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MrVehicular

Gentlemen, I need a bit of guidance.

Ok, so not best of titles, and apoligies if I'm out of term asking this, but I'd like to learn a bit about Serie A, and I'd appreciate it if you guys could share some of the basics? Me being a Manchester United supporter since 1996 has made my focus predominately EPL, and now since the quality of the league is sorta declining, I'd like to learn about Serie A.

    Which have been the big signings to go to the Serie A league? What are their better attributes, what position do they play, and which club?

    I understand AC Milan are in a bit of a decline. What positions do they need to fill? I understand the loss of Kaka, and possibly Pirlo to Chelsea are some, but others?

    How's Juventus' situation now? I see they've taken Martin Caceres on loan, but aren't Chilleni, Canna and Legro all above in picking order? What else about Juventus? Their best players? Normal Starting Eleven w/ subsitutes? Where they should look to finish? Who and how good is juve's manager?

    Who are some great youth players from Serie A? I always love youth (no, I'm not a pedophile, lol).

    How are Sampdoria? Their starting line-up, transfer targets, and best players would be great (I already know Palombo and cassano are quality) Who and how good is sampdoria's manager? I have a slight interest in them.


Trust me, I'm the last person you need to tell that I'm asking for  A LOT, I already know I am. But an answer to just one question would help me so much. Thanks

I'd specifically like the Sampdoria, Juve and big signings question answered, but anything is fine.
Bobo32

Hi, welcome to the forum.

Im an Inter fan.
Milito: Bought from Genoa along with Motta. Works hard for the team, looks to link with opponents and tries to beat players ball at feet. He is also an exceptionnal finisher.
Motta: Technically brilliant, good passer and tries to set the tempo in midfield. He was a big hope for the future in Barcelona's youth setup (I seem to remember him scoring a screamer back in the early 00s in a champions league game ?) but never quite made the cut. He was shipped around before ending up at Genoa where he made such a big impression he's been picked up by Inter. A balanced midfielder who can win the ball as well as play the astute pass.
Lucio - Brazil's captain, as comfortable with the ball as without it. Pure class.
Eto'o: Heard of him?

Best youngsters in Italy? Well, Balotelli (young, powerful, creative forward) and Santon (remarkably composed right back used at left back because of Maicon's presence) of course!
gurjio

Hi there and welcome to the forum.  I am a Juventus fan and will  try and help with some of those questions:

1. Big signings overall in Serie A - Diego, Eto, others are mainly musical chairs internally to the league and some bright young south americans.

2.AC Milan seem to have no money to spend even after 56m from Kaka's sale.  My opinion is that Berlusconi simply cannot purchase 20-30m players when that money could be used to keep people employed at one of his companies, he gets grief off his kids about spending money on his club.

3. As of writing, Juve have spent the most in Europe on transfers next to madrid, on Cannavaro, Diego, Felipe Melo and Caceres.  Caceres will be looking to replace Zabina down the right hand side.

4. Ciro Ferrara is our manager and should be looking for top finishes in all comps this season.

5.  probable starting 11 -

                                     Buffon
Caceres            Canna/Leggro       Cheillini               De Ceglie/Molinaro

                    Camo/Marchisio    Melo         Momo

                                     Diego/Giovinco

                             Amauri              Del Piero/Iaquinta
gurjio

Also, best youngsters?

Giovinco, Marchisio, De Ceglie, Ariaudo, Immobile, Criscito, Balotelli, Santon, Pato, Andreolli, Abate, Aquafresca, Cigarini, and loads of others i cant remember.
saviola

You're coming over to Serie A because the quality of the EPL is declining? Which league will you be moving on to next year?
Michael La Viola

saviola wrote:
You're coming over to Serie A because the quality of the EPL is declining? Which league will you be moving on to next year?


I too was confused about this.

Three years in a row there's been 3 out of 4 Champions League semifinalists from the Premiership. Yes, there's been an undoubted shift of some of the world's best (Kaka, Ronaldo, Ibra) to Spain...but I don't know how the quality is declining.
MrVehicular

saviola wrote:
You're coming over to Serie A because the quality of the EPL is declining? Which league will you be moving on to next year?
No, I am not going to stop watching the EPL at all, I'm still an EPL fan. Just wanting to learn about different leagues ya know? And be more of a fan of football than just EPL.

Oh, and yes, the top 4 is still the strongest, but that's where it stops.
Micky

Well welcome to the forum and well done for opening your mind to other countries' football and not being taken in by the Sky Sports propaganda.

Goal.com has predicted starting XI for most Serie A clubs on their pages, the www.football-italia.net site has some history on the clubs and managers and there's also a section for transfers so you can see who's come and gone.

Serie A isn't in the slightest boring, now you know that, tell your friends.

