Sampdoria – Lazio
Serie A
Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris
20:45 CET
www.myp2p.eu

So here we are, once again, at the dawn of a new season. Serie A is already underway with Genoa grabbing the three points in Udine and relegation favourites, Rioma sharing the spoils with Scudetto wannabees, Cesena. Yes, you could say there is something amiss about that sentence but there are no easy games in Serie A anymore, especially not on the opening weekend and we can certainly take nothing for granted when we tackle Sampdoria tomorrow evening.

TEAM NEWS
All signs point to an incredibly attack-minded approach from Edy Reja although I say that with caution as the 3-4-2-1 he looks set to implement could so very easily revert into a 5-2-3. Personally, I am worried. First things first, this is an away game and in away games, I would like to see Brocchi on the field with the sole task of winning the ball back off the opposition. Instead, we are likely to see Ledesma, Matuzalem, Zarate and Hernanes all working together in a confined space, all of whom are creative players who like to push forward. This is a narrow system if ever I saw one, if it gets any more compact in there, the FIGC will be introducing on-field congestion charges. I cannot for the life of me understand how it could even be considered as a feasible formation. With this philosophy, Cristiano’s tip that Floccari could find himself being the capocannoniere come the end of the season is a sturdy bet. However, it would most certainly come at a cost.

Let’s try and restore some optimism by running through the probable teamsheet. Muslera, as always, will be the safe pair of hands between the sticks. Nowadays, Radu doesn’t need to be informed that he starts and he should be joined by Dias and surely to the dismay of many, Biava. Stendardo will make the bench at best it seems. The centre of the midfield has already been discussed and flanking those boys will be the ever reliable Lichtsteiner and the never reliable (in terms of fitness and I would stress in terms of fitness) Del Nero. Floccari is preferred to Rocchi in attack. Keep one eye on that situation over the coming days; Sergio is the main man, rumour has it Tommaso has requested to play the vast majority of our games this season or he will quit the club, Maurito is linked with Tottenham who are incidentally prepared to spend in excess of 20 million euro on a new striker and Santa Cruz is inbound. In a word, problematic.

Lazio (3-4-1-2): Muslera, Radu, Dias, Biava, Del Nero, Ledesma, Matuzalem, Lichtsteiner, Zarate, Hernanes, Floccari.

THE OPPOSITION
Gigi Delneri built a team on simple values. Samp played 4-4-2, when going through the middle, they looked for the underpants (Cassano) and they would regularly spread the ball out wide and whip crosses into Pazzini. It was predictable but it was effective, it stopped them from losing any home games last season and it won them a spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds. Under Di Carlo, most pundits will tell you they will lose some of their formidability. Cristiano agrees and as it happens, so do I. That is not to say we should expect anything from the game tomorrow because frankly, we shouldn’t. However, over the course of the season, I do believe they will struggle and after a disappointing and tiring exit from Europe’s main competition, they have wounds for us to deepen. In saying that, with our formation, we look like we could also be carved open with ease.

Samp are expected to come out with a 4-3-1-2 with Guberti in a trequartista role. I am slightly surprised as I would have expected them to prepare to use width against us. They may still do but it does appear as though Mimmo is running scared to a degree and wants to counteract our creativity. That can be done when you have a player like Palombo in your team. My point earlier was that Reja thinks differently to most Italian coaches and by not having Brocchi in the team when playing against a side who has Palombo at their disposal, you are conceding defeat in particular battles before you even begin. Whether that is brave or stupid remains to be seen. What I would be keen to reiterate is that this is, give or take, the same squad that nabbed the Blucerchiati 4th place last season. You don’t suddenly become a bad team in a few months. I expect a stubborn defense, a controlled midfield and need I say any more on their forward line?

Sampdoria (4-3-1-2): Curci, Ziegler, Lucchini, Gastaldello, Zauri, Dessena, Palombo, Semiolo, Guberti, Cassano, Pazzini.

THE VERDICT
For me, this game goes one of two ways. Either the opposition come out of the blocks slow and sluggishly and we take advantage of any rustiness they possess from their midweek fixture or we find ourselves on the end of a lethal backlash to stare at a two or three goal deficit within long. That is pessimistic, yes, but it is also realistic. They will have two of the best forwards in world football looming large in the penalty area all day and if they take the initiative, it will quickly become a case of damage limitation. An early goal would settle our nerves and put us firmly in the driving seat but that is easier said than done against this defense. I cannot even begin to call this one but I can hope for the best. Forza Lazio!

As the anticipation grows for the season kick-off, Cathal and I preview the upcoming campaign. In Part I, Cathal analysed the off pitch matters, while in Part II, I looked at the players. Now, in the third and final part, we’ll look at the rest of Serie A and the 19 teams which stand in our path as we look to re-establish ourselves among the elite of Italian football.

BARI

I galletti enjoyed a fairytale of sorts return to Serie A. They comfortably secured their top flight status well before the end of the season and kept many of the big sides honest with strong performances. This season they will undoubtedly find the going a whole lot tougher. Their most notable losses are Bonucci and Ranocchia, their pair of maverick central defenders. Coach ‘Ace’ Ventura also has a poor track record when it comes to second season syndrome. Nobody will be surprised any more by the efficiency of their counter attack. I think the pugliesi will still survive, but it won’t be as comfortable as last season.

