[Portman]

All the Serie A talk here (non-Milan)!

[amancik]

Serie A: 2006-07 at a glance

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The new Serie A season is on the horizon. Football Italia rounds up what each team is aiming for and what they can realistically expect to achieve

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Ascoli
Surprised everyone by easing into mid-table last term. Without the element of surprise or gifted tactician Marco Giampaolo, the Bianconeri may have to fight to the bitter end to ensure another survival.

Aim: Survival
Prediction: Lack of goals will prove fatal

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Atalanta
Have become a yo-yo club in recent seasons but will be determined to cement their Serie A status and prove that they belong amongst the elite. Buoyed by the signatures of Christian Vieri, Nelson Abeijon and Cristiano Doni, the Nerazzurri are ready for a dogfight.

Aim: Survival
Prediction: Will just have enough to stay afloat

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Cagliari
Languished in the relegation zone for long periods of last season but found form after Christmas. Received a boost this summer when 22-goal striker David Suazo committed to the club, and will now look to ease their way up the table past sides with less top-flight experience.

Aim: Mid-table
Prediction: Mid-table comfort beckons

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Catania
The Sicilian minnows return to Serie A after over 20 years in the wilderness. The Elefanti have only made modest changes to the squad that secured second place in Serie B and have it all to do to prevent a quick return to the second tier.

Aim: Survival
Prediction: Will put up a brave fight but their return to A will be short-lived

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Chievo
The unfashionable Veronese outfit have a reputation for overachievement and were at it again last term, clinching a Champions League spot after the Calciopoli verdict. However, the Flying Donkeys fell at the first hurdle in Europe and may come crashing back to earth this time around as they will struggle to score without Amauri or the banned Victor Obinna.

Aim: Mid-table
Prediction: A hard season spent in the bottom half

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Empoli
The Azzurri unexpectedly survived comfortably last term and nearly grabbed a UEFA Cup spot after the Calciopoli scandal. However, the Tuscan minnows will have modest expectations once more this term having sold star striker Francesco Tavano.

Aim: Survival
Prediction: A nervy season near the drop zone, but last term’s experience will give them the edge

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Fiorentina
The Viola returned to the big time last season and were set for a Champions League campaign before the Calciopoli charges hit. They have maintained their key men, including 2005-06 Capocannoniere Luca Toni, but their ambitions are limited by a huge 19-point handicap.

Aim: UEFA Cup qualification
Prediction: To squeeze into the UEFA spots

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Inter
Belatedly awarded last season’s Scudetto, the Nerazzurri have gone about building the dream team needed to repeat the success on the field. They have arguably the strongest squad in Europe and will have eyes on the Champions League - Scudetto double. Surely Italy’s underachievers won’t disappoint this time…

Aim: Scudetto and Champions League
Prediction: Strong Scudetto favourites but may stutter in Europe.

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Lazio
Delio Rossi can be proud of his efforts after guiding the Biancocelesti to sixth place last year. However, the Calciopoli verdict has not only denied Rossi’s men UEFA Cup football but has also cost them 11 points. Without Fabio Liverani, Ousmane Dabo and Paolo Di Canio consolidation may be the name of the game.

Aim: Mid-table
Prediction: The usual inconsistency and a lower mid-table finish


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Livorno
Continue to confound the critics and despite struggling after the departure of Roberto Donadoni, they grabbed a UEFA Cup place after the Calciopoli verdict. Talismanic hit man Cristiano Lucarelli remains and the Amaranto could benefit from others’ point deductions.

Aim: UEFA Cup qualification
Prediction: Mid-table


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Messina
Survival in Serie A was again gained in the court room rather than on the pitch after Juve took their place in the Second Division. After little transfer activity, the Sicilians’ survival bid may go to the wire.

Aim: Survival
Prediction: May need the courts again


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Milan
Quieter in the transfer market than their city rivals and starting eight points behind them after the Calciopoli verdict, the Rossoneri must excel if they are to challenge for the title. As ever, the priority may be the Champions League, but a good start would breed Scudetto fever amongst the Diavoli faithful.

Aim: Champions League and Scudetto
Prediction: To fall just short again


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Palermo
Inconsistency continues to blight the Rosanero, but a strong finish to last season allows the Sicilians to take another shot at the UEFA Cup. The defence has been weakened by the sale of Fabio Grosso and Christian Terlizzi but Aimo Diana, Mark Bresciano and Amauri are useful additions.

Aim: UEFA Cup/Champions League qualification
Prediction: Should at least clinch a UEFA spot


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Parma
Last season was a rollercoaster ride for the Tardini faithful as the Crociati flirted with the relegation zone before a late charge pushed them into the UEFA Cup after the Calciopoli verdict. Will feel the loss of Marco Marchionni, but can hope to re-establish themselves as a top half side.

Aim: UEFA Cup qualification
Prediction: To successfully settle in the top half


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Reggina
The Amaranto have made a habit of slipping the noose in recent years, but the Reggio Calabria side’s task is even more daunting this time after the Calciopoli verdict imposed a 15-point penalty. Very few new faces have joined the crew on what may be a sinking ship.

Aim: Survival
Prediction: The 15-point handicap will prove too great a hurdle


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Roma
Scudetto candidates by default after the Calciopoli verdict, but have failed to strengthen greatly over the summer with Mirko Vucinic and David Pizarro the only notable arrivals. Coach Luciano Spalletti and Francesco Totti deny that the Giallorossi are title contenders, but they will look to build on last season’s improvement and at least secure Champions League football.

Aim: Scudetto
Prediction: Likely third place


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Sampdoria
Last season was another let-down for the Blucerchiati faithful as the Genoa outfit finished closer to relegation than Europe. There have been no big signings in the summer but talented Coach Walter Novellino will look to enjoy a very different campaign this time around.

Aim: UEFA Cup/Champions League qualification
Prediction: Top half


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Siena
It was mission accomplished for the Tuscans last term as they secured a fourth season amongst the elite. A number of players have returned to Juve after loan spells, but new Coach Mario Beretta and his gutsy side are no strangers to a dogfight.

Aim: Survival
Prediction: A trademark Siena escape

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Torino
One of Italy’s most celebrated clubs return to Serie A after an agonising spell in the wilderness. The Granata’s first task is survival and three big-name summer swoops for Christian Abbiati, Simone Barone and Stefano Fiore will help their cause greatly.

Aim: Survival
Prediction: Should survive with ease

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Udinese
Last season was an unqualified failure for the Friuli outfit who crashed out of the Champions League at the first stage and spent long periods perched precariously just above the drop zone. This season is a fresh start but the Zebrette will still be relying on the same stars in Vincenzo Iaquinta, Sulley Ali Muntari, Felipe and Morgan De Sanctis.

Aim: UEFA Cup/Champions League qualification
Prediction: A top-half finish