In less than two weeks, the 2020/21 Serie A season will finally commence. All 20 Italian top-flight teams will vie for the illustrious Scudetto while trying to complete their respective objectives.
In the 2019/20 season that recently ended, I Bianconeri won their ninth consecutive crown despite abnormal circumstances.
They had to deal with play stoppage due to COVID-19, and then the title race came down to the wire with clubs such as Lazio, Inter Milan, and Atalanta putting up a valiant stand.
Juventus will be coming in as the hot favourites to win it all once more, as per our Serie A 2020 odds. So a big target will be on their backs as other teams will look to stop their dynastic run.
Which is why weeks after they lifted the trophy, other teams have been plotting to dethrone them by getting themselves busy in the ongoing transfer market.
The wheeling in dealing continues here in Italy. As always, SBOTOP is here to provide you the latest Serie A 2020 updates, transfer rumours, and more.
AC Milan look to strengthen their midfield
The Rossoneri were four points short of an assured spot in the Europa League last term, and they are more than eager to bounce back in this upcoming season.
Team manager Stefano Pioli has been one of the busiest executives this offseason as he tries to improve his squad.
He was able to bring back Zlatan Ibrahimovic to their lineup after weeks of negotiations. Initially, Ibrahimovic couldn’t get to terms with AC Milan, but eventually they agreed to a one-year deal worth 7-M Euros.
The evergreen striker has been a huge factor for the Rossoneri’s late resurgence last season. His leadership has inspired AC Milan to churn out some key performances, which includes a stunning comeback victory over Juventus last July.
Now with him back, Stefano Pioli will have someone to rely on in terms of experience and leadership in the dressing room.
In addition to Ibrahimovic, AC Milan have added some young cogs to further fortify the middle.
The Rossoneri added Sandro Tonali and Tiemoue Bakayoko to support the likes of Halkan Calhanoglu and Franck Kessie.
AC Milan would also need to renegotiate a lucrative deal with Gianluigi Donnarumma, as the budding goalkeeper had been asking for a wage increase to stay with the team long-term.
Inter might witness a reunion
AC Milan’s rivals in Inter have been busy too in the offseason – although under in different circumstances.
For one, Antonio Conte and the rest of the management have been dealing with talks about Lautaro Martinez especially with Barcelona persistent on knocking their door.
But so far the Nerazzurri has yet to budge and instead they are finding ways to supplement their overall attack.
Romelu Lukaku has been a boon for the team since his arrival last term and he looked to have finally found his home.
But in order to contend for the Scudetto, Inter would need to address their depth at the midfield.
With Christian Eriksen placed in the transfer list, Inter Milan have turned their focus to try and pry away N’Golo Kante from Chelsea.
Conte and Kante go way back as they were integral parts of the Blues’ title run in the 2016/17 Premier League season. However, they would need at least £60-M for a reunion to happen.
Andrea Pirlo gets down to business for Juventus
Andrea Pirlo wasted no time in reintroducing himself to the fans. With him now in the managerial helm, the former Juve playmaker has done some wheeling in dealing to prepare for a grueling season ahead.
I Bianconeri have let go of Blaise Matuidi as he left for the MLS. Meanwhile, Gonzalo Higuain is expected to leave the team too sooner or later.
However, Pirlo is about to replace them with younger players. Juventus just brought in Weston McKennie from Schalke while they have been keeping an eye of Tottenham’s Tanguy Ndombele.
Ndombele fell from the pecking order under Jose Mourinho and he has already been linked to several teams. Juve are reportedly offering winger Federico Bernadeschi as part of a player swap deal to bring the free-roaming midfielder over to Turin.
Meanwhile, they were able to reach an agreement with Luis Suarez after his fallout with Barcelona. However, the Uruguayan striker would need to pass several requirements in order to officially be part of the squad.
Juventus are also interested in bringing over Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid. Reports indicate that he will be the alternative for Luis Suarez if ever the latter can’t hurdle his business obstacles.
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