Italian titans yearn to topple Inter
Friday, August 29, 2008
Article summary
With the new Serie A season kicking off this weekend, four sides harbour hopes of denying FC Internazionale Milano a fourth successive scudetto, while José Mourinho is determined to make his mark again in Italy.
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Inter arrivals
The arrivals of midfielder Sulley Muntari and winger Mancini have strengthened Inter's hand, and they boast a new coach with José Mourinho replacing Roberto Mancini. "I wanted to work in Italy and I'm glad Inter gave me this chance," said the former FC Porto and Chelsea FC boss, whose team kick off at UC Sampdoria on Saturday. "I'm sure Serie A can be the top league in Europe again."
Roma reinforced
Runners-up in each of the last two campaigns, AS Roma have brought in John Arne Riise, Jérémy Menez and Júlio Baptista to propel them into gold medal position by the end of a season which begins with a home game against SSC Napoli on Sunday. "Baptista is a great signing," said Roma defender Juan. "He will help us win the Scudetto."
Milan optimistic
AC Milan are no less confident following the signings of Gianluca Zambrotta, Philippe Senderos, Mathieu Flamini, Andriy Shevchenko and Ronaldinho. "I think [coach Carlo] Ancelotti is very satisfied with our transfer dealings," said vice-president Adriano Galliani. "This team have everything they need to win the Scudetto or at least to be in contention until the very end of the season."
Parma pairing
Milan host promoted Bologna FC on Sunday, while two other title pretenders – ACF Fiorentina and Juventus – meet at the Artemio Franchi Stadium on Sunday night. Fourth last term, the Viola have acquired promising players such as Felipe Melo and Stevan Jovetić while Alberto Gilardino, recruited from Milan, will look to recover his scoring touch under his former Parma FC coach Cesare Prandelli.
Juventus ambition
"Honestly, I don't think we are ready to win the Scudetto," the Fiorentina trainer said. Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri is not so cautious after the Bianconeri reinforced their squad with defender Olof Mellberg, midfielder Christian Poulsen and striker Amauri. "The Scudetto is definitely not impossible for us," he stated. "We are Juventus and we have to aim for the top every season."
