[han2503]

All Serie A talk for the new season here folks

[X-Offender]

Juve win. Topic closed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[han2503]

Juve win. Topic closed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Basically (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[William405]

Juve win. Topic closed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Yes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

Dare I say Milan? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[han2503]

Dare I say Milan? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

Maybe in a couple of years, but atm we're light years behind Juve

[Nova]

Maybe in a couple of years, but atm we're light years behind Juve

Very very maybe ;-)

[han2503]

Very very maybe ;-)

Well the fact that things aren't just the status quo anymore is already a major step in the right direction and with Galliani having practically a foot out the door it's already a reason to celebrate.

I read that Fassone (who was officially confirmed as the new Director General - I think this was one of the "positions" Galliani occupied along with CEO and Sporting Director (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ) is working with the new holding company to completely overhall the upper management and technical staff and so far Daniele Prade (Fiorentina), Sabatini (Roma), Ausilio (Inter) and Andrea Berta (A. Madrid) are all being linked for the SD role. Plus they are working to bring in guys like Albertini, Costacurta and Maldini for technical staff or directorial roles

I think this shows major intent.

Plus, having read up on some of the major players involved in the consortium, it's obvious there is some major financial muscle behind it. Having the Chinese government and it's organisations directly involved and their financial backing will make us major players in Europe once again.

[han2503]

Inter losing 2-0 to a Birsa double (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Makes this a great start to the season!

Napoli (who we have to face next weekend) also struggled and drew 2-2. Hopefully this will give us a bit of a shot at drawing or even winning against them while they're still finding their feet. But our midfield play has to seriously improve.

Gomez and Sosa could potentially get their debuts as well

[X-Offender]

Gomez most definitely from the start.

[Fillipo Simone]

Well the fact that things aren't just the status quo anymore is already a major step in the right direction and with Galliani having practically a foot out the door it's already a reason to celebrate.

I read that Fassone (who was officially confirmed as the new Director General - I think this was one of the "positions" Galliani occupied along with CEO and Sporting Director (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ) is working with the new holding company to completely overhall the upper management and technical staff and so far Daniele Prade (Fiorentina), Sabatini (Roma), Ausilio (Inter) and Andrea Berta (A. Madrid) are all being linked for the SD role. Plus they are working to bring in guys like Albertini, Costacurta and Maldini for technical staff or directorial roles

I think this shows major intent.

Plus, having read up on some of the major players involved in the consortium, it's obvious there is some major financial muscle behind it. Having the Chinese government and it's organisations directly involved and their financial backing will make us major players in Europe once again.

Good news. Hopefully it will be a blend of recognizable Milan faces and experienced guys like Sabatini.

[Jack Sparrow]

Inter losing 2-0 to a Birsa double (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Makes this a great start to the season!

Napoli (who we have to face next weekend) also struggled and drew 2-2. Hopefully this will give us a bit of a shot at drawing or even winning against them while they're still finding their feet. But our midfield play has to seriously improve.

Gomez and Sosa could potentially get their debuts as well

Birsa, the saviour of Milan, yet again. What a hero! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

Birsa, the saviour of Milan, yet again. What a hero! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

Just saw the recap. Two very nice goals as well.

[Fillipo Simone]

Btw anyone watching Lazio-Juventus? Very intense game. No goals, but interesting nevertheless.

[han2503]

Btw anyone watching Lazio-Juventus? Very intense game. No goals, but interesting nevertheless.

Didn't watch, but I can see that the obvious outcome is what transpired in the end

[Fillipo Simone]

First two Juve showings left me very unimpressed. Khedira is in terrific form, but other then that they lack the proper midfield and as soon as a real team challenges them Asamoah and Lemina won't suffice. Alves seemed out of place completely, Alex Sandro as well. Benatia did good but the lack of the defensive leader in Bonucci's absent was evident.

They only have the edge in terms of attacking force. Mandžukić, Pjaca, Higuain, Dybala - you say it, some of those guys will always solve these hard matches. But like I said, it's enough for Serie A, but for the CL? Hardly.

And it's that same old dreadful Allegri football. Blending right in with Juventus in their best days with Trap and Lippi. Awful football, muddling through, but consistently.

