INTER
Inter are aiming to become the first team to win three successive championships since Milan between 1991-1994. An already formidable, deep squad, which contains serial winners Vieira and Ibrahimovic, is strengthened further with the arrival of Chivu from Roma and Cagliari hit-man David Suazo, probably the quickest player in the World. Suazo gives Inter a deadly counter attack and could spell the end for alcoholic Adriano. Complacency and the possible and what would be welcome distraction of a sustained Champions League campaign are the only things standing in the way of the Nerazzurri claiming a hat-trick of scudettos.
Key Players : Vieira, Ibrahimovic, Suazo
Prospects : Champions/Champions League
MILAN
Having failed in their bids to bring Ronaldinho and/or Eto'o to the San Siro, the European Champions signed two teenage strikers, Alexander Pato, who cannot play until January, and 16 year old Mitja Novinic. Emerson is the only other arrival and will provide some much needed cover for Gattuso and Ambrosini. Milan's starting XI is a match for any team in the World but, as usual, there's a serious lack of quality options in central defence. How much playing time Ancelotti will give to Digao (Kaka's younger, taller brother) and 17 year old Darmian ahead of the sloppy Bonera and Kaladze remains to be seen. Willy Aubameyang will be the fourth choice striker though his younger, more talented brother Pierre, seven goal top scorer for Milan in the Champions Youth Cup, would have been a better choice.
Key Players : Kaka', Nesta, Ronaldo
Prospects : Champions/Champions League
ROMA
Roma are built to attack, with the exception of the centre backs everyone gets forward. Totti, Europe's leading goalscorer last season, is the focal point of an awesome three man front line with Brazilians Mancini and Taddei a constant goal threat. Juan, Cicinho and Giuly are the most high profile arrivals but the player who could prove crucial to Roma's title chances is Ghanaian defensive midfielder Ahmed Barusso. If Roma have a weakness it's in central midfield (and goal). Perrotta and De Rossi are solid all rounders but neither of them are great tacklers. Spalletti needs to curtail his attacking instincts and deploy Barusso alongside De Rossi if Roma are to wrest the scudetto from Inter. Regardless of where they finish, Roma will be an absolute joy to watch.
Key Players : Barusso, Totti, Juan
Prospects : Champions/Champions League
FIORENTINA
Fiorentina where set to cope without prolific goalscorer Luca Toni before making the insane decision to sell outstanding Brazilian striker Reginaldo to Parma. The money has been invested in teenagers Mazuch and Anthony Vanden Borre in defence, Czech U19 captain Jan Hable in midfield and Argentinean striker Pablo Osvaldo. Fiorentina have a plethora of attacking midfielders - Montolivo, Semioli, Jorgensen, Santana and last year's player of the season Mutu. The question remains other than Pazzini who are they supposed to supply in attack? Fiorentina are deep in every position and their fast paced attacking game will prove too hot to handle for most sides. Barring major injuries they should see off Juventus to claim a Champions League place.
Key Players : Mutu, Donadel, Pazzini
Prospects : Champions League/UEFA Cup
JUVENTUS
Despite fears over the break-up of the team following their enforced relegation, Juventus have retained their best players, the departures of Emerson, Cannavaro and Thuram will prove to be a blessing in disguise. Juve have spent wisely over the summer. Iaquinta is an excellent forward and will provide the legs for the static Trezeguet and relieve some of the playmaking duties from the well and truly past it Nedved. Tiago is arguably a World Class defensive midfielder. It's further back where Juve will have problems. The brittle Andrade and 20 year old Criscito, who spent last season on loan at Genoa, are the centre backs, flanked by Chiellini and another crock, Czech right back Grygera. Buffon is going to very busy this season but with Euro 2008 looming (assuming Italy qualify) he needs the practice.
Key Players : Buffon, Tiago, Iaquinta
Prospects : Champions League/UEFA Cup
LAZIO
Lazio are the team most under threat from Juventus for the fourth Champions League place and like Juventus, they may benefit from no European football after their ill tempered first leg draw at home to Dinamo Bucaresti leaves qualification for the Champions League group stage hanging in the balance. Talented misfit Mourad Meghni is the only 'big name' signing and based on his career to date unlikely to have a significant impact. Marco Ballotta is a ridiculous choice as starting goalkeeper, Lazio are going to miss the retired Peruzzi, who was largely responsible for the team having the best defence in Serie A last season, badly. Ledesma was the best DM in Serie a last season and has a superb range of passing, how he is still at the club remains a mystery. The highly intelligent and mobile front pairing of Pandev and Rocchi hold to the key to Lazio's rapid counter attacking game. If any of these three players are injured Lazio are in serious trouble, there is zero depth in this squad. I'm not sure what the financial situation is at the club but Lazio will live to regret their inactivity in the transfer market.
Key Players : Ledesma, Pandev, Rocchi
Prospects : UEFA Cup/upper mid table
EMPOLI
Empoli have had a busy summer after claiming a UEFA Cup place signing five players from Juventus including the exciting prospect Sebastian Giovinco thought they haven't addressed their major weakness i.e. centre forward. In defenders Raggi and Marzoratti (on loan from Milan) Empoli have two potential future Italy internationals but following Totti's international retirement Donadoni could do a lot worse then entrusting the playmaking responsibilities to their captain, the awesome Ighli Vannucchi. Winger Antonio Busce wouldn't be a bad pick either.
Key Players : Vannucchi, Busce, Saudati
Prospects : Mid Table
UDINESE
Every season Udinese sell their best players, sign cheaper, unheard of replacements and repeat the process at the end of the season. They won the rights to Fabio Quagliarella, whose trademark is scoring spectacular goals, in a blind auction with Sampdoria and have signed the excellent Giandomenico Mesto from Reggina on loan. Udinese will be content with mid-table mediocrity and counting (literally) on Quagliarella to add millions to his eventual transfer fee.
Key Players : Quagliarella, Mesto, Asamoah
Prospects : Mid Table