And luckily there is the transfer market! In one of the saddest moments in the history of our championship, stopped due to a strike that many still struggle to understand, the only consolation comes from the negotiations, finally (it's appropriate to say it) get to the heart. Three months of negotiation, talk (a lot) seasoned with a few taps here and there, just so we don't lose our patience, all to get to this moment. The end of the market is, inevitably, the decisive one, in which the companies draw the sums, in which prices magically go down, and the deals that seemed like impossible dreams become reality. And so, although everything can still change from one moment to the next, let's proceed like every weekend with the votes for the Italian big names. Still partial judgments, of course, but at least to be taken more seriously than usual. Because the end-of-year (or rather, end-of-the-market) report card is about to arrive, and at that point, promotions, debts and rejection will be unquestionable and, above all, irremediable.
NAPOLI 8
The "Queen of the market" is back on the throne. The team was already strong, the transfer campaign more than good, but maybe not yet enough to try to win something. The "manita" taken by Barcelona and above all the diabolical draw in Montecarlo must have convinced De Laurentiis that Napoli had to be completed with a few blows. And so in a few hours, the blue patron brought Goran Pandev into the shadow of Vesuvius, a very respectable striker, much more than a simple backup for Lavezzi, Hamsik and Cavani. Here it is the last minute strike, the one Walter Mazzarri was missing to complete the offensive department. But De Laurentiis, suffering from an acute form of bulimia from the football transfer market, still doesn't want to stop. In fact, Salvatore Bocchetti could also arrive in Naples, a defender who emigrated to Rubin Kazan a few months ago, who would replace the unfortunate Britos, injured in the disastrous friendly match at the Camp Nou. In short, a Napoli takes everything that is preparing for a great season.
MILAN 7
Last week, he finally revealed the identity of the famous "Mister X". Alberto Aquilani won't be Fabregas, and, at least reading the comments from AC Milan fans on the web, he doesn't ignite the fans' imagination as much as Hamsik, Schweinsteiger or Pastore, but it's a great deal, and there's no debating that. Borrowed with the right to buy (which will become mandatory if he has to play at least 25 games) set at 7 million, Aquilani represents Galliani's victory, always attentive to last-minute deals. In fact, it should not be forgotten that Juventus, not later than two months ago, had offered 10 million to buy him from Liverpool, an amount rejected by the little foresighted English, convinced that better offers would arrive during the transfer market. It wasn't like that, that's why in the end the player was taken by Milan. Aquilani completes an almost perfect chessboard, which also this summer, during the friendlies and the first trophy of the season, has shown that it doesn't need big additions. Mexes and Taiwo (both injured) reinforce the defence, El Shaarawy represents an important look to the future. And then there's Aquilani, someone who at the time of the Roma Primavera was considered by insiders to be stronger than De Rossi. One that two years ago, he was sold by the Giallorossi to Liverpool for the maxi sum of 25 million. And that Milan took (just) for 7.
Juventus 6,5
The vote remains more than enough, but if she wants to compete again for the title, the Old Lady must do something more. Jackets go by and Estigarribia, but to win with Antonio Conte's 4 – 2 – 4 you need solid wingers, both on the left and on the right. Yes, because a lot of doubts are circulating about Milos Krasic too, and many think that if the coach had reliable alternatives, the Serbian would start from the bench. And then we need to move, because the market is ending and names of thickness are the titan. The best signings (Pirlo and Vucinic) have already shown that they are from Juve, Vidal must find a tactical position, but it certainly promises well. However, the problems remain in defense and on the flanks, which Juve must resolve as soon as possible. Were a good central defender and a left winger by name to arrive, our vote would go up, and the bianconeri would overtake Milan (as regards the transfer market, of course). Marotta knows that this season will be fundamental for the project launched by Andrea Agnelli, and he is also aware that, after two seventh places, the Juventus fans will no longer forgive any mistakes. In short, the most important match is played on the transfer market: if Juventus wants to win again, they have to start doing it again from there.
