One campaign ends and the other is just around the corner, and yet, the usual suspects remain almost the same. Besides Atalanta – who cemented themselves as a true force in calcio with their third straight Champions League qualification – the top of the Serie A table is still predominated by the more traditional big names, and we can expect much of the same next season.
After Juve’s dethroning at the hands of Inter, a sense of uncertainty can be felt ahead of the upcoming season, especially following the numerous managerial changes witnessed during this off-season.
So let’s check out the one major characteristic that could make all the difference for each of the Top 6 Italian clubs.
Inter: Superb Attacking Duo
We start of course with the reigning champions. Despite the departure of the architect behind their success last season, Antonio Conte, as well as the sale of Achraf Hakimi, Inter can still rely on a solid squad.
Whilst the newly-appointed manager Simone Inzaghi will find great options in all various departments, the attacking partnership of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez remains the crown jewel of the defending Serie A champions.
The incredible chemistry between the two stars was noticed since their first season together and, two years later, we can only expect this duo to blossom further, terrifying anyone who stands between them and the goal.
? Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez's partnership directly yielded eight goals in Serie A last season, the best combination in the division
? Don't go breaking that up Inter, pls x pic.twitter.com/7kjpIt5XPW
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 29, 2021
Milan: Continuous Development
Whilst most of the clubs on this list will start the campaign with a new manager, Stefano Pioli will be in charge at Milan for a third straight season.
The manager has been overseeing an important revival based on youth players, with the likes of Franck Kessié, Ismael Bennacer, Theo Hernandez and Brahim Diaz all becoming important members of the squad.
With another season under their belts, we expect the Rossoneri to continue in their rising trajectory.
?️ Massimiliano #Allegri: "The most interesting teams I've seen? #Milan has grown, and their young players are now more experienced. They will be favorites like the other big teams. It will be a good championship. We have to keep getting results." pic.twitter.com/jCky22lDuu
— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) July 27, 2021
Atalanta: Defined Playing System
Speaking of great projects, Gian Piero Gasperini’s work at Atalanta can only be described as phenomenal.
The veteran tactician transformed the Orobici from a mid-table club at best to an established Top 4 Serie A side in the first five years of his tenure.
Whilst players have come and gone, La Dea maintained a very specific style of play, as they continue to torment their opponents with their overwhelming playing system.
This tweet could be about any game involving Atalanta players in the last five years.
Chaos is like a second language to Gasperini & his squad! https://t.co/ecrM9GPtsf
— Adam Digby (@Adz77) June 28, 2021
Juventus: Vast Experience
Despite seeing their nine-year winning dynasty end last season, Juventus still have several of the components that made those great accomplishments possible.
The Old Lady still has great leaders in the form of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci who are still up to the task, as well as the one and only Cristiano Ronaldo.
Moreover, the inexperienced Andrea Pirlo has been replaced with a man who already has six Scudetto titles in his cabinet – including five with the Bianconeri.
Not Bad.
Giorgio Chiellini at Juventus:
Club debut: 14 October 2005 ?
Total appearances: 442 ???
Trophies: 12 ?Your top 3 Bianconeri legends? ⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/jnRLJxDFyA
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 16, 2017
Napoli: Squad Balance
If truth to be told, things are far from perfect for Napoli ahead of the next Serie A campaign.
Nonetheless, the Southerners possess a solid squad filled with talents all over the pitch – from Kalidou Koulibaly, to Fabian Ruiz, all the way to Lorenzo Insigne.
If Luciano Spalletti can find the right balance between the lines, the Partenopei can be one of the pleasant surprises of the season.
? #Spalletti: "I've never coached a footballer and a person as exceptional as @kkoulibaly26 before"#Dimaro2021 ⛰
? #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/1FmIqXFERV
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) July 24, 2021
Roma: Regained Charisma
In the last few years, Roma have been degraded into a mere sideshow, whilst they failed to threaten the teams who are at the very top of the table.
Love him or hate him, José Mourinho’s impact in the Italian capital has been felt from day one, with the Giallorossi suddenly becoming a more relevant topic amongst football fans. To put it simply, the Special one made people care about Roma once more.
Whether this newly found exposure will turn out to be a good or bad thing remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, the Romans absolutely needed this huge dose of charisma that has been injected into their beloved club.
After a heavy challenge from Pepe, Henrikh Mkhitaryan started a brawl in Roma's pre-season friendly with Porto.
This was Jose Mourinho's reaction ? pic.twitter.com/PoiMABavhK
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) July 29, 2021