The summer transfer window has only just opened, yet if the Serie A season were to commence today, Napoli would surprisingly find themselves ahead of Inter. This marks a significant shift, as Inter has traditionally dominated the pre-season hype. However, under Simone Inzaghi, their actual league performance often varied. Napoli`s president, De Laurentiis, is pursuing a well-defined and increasingly ambitious strategy.
Napoli still needs a few key additions, particularly in midfield and attack. Their Champions League campaign will come with high expectations for a deep run. Meanwhile, Antonio Conte, known for his Scudetto-winning prowess, has taken the helm. Inter, on the other hand, appears to have made a high-stakes managerial choice. They face limitations in implementing a significant squad overhaul, especially after losing two Champions League finals recently. All eyes are on Marotta, arguably Italy`s most astute football executive, who must masterfully sell existing players and shrewdly acquire new talent. Retaining Hakan Calhanoglu, provided he`s genuinely content, would be a crucial step for Inter.
In the past week, Milan`s transfer activity has been underwhelming, encountering numerous setbacks. However, Massimiliano Allegri`s influence has now become prominent. A masterful communicator, the Livorno-born coach excels at setting the right challenges. His decision to name Maignan as captain and Leao as vice-captain is a stroke of brilliance. Maignan has emerged as a clear leader for the revitalized Milan. By entrusting Leao with the vice-captaincy, Allegri is subtly urging the Portuguese winger to mature, embrace greater responsibility, and serve as a role model for his peers. Should Leao rediscover his peak form, Milan could genuinely contend for the Scudetto, a fact Allegri is well aware of.
Under Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma has the potential to secure a Champions League spot, provided they acquire the right reinforcements. The addition of Wensley and Rios would significantly elevate the Giallorossi`s quality. Crucially, the dynamic between Gasperini and Dybala will be paramount. If their collaboration sparks, Roma could become a formidable force. Conversely, a lack of harmony could see the Argentine star become a persistent problem for the coach.
A similar precarious situation exists between Juventus and Dusan Vlahovic. A clear resolution is imperative: either a mutually beneficial agreement is struck, enabling Juventus to secure substantial funds from the Serbian striker`s sale, or the situation will descend into chaos. As things stand, there`s no indication of an amicable solution. This uncertainty presents a significant challenge for Igor Tudor, whose tenure at Juve will likely begin on an uphill battle. In such circumstances, Juventus cannot realistically aspire to win the Scudetto.
Finally, Stefano Pioli was officially appointed as Fiorentina`s coach yesterday. This significant return signals a new direction for the club under the Commisso ownership, raising expectations considerably. Pioli arrives in Florence with a singular, clear objective: to win the UEFA Europa Conference League. Delivering a trophy to the Viola after a 24-year drought, particularly in the lead-up to the club`s centenary season, would undoubtedly etch the new coach`s name into Fiorentina`s illustrious history.