LAZIO 6,5
Strange market the biancoceleste one. All shots immediately, one after the other. Then, a lot of silence (too much?), both on the purchases and on the sales front. It is above all the latter who keeps the Lazio fans awake, very worried about losing Mauro Zarate, their undisputed idol. Very particular situation that of the Argentine, who has decided to leave at all costs, even going so far as to refuse a call-up for an official match. And yet, the Lazio fans are all with him, at least to hear the boos that rain down on poor Reja every time the Olimpico's speaker pronounces his name. Lotito would also sell him, but on the condition that someone shows up with 20 million euros. Request too high, which made all possible buyers flee. Of course, if they arrive (immediately), Lazio could reinvest part of it on the market, also because something is still missing. In fact, an additional reinforcement would be needed in defense, and Reja would also like to have an important player in midfield, also because Cana is not proving to be reliable. The feeling, however, is that these last days of the market will be dedicated to the Zarate question. Because keeping him in the squad would make the fans happy, but it would create a huge problem for Edi Reja.
INTER 5,5
Eto'o has left, Forlan has arrived. Pandev gone, here is Palacio. Lost Mariga, there is Poli. Impressions? Not only has Inter not strengthened, but the ideas in Corso Vittorio Emanuele seem at least confused. Can Palacio really be more useful than Pandev? Maybe it wasn't worth having both of them in the squad, also in light of the fact that the Macedonian left on free loan? And Kucka, will he be ready to lead the Inter midfield already? And above all, how will Forlan replace someone like Eto'o? Inevitable questions that all Nerazzurri fans ask themselves. Of course, the Pandev – Naples affair smacks of favor (interested) for De Laurentiis, who could perhaps soften a bit on the Lavezzi speech (but more for next year). But Inter aren't convincing, journalists and fans sure, but above all (and here's the serious part) their coach. Reliable sources tell us of a rather dubious Gasperini on the current squad, considered incomplete and unsuitable to compete on several fronts. The Sneijder case is emblematic: the Dutchman will most likely not start (never say never on the transfer market) and will force the coach from Grugliasco to change the game system. In short, this Nerazzurri campaign is not starting in the best way, but to tell the truth, it should be remembered that Inter have a respectable squad. The problem therefore lies in the sale of Eto'o. That will leave a huge void, probably unfillable.
ROME 5
"And yet it moves!" said Galileo Galilei presenting the theory of heliocentrism in front of the Inquisition's solicitors. Looking first at the (disastrous) results of Roma and immediately after Walter Sabatini, one would say the same thing. Yes, because after all the Giallorossi have also spent, and everything can be said to the Giallorossi sports director except that he has remained stationary on the transfer market. The point, however, is another: when making a transfer campaign, it is essential that the club and the coach work in the same direction. The coach must indicate what he needs for his game system and the managers must buy him the necessary players. In short, the complete opposite of what is happening in the capital. For the Barça-style 4-3-3 that Luis Enrique had in mind, practically everything is missing, except for the offensive wingers Bojan and Lamela. But the game is played in midfield, the department most neglected by Roma in this transfer market session. Gago? A connoisseur, a tough midfielder, in short, the complete opposite of Xavi or Iniesta. The purchase of Osvaldo then remains a big gamble: 15 million for a player who has not convinced much in Italy and who, moreover, will be an adapted winger (a bit like Borriello, another situation on the verge of madness, even the loan transfer to PSG could limit the damage, at least from an economic point of view). The possible purchase of Santon would be the umpteenth bet of this club. But perhaps the real problem lies upstream: was Luis Enrique really the right man to entrust Roma to? The facts are saying no, for a whole series of tactical and human reasons that we won't go over again just so as not to cause further pain to the already very tried Giallorossi fans. Even the choice of coach, however, is a market affair, one more reason to reject Sabatini's management. Good Walter still has a few days to make us change the idea we have about his work. Which at the moment does not do justice to his honored career.