[han2503]

First two Juve showings left me very unimpressed. Khedira is in terrific form, but other then that they lack the proper midfield and as soon as a real team challenges them Asamoah and Lemina won't suffice. Alves seemed out of place completely, Alex Sandro as well. Benatia did good but the lack of the defensive leader in Bonucci's absent was evident.

They only have the edge in terms of attacking force. Mandžukić, Pjaca, Higuain, Dybala - you say it, some of those guys will always solve these hard matches. But like I said, it's enough for Serie A, but for the CL? Hardly.

And it's that same old dreadful Allegri football. Blending right in with Juventus in their best days with Trap and Lippi. Awful football, muddling through, but consistently.

The more the team changes, the more Conte's influence will lessen and the more Allegri comes into play. This season it's basically his midfield (all the players that were there under Conte are now gone bar Marchisio), his attack as well. They have so much talent at their disposal but unless Allegri can make it blend well (which he's not known to do), they'll struggle in Europe

[Fillipo Simone]

Ah, at least the good old Inter is right back where we left. Two easy matches, 1 point. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

Yes. But they've got some good players and their pre-season was shot. We must give them at least 10 games to pick up pace now.

Concerned how it would be for us, because with their poor start Inter would be direct competition for us instead of fighting Napoli or Roma for 2nd/3rd.

[Fillipo Simone]

Candreva is a solid signing. I don't rate Joao Mario, but he could turn out a good investment after all. As for Gabigol, I don't know much about him. Is he any good?

[Jack Sparrow]

They've hyped him as the next Neymar. Which means he's not all bad.

But they've spent cash, and we need to see how long De Boer takes to put his stamp on the team. The trouble is - it will take him 10 games. 10 games of poor performance means that they'll be way behind for challenging the top 3, which means they're going to be competing for Europa with us.

I still earnestly believe if Milan are within 3-4 points of 6th come winter, there will be some good investments made. By that time good players who are third choice for their respective teams will come to a decision to make moves.

[Fillipo Simone]

I don't trust de Boer at all. I think he'll be goon sooner rather then later.

[X-Offender]

Inter have officially signed Joao Mario for 45 million and Gabriel "Gabigol" Barbosa for 25 million.

[Fillipo Simone]

Is Joao Mario an good really?

[X-Offender]

Is Joao Mario an good really?

Not for 45 million IMO.

[han2503]

Not for 45 million IMO.

What player is actually worth his price tag these days though?

[Fillipo Simone]

But nevermind the prize. Is he good? Because from what I've seen at the Euros, he's very average.

[X-Offender]

He's decent, above average, but definitely not what Inter need.

[Fillipo Simone]

What do you think Inter needs?

[William405]

What do you think Inter needs?

Inter is a really wierd case. They keep investing, but in the end I'm not seeing any improvement in their results.

I think they need one or two world-class players..leaders.

[Jack Sparrow]

Inter hopefully are going back to their rightful place. They were Tottenham Hotspurs before Tottenham Hotspurs. Forever having a good team that could challenge but not really winning anything...ever.

[han2503]

Inter need better FBs for sure, they're loaded with wingers and have some good midfielders as well. I think Icardi is pretty good and has the potential to be a great striker. But something about them just doesn't mesh

[Fillipo Simone]

No heart, no soul. And above all, no brain.

[han2503]

No heart, no soul. And above all, no brain.

Yeah, they seem to have too many brutes but very little brain in the squad

[X-Offender]

What do you think Inter needs?

A couple of fullbacks that don't totally suck, and maybe another decent CB. Other than that, they have a pretty good team on paper. Handanovic, Miranda, Murillo, Brozovic, Kondogbia, Banega, Joao Mario, Candreva, Jovetic, Icardi, Perisic are all quality players on paper, way better than what we have.

I believe Mancini was a bad choice, him leaving with the season about to start and all. And De Boer seems rather clueless as well. They lack heart and ideas above everything else.

[han2503]

Inter looking good today. Really putting Juve under pressure.

[d'Arc.LP]

Inter looking good today. Really putting Juve under pressure.

They would kick our ***** if we played them now.

