve it,” Vice President Silvio Berlusconi said.  “It would be good for him to return to us. The fans know he’d be the ideal choice.”

Despite these setbacks, Berlusconi remains confident over the important signings they have made throughout the summer. Mattieu Flamini from Arsenal, Gianluca Zambrotta from Barca, and Ronaldinho are three signings that could help them be more of a force in Serie A this season.

One unsettled situation for Milan this year remains at the goalkeeper position.  Nelson Dida seems like the third choice option behind Australian keeper Zeljko Kalac and Christian Abbiati.  Abbiati is an experienced keeper who was once Milan’s first choice keeper before losing his job to Dida back in 2002.  Abbiati spent last season on loan with Atletico Madrid before returning to Milan this season.  Kalac, on the other hand, was Milan’s go-to keeper last season after Dida fell out of favor.  Head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently stated that Kalac would be the first choice, with Abbaiti second, but he could reconsider these statements after Kalac was in the net during the 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea.

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Prediction: UEFA Cup (5th-7th place).  The final CL qualifying spot will be up in the air, but Milan will come up just short yet again.  Too many unanswered questions about this club.

Probable Formation: 4-3-2-1
Abbiati; Jankulovski, Kaladze, Nesta, Zambrotta; Flamini, Pirlo, Gattuso; Ronaldinho, Kaka; Pato

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New Kit For 2008-09:

Lazio

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Location: Rome
Manager: Delio Rossi
Ground: Stadio Olimpico (Capacity: 72,698)

Pre-Season Training Began July 12 in Valmontone
Friendlies Played: Lazio 8-0 Bellunese Representative XI (July 16); Lazio 7-0 Auronzo (July 19); Lazio 2-4 Rimini (July 23); Lazio 3-0 Padova (July 26); Lazio 0-1 Gaziantespor, Lazio 1-0 Al Hilal (July 30)
Friendlies Scheduled: Liverpool (August 8); Porto (August 10); PAOK (August 12)

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In: Juan Pablo Carrizo (G, River Plate); Simone Inzaghi (S, Atalanta); Guglielmo Stendardo (D, Juventus); Pasquale Foggia (M, Cagliari); Mauro Zarate (S, Birmingham City); Libor Kozak (S, Slezsky FC Opava); Manuel Belleri (D, Atalanta); Stephan Lichtsteiner (D, Lilla); Francelino Matuzalem (M, Real Zaragoza); Stephen Makinwa (S, Reggina)

Out: Rolando Bianchi (S, Manchester City); Fabio Vignaroli (S, Panathinaikos); Valon Behrami (M, West Ham); Igli Tare (S, Free Agency); Marco Ballotta (S, Free Agency); Gaby Mudingayi (M, Bologna); Luciano Zauri (D, Fiorentina)

Negotiating For: Simone Barone (M, Torino); Augusto Fernandez (M, River Plate); Cosmin Moti (D, Dinamo Bucarest); Dario Dainelli (D, Fiorentina); Maurizio Domizzi (D, Napoli); Jonas Gutierrez (M, Mallorca); Giampiero Pinzi (M, Udinese); Pablo Caballero (D, Nacional Montevideo)

Transfer Rating: 6.5

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Often overshadowed by their big brother in the Eternal City, two-time Serie A champions Lazio are hoping to rebound from what most can agree was a disappointing campaign in 2007-08.  It was a season overshadowed by tragedy when a Lazio fan, while en route to a match, was struck by a police vehicle and killed.

While Biancolesti faithful are now looking ahead to the new season with high hopes, there has been good news and bad news this summer.  The bad news relates to the loss of some of the more star-caliber players. Seasoned defender Luciano Zauri has left for Fiorentina, as well as right back Valon Behrami.  Behrami, a talented player anywhere on the right side of the pitch, recently departed for West Ham and forced Lazio to hunt for a replacement.  Good news is that they found this replacement in Swiss star Stephan Lichtsteiner, who is making the move to Rome from French side Lille.  In other good news, star striker Goran Pandev has pledged his future to the Biancolesti.

“I am happy here, I have said it a million times that I believe in this club,” Pandev said.  “I am only thinking of playing well and helping my team.”

Pandev backed up these statements by recently signing an extension to his contract, which was set to expire in 2010.  He will he partnered up front with Argentine starlet Mauro Zarate.  Zarate has been Lazio’s marquee move of the summer, but he joins the Stadio Olimpico side only on loan deal.  The talented young striker, owned by Al-Sadd of Qatar, spent last year on loan at a Birmingham City side that was unable to avoid relegation from the Premiership.

The Roman giants have also shown a lot of promise in their summer tune-up matches, recently being crowned victors in a triangular tournament with Turkish outfit Gaziantepspor, and Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal.  Christian Ledesma sealed the trophy for Lazio in the victory against the Saudis, being the lone goal scorer.

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Prediction: Mid-table (9th-13th place).  We might have to wait another year for Lazio to climb back to the top of the table, they don’t seem ready just yet.

Probable Formation: 3-4-3
Carrizo; Radu, Cribari, Rozenhal; Kolarov, Ledesma, Matuzalem, De Silvestri; Zarate, Rocchi, Pandev

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New KitFor 2008-09: