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Serie A half season report

The 2011-2012 season of Serie A action as so far shaped up to be the most exciting year of Italian football in nearly a decade. The good football is back, as are exciting players and an unpredictable nature, while there is a renewed feel good factor seeping into the league thanks to Italian soccer’s great showing in European competitions.

As we come out of the winter break and the January transfer window opens, now seems a good time to look at the top teams in Serie A. Here we will be assessing how some of the country’s top clubs have fared so far this term, and what they need to do to improve or reach their season long goals.

AC Milan

Reigning Serie A champions AC Milan are once again heading into the New Year as the favourites to win the Scudetto. The Rossoneri are looking to defend the crown they won last season and despite getting off to a slow start they are now sitting at top of the Serie A table.

Manager Massimiliano Allegri is doing a great job of keeping the San Siro club competitive in all competitions while he is also handling his squad well. Allegri is looking to be the first Milan coach since Fabio Capello in the early 1990s to win consecutive Serie A titles.

It is also looking good on the continent with Milan already in the knock out stage of the Champions League. In the long term the Italian soccer giants will need to secure a top class goalkeeper with question marks still over Christian Abbiati. Antonio Nocerino has proved a solid addition and the prospective capture of Carlos Tevez will bolster Milan’s already enviable attacking options.

Juventus

It has been a return to prominence for Serie A greats Juventus in the 2011-2012 season. The 2006 Italian football match fixing scandal rocked the club to its core and set them back years, and it is only now that the signs of recovery are evident.

Tactician Antonio Conte was much maligned last summer when he started dabbling with experimental formations and playing different systems. Even rival managers have spoken at their scepticism of such formations of 4-2-4, but it is Conte who has had the last laugh.

Juventus are in second place in the Serie A table, but it is only goal difference that separates them from top placed AC Milan. What is most impressive about the Bianconeri’s season so far is that the team is so far unbeaten in the Scudetto race and now serious questions are being asked about whether they can go throughout the season without losing a game.

In January priorities will be set on finding a new wide man, with the Old Lady being a little light in that position. Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia would be the ideal choice, but the Premier League club are unlikely to sell the talented winger. However do not rule out a move for Chelsea outcast Florent Malouda.

Roma

It has been an up and down season for Roma so far, and it is probably to be expected since the club heavily refurbished their squad in the summer. Unfortunately manager Luis Enrique is unlikely to have the luxury of that excuse and will need to start delivering results very quickly, and consistently.

The very basic requirement of this season is for the Olympic Stadium outfit to at least finish 3^rd in Serie A and qualify for the Champions League next season. However with the summer outlay the deepest ambitions would have suggested that Roma expected a serious title challenge. That looks very unlikely now and unless the Giallorossi start finding their feet and the new players start justifying their price tags.

In terms of adding to the squad in January it seems that Roma tried to cover all bases in the summer, although they did allow defender Philippe Mexes to leave. The club could move to give their defence more steel.

Napoli

Napoli have failed to live up to the heights of last season in Serie A this term. Last season the Partenopei secured Champions League qualification by finishing 3^rd in the top flight of Italian football, and played some stunning football. The exciting football is still in evidence but the level of results is not, as so far Napoli are stuck in 7^th place.

On the continent Napoli have been in great form and managed to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League at the expense of the world’s richest club, Manchester City. It could be a case that European duties have distracted Napoli from their domestic form, but if they are to return to the elite competition on the continent they will need to address their consistency in the Scudetto race.

Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and Marek Hamsik are a trio of fabulous players who can win any football match with their exciting brand of the game. Elsewhere a lack of funds means that Napoli are unlikely to spend big in January but will be looking to make additions in both midfield and defence.

Inter Milan

Inter Milan started the campaign in horrible fashion and manager Gian Piero Gasperini paid the price with his job. The tactician had only been at the helm for 4 games and was the fourth manager in a single year for the Nerazzurri. New manager Claudio Ranieri has become the fifth and slowly the veteran coach is turning around the fortunes of the Serie A giants.

