For the last few years everyone has talked of Italian football in decline, teams lacking attacking nous and most notably, none reaching the quarter finals of the Champions league which they used to dominate. I think those opinions will be dramatically changed this year. First of all, cast your mind back 3 years. Fiorentina looked very impressive, Batistuta scoring goals and plenty of other attacking options in Rui Costa and Chiesa. Parma finished 3rd (or was it 4th I can't remember) and Lazio taking the Scudetto. So there was effectively seven teams all with big name players and championship aspirations. To me that was too much of a spread of talent. This year La Viola have completely disappeared and had already sold Batigol and Rui Costa. And during this close season Nesta, Crespo and Mendieta (who was crap admittedly but still a big name player) have followed Veron and Nedved out of the Stadio Olympico. For Parma read Cannavaro/Di Vaio and Thuram the year before. Parma will be mid-table, UEFA Cup at best and even the most staunch Lazio fan can't be that optimistic about this years campaign. In short 7 has become 4. Surely this concentration of talent will change the way the teams perform and consequently the way the rest of Europe looks at the Serie A teams. The big four have bigger and better squads and so will be far better equipped to compete in Europe aswell as domestically. For me it will pay dividends to Italian football, unless you are a Lazio/Parma fan Any thoughts?
i don't really get y less scudetto challenging teams would help their chances in Europe. I think it would do the opposite.
Sure, I agree with sf220, it was the seven sisters and now we only have 4, my beloved Juventus, Inter, Milan and Roma, that reduce instead increase the chances!
GOod Point, Spartak. There's three in Engalnd 3 in Germany 4in Spain Just an interesting Fact. Italy and Spain will be the strongest this season, coincidental as they have four, the others three.
I understand kerpows point. Having 4 very good teams is better than having 7 good teams. However, its the mentality of these teams that has hindered them in the past, not having great players. In terms of players Parma in the past had greater players than Valencia has today, but Valencia are a much better side because of their mentality and spirit.
I'll be rooting for all the Italian teams to get out of the group stage (although it'll be tough for Roma with their form.) It's bonus when they play with style like Milan did on Tuesday Probably the best I've seen them play since the 6-0 win over Inter a few years ago. One big thing I noticed (not sure if the other Italian teams are doing this too): Milan played a high-intensity defense. They were compact as always in the back, but they pressured in the attacking third as well. The joys of roster depth
That is the $1 Million question. Pippo is the only one, IMO, who has a guaranteed spot right now. JDT has not played well at all, Rivaldo still hasn't regained match fitness, and Sheva is injured and will take a while before he is 100% fit. But if I was Ancelotti and all of my players were 100% fit there is no way I keep Sheva out of the starting eleven. Which means that I would put Rivaldo on the bench.
I rather see him in the left wing, which could be funny to see, playing Rivo in a position he doesn't like and was one of the reasons why he start having problems with van Gaal in Barca!