Tough season awaits favourites Inter Milan
Submitted by Anna Tomova on Tue, 08/26/2008 - 11:23.
The recent success against Roma in the Italian Supercup gave Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho an idea of what is expected of him when his first Serie A season at the helm of the Italian champions begins this weekend.
The game Sunday which saw Inter prevail on penalties after a 2-2 draw was tense, spectacular and gruelling, with an often dithering Roma twice managing to equalize against solid opponents.
"They say that in Italy it's not possible to play good football," Mourinho said. "Well, today we watched four goals and a great game. I'm happy about the win, but also about the game. If all the teams play like us, we can have a good football here."
After three consecutive titles secured under coach Roberto Mancini, Inter remain the favourites to win the scudetto, with Roma also having a good chance as they are set on improving after three second places.
Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still Inter's best weapon, able to wreak havoc in any defence with his unpredictable spurts.
Inter fans, however, may have some worries about the Swede's lingering knee troubles that sidelined him for part of the past season, but seem to have found a new hero in the young talent Mario Balotelli.
Also looking to get rid of physical troubles is Roma captain Francesco Totti, who can act both as playmaker and striker when at his best.
A good season is expected from AC Milan, who failed to qualify for the Champions League after winning it for the seventh time in 2007, a year that also saw them win the Club World Cup.
The arrival of Brazilian Ronaldinho and the return of Ukraine's Andriy Shevchenko have added power to the attack of the Devils, who will play the UEFA Cup as they look to clinch a national title they last won in 2004.
A last place among the favourites goes to Juventus, who boast a record 27 titles and last season surprised their own fans finishing third on their return to the top flight.
The relegation to the Serie B in a corruption trial in 2006 is now a faint memory and the black-whites from Turin appear ready to take on a key role in the league.
"Anything can be said about this Juventus," said Juve board member John Elkann. "(Ours) will be a high-level league and we'll try to go as high as possible in Europe."
Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Udinese and Napoli will also have their say in a league that welcomes back seven-time title winners Bologna after three years in the lower flight.
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