Oh, and Calciopoli was a load of bollocks that gifted Inter their first title in 16 or so years.
diatribe

Sampdoria eh..? They've just come off a pretty poor season which saw them exit Europe early (though with a weakened team) and flirt with relegation early on in the year.

However, things did pick up around January when somewhat surprisingly they splashed out on Giampaolo Pazzini (£8-10m I think). He's gone on to form arguably one of Italy's most exciting frontlines, partnering the one and only Fantantonio. Though the season provided few highlights (they lost both derbies), they did manage to reach the Coppa Italia final, their run including a 3-0 win against Inter before losing to Lazio in Rome.

Having kept hold of Cassano and bringing in the shrewd Luigi Del Neri as manager, more will be expected of them this term. Del Neri's used to working on low budgets and has helped Chievo and Atalanta punch above their weight in recent times.

To be honest I'm not sure who they're targeting player wise at the mo, but they've already made a few decent signings... Utility man Luciano Zauri looks a good bit of business, while Fernando Tissone has followed Del Neri from Bergamo. He'll provide a bit more steel in midfield and has a fierce shot on him. Youngster Daniele Dessena is also a central midfielder but a bit more of a playmaker, plus left sided midfielder Daniele Mannini has moved up from Napoli.

Quick mention of their fans too, who are among the best in Italy. They always travel in large numbers and provide very impressive colour and noise. Have a quick look through here to see what I mean: http://www.ultrastito.it/index.php
nino

After bringing Cassano back from the brink they've been linked with every other 'player who's lost it', Adriano, Shevchenko, etc.
MrVehicular

diatribe wrote:
Sampdoria eh..? They've just come off a pretty poor season which saw them exit Europe early (though with a weakened team) and flirt with relegation early on in the year.

However, things did pick up around January when somewhat surprisingly they splashed out on Giampaolo Pazzini (£8-10m I think). He's gone on to form arguably one of Italy's most exciting frontlines, partnering the one and only Fantantonio. Though the season provided few highlights (they lost both derbies), they did manage to reach the Coppa Italia final, their run including a 3-0 win against Inter before losing to Lazio in Rome.

Having kept hold of Cassano and bringing in the shrewd Luigi Del Neri as manager, more will be expected of them this term. Del Neri's used to working on low budgets and has helped Chievo and Atalanta punch above their weight in recent times.

To be honest I'm not sure who they're targeting player wise at the mo, but they've already made a few decent signings... Utility man Luciano Zauri looks a good bit of business, while Fernando Tissone has followed Del Neri from Bergamo. He'll provide a bit more steel in midfield and has a fierce shot on him. Youngster Daniele Dessena is also a central midfielder but a bit more of a playmaker, plus left sided midfielder Daniele Mannini has moved up from Napoli.

Quick mention of their fans too, who are among the best in Italy. They always travel in large numbers and provide very impressive colour and noise. Have a quick look through here to see what I mean: http://www.ultrastito.it/index.php
Great Stuff. If you don't mind answering, I have a few questions, feel free not to though, you've already given me a great amount of info!

When watching a sampdoria match, who are some people I should look out for? I understand Cassano and Pazzini have a wonderful partnership, but what else? I know Palombo's a very decent player, too.

What would their normal starting line-up be? In the 3-5-2, are the outside midfielders more defensive?

Lastly, do you know about their pre-season? I wouldn't mind catching a game or two. Thanks
diatribe

MrVehicular wrote:
Great Stuff. If you don't mind answering, I have a few questions, feel free not to though, you've already given me a great amount of info!

When watching a sampdoria match, who are some people I should look out for? I understand Cassano and Pazzini have a wonderful partnership, but what else? I know Palombo's a very decent player, too.

What would their normal starting line-up be? In the 3-5-2, are the outside midfielders more defensive?

Lastly, do you know about their pre-season? I wouldn't mind catching a game or two. Thanks

Formation wise it's hard to say with a new manager, though Del Neri favoured 4-4-2 at Atalanta. The 3-5-2 essentially used wing backs but they had freedom to roam while the holding midfielders covered, is a shame that Christian Maggio left last year. I'd expect them to bring in a couple more defenders now actually as Raggi and Campagnaro have left.

Player wise I really like Claudio Bellucci, who may have his chances limited up front (and is a bit injury prone these days) but he'll guarantee a few spectacular goals. I'd look out for Tissone as well, a very dynamic player and obviously a favourite of Del Neri since he took him with him.

Pre-season wise you're gonna struggle to catch any games to be honest. All I know is that they have Padova away coming up. Once the season starts you'll be able to stream a few of their games though.

Edit: Ahah, just remembered that Gazzetta rounds up rumours for each team. Here's the Samp page (ordered Ins, Outs & Rumours) then go to "Calciomercato" and "Tabellone Serie A" for other clubs.
http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Cal...talia/sampdoria-50528995147.shtml

Some of the ratings may appear very low but that's just Gazzetta's way, a player can score a hattrick and still only be given 7/10.
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