[d'Arc.LP]

Lischtainer deserved a second yellow there for handball, also there was a penallty for Icardi. Inter is being stolen.

[d'Arc.LP]

Impressive Inter. 2-1

[han2503]

They would kick our ***** if we played them now.

Which side? Because both would beat us easily, and Inter just lost to Beer Sheva FC in the EL.

(IMG:http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah232/hannvis/beer_zps2jkqn4uv.png)

Anyway, this was mostly a case of Inter raising their game against Juve and Juve being terrible on the night, things will go back to their regular scheduling by the next fixture. Inter are inconsistent and can be even worse than us on their day while Juve will continue to steam roll over the majority of the sides in the league

[X-Offender]

Allegri is such an imbecile. Benching Higuain and playing Pjanic as DM. WTF?!

[han2503]

Anyone watching Juve Genoa?

It's a feast for the eyes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

Typical Allegri. That's why shipping off Pirlo and Pogba and replacing them with more strikers didn't pay off.

[d'Arc.LP]

So it wasnt just us who filled their pants against Genoa. Wow

[han2503]

So it wasnt just us who filled their pants against Genoa. Wow

At least we have the excuse of having to play with 10 men for over 45 minutes

[d'Arc.LP]

At least we have the excuse of having to play with 10 men for over 45 minutes

Yeah. And until Paletta got sent off we actually were fighting and a point was not impossible.

[kurtsimonw]

Gotta take advantage of their injury crisis.

[Jack Sparrow]

Whose? Roma? Or Juve?

[Fillipo Simone]

Juve.

[han2503]

Anyone watching the Rome derby? And do you know why the Olimpico is 2/3 empty while hosting such a big game?

[han2503]

Juve.

Isn't it funny that an Allegri team always tends to have an "injury crises" at one point or another during a season

[Fillipo Simone]

It's a Allegri classic.

I'm stunned how the stadium is half empty. Also, why this isn't an evening fixture.

But Han, honestly, to drag a discussion from one thread to another, Roma is on pair with Bacelona and Real when it comes to creating chances?

[han2503]

It's a Allegri classic.

I'm stunned how the stadium is half empty. Also, why this isn't an evening fixture.

But Han, honestly, to drag a discussion from one thread to another, Roma is on pair with Bacelona and Real when it comes to creating chances?

Yes, well statistically speaking, they're up there with those 2 clubs in terms of chances created per game (let's not confuse it with goals scored though). I was listening to a Serie A podcast which made mention of it.

And honestly, I don't find that hard to believe, Roma create a lot of chances in each game, it's the end product that's not always there, not to mention the major choking syndrome they suffer from

[Fillipo Simone]

Anyway, that's completely off point. Only thing I wanted to underline is that it's pretty much useless in predicting these games. It's a big match. Milan has problems and lacks key players, but that doesn't mean we don't have a fighting chance. Sometimes it's also about the mentality, fans included (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[X-Offender]

On paper Roma have a fantastic team. I mean, De Rossi, Strootman, Nainggolan, Salah, Perrotti, Dzeko, these are all top quality players. Their defense is questionable, though. Aside from Manolas, I don't really trust any of their defenders.

[han2503]

Anyway, that's completely off point. Only thing I wanted to underline is that it's pretty much useless in predicting these games. It's a big match. Milan has problems and lacks key players, but that doesn't mean we don't have a fighting chance. Sometimes it's also about the mentality, fans included (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

True, and we've beaten the odds this season already. I just think that Roma are exactly the type of team that are lethal for us to play against, even more so than Juve.

We'll see. Kucka is a huge loss. Either Pasalic or Betolacci (if fit) will have to fill that role. Not to mention that Locatelli both today and last week against Empoli was a bit of a liability with the way he lost the ball, that can't happen against Roma

All that being said, I'd be more than happy with a scrappy draw. We're also playing away from home so that also factors into it

[Jack Sparrow]

Start Honda in Midfield. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[X-Offender]

Start Honda in Midfield. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

Yes, totally. I'd prefer Honda over Sosa or Pasalic any day of the week.

It's strange how Honda ended up a winger with us. Even Montella said a few days ago that he considers him as Suso's counterpart. He was never a winger at CSKA or Japan, always playing in the attacking midfield or even in central midfield...

