Serie A returns Saturday August 23
Conte's Napoli will look to retain the title, having strengthened the squad by adding Kevin DeBruyne (Man City), defender Sam Beukema (Bologna), striker Lorenzo Lucca (Udinese), and Noa Lang (PSV) -- while retaining all of their starters from last season. Still, many have doubts as to whether these additions will be enough now that the club has to play in UCL.
Inter, now coached by unproven Cristian Chivu taking over for Simone Inzaghi, haven't added much outside of strengthening their bench with attackers Ange-Yoan Bonny (Parma) and Pio Esposito (Spezia), but haven't lost much either. The beat down PSG gave them still overshadows what was a tremendous last season otherwise.
Milan celebrate the return of Max Allegri, whose Juventus failed to improve after his much anticipated departure. Milan have gifted him the legendary Luka Modric, as well as highly coveted Samuele Ricci (Torino) in center midfield. Also adding Koni De Winter (Genoa) and Pervis Estupinan (Brighton) provides much needed strength to the back line. Without Europe, Milan will undoubtedly challenge for the scudetto under Allegri's guidance.
Juventus--like Inter--also have an unproven/former player coaching this season. Still trying to recover from the disastrous decisions made by former sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, their only notable addition this summer is adding Jonathan David (Lille) to the attack. It remains to be seen whether or not they will also retain Kolo Muani. Without any more additions, their only realistic goal seems to be to finish 4th place once again, although even that may be too tough a task.
Roma have hired Gian Piero Gasperini after his incredible 9 year stint at Atalanta. He is more notable than any of their signings this off-season--Daniele Ghilardi (Verona), Wesley (Flamengo), Evan Ferguson (Brighton)--and as long as he is in charge, the sky is the limit for this team--although the health of Dybala is always a major factor in their success. With Gasperini coaching and Claudio Ranieri calling the shots for the club, miracles are always possible.
Atalanta have hired Ivan Juric after his disastrous spell at Southampton. Lookman is demanding a transfer, Retegui already left for Saudi Arabia, Ruggeri signed with Atletico, and they haven't made any noteworthy signings. A return to the middle of the table seems likely without Gasperini and their two leading goal scorers if Lookman indeed leaves.
Como deserve to be mentioned with the top dogs. They've retained Nico Paz for at least one more season while adding another young Real Madrid product, Jacobo Ramon, to the defense...as well as Jesús Rodríguez (Betis), Nikolas Kuhn (Celtic), and ever experienced Alvaro Morata to the attack. Do not be surprised to see Fabregas' team sneak into Europe this season.