BOLOGNA

The felsinei were very poor last season and they will have a huge battle on their hands to remain in A. Much will again rest on the shoulders of Marco Di Vaio. Even the self confessed Lazio man admits he is very concerned about the lack of preparation ahead of the campaign. Bologna will again be one of the favourites to go down and this season it is very questionable as to whether they have what it takes to stave off relegation.

BRESCIA

Not since the days of Baggio have Brescia fans had reason to smile. Despite looking good for promotion in almost all of their Serie B campaigns, it wasn’t until June that they finally celebrated a return to the top tier, after a playoff win. The rondinelle have added to their arsenal by signing the best player of Serie B, Brazilian forward Eder, as well as Alessandro Diamanti from West Ham. La Leonessa will fancy her chances of securing her Serie A status and they will boast some of the best provincial fans in Italy.

CAGLIARI

The Sardinian outfit continue to defy the experts with very strong campaigns and, with a host of players that have the azzurro on their minds, I expect more of the same. A solid midfield with creative abilities and impeccable finishing from the likes of Matri, make Cagliari a side capable of competing against the best of the best. With supremely talented youngsters such as Daniele Ragatzu, the rossoblu could be one of the teams to watch once again. However, it remains to be seen whether new coach Pierpaolo Bisoli can live up to the high standards set by his predecessor Max Allegri.

CATANIA

Coming off the back of their best campaign in A, Catania will be looking to break their own record once again. They will be relying on a band of Argentines to do so; the elefanti are the most Argentine side outside of Argentina itself. Marco Giampaolo replaces Sinisa Mihajlovic on the bench and he has past success in leading unfancied sides through great seasons. Maxi Lopez was hugely successful when he arrived in January, and he will again be turned to for goals. Mirko Antenucci is coming off a massive 24-goal haul at Ascoli and if he can step up in Serie A, there will be no shortage of goals for the rossazzurri. They should survive, and finish somewhere in the midst of the lower half of the table.

CESENA

After almost two decades out in the cold, the seahorses have returned to Serie A. At first glance, it appears that they possess a thing squad that is set for an instant return to the cadetti. They do, however, boast some talented players that could be difference makers. One is Ezequiel Schelotto, the Italo-Argentine starlet that many are talking up to take Serie A by storm. French striker Dominique Malonga and Japanese international Yuto Nagatomo might surprise a few as well. A group of honest and experienced Serie A campaigners will also help the cause, however any reliance on Erjon Bogdani for goals won’t. The romagnoli will surely have a fight on their hands to stay up, but pushovers they will not be.

CHIEVO

Every season, Chievo are one of the tips to drop and every year, they manage to defy the odds to survive. They aren’t associated with beautiful football, but there can be no arguing about their ability to get the job done. Sergio Pellissier will be back once again and the Flying Donkeys will turn to his experienced boots for goals. Coach Stefano Pioli replaces Mimmo Di Carlo, who has chased the bright lights of European nights with Samp. It remains to be seen whether he has what it takes to yet again galvanise Chievo into a side which can travel to face the likes of Juve and win. I suspect that this season will see the gialloblu flirting much closer with relegation than the past campaign.

FIORENTINA

La viola have one advantage this season as they look to challenge for a Champions League place yet again: no European commitments. The Florence outfit were not equipped to challenge for 4th in Serie A, while fighting on through the business end of the Champions League. Boss Cesare Prandelli has switched his purple jacket for a blue one, and so one of the rising stars of the coaching scene, Sinisa Mihajlovic, takes charge at the Franchi. The long term loss of Jovetic will hurt them and they may find a Champions League place a step too far for them this season. Fiorentina will, however, be well in the mix for a Europa League place and no one will relish playing them.

GENOA

Gian Piero Gasperini will continue his reign as coach of Genoa for yet another year, and it should be yet another year of eclectic and eye catching football. Famous for their cavalier approach to the game, Genoa matches usually feature goals galore. Another busy mercato for the Ligurian outfit sees journeyman Luca Toni and defender Andrea Ranocchia arrive at the club. Their inclusions should bolster a side which was already a contender for Europe. As with Fiorentina, the lack of European matches clouding their calendar will work to their advantage.

INTER

The champions of Italy and Europe will this season seek to also conquer the world. However, Rafa Benitez will be best not to make the Club World Cup a focal point of the season. The nerazzurri are again the team to beat in Serie A and everyone has them in their crosshairs. Balotelli is gone, but Sneijder, Milito and Maicon all remain. This is a side already engineered for success and they know exactly how to win. The major loss for Inter is Mourinho, and the Spanish waiter has immensely high standards to live up to. In my opinion, his position is not enviable. If he wins, he is just guiding the team of champions that Jose built. If he fails, he is leading an all-conquering side to a failed campaign. I think come summer of 2011, Inter will be celebrating the championship again, but it will be close and they will have strong competitors for the crown.