[Fillipo Simone]

He's a completely failed and warn out player. In a crisis like this, when all we have available are youngsters and inexperienced green players, I suppose he can do good. But we've gotta get rid of players like him and Sosa ASAP.

[Jack Sparrow]

I like Honda. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) I want him to stay and do well. He's been an exemplary professional.

[Fillipo Simone]

That he has. Sadly, only that.

[Danny]

I like Honda. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) I want him to stay and do well. He's been an exemplary professional.

No he hasn't! He whined to the press in seasons gone by about being out of the team and said Serie A didn't suit him! I'm certain he did.

[kurtsimonw]

Anyone watching the Rome derby? And do you know why the Olimpico is 2/3 empty while hosting such a big game?

Roma fans are boycotting. Something to do with being fined for their flags, barriers put up in the Curva's and stuff like that.

Last season Lazio fans did the same and the stadium was basically empty.

[X-Offender]

Strootman suspended for the next two games. Good news.

[Jack Sparrow]

^^

That is good news. Now we only have to worry about 10 other players. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

If we get Bonaventura back, we have a chance to draw this. Otherwise I'm worried.

[han2503]

I'll open the match thread tomorrow since we're talking about the Roma game here.

But I noticed you guys talking about Honda, and I have to agree that I'd just put him in there if either Bona is out or even instead of Niang if Bona is available.

Honda looked very sharp when he came on last Sunday, the exact opposite of Sosa who's clearly sluggish and complete off the pace, and Niang looks like he's forgot how to run with the ball at his feet as well. Honda delivered the cross for the assist and made a couple of key touches as well in the short period of time he was on the field.

I really do think he's our best option over Sosa or even Niang (if we have Bona back that is)

[Fillipo Simone]

Who knows. It's like picking your preferred way of dying. In the end, they all suck.

[Danny]

Who knows. It's like picking your preferred way of dying. In the end, they all suck.

Han makes a point - Honda did do actually ok when he came on. But he's absolutely not of the requisite quality we need anywhere on the pitch.

[Fillipo Simone]

Bah, he came on for what, 10 minutes? Against a beaten team of Serie B quality.

[Danny]

Bah, he came on for what, 10 minutes? Against a beaten team of Serie B quality.

It was 1-1 when he came on. His free kick led to Lapagols' winner. And he was on for about 20 minutes. I'm not defending him, just giving a factual account.

[X-Offender]

Mediaset has Bonaventura starting. Hopefully.

[Fillipo Simone]

It was 1-1 when he came on. His free kick led to Lapagols' winner. And he was on for about 20 minutes. I'm not defending him, just giving a factual account.

Really? Hmh. But my point stays. The match all in all tells you little about Honda in regard to our next opponent.

[X-Offender]

Anyone heard? Serie A will officially have 4 CL spots from 2018/19.

[d'Arc.LP]

Anyone heard? Serie A will officially have 4 CL spots from 2018/19.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/yay.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

Napoli so lucky tonight. Almost lost to Sampdoria, but then Silvestre got red, managed to get a pretty luck equalizer and afterwards a winner in the last second of a 5 minute extra time.

[Jack Sparrow]

They're apparently insisting that Pepe Reina be given a ban for simulation. That's what got their player sent off.

[Forza Milan!]

Interesting what is happening with Juve these days. As I see it, until recently Allegri was coaching Conte's Juve (granted he got better results than Conte, but the team was already in place when he started). What you are now seeing is a team more in Allegri's mold, with muscle players being chosen over creative players. They still are the dominant team in Serie A (and probably will remain so for some time), but they are no longer unbeatable, especially when playing away from their stadium.

[Jack Sparrow]

Interesting what is happening with Juve these days. As I see it, until recently Allegri was coaching Conte's Juve (granted he got better results than Conte, but the team was already in place when he started). What you are now seeing is a team more in Allegri's mold, with muscle players being chosen over creative players. They still are the dominant team in Serie A (and probably will remain so for some time), but they are no longer unbeatable, especially when playing away from their stadium.

