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Serie A 2018/2019

23K views 541 replies 31 participants last post by  red  
#1 ·
Done deal: Carlo Ancelotti to Napoli.

Aren't they dying to win the Scudetto? Ancelotti has the worst record in winning domestic leagues, was it 1 Scudetto in 13 attempts?
 
#2 ·
Still a top coach.


More interesting is the mercato for them. Who will it attract, and more importantly can they keep their stars single they don't pay competitive salaries exactly.

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#6 ·
This appointment has to hurt for the pride of Milan tho. Can't attract one of their biggiest legends to choose them over Napoli.

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#11 ·
It's quite a challenge for Ancelotti. It's one thing to win at PSG/Milan/Real/Chelsea/Bayern, but at Napoli it will be harder.
 
#9 ·
You wouldn't sack Gattuso for Ancelotti? Because barely qualifying for EL screams must Keep?


More likely they failed to attract him, Conte or Sarri with their uncertain project. It's not often 3 top Italian coaches are available in same summer.

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#13 ·
With Sarri and prolly a few key players leaving, ADL decided to focus on revenue growth, prestige, and I'm guessing a change in mentality (though he himself has to change first).

Not a bad idea esp if Conte wasn't interested.

CA won't be as good a league coach but will do better in Europe, generate more interest in Napoli, and is more likely to attract quality players with his connections and resume (all of which mean more revenue).


Is Di Maria to Napoli possible? Seems impossible on the surface, but he's considered an EPL failure he doesn't have many choices. And ADL uncharacteristically already broke the bank for CA.
 
#15 ·
CR7 coming to Italy has the potential to really lift viewership and the prestige of Serie A. It will be interesting to see how this affects this summer's remaining mercato. How far will Roma, Napoli and the Milans go to try and chase what looks like a runaway Juve? Personally, I'll be very surprised if Juve go another season without a new CB. They are aging rapidly in that dept.
 
#16 ·
I'll be very surprised if Juve go another season without a new CB. They are aging rapidly in that dept.
Two top young backups in Caldara and Rugani:


Image




Chiellini is 33 and Benatia 31, its more then well enough for now to be top competetive, in a position where experience and seniority is highly valued. Only truly old one is Barzagli, and he is gonna stay for a while longer to part wisdom and stability in the group.
 
#18 ·
They are the backups and are top talents , with Barzagli there too, how much backups do you need for CBs?



Our issue isn't CBs but CMs.

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#21 ·
How don't you get it's our midfield that's our weak spot not the defence?


Only glaring weakness back there was RB and we spent a lot of money addressing that this summer. Hope it was the right choice.

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#22 ·
I totally get your midfield is the weakest point. Look at my other posts in the Cron thread.

I'm asking separately about the defense to juve fans who watch more regularly. I have too many bad memories from Euro 2012 final...

All in all, with an improved midfield, indeed the defense will become less of a concern if ever it should (which it seems it shouldn't)
 
#23 ·
The one hope for the opponents of Juventus is that the new players don't fit well in the team, above all CR7 obviously. It would be funny (Stephan?) if Juventus failed to sell Higuain but unfortunately it looks like Sarri strongly wants him and Chelsea are ready to make the Tuscan coach happy. Chelsea have spent 57 million euros for Jorginho lolololol.
 
#24 ·
Chelsea doing a big turnaround in personnel will help Sarri. I think the old lot there may not suit his style.

Ronaldo to Juventus is an excellent move for Serie A as a whole in terms of marketing and exposure, especially right now.... however, the day after his signing is complete, two teams could be thrown out of Serie A, a usual summer in Italy.
 
#26 ·
Newspapers say he is leaving, his agent say he is staying, Juve not even considering sale. But also latest news is Chelsea bumped their offer to 50m so you never know.

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#28 ·
You can allways upgrade when you can, Godin is great. But Benatia starting is much better option then any central midfelder we starting outside of Pjanic. Even he has had few errors, he has been formidable aslong as he been healthy.


But you can upgrade for mere 20m you have to do it.

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#29 ·