Italy – low cost transfers

Debacle of Italian clubs in Champions League and the crisis that has emptied the wallets will only increase the gap between Premiership and Primera on one side and Serie A on the other. Still the summer is nearing and Italian giants are feeling a bit scared, or not…as always, fans are listening a lot of stupid news hoping for signings, but three months before the ‘calciomercato’, it is already clear they can say goodbye to their high expectations. It is hard to believe that Italy will welcome a huge star this summer and that Juve, Roma, Milan and Inter will be able to match their European rivals next season. Last announcements imply that clubs’ officials have already started preparing the fans for the below-average future.

Milan:

Silvio Berlusconi’s right hand, Adriano Galliani has made a clear statement to Milan fans. Milan have no intention of bringing expensive signings, they will keep Kaka on board unwilling to let him go and boost their rivals. Apart from Thiago Silva who wil now be able to play and Mattioni who should overcome his adaption period successfully and get a chance to play, rossoneri will probably bring another defender in order to rejuvenate their geriatric back line. And that is it. Galliani didn’t reject the possibility of trading some players but was very clear in his explanation that none of the Italian giants will have enough money for hefty purchase this summer.

Juventus:

Two days later, Juventus chairman Cobolli Gigli spoke out. He said that Juventus will not spare money on new signings, but then claimed the first  priority will be bringing a worthy replacement for Nedved. Reports claim Torino side has prepared €30 million for new signings, but to be honest, Juventus have a lot of holes that cannot be stitched with 30mil. Problem is that you can’t bring Silva, Diego or Cassano for pocket money…still, there is a problem on the wings, but also finding the replacements for Iaquinta and Trezeguet who are nearing the exit.  One of the options might be selling Buffon, but officials are very afraid of fans’ reaction to that. However, Juventus have a great youth program which puts them in the better position than their rivals. With some of the youth players already in the team, Juve will have enough power to remain on top of Serie A, but Europe will remain only a dream for a couple of years.

Inter:

A disaster against Manchester has demonstrated where Mourinho’s team is compared to his European rivals. Over the past few days, after his return from Miami, boss Moratti holed a number of talks with coach and key player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Swede threatens to leave because Inter’ unsuccessful European campaign while Mou asked for €100 million to invest in new signings. Not very likely…let’s say that Drogba, Aguero and Diego do arrive…it still does not guarantee progress. This team that was designed by Mancini is on his deathbed. The entire back line, apart from Santon who is still akid, needs to be rebuilt, midfield is also filled with worn-outs. It is hard to believe that Moratti will accept that kind of a risk more so because he is thinking of selling the club after the latest Europe failure. Inter will probably remain dominant in Serie A next year, but it is not enough for the hungry fans.

Roma:

Roma’s summer depends on Champions League seat. If they fail to grab fourth place, they could sell a couple of players in order to pay their dues. Their team is not strong enough to fight for big things as it is …Totti is nearing the end of his career, apart from De Rossi and Vucinic, there are no other player to build the future upon. Saying that Roma fans are in for an uncertain future is an understatement.

Well, this is it. We can already conclude that Serie A will start losing its strength or, in best possible scenario, stagnate. Economic crisis will hit the rest of the Europe too, but Real, Barcelona and English titans are in much better position. We wouldn’t be surprised to see this handful of top-class players at the Apennines pack their bags in July and leave to Spain or England.

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