If the club are to build on their new found form they will need to remain stable and consistent, so Ranieri will need to have time to make the changes required. A pre Christmas run has meant that Inter are within touching distance at the top of the Serie A table and will be hoping that they can be this seasons outside bet.

There is also a fantastic chance for the club to progress in the Champions League, so all in all Inter can look to the second half of the season with optimism.

2011-2012 Serie A season statistics after 16 games

Top scorers

Top assists

Juventus scraped their way through an easy encounter against Lecce. It was not a match for the purist but Juve tactician Antonio Conte will be happy to claim the win and maintain his teams unbeaten start to this Serie A season.

A first half goal from Alessandro Matri (photo above) was enough to secure the points for the Turin giants who maintain their pressure on Milan at the top of Italian soccer. Juve are still on the same points as the Rossoneri with only goal difference separating the two rivals.

Lecce gave a good account of themselves, with the bottom club in the Seire A table not on the receiving end of the beating many thought they would be. However in the end Juve were too strong and took away the three points.

The match lacked goal mouth action and there was not a huge amount of chances, but the deadlock was broken on the 27^th minute. Striker Mirko Vucinic sent a low drive towards the Lecce goal but goalkeeper Massimiliano Benassi could only parry the shot. Matri was on hand for Juve to head the ball into the mostly empty net.

As half time came and went the match continued to be low on exciting action without many chances for either side, although Juventus looked the most likely to double their lead. Andrea Pirlo sent a through ball into Claudio Marchisio who seen his shot saved by Benassi.

The Bianconeri were comfortable for much of the 90 minutes and kept Lecce at arms length throughout. However, the home side did give the visitors a late scare with just minutes left on the clock, when Christian Pasquato sent his shot inches wide.

It proved to be a rare opportunity for Lecce in what was a very comfortable victory for the Old Lady.

Argentinean international striker Diego Milito was the star man as impressive Inter Milan put five past Parma in this Serie A clash.

The Nerazzurri were in fine form as they run riot thanks to a double from Milito and goals from Thiago Motta, Giampaolo Pazzini, and Marco Faraoni. The result furthers Inter’s impressive Serie A run which now stands at five consecutive wins, with the club now within sight of top spot.

It was a dominant display by Claudio Ranieri’s men who did not have to wait long for the first goal, which arrived in the 12^th minute.

A cross from Ricardo Alvarez found Milito, with the striker just needing to poke the ball into the net, and the goal set the ball rolling.

The lead was doubled on the 20 minute mark when Motta found the net with a fantastic strike. The points were already secured but Inter were in the mood to extend their lead, which they did just before half time when a cross from Maicon found Milito in the area, with the Argentine heading the ball passed Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante.

The fourth came in the 56^th minute courtesy of Pazzini, who latched on to Milito’s through ball to lift the ball into the net.

Inter had done the damage and their Serie A confidence had been given a huge boost, however they were not finished yet as they rounded off the rout with a fifth in the 80^th minute.

Faraoni grabbed his first ever goal for the San Siro giants, as the 20-year-old sent his volley crashing into the Parma goal.

The result has put Inter firmly back into the mix at the top of Italian football, and once again they are looking like a very potent threat through midfield and in front of goal.

After threatening to leave his boyhood club a few weeks ago, talismanic figure Francesco Totti found his best form as he helped Roma to a 2-0 victory over Chievo.

The Giallorossi captain and club legend helped himself to two penalties in the match giving his under pressure manager Luis Enrique a much needed reprieve. Totti has had limited opportunities this season and has failed to get off the mark in goals scored until today.

Roma were the under-performers of the first half of the Serie A campaign and they began the match with a point to prove. The Olympic Stadium outfit set out with great intensity as they sought to put their dominance on the game against fellow Italian football club Chievo.

Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino was a busy man all afternoon and the 32-year-old was called upon early as Bojan broke clear, but could only fire against the thankful Sorrentino.

Roma continued their hold on the game as they looked to climb back up the Serie A table, but away team Chievo were not without their own opportunities.

Roma goalkeeper Marten Stekelenburg was put to the test on several occasions but proved to be up to the task. These moments proved exceptions and not the rule as Roma went in hunt of the first goal, and found it just before half time.

