Milan, Aug 21 (AP) – Prepare for surprises as the Italian Serie A season kicks off this weekend. Serie A has emerged as the most unpredictable of Europe's top five soccer leagues, boasting four different champions across the last six seasons. Expect fierce competition this year as well.
In stark contrast, English Premier League titles have only gone to Liverpool or Manchester City over the past eight seasons. Spain's La Liga is largely a battleground for Real Madrid and Barcelona. Germany sees Bayern Munich dominating with 12 victories in the last 13 Bundesliga seasons, and France's Ligue 1 has been similarly dominated by Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite Napoli being the favorite to defend their title, clubs like Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Roma, and Atalanta are all serious contenders. Last season, Napoli narrowly edged out Inter by a single point, almost leading to a playoff for the championship — a rule still in place for this season should teams end level. Expect another thrilling race.
Here's a glimpse of what's in store for Serie A: NAPOLI'S TITLE DEFENSE GETS DE BRUYNE BOOST: After the triumph of 2023, Napoli stumbled to a disappointing 10th-place finish the following year. Demanding coach Antonio Conte, now beginning his second season, will be determined to avoid a similar fate. Kevin De Bruyne's arrival from Manchester City significantly strengthens Napoli's midfield, joining Serie A MVP Scott McTominay and passing maestro Stanislav Lobotka. However, concerns linger with striker Romelu Lukaku potentially requiring surgery for a left thigh injury.
INTER READY TO MOVE FORWARD: Guided by new coach Cristian Chivu, Inter is eager to redeem themselves after last season's dream of a treble was shattered by a 5-0 defeat to PSG in the Champions League final. Although Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram form a formidable attack duo, the team's bench remains a concern. Expect ambition and drive from Inter as they seek redemption.
WORLD CUP WINNERS TAKE TO THE SIDELINES: An offseason of managerial changes sees Massimiliano Allegri back at Milan, Gian Piero Gasperini bringing his attacking tactics to Roma from Atalanta, and Maurizio Sarri returning to Lazio a year after stepping down. In addition, there are four World Cup-winning coaches this season: Cesc Fabregas at Como, Patrick Vieira at Genoa, Alberto Gilardino at promoted Pisa, and Fabio Grosso at promoted Sassuolo. A wealth of experience on the benches this season.
MODRIC MEANS BUSINESS AT MILAN: Remarkably, Luka Modric joins Milan from Real Madrid, which he supported in his youth, after a 13-season stretch in Spain. Modric, 39, is determined not to settle for Milan's eighth-place finish of last season. “Milan cannot be satisfied with average,” Modric stated. “It needs to aim for titles and compete with the world's best. That's why I'm here,” he declared.
JUVENTUS PLACES ITS FAITH IN DAVID: Jonathan David, the Canadian striker, has made a strong impression in preseason after signing a five-year contract with Juventus. Coach Igor Tudor praised David's ability to score whenever in possession. Consequently, Juventus is considering trading center forward Dusan Vlahovic. A promising addition to strengthen Juventus' offensive tactics.
AN UNUSUAL ROAD TRIP DOWN UNDER: Serie A is exploring hosting a match in Australia this season — an intriguing idea for two clubs located just 50 kilometers (30 miles) apart. Milan and Como may compete in Perth in February, while Milan and Inter head on the road due to the Milan-Cortina Olympics. However, FIFA approval is still pending. Changes are also coming to match officiating with referees announcing VAR decisions live in-stadium.
SERIE A KICKOFF: The season begins Saturday with matches featuring Genoa vs. Lecce, Sassuolo vs. Napoli, Milan vs. Cremonese, and Roma vs. Bologna. Sunday's lineup includes Cagliari vs. Fiorentina, Como vs. Lazio, Atalanta vs. Pisa, and Juventus vs. Parma. On Monday, it's Udinese vs. Hellas Verona and Inter vs. Torino. Anticipate an exciting opening weekend! (AP)
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