I also feel, Allegri has been placed in a similar situation as he was with Milan. He was given a properly overpowered team, and then they started chopping off at the foundation. Hard to move seamlessly from Vidal and Pogba to Pjanic and whoever they have now.

I believe his cycle at Juve is coming to an end and maybe time to try a different league.

But Juve are now doing a Bayern and wrapping up youth deals with the best in Seria A going to them. Our delayed purchase is hitting us hard.

[Fillipo Simone]

But Milan had to sell top players and replace them with sub-par signings because we had to redistribute the money.

On the other hand, Juventus sold Pogba and at the same time broke bank for Higuain. It's not that they needed money, they sold Pogba just like a typical Juve deal (cashing in on players like Zidane). There's the big difference that Juventus voluntarily decided to splash big amounts of money on strikers while the midfield has been neglected. I momentarily knew that with Pirlo gone and Pogba gone (as well as for example Coman) and their focus on strikers to solve the problem, Juventus is doings a big step backward.

Allegri's cycle just started. Probably it won't get ugly because they still have by miles the superiority needed to succeed in Serie A. But Buffon said something recently about the CL. I think that's off the plate. They're headed a different path now.

[Forza Milan!]

But Milan had to sell top players and replace them with sub-par signings because we had to redistribute the money.

On the other hand, Juventus sold Pogba and at the same time broke bank for Higuain. It's not that they needed money, they sold Pogba just like a typical Juve deal (cashing in on players like Zidane). There's the big difference that Juventus voluntarily decided to splash big amounts of money on strikers while the midfield has been neglected. I momentarily knew that with Pirlo gone and Pogba gone (as well as for example Coman) and their focus on strikers to solve the problem, Juventus is doings a big step backward.

Allegri's cycle just started. Probably it won't get ugly because they still have by miles the superiority needed to succeed in Serie A. But Buffon said something recently about the CL. I think that's off the plate. They're headed a different path now.

Its not just that. From what I read, you are also starting to see typical Allegri decisions, like shunning creative mids and instead playing others that are more "muscle" than anything else. But maybe this is just a phase, he has shown that he can get things together by the end of the season. Also, I think you are right in that CL is their #1 objective right now.

In any case, what Juve is doing with young talent throughout Serie A is indeed a concern.

[amancik]

Serie A to Implement VAR

Serie A is set to introduce video assistant referees (VAR) for the 2017-18 season while scrapping its use of goal-line referees.

VAR has been tested in international friendlies and some tournaments, including the Under-20 World Cup and Club World Cup, and now Serie A is set to follow suit for the new campaign.

As a result, Serie A, which brought in goal-line technology for last season, will no longer require the use of goal-line referees.

Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio said FIFA has not yet approved the new plans but should do in time for the new season.

"We asked for a little understanding from the clubs as we introduce this new system into all the stadiums," Tavecchio told Corriere dello Sport.

"We're going to need a separate room for the video assistant referees and at least eight television cameras following the action. The Lega Serie A will cover the costs, in the region of €2 million.

"Crotone will therefore play their first two games at home, allowing Cagliari to play theirs away so that they've got time to finish the stadium.

"FIFA have not given full authorisation yet, but all the signals are clear and say we'll begin at the start of the season."

[TriniKing_CE]

Nice.

[Ry4n]

Serie A to Implement VAR

Serie A is set to introduce video assistant referees (VAR) for the 2017-18 season while scrapping its use of goal-line referees.

VAR has been tested in international friendlies and some tournaments, including the Under-20 World Cup and Club World Cup, and now Serie A is set to follow suit for the new campaign.

As a result, Serie A, which brought in goal-line technology for last season, will no longer require the use of goal-line referees.

Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio said FIFA has not yet approved the new plans but should do in time for the new season.

"We asked for a little understanding from the clubs as we introduce this new system into all the stadiums," Tavecchio told Corriere dello Sport.

hmm interesting.

"We're going to need a separate room for the video assistant referees and at least eight television cameras following the action. The Lega Serie A will cover the costs, in the region of €2 million.

"Crotone will therefore play their first two games at home, allowing Cagliari to play theirs away so that they've got time to finish the stadium.

"FIFA have not given full authorisation yet, but all the signals are clear and say we'll begin at the start of the season."