Italy coach Roberto Mancini suggested that Milan, Inter and Juventus all had better chances of winning the Scudetto this season than Roma and Napoli.
The Serie A season kicks off this weekend and fans are excited to see the quality of the top teams following an interesting summer transfer window, which has seen many regular features leave to make way for fresh faces.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mancini gave his thoughts on the title race this season and which teams had a claim at the Scudetto.
“Milan, Inter and Juventus in front of them all. Then I think Roma and Napoli. Real football has to begin, but the Rossoneri’s summer has sent comforting signs. They have Leao who can still grow a lot and the same goes for Tonali.
“For both of them it will have to be the decisive season. The Nerazzurri always have the same defence and three points will bring more concentration, while Lukaku in Italy makes the difference. Plus, if Gosens plays like Gosens, Inter won’t lose much on the left.
“I look at Bastoni who can become a great defender, but he has to go for it. It has to be an important season for him.”
The Azzurri coach then gave his thoughts on Lazio, a team he found success with during his playing career.
“I see a Lazio side that can insert themselves in the race for Champions League qualification. Often little change is an advantage if you have the strength of knowledge.
“Immobile? We spoke before the last games. He has never communicated anything to me, so for me there is no problem.”
Finally, Mancini praised Roma for their strong work in the summer transfer window.
“Dybala is a great acquisition, technical and not just emotional. I like this Roma very much, because they’re devoted to the game and have bought players who can support that, like Matic and Wijnaldum, who bring strength and balance.
“Mourinho is the ideal coach to tame the risk. He has experience to spare. And in this team, I hope Zaniolo will continue to improve.”
Milan only finished two points ahead of intercity rivals Inter last season to secure their first Scudetto in a decade, and they’ll have to fight hard to defend their title following the transfers of key players to their competition at the top like Romelu Lukaku’s move to Inter and Paulo Dybala’s arrival at Roma.
Mancini you ask say WHERE ARE THE ITALIANS!!
Why they not playing
All summer long was news of foreigners signings
Get ready you won’t even make it to the euro’s
Tony ,Tony,Tony, in case you don’t know where the Italians are , go to Google , Pellegrini , zaniolo, chiesa, di Marco, immobile, acerbi, galardini, de ambroso, christante, berradi , raspadori, bunochi, veratti at PSG ,bastoni, Mancini , locatteli, de Lorenzo, sccammaca, Calabria, tonali, nicolo berrella, spinazolla, that’s 22 right there with out adding , perin, meret, you can add Pavarotti if you like lol.
Sorry your right. Those Italians that played and didn’t make it to World Cup ! Second time around
Great line up. Give me a break
Let the Italian youth play
Oh yes those players. The ones that played and we missed the World Cup. Actually second time we missed World Cup
Such great players.
Let the Italian youth play.
the market was in favor of other players not italians which is a shame! let it be there is no signs of improvement in the football system!