Welcome to Last Word On Sports’ season preview of the Italian Serie A 2014-15 season! Things are shaping up (on paper) to be one of the tightest seasons in the Italian top flight to date – we will be taking a look at where teams should end up on the final match day in this series.
In this edition, we predict who the bottom three to potentially face relegation will be. One club looks certain to face the drop, while the other two appear at least able to challenge for survival. With the element of “surprise” on their side there is much potential for an upset to occur against supposed stronger clubs – will we see any of them this year?
Sassuolo
A group of overachievers with loads to prove, or was their survival last season mere luck? One of the most hot and cold clubs in recent memory, despite finishing in 17th they managed to slay some giants thanks to the mouth-watering solo performances of teenage striking sensation Domenico Berardi. This season will be their make or break attempt at establishing themselves in the top flight and dismissing those who brand their survival as luck. Little has been lost in terms of personnel – the only significant departure being Luca Marrone to Juventus, which is not even a total loss as they received full back Federico Peluso in return plus funds to launch their summer transfer spree. Davide Biondini, Sime Vrsalijko, Antonio Floro Flores and Paolo Cannavaro are the names of the others brought in – very astute signings which are to be commended. Biondini is essentially a straight swap for Marrone, yet the redhead possesses a wealth of experience and leadership that the youth Marrone did not. If they are to manage the feat of returning to Serie A for the 2015-2016 season, much of it depends on the play of Simone Zaza, Domenico Berardi and Antonio Floro Flores up front to lead the line. It is most likely that they will play on the counter once more as that is where they were most troubling to opposing teams in their Serie A debut season and if this is the case then much of it rests in this crew of attackers. Otherwise, it is very likely that their Serie A dream may soon come to an end.
Empoli
Freshly promoted Empoli return to Serie A for the first time in six years after a fantastic season in the Italian Serie B, where they finished in second place. A squad containing several Serie A journeymen, one vital piece of the puzzle will be captain Davide Moro who returns to Serie A with the club he has played for since 2002. Other familiar names include Massimo Maccarone, Francesco Tavano and Luca Castellazzi, for whom this season could potentially be their swansong in the top flight. One player who will look to impress is loanee Matteo Bianchetti, a current Italian U-21 international, as he has been given the opportunity to compete for a starting spot in the heart of defence. The question to be asked is whether this squad is strong enough to remain in Serie A, let alone compete to a high degree. Time and time again the odd promoted club will surprise a few and do as Hellas Verona did last season – do Empoli have the right mix of players? At this moment it is difficult to say; only time will tell.
Cesena
The last time Cesena were promoted to Serie A they were the revelation of the opening rounds – they topped the table for nearly the entire first month of play before finishing in a much more modest position. The likelihood of that one glorious month for supporters of the Seahorses repeating itself is minimal, it should be noted. Within their squad remains a major Serie B contingent which has been aided by castoffs of various Serie A sides which have arrived on bargain bin deals as well as loanees. What is impressive about this? Absolutely nothing. They look a club set on relegation, unless the directors and manager know something that we do not. Unless they manage to pull the remarkable, it is the second division that beckons. For many of their loan signings however, this is their chance to shine, to prove themselves to their parent clubs. At least there is this to hope for, the hopes that one of these youths will shine as previous youthful breakout stars Antonio Candreva and Marco Parolo once did, taking advantage of their playing time at Cesena to kick-start their careers.
Look for the next article in the LWOS Serie A season 2014-15 preview coming soon!
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