Page 29 - Soccer360 - Issue 103

5 WHO CAN THRIVE CON’T.
DAICHI KAMADA - LAZIO
The multiskilled Japanese international midfielder won’t be expected to fill the shoes of the departed Sergej Milinkovic-Savic,
but instead offer a bold, visionary outlet for Maurizio Sarri’s side. A Europa League winner in 2022 with Eintracht Frankfurt, the 27-year- old’s excellent footwork, ability to weave effortlessly past defenders and goalscoring prowess should all be assets for the capital- based club.
KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA - NAPOLI
The captivating Georgian winger was deservedly voted Serie A’s best player after
an outstanding Scudetto winning debut last season. The 22-year-old sprinkled stardust across the league as he scored 12 times
and added 10 assists while leaving a trail
of befuddled opposition defenders reeling. Now the man dubbed ‘Kvaradona’ has the demanding task of showing the previous campaign was not a one off. more silverware in what has been an illustrious career so far.
TIJJANI REIJNDERS - AC MILAN
Although not a direct replacement for Sandro Tonali, the Dutch midfielder must prove
he is a dependable man in the middle for
the Rossoneri. Technically adept and with
a proclivity for shooting from far out, the former AZ Alkmaar leader looks to have all the attributes to become a mainstay for coach Stefano Pioli’s side and could be integral to their hopes of regaining the title.
Internazionale
The Champions League finalists are among the title favourites despite a turbulent summer transfer window. A long saga involving striker Romelu Lukaku came to nothing while stars such as goalkeeper Andre Onana, midfielder Marcelo Brozovic and forward Edin Dzeko all departed.
The Nerazzurri brought in a raft of reinforcements including Davide Frattesi, Marcus Thuram, Yann Sommer, Marko Arnautovic and Carlos Augusto.
Of those, Thuram is a player who could potentially light up Serie A while Sommer is a natural successor to Onana as a goalkeeper who is super confident with the ball at his feet. Simone Inzaghi’s side lost 12 times as they finished third last term but look capable of contending for the Scudetto this time. They will depend on star forward Lautaro Martinez and elite midfielder Nicolo Barella to stay among the league’s frontrunners.
Juventus
Italy’s most successful and well supported club suffered the indignity of a 10-point penalty for alleged financial violations related to player transfers and as a result finished a lowly seventh last season. The Old Lady were also banned from competing in Europe in the 2023-24 campaign and will focus on securing a top four place in Serie A instead.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri was denigrated for an unadventurous approach as Juve often failed to convince last term. The form of star forwards Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa, along with new recruit Tim Weah, the exciting and pacy United States international, will be key for the Bianconeri this season. The fans will naturally demand a title challenge, but in reality a first Scudetto since 2020 seems beyond them.
NICKNAME:
I Nerazzurri (The Black and Blues)
La Beneamata (The Well- Cherished One)
Il Biscione (The Big Grass Snake)
MANAGER:
Simone Inzaghi
LAST YEAR FINISH:
Serie A, 3rd
Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez reacts during the Italian serie A soccer match between Fc Inter and Monza
Inter’s head coach Simone Inzaghi
NICKNAME:
La Vecchia Signora (The Old Lady)
La Fidanzata d’Italia (The Girlfriend of Italy) Madama (The Lady)
I Bianconeri (The White and Blacks)
MANAGER:
Massimiliano Allegri
LAST YEAR FINISH:
Serie A, 7th
Fit again Federico Chiesa will be key to Juventus’ hopes this season
Lazio
The Biancocelesti moved quickly to fill the gap left by talismanic midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as they target a top four finish this term. Japanese midfielder Daichi Kamada, Danish winger Gustav Isaksen and Argentinian forward Taty Castellanos all joined the capital club after the iconic Serbian sealed a shock move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
Maurizio Sarri’s side played some of the most aesthetically pleasing football in Italy last term as they finished second behind champions Napoli. The quick integration of the new trio of signings will be crucial if Lazio are to compete for the Scudetto in 2023-24, but this is a side getting used to competing at the top of Serie A again after years of underachievement.
NICKNAME:
I Biancocelesti (The White and Sky Blues)
Le Aquile (The Eagles)
MANAGER:
Maurizio Sarri
LAST YEAR FINISH:
Serie A, 2nd
Maurizio Sarri will look to earn another top four finish with Lazio
SOCCER360 MAGAZINE 29