This season’s headlines will not have new famous names filling their front pages, the fans will not have the opportunity to run into the stores to get their just arrived star’s jersey, and the so called Calciopoli is ready for a new chapter.

A new season is about to begin in the Serie A, a championship that will not have big stars joining it this year. Living the consequences of poor management, ambition, and corruption, combined with the economical crisis after effects, this season will be overshadowed with an austerity policy that will make no difference between big or small teams. A recent research conducted by AT Kearney consultants shows that the Italian league suffers from a negative profitability of -12%, and serious actions must be taken to reverse this situation.

According to this research, if the Serie A was a normal company it would: “declare itself in bankruptcy in less than two years, there is a profitability gap”. These companies have a ROA (Return on Assets) of at least 4%, in contrast with the -12% of the league, numbers that give a real good picture of why no multimillionaire transfers have occurred this year. All the efforts have been placed in reducing costs to overcome this delicate financial situation.

And to make things even worst, the case of corruption that took place in 2006 and became know as Calciopoli, has began a new chapter as Internazionale is facing accusations as well. Recently, old telephone contestations recordings have been brought up as evidence to try to prove a conspiracy against Juventus, plotted by Inter and Telecom Italia. The result of the first sentence resulted in Juventus being demoted to Serie B, which forced them to sell most of its stars, as well as loosing the titles from 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons.

“Maybe they are stronger, but there is some benefit. Those were two stolen titles”

But they were not the only ones harmed with this scandal, four years ago: Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio, and Reggina were affected as well. With the new information that has been gathered by Luciano Moggi, former Juventus general directions, and one of the main names disgraced with this corruption case, and declarations made by former Inter striker Christian Vieri, saying that he has documents to prove Inter’s complicity, the current champions are now in the eye of the storm.

Francesco Totti, Roma’s captain, didn’t bite his tongue when questioned about Inter’s championship legitimacy, saying that: “maybe they are stronger, but there is some benefit. Those were two stolen titles”, in clear reference to the last results. To his point of view things have not changed since the scandal was brought up to light.

Top teams transfers

Continuing with Inter’s current events, the team has lost the polemic Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, who is now in charge of Real Madrid. Former Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez has taken his place. Also: Jonathan Biabiany from Parma, Luca Castellazzi from Sampdoria, Phillipe Coutinho who was on loan in Vasco da Gama, and Marco Faraoni from Lazio have joined the squad.

Juventus on its goal to get its prestige back has signed: Leonarno Bonucci from Bari, Jorge Martinez from Catania, Simone Pepe from Udinese, Marco Storari from Sampdoria, Davide Lanzafame from Parma, and Marco Motta from Roma. Luigi Delneri will be the new coach and the one responsible for achieving this goal.

Despite the complaints from their fans, Milan has only added three new players to the roster: Marco Amelia from Genoa, Mario Yepes from Chievo and Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Genoa. The new coach Massimiliano Allegri hopes that Ronaldinho will lead the team this season. As of today there are no signs of more players coming in to calm the demands of their tifosis.

Runner up Roma has also only done three purchases: Fabio Simplicio from Palermo, Adriano from Flamengo, and Aleandro Rosi from Siena. The Brazilian striker could be considered a star, but his present is very far from it, his issues with alcohol and depression have really affected his game. Roma even took the precaution to put a clause to rescind his contract in case of experiencing this type of behavior.

The table is set for a season that will only have one ending from the two that could happen: Inter’s sixth title in a row or the end of their supremacy.

About the Author
Andrew Hill has been a prominent writer on daily MLS games, sports news and the sportsbook industry for many exceptional sport web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.