“Unpredictability, Numerous Derbies, and Three Montenegrin Players”
Marušić, Krstović, and Adžić, Photo: Shutterstock, Atalanta BC/X, Juventus FC/X
The time has come for “calcio,” a league renowned for its unique charm, thrilling derbies, and an unpredictable championship race in recent years, even if the luster of its glory days may have faded. Serie A has officially kicked off, completing the lineup of the five top leagues.
“The wildest European league is back,” proclaims “Atletik.”
“Prepare for the unexpected,” announces the new Serie A site from AP.
With two of the last four seasons decided in the final round and significant transfers made during the summer, expectations run high for another thrilling championship.
As Napoli, bolstered by Kevin de Bruyne, defends their “Scudetto” (the Belgian netted his first Serie A goal in a 2-0 victory over Sassuolo), many formidable teams are poised to challenge — primarily city rivals Inter and Milan, along with Juventus, Atalanta, Roma, and Lazio, who welcome new coaches. Bologna and Fiorentina will also prove to be tough competitors…
MILAN STRUGGLES, INTER SEEKS REDEMPTION
Milan kicked off the new season against debutants Cremonese last night, in the most alarming way fans could have imagined — suffering a shock defeat at San Siro (2:1), reminiscent of their previous challenging season.
Adding to their woes, Luka Modrić, another football legend in red and black, could not turn the tide. Despite his age, the former Real Madrid star is expected to be a formidable force under Massimiliano Allegri, returning to San Siro.
– Milan cannot settle for mediocrity. It must strive for the highest accolades, to win titles, to compete with the elite globally. And that’s why I’m here — said Modrić.
4
coaches who were world champions as players will lead Serie A teams – Cesc Fabregas (Como, 2010), Patrick Vieira (Genoa, 1998), Alberto Gilardino (Pisa, 2006) and Fabio Grosso (Sassuolo, 2006)
As Milan looks to move past their defeat to Cremonese and the previous season where they fell short of European competition, city rival Inter is intent on overcoming a season where they almost achieved everything but ended up with nothing.
– I’m not dwelling on the past; there’s no need for that. My sole responsibility is to keep the team at the pinnacle. A new cycle is beginning, and our playstyle will shift to be more direct and attack-focused. We possess quality and experience — he stated Christian Kivu, the new coach of “Nera Azzurri,” following the dismissal of Simone Inzaghi after a disheartening night in Munich and a 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
KRSTOVIĆ EMBRACES A NEW CHALLENGE; MARUŠIĆ AND ADŽIĆ FACE TESTS
This season, Montenegro will have three representatives in a league that holds special significance for them.
Nikola Krstović begins a new chapter in Italy, now confronting a greater challenge — vying for the top after transferring from Lecce to the black and blue of Atalanta this Wednesday.
“La Dea” faces newcomer Pisa in the opening round, anticipated to be Krstović’s debut.
– With Krstović and Gianluca Scamacca, we now possess two classic nines, ready to rotate, — remarked Ivan Juric, Atalanta’s coach, before today’s match, without disclosing who will start.
Alongside the Milan teams, Juventus is also a major contender for the Scudetto, with our star Vaslije Adžić set to don their colors for the second consecutive year. Speculation arose about a loan for Adžić to gain playing time, but Igor Tudor expressed confidence in keeping him on the team.
This marks the ninth consecutive season for Adam Marušić at Lazio.
Marušić has played numerous roles during his near-decade in Italy, and a similar scenario may await him at the season’s outset. Lazio’s latest adventure kicks off away against Como at 18:30, and ahead of the lakeside showdown, Maurizio Sarri faces challenges in assembling a defensive line, where Marušić could be called upon once again.
According to “Korijere delo sport,” Alessio Romagnoli is suspended, injuries to Patrik and Samuel Ziga are pressing, so only two defenders are available — Mario Hila and Oliver Provostgord. If complications arise, Marušić is prepared to step in.
– I discussed with Sarri about possibly assisting the team as a center-back due to the injuries to Patrick and Ziga. I told him I would give it a try, even though I’ve never played in that position. More specifically, when Simone Inzaghi coached, I filled in as a third center-back, but a four-man defense presents an entirely different scenario — explained our national team player.
Serie A, Round 1; Today: Como – Lazio, Cagliari – Fiorentina (18:30, 20:45), Atalanta – Pisa, Juventus – Parma (20:45); Monday: Udinese – Verona (18:30, 20:45), Inter – Torino (20:45). Yesterday: Genoa – Lecce 0:0, Sassuolo – Napoli 0:2, Milan – Cremonese 1:2, Roma – Bologna 1:0.
News