Serie A 2007-08 preview

The rebirth of Italy’s top soccer league

Ajitpaul Mangat, Staff

The European “calico” (soccer) landscape includes a diverse array of styles, running the gamut from frantically paced (English Premier League) to attractively adroit (Spanish La Liga) to fiercely physical (German Bundesliga). There is a brand of soccer to suit the needs of even the most finicky of sports fans.

Representing a satisfying medium, on this spectrum, is the Italian Serie A.

Known, historically, for its “catenaccio” (low-scoring, sophisticated tactics, and stingy defences), the past few years have seen a greater emphasis on scoring, and skilful play. These positive changes have led to a revolutionized league that provides a complete soccer experience, with prolific scoring, skilful play, engaging coaching strategies, and passionate “tifosi” (fans), whose choreographed stadium theatrics, which include banners, flares, and chanting, are among the best in Europe.

For all the positives that surround the spectacle of Serie A’s world-class soccer, the bitter off-the-pitch memories of last season, one of the most disastrous and forgettable in recent memory, still hang over the league. The trouble began in the summer of 2006 when the league was rocked by a “calciopoli” (match-fixing scandal). The hype ultimately proved to be greater than the actual offences as one man — the notorious “Lucky” Luciano Moggi, general director of Serie A’s most prolific and famous club, Juventus FC — was determined to be the principal offender, with all other parties trying to protect themselves from his influence. But in the court of public appeal, the league as a whole was guilty.

The problems continued during the season, when a policeman was tragically killed trying to stem violence following the Sicilian “derby” (local rivalry) between ultras (hardcore fans) of rival clubs Catania and Palermo.

The Italian Soccer Federation’s penalties were swift and decisive, with Moggi banned from Italian soccer for five years, Juventus demoted to Serie B, and stripped of their past two “scudettos” (championships), and a strengthening of the “Pisanu decree” (stadium and ultra regulations), but the damage had been done to Serie A’s popularity and credibility. Thus, this season represents one of the most important in the league’s history.

The quickest remedy for an ailing league is a competitive title race. Fortunately for Italian soccer supporters the early returns of this season indicate that the Serie A will have just that. Favourites FC Internazionale Milano, last season’s runaway “scudetto” (championship) winner, returns the most complete squad in Europe, including valuable new signings: speedy striker David Suazo, and versatile defender Cristian Chivu. However, Intenazionale are not without a weakness, as lacking a true “fantasista” (creative, attacking midfielder) they often rely too heavily on the fantastic exploits of immensely gifted striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Thus, if the team is to match last season’s accomplishments, they will need attacking midfielder Dejan Stankovic and striker Adriano to fulfill their lofty potential and assist Ibrahimovic.

Should Internazionale falter, last season’s runners-ups, AS Roma, and their rivals, AC Milan, look most likely to take the crown. The excitement is palpable in the Italian capital, as Roma have constructed their most exciting, deep squad in years. The buzz is primarily due to an extremely fruitful off-season that produced steady defender Juan, speedy winger Cicinho, and multi-talented midfielder Ludovic Giuly. If their legendary captain Francesco Totti can approach last season’s 26 goals, Roma could capture their first scudetto in seven years. Milan, last season’s Champions League winner, is stacked in midfield and defence with players among the best in Europe, including prodigious attacking midfielder Kaká, clever defensive midfielder Andrea Pirlo, and sturdy central defender Alessandro Nesta. However, their attack has been an issue thus far this season. Strikers Alberto Gilardino and Pippo Inzaghi have been inconsistent, and failed to form an effective strike partnership. The imminent return of prolific striker Ronaldo will help, but there are major concerns about his health.

With the top teams all significantly flawed, dark horses Juventus and ACF Fiorentina remain outside scudetto contenders. Lead by well-rounded striker Adrian Mutu, Fiorentina have assembled one of the most promising young teams in Europe that lacks only veteran leaders. Juventus, who took only one year to escape Serie B purgatory, are a team of extremes with many older and younger players, but few in between. This strange squad makeup has lead to a team full of talent, but lacking chemistry.

Other teams to keep an eye on are Diego Maradona’s former club SSC Napoli, high scoring Palermo, and Roma’s cross-town rivals SS Lazio.

The 2007-08 Serie A season represents a rebirth of Italian soccer. From the more offensive and exciting play to the better-regulated off-the-pitch goings on, the league has a healthier look and feel. With the season just two months old, and everything to play for, now is the perfect time for soccer fans to check out the Serie A.