QUOTE (William405 @ Sep 29 2023, 01:33 AM)
I think that doesn't matter. What matters is which side is most consistent and has the best depth. I think it's us, but I might be bias. For a one off game, I would probably say I think they are more capable, they have some experienced players in there team. Let's not forget we beat Napoli 4-1 in their historic season. The confrontations between the big sides can always go one way or the other imo.
I agree with you there, in the sense that when we won the Scudetto they were the better side as will imo. But we were better in the direct match-ups with the top 6. In the end that is what decided the title.
QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 30 2023, 09:12 AM)
Inter, again, by far. They have massive depth. And their system hasn't changed from last year which makes them very consistent in their playing style.
We've changed a lot this summer. Players, formation, style etc. Many new players are still a question mark. Pioli is a big issue as well. This doesn't mean we cannot challenge for the title, but Inter are the clear favourites for the final win. Then anything can happen, of course.
Agreed. But Inter are not known as Pazza Inter without earning that name. If things start going sideways they do tend to lose their heads.
We'll see. I really do think that it is their year though. Which pisses me off as they'll get that 2nd star before us when they should be no where near 19 at this point considering they cheated their way to 5 of those titles. One of which was assigned on paper.
QUOTE (Danny @ Sep 30 2023, 11:36 AM)
Table doesn't agree with you. Neither do Real Sociedad. Neither do Empoli. I don't quite agree with William, but I would say that Serie A remains weak and there's basically about 4 or 5 teams more less on level pegging at the top.
I think basing that off of 3 games is a bit of a stretch. I agree that the hype has been over the top and they have mistakes and bad games in them. It's just a matter of whether or not we can stay as consistent as possible so our direct match up won't matter as much.
As for the league as a whole. I think it's much better than most give it credit for. Sure the marketing is terrible and the presentation is even worse. But the quality is there imo. Serie A sides occupying all 3 European finals last season is a testament to this. And going by how all 3 sides played, all should have arguably won their games imo.
QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 30 2023, 11:54 AM)
5-1 against us agrees with me. Five wins in a row against us agrees with me. 12 goals scored v 1 conceded against us in those games agrees with me. CL finalists last year against City (where they were the better team) agrees with me. Finished above us last season agrees with me. Top of the table right now also agrees with me, because if the league ended now they'd win it based on goal difference and head-to-head.
Your argument based on only two games holds no water, when there is a plethora of other reasons why they're the best side in Italy.
Our weakness against them is a direct correlation to how the coach sets the team up imo. We've shown we can go toe to toe with them and win. But since the turn of the year. Pioli swallows a dumb pill each time we have to play them
QUOTE (X-Offender @ Sep 30 2023, 05:50 PM)
Between Giroud being completely useless and Leao having one of his many, many, many negative nights, our attack really has no bite. Only Pulisic has been trying.
Also, what's with Theo and his shitty passes today? It's as if he's forgotten how to kick a ball.
Lazio are really subpar against us, as usual. We cannot let this game go without the 3 points.
Theo has been worrying for a while now. Just doesn't look sharp.
Should be ahead here. We just need to keep at it. I'd switch out Giroud for Okafor.