Erik Lamela was fouled in the Chievo box and Roma were awarded a penalty, and Totti made no mistake from 12 yards.

Bojan bamboozled with some nifty footwork before sending his shot crashing against a Chievo arm, and the referee once again pointed to the spot. Penalty duties were once again left to Totti who drove the ball home to wrap up the three points for Roma.

It was a perfect start to 2012 for manager Luis Enrique and he will be hoping his team can fare better in the second half of the season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued his fantastic form this season as AC Milan had to battle in this hard fought win over Atalanta. An assist and a goal from the Swede meant that the current Serie A champions emerged from the winter break with a victory.

The win keeps the Rossoneri at the top of the Serie A table; although Massimiliano Allegri’s men did not have things all their own way.

The home side traded blows with Milan in the opening exchanges and in fact managed to have the better of the chances. Winger Simone Padoin was particularly wasteful after firing over after twice finding himself in good positions.

Milan were looking rusty at the back as Padoin created space with an intelligent run, but he could only fire the ball high over Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati’s goal frame.

Atlanta would end up regretting these glaring misses when Milan broke the deadlock when Pato was hacked down in the penalty area. Ibrahimovic comfortably slotted home the penalty and celebrated his 12^th goal in domestic Italian football this season.

Even after gaining the cushion of the first goal, the Rossoneri still struggled to dominate against a robust Atalanta outfit. And the home team again proved wasteful when presented with opportunities when Luca Cigarini and German Denis squandered their chances.

Milan gathered themselves and secured the points when Ibrahimovic found team mate Kevin Prince Boateng. The Swede found himself on the by-line and simply cut the ball back for Boateng to slot home neatly to make it 2-0 to the San Siro outfit.

Atalanta were finished after the second goal and Milan knew the points were safe. The win keeps Milan’s Serie A title defence looking good as they attempt to retain the Scudetto.

La Nacion have reported that Barcelona are pondering a move for Inter Milan striker Diego Forlan.

The Catalan outfit have been left short in the forward department with Spanish international David Villa set to miss the rest of the season with a broken leg. Even before that Villa was falling out of favour at the Camp Nou, and it seems as though Barca are looking for a short term option to get them to the summer.

The Uruguayan international only joined Italian football giants Inter Milan last summer and it is not clear whether the Nerazzurri would be willing to part with the player. However, Forlan has endured a torrid first five months in Serie A and has been blighted by injuries, and with just 1 goal to his name he could be looking for a way out of the San Siro.

He would certainly welcome a return to Spain where he is regarded very highly. His stints as the striker for both Villareal and Atletico Madrid seen him in prolific touch and his reputation was cemented. This prompted Inter to bolster their own forward options with the 31-year-old, and manager Claudio Ranieri is unlikely to sanction a move with the player yet to show his best for the Serie A club.

Forlan has spoken recently about his desire to show all at Inter that he can deliver the goals that he was bought to score, and he has promised that he will start finding the net. However he may not have the time to make good on that promise if current European Champions Barcelona follow up their reported interest.

It would be hard for Forlan to turn down the team which is now regarded as one of the all time greats, and for one last chance at winning trophies.

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has stressed the importance of his team continuing to play at their peak for the rest of the campaign. The tactician feels that any slip in intensity could result in them fading out of contention for Serie A glory.

The Old Lady returned to Serie A action this week and recorded a win over Lecce to maintain the pressure on AC Milan at the top of Italian football. The Bianconeri have been in the United Arab Emirates for their winter training camp, and it was after the teams 7-1 friendly victory over Al Hilal on Thursday that Conte issued his warning.

“We’ve worked hard and we’ve managed to stick to the programme we came up with,” Conte told the club’s official website.

“And then we’ve seen ourselves surrounded by so much affection. Tonight [Thursday] at the stadium the fans even sang the chants that we usually hear in Italy. This must make us aware that Juve are loved all over the world.

“It needs to be an added incentive for us to give our maximum in every game – starting from Sunday.”

