There’ll be a distinct new look about Serie A next term, and as far as this SBOTOP writer is concerned, it will only add to the excitement.
That’s because we have the return of a trio of promoted sides, who have previously caught the eye in the Italian top flight, all making a welcome return.
Whether Venezia, Como and last season’s Serie B champions Parma can survive is a key discussion point but the Serie A betting odds believe they can and they definitely have a fighting chance.
Certainly, I am not expecting any of the newly promoted sides to struggle to the degree that Salernitana did last season when they mustered just two wins and 17 points.
The fact that just three points separated Frosinone (who went down in 18th place) and five other teams suggests another close battle for survival is on its way.
Incidentally, Sassuolo were the other club to lose their top flight status, despite being the only team to defeat champions Inter Milan (twice), while Davide Nicola pulled off yet another Harry Houdini escape act during his half a season at Empoli, and veteran Claudio Ranieri was the comeback king again for Cagliari.
If we are treated to another dramatic finish in the bid to beat the drop, we will be well and truly spoilt.
The first side to gain promotion last term was Parma and, despite losing midfielder Hernani to a muscular injury, they ran riot on Monday with a 4-1 friendly success over Europa League winners Atalanta.
Sure, this is hardly a vintage Parma side to compare to the excellent outfit they had in the mid 1990s, but a win like that will have done their confidence no harm as they prepare for the new campaign.
Then there’s Venezia, returning after a two-year absence.
I had a soft spot for them in the 1990s and remember taking charge of the side in a computer game ‘Sensible Soccer’ after I returned from a holiday to Venice.
Keeping them up then (in the gaming world!) was a challenge and I’ve no doubt it will be in real life as they are joint favourites to go down – albeit with four other sides, Empoli, Cagliari, Hellas Verona and Lecce.
They will need to strengthen and are in talks for Filip Stankovic, a promising Nerazzurri keeper and son of ex-star Dejan, so that is worth keeping an eye on, as is whether or not they can keep hold of American midfielder Tanner Tessmann, supposedly wanted by Inter.
Former Roma and Frosinone coach Eusebio Di Francesco will need all his guile to ensure their return is not a brief one.
Of the three newly promoted outfits, the team which is expected to survive with something to spare is Como.
Perhaps they can enjoy some Serie A highlights too now they are back after a chequered two decades.
With backing from minority shareholders, former Arsenal men Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas (now club manager), Como have also got the weight of the Indonesian Djarum Group behind them.
Located in one of the most beautiful areas of Northern Italy, next to Lake Como the last time Como participated in Serie A was back in 2003, after which the side experienced three consecutive relegations and went bankrupt.
Last season, with Fabregas, and interim head coach, Welshman Osian Roberts, in charge – rules meant the Spaniard had to complete his UEFA license first – Como grew in stature.
On the pitch, no player scored more than former Milan youngster Patrick Cutrone (14), who joined his hometown team on a three-year deal two summers ago.
In recent weeks, the Serie A newcomers have signed midfielder Yannik Engelhardt from Fortuna Dusseldorf, a player who has represented Germany at under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels, but has no Bundesliga experience.
Yet one signature stands out as being the move of the summer.
Indeed, if he can stay injury free, Raphael Varane will be a quite superb addition.
Promoted to Serie C in 2018, it was only two years later that Como jumped to Serie B and now the club is back in Serie A for the first time this century,
With Varane, still only 31, Como have a top player in the most critical area and, if they can get a few guarantees and continuity A, perhaps more big names and highly talented players will be arriving for much more than just a lakeside retreat.
Serie A can remain an unforgiving environment but remember what Monza have achieved in recent seasons and hope springs eternal.
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