Top 10 Reasons to Follow Serie A This Season – Including an Ultimate Battle and a Special Return

AC Milan, Atalanta, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Roma, Serie A, Top 10

Following a bittersweet summer that left Calcio fanatics with contradictory feelings, we’re still not sure whether we should be celebrating Italy’s great triumph at Euro 2020, or weep for the current dire financial state of the Serie A clubs ahead of the new season.

Several major stars have already taken the highway, including Romelu Lukaku, Achraf Hakimi, Cristian Romero and Rodrigo De Paul, with no exciting newcomers yet to make their landing in the Italian peninsula.

Nonetheless, the fans of Calcio have stuck by their favorite league even during more miserable times than the ones we’re currently living. For them, Italian football is simply a way of life.

But whilst the rest of the football fans might be searching elsewhere for entertainment, overlooking Serie A would be a massive mistake, as they’ll be missing out on what is expected to be an exciting new season – despite the departure of some the more glamorous names.

So let’s check out the Top 10 reasons why every follower of the sport should keep an eye on the Italian league.

10- The Rise of New Stars

Out with the old, in with the new. At least this is what the laws of nature state. We’re always going to feel sad to see the backs of some of the biggest stars in the sport who choose to leave for greener and richer pastures, but their departures offers an opportunity for their younger counterparts to step up and make a name for themselves.

Whether it’s a young star that is finally being given some space at a top team that is struggling to buy bigger names, a youth product who’s making an immediate impact with the first team, or perhaps some low-profile foreign newcomer who’s exceeding the expectations at Udinese or Verona, one thing is for sure, new Serie A stars will emerge during this season.

9- Another Chapter in the Fairytale

Although this phenomenal project has been flourishing for years, we’re still left in awe by Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta. The provincial side earned a third straight Champions League qualification, and nothing suggests a near end for this unique fairytale.

Besides selling Cristian Romero to Tottenham for a huge profit, La Dea has so far maintained all of their major players. Following a trio of third place finishes, could be it the year where the Bergamo-based club make the step-up and become a genuine contender for the Scudetto title?

Amidst the troubles that the other top clubs are facing, counting out Atalanta from the competition would be ill-advised.

8- Exciting Newcomers – History and Romance

Every season, we’re always happy to welcome three new editions to the league. After finishing on top of the Serie B table, Empoli could be a tough nut to crack this season. However, the Tuscan side has been going up and down repeatedly in the last few decades, which is why the other two newcomers are garnering more excitement.

As history fans know, the ancient city of Salerno used to be one of the most important towns during the medieval ages and beyond. Thus, the promotion of Salernitana to Serie A adds a certain appeal to the new season.

And yet, the most exciting new addition is surely that of Venezia (Italian for Venice). After a long absence, the most romantic city on the planet returns to play a major part in the beautiful game.

7- Defending the Crown

In the last decade, we got used to start the season by claiming that Juventus are the heavy favorites to win the Scudetto once more. Despite being uncrowned by their fierce rivals in the last campaign, the Bianconeri are tipped to regain their title by many observers.

This phenomenon can be explained by Inter’s downsizing policy and the departure of Antonio Conte and some of the main stars. Therefore, having a champion that is facing an uphill battle to defend his throne is not something that we see everyday.

Nonetheless, the Nerazzurri still possess many of the key components that led them towards last season’s triumph, which is why they shouldn’t be underestimated at all.

A great battle is looming in the horizon, and you wouldn’t wanna miss it!

6- Makeover at the Dugouts

Tired of the same old names sitting on the same benches? Well, it’s your lucky year, with five of the top seven clubs appointing a new manager, including Massimiliano Allegri’s triumphant return to Juventus following two years on the shelf.

Luciano Spalletti also returns through Napoli’s gate after a two-year absence, whilst Simone Inzaghi will be in charge of the defending champions, and has been replaced by Maurizio Sarri at Lazio, shaking the entire scenery.

Even the likes of Fiorentina, Sassuolo, Torino, Hellas Verona, Sampdoria and Spezia have new captains on the deck.

Did we miss someone?!

5- A Special Comeback

Oh right, we forgot to mention that one of the biggest names in coaching – and definitely the most controversial – is back to Serie A after leading Inter towards their historic treble 11 years ago.

The Special one will surely be facing a tougher task this time around, taking charge of Roma who have been struggling outside of the Top four in the recent years.

Whether the Portuguese will be able to reignite his career in the Italian capital remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure; it’s going to be a greatly entertaining ride for as long as it lasts.

4- One Final Battle

Although some of the big players have fled, Calcio remains the home of two iconic superstars. We’re talking of course about Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

With the Portuguese striker being on the last year of his Juventus contract, and the Swedish giant closing in on his 40th birthday, both legends could set for their last hurrah in Serie A, and each of them will be adamant on dragging his team towards the finish line, in what could be an epic Scudetto battle.

Oh, and did we mention that they don’t like one another?

3- Home of the Champions

Following a thrilling tournament, the Azzurri were deservedly crowned as the European champions, thus recapturing the lost glamour of the Italian national team.

Throughout the European Championships, the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Leonardo Spinazzola saw their popularity blossoming amongst the fans of Italy, as well as the neutrals.

Although some of Roberto Mancini’s men ply their trade elsewhere (like Jorginho, Marco Verratti and Gianluigi Donnarumma), the vast majority can be exclusively found inside the Serie A stadiums.

https://twitter.com/IntChampionsCup/status/1423312851087859713/photo/1

2- The Most Epic Return

Although we mentioned Mourinho’s exciting comeback above, the new Serie A season will witness a far more important return.

During the last 18 months, we had to convince ourselves that we’re watching football matches. But the truth is, any encounter taking place in the absence of a live crowd can hardly be called a football match.

Thankfully, up to 50% of the seats will be filled with supporters by the start of the campaign. Whether it’s your favorite team or your most hated rival, watching the Ultras waving their massive flags and displaying mocking Graffiti will be a most-welcomed sight.

1- Elusive Charm

Say what you want about the bad economy, the lack of world class players and the struggles in the European competitions, Calcio will forever possess its own unique charm that simply can’t be found anywhere else.

From the lunatic presidents to the crazy managers and omnipresent media coverage all the way to the passionate players on the pitch, it’s certainly difficult to describe the magic of Serie A for someone who isn’t familiar with this unparalleled atmosphere.

Even during its darkest period, the elusive Serie A mojo remains ever-present, and it simply can’t be reincarnated anywhere else.

Read More – The Top 10 Serie A Supporting Strikers in the Last 10 Years

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