JUVENTUS

One of Inter’s competitors will surely be la Juve. Due to poor management, the bianconeri have struggled somewhat to mount a serious tilt at the league title since their return to Serie A. Diego was not afforded any chances and is gone, but a long list of players have made their way to Vinovo. Krasic, Pepe, Martinez, Bonucci and Quagliarella will all add quality to a Juventus side which, last season, was simply not good enough. Gigi Delneri has a challenge on his hands, as he is not accustomed to the pressure and expectation that comes with managing a side like Juventus. Anything less than a legitimate scudetto challenge will be a failure for this Juve team.

LECCE

Returning to Serie A after a year’s absence, the salentini will look to emulate their Pugliese rivals Bari and confirm their presence in the top flight. They won Serie B at a canter, however will find the going much tougher in the top division. The southern club has pulled off something of a coup by sealing the return to salento of Javier Chevanton, the Uruguayan striker who became a club legend as a youngster between 2001 and 2004. Now 30, it is questionable whether the club’s all-time top scorer can make much of an impact, but he could be an ace up the sleeve of Gigi De Canio. Experienced campaigners such as club captain, Guillermo Giacomazzi, another Uruguayan, will be needed to add grit to a side which will struggle to avoid the drop.

MILAN

The Rossoneri are still an old side, and there are serious doubts as to whether they have either the depth or the quality needed to push Inter all the way in the scudetto race. However, new coach Massimiliano Allegri will bring a breath of fresh air to the club and he will likely be able to count on some serious attacking potency. If Milan can bring in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, which appears to be a deal on the cards, they will possess one of the best forward lines in world football. My doubts about Milan lie in the full back areas, and even at centre back. Traditionally, a Milan defence has been world class, however this diavolo side has a leaky rearguard and much will depend on the fitness of Alessandro Nesta, and his partner Thiago Silva. If Nesta goes down, then Milan’s chances of success go down with him.

NAPOLI

A Champions League place will be a target for Napoli, however their commitments in the Europa League may prove to be a hindrance as they seek fourth place. Edinson Cavani is a serious signing and he replaces the Juve-bound Fabio Quagliarella. The Uruguayan bomber will link up with wild Argentine Lavezzi as the main goal threats. As usual, most of the partenopei’s play will go through Slovak sensation Marek Hamsik, fresh off captaining his country to their maiden World Cup. I don’t think Napoli have the depth to finish in a high European place while negotiating the Europa League, but they are a dangerous side and, should they exit Europe early, we may see them go a long way.

PALERMO

The rosanero probably deserved a Champions League berth last season and will again have their sights set on a place in Europe’s premier club competition. Some key players, Kjaer and Cavani, are gone but the siciliani will hope that their low key signings are more than adequate replacements. Palermo have put together a strong squad with serious depth. The likes of Migliaccio are horribly underrated and give Palermo a strength in depth many other sides lack. Their biggest concern will be a possible overreliance on the veteran regista Fabio Liverani, but with the presence of Javier Pastore, who is borderline world class, this shouldn’t be the case. In Abel Hernandez, Palermo have a future world beater to look to for goals. Delio Rossi has a strong side which should go close to reaching their Champions League dream.

PARMA

A solid mid table finish is what many, including myself, expect of Parma this season. Much will be talked about the arrival of Sebastian Giovinco however, for me, the former Juve man is largely overrated. The gialloblu will miss Daniele Galloppa, who is a long term injury casualty. Parma’s backline is fairly solid and they do have more in terms of depth when compared to similarly placed clubs. Survival shouldn’t be a problem for this Parma team, but Europe is not a realistic aim either.

ROMA

Coming off a hugely successful, and yet ultimately disappointing campaign will give Roma cause for optimism and further motivation ahead of this season. Ownership concerns and a lacklustre mercato will hinder them, yet the fact that they have a side which was so close to the title last season cannot be overlooked. The major smoky across the capital lies in the form of the Champions League. How this side will cope with playing in that competition remains to be seen and certainly, a major injury crisis (which Roma are traditionally prone to) could see their hopes and dreams disappear in a puff of smoke.

SAMPDORIA

The blucerchiati’s fourth place finish in 2010 was a dream realised for their die-hard fans. Participation in the CL proper didn’t end up becoming a reality, however Samp will set their sights on a second chance. Europa League commitments will hurt them, and depth will again be a big test. Beyond their bona fide superstars in Cassano and Pazzini, and their tough as teak skipper Angelo Palombo, the quality of Sampdoria’s list is up for debate. Questions have been raised particularly about their defensive record and whether or not they can hold out against well organised counter attacking sides. I think Samp will be the sliders this season, and won’t be able to satisfy their supporters with a European place of any sort.

UDINESE

Last season’s flirt with the drop was an aberration that no Udinese fan wants to see repeated. Whispers that talisman Toto Di Natale could be on his way out of the club saw them rise up in protest. Francesco Guidolin will be well aware of the task that awaits him and if results don’t go the friuliani’s way early on, he could find himself walking out the door. The zebrette will be targeting a Europa League place but I think after last season, comfortable survival should leave residents of Udine content.