This Serie A Scudetto Race Could Be the Most Exciting in Years!

AC Milan, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

In the past few years, almost every Serie A season started with the same old high expectations, “This season will be very competitive“, “four or five clubs will compete for the title“. But unfortunately for the neutral fans, these promises were left unfulfilled, as year after year, Juventus further extended their winning dynasty leaving the chasing pack in the rear mirror. And yet, this particular season seems so far different from its predecessors ,and for once, these previously unrealistic hopes, feel more feasible than ever, as we’re already witnessing flashes of what could turn out to be an epic Scudetto race. 

After winning nine Scudetto titles in a row during an extraordinary run that stretched through three managerial reigns, Juventus are hoping to maintain their winning dynasty and extend it to 10 titles with their fourth manager – the legendary Andrea Pirlo. But with a resurgent Milan currently leading the Serie A race, an even more bolstered Inter under Antonio Conte, and an exciting star-studded Napoli side, winning the 10th title could prove to be the Bianconeri‘s most difficult challenge in the modern era. 

After a mini-revolution in the summer transfer market which saw the departure of several veteran players including Gonzalo Higuain, Blaise Matuidi and Miralem Pjanic, Juventus are currently trying to settle with their new coach and his new tactical system, as well their new young players – the likes of Federico Chiesa, Dejan Kulusevski, Arthur Melo, Weston McKennie and the returning Alvaro Morata. 

But settling in with all the new elements mentioned above, coupled with the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo who had tested positive for Covid-19, and the physical struggles of fellow star player Paulo Dybala have took its toll on La Vecchia Signora, with three consecutive draws against Roma, Crotone and Hellas Verona, which left Andrea Pirlo’s side uncharacteristically trailing in the Scudetto race. 

Luckily for the young manager, the return of Ronaldo immediately delivered the goods as the Portuguese legend put Spezia to sleep with his second half brace, restoring the team’s winning ways and perhaps their confidence. Thus, despite the early struggles, writing off Juventus at this point would be foolish, and their incredibly mid-season turnaround in 2015-2016 should serve as a reminder. 

Moving on to last season’s runners-up, Inter were considered as the Scudetto favorites in many followers’ books, after a successful calciomercato campaign. Despite failing to win silverware last season, the club managed to convince Antonio Conte to remain at the helm of the technical staff for a second season, and the former Juventus coach was rewarded with the addition of several top stars to further strengthen his formidable squad. 

Versatile veterans Aleksandar Kolarov and Matteo Darmian have provided some much-needed depth in defense as well as on the wings, whilst the arrival of his old pupil Arturo Vidal, has completed Conte’s already stacked-up midfield. In attack, the Nerazzurri’s attempts to secure Lionel Messi were fruitless, but at least they were able to maintain the services of their own Argentine star Lautaro Martinez. And with Ivan Perisic and Radja Nainggolan returning from their loan stints, Inter have undoubtedly the deepest squad in Serie A. 

Although the Beneamata are still dropping some attainable points – a recurring problem from last season – with draws against Lazio and Parma being prime examples, and thus find themselves trailing their city rivals (who beat them in the derby) by 5 points, who would bet against Antonio Conte’s deep squad to go all the way in the Scudetto race and prove its strength in the long run? 

Speaking of Inter’s city rivals, Milan continue to enjoy their 2020 resurgence, sitting on top of the table with 16 points from possible 18. Whilst Stefano Pioli’s work must be lauded, none of it would have been possible without the sensational return of the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is playing the role of the spiritual leader in a squad filled with young and exciting talents. 

As one of the greatest clubs in Italy and Europe, a Milan side leading the Scudetto race should never be considered an odd scene. But after several years of struggles, watching the Rossoneri back to the top is definitely a pleasant surprise for the neutral fan.

But the question remains for how long can Milan maintain their series of great results, taking into account the fact that they lack the depth possessed by Inter, or even Juventus. Nonetheless, one thing is for sure, Stefano Pioli and Paolo Maldini have built a team that is very different from the previous mediocre versions of Milan, and the Rossoneri can finally be considered a serious contender in the open Scudetto race. 

Another threat for the Italian crown could come from the South, as a Napoli team led by the ever ambitious president Aurelio De Laurentiis and enthusiastic manager Genaro Gattuso will be trying to achieve what has eluded them in the previous years. 

Victor Osimhen’s outrageous talent is yet to fully explode on the scene, but the signing of the young Nigerian was the highlight of Napoli’s transfer market. And with star defender Kalidou Koulibaly remaining at the club for another season, this could be Napoli’s golden opportunity to launch a vicious attack on their northern rivals. 

Prior to their latest loss to Sassuolo, Gattuso’s side were considered as one of the most impressive sides in the opening rounds, with the 6-0 thrashing of Genoa being acting as a stern warning of what the side can achieve. However the main disadvantage for Napoli – in comparison with their foes in the Scudetto race – could be the lack of proven winners among their ranks, a shortage which could prove costly in the long run. 

Even though the four clubs mentioned above could be considered the most likely contenders to the throne, outsiders such as the capital duo can never be completely ruled out, with Roma starting the season on a positive note, and Lazio always threatening to pull out an unexpected incredible run like the one they produced during the middle of last season. 

Atalanta have become the darling of football purists for their fascinating style of play coupled with back to back Champions League qualifications, but their European distraction could prove to be too much for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. And currently sitting second in the Serie A table, Roberto De Zerbi’s Sassuolo is looking to Emulate the Bergamo side and turn into the current season’s dark horses. 

In conclusion, this season’s predictions are more diverse than ever. Some believe the reigning champions will defend their title once again, others have Conte’s Inter on top of their predictions list, and some voices are expecting a shocking Milan triumph, while the southerners are crossing their fingers in hope for a long awaited  Napoli glory. However, everyone can at least agree on one thing, the Scudetto race has never been as compelling!

…and you? What do you think? Let us know your Serie A top pick for the Scudetto race by participating to our poll below:

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