Many expected Juve to be a force again this term but so far the 2011-2012 campaign has exceeded expectations. Conte’s men sit in second place in the Serie A table with just goal difference separating them from 1^st place AC Milan. What is astonishing is that Juventus are still unbeaten in Italian football this season, and with their rivals being distracted by Europe, Juve could pounce upon Serie A glory come May.

Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic has stated that he would never be able to join Inter’s great city rivals AC Milan.

The two clubs share a world famous derby and an illustrious rivalry, while they both play home games at the San Siro. Players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo have played for both while Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo made a direct switch from Inter to AC.

However Stankovic cannot envisage a time where he would make the same move, while he also took the time to praise new manager Claudio Ranieri; even comparing him favourably to Jose Mourinho.

“I’ve made my choices, until now they’ve always been the right ones. And I can tell you that I would never be able to join Milan. It’s impossible, unimaginable,” Stankovic told the club’s official website.

“I always want to show how much I love this shirt; you have to show you deserve to wear it. It’s a weight on your shoulders but I do all in my power to honour it.”

33-year-old Stankovic has been with the Nerazzurri since 2004 and has found a loyalty to the club in his 209 appearances. As the Serie A club continue to improve under Ranieri, the midfielder has praised his new boss and claimed that neither Ranieri nor former Inter helmsman Mourinho can be separated.

“Everyone is different from everyone else,” he said. “Everyone has qualities and defects.

“Mourinho and Ranieri are different, of course, but one isn’t better or worse than the other. And as players we always try to get the best from each of them; the best is what we need.”

Inter recorded an impressive 5-0 win over Parma at the weekend as the Italian Soccer giants continue to improve their Serie A standing.

Veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi has revealed that he is not seeking to exit current club AC Milan, and instead wants to fight for his place.

38-year-old Inzaghi has become frustrated with the lack of first team opportunities that have been afforded to him, and the former Italian football international is now just a bit part player at the San Siro.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that the forward is no longer part of his short term or long term plans, while the tactician also revealed that the player is suffering the ignominy of training away from the first team.

This revelation prompted many to assume that Inzaghi’s time at the current Serie A leaders and reigning champions is over. Some lesser lights of Italian soccer were thought to be eager to take Inzaghi, but now the player himself has come out and declared that his future is with Milan.

Inzaghi joined the Rossoneri in 2001 and has played pivotal roles in the club winning 2 Scudettos and 2 Champions League titles. And it seems the affinity that he feels with the fans and club is what is prompting him to stay.

“Milan’s fans follow me with great affection,” he told reporters. “I do not need promises, but I know what I must do: work.

“I am fine and I want to play. I love this shirt too much to think about leaving.”

Inzaghi will now focus on getting back into the Milan team, but with his manager so adamant that the player is not to feature it seems this could prove difficult. It will also be problematic considering that Inzaghi is in the twilight of his illustrious career, and many commentators are now wondering whether the player will announce his retirement at the end of this season.

PSG are the new financial force in European football and many rumours are suggesting that they are ready to flex their muscles in the January transfer window.

The French outfit employed former AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti as their manager last week and it seems he is ready to raid Serie A clubs for players. One such name who is plying his trade in Italian football is Maicon, with the Brazilian right back said to be near the top of Ancelotti’s wish list.

The Parisians are backed by the mega rich Qatari royal family and money will be of no object with big name players linked daily. Although Maicon’s agent has moved to dampen rumours of a switch and has insisted that his player is happy in Serie A with Inter Milan.

“Maicon is an Inter player and will stay at Inter,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “There has been no contact with PSG.”

Maicon has become a formidable player at right back, with the 30-year-old widely regarded as one of the best in his position. However his form has dipped this season and there are murmurs that Inter could be tempted to sell if the right offer was tabled.

Claudio Ranieri is looking to put his own stamp on the Nerazzurri and may feel that Maicon has become surplus to requirements. The Brazilian has played 66 times for his country and with the high wages on offer at PSG could also be tempted to seek pastures new, although at the moment the player and his representatives are claiming he will stay in Italian soccer.

Maicon joined Inter in 2006 and played a pivotal role in the San Siro outfit claiming the 2010 Champions League, which established him as a fan favourite at the Serie A club.