Serie A restoring reputation as Jovetic and Szczesny arrive
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Italy’s top tier division was once seen as the glowing beacon of football, with the likes of Andriy Shevchenko, Paolo Maldini and Pavel Nedved starring during the height of its superiority and popularity, but a recent decline has been endured.
Serie A, previously regarded as the hallmark of Europe’s finest talents, has witnessed a drop in reputation, but the country’s champions Juventus helped recapture hearts with their impressive treble attempt last term (14/1 with Coral to win 2015/16 Champions League).
The downfall of both Milan giants domestically, which led to a disappearance from European competition, also had a massive influence, but Italy’s top-flight has recaptured its appeal as world class stars continue to arrive.
Wojciech Szczesny has recently agreed to join Roma on a season-long loan deal from Arsenal, while Manchester City’s Stevan Jovetic will don the famous blue and black stripes of Inter next term, as both depart the Premier League.
“Good evening Giallorossi, I’m really happy because tomorrow [Monday] I’m going to Rome. See you there,” stated the Gunners stopper, as he prepares for life in Rome.
The arrival of Petr Cech from Chelsea was ultimately the undoing of Szczesny’s career at the Emirates, but he will now contest with Moragn de Sanctis for the number one spot at Roma.
City were unfortunately unable to see the best from Montenegro international forward Jovetic, with the 25-year-old having failed to impress since arriving from Fiorentina in 2013 for £22m, but a switch to the San Siro could see his true talent uncovered.
The talented frontman came to the blue half of Manchester with a growing reputation, but was unable to fully fulfil his potential in England, though arriving back in Italy should propel the out-of-form forward back to his best.
Scoring only 11 times in 43 outings for the Sky Blues will hurt the previously injury-plagued attacker, though that tally will become a distant memory once the goalscoring form from his Viola days come flowing back (7/4 to finish top three).
With Szczesny arriving at Roma in search of regular first-team action, Jovetic will too be hoping for a more constant role in his new colours, once a medical is completed, as he prepares to link-up with former City boss Roberto Mancini.
The arrival of former Swansea City sharpshooter Wilfried Bony was the final nail in Jovetic’s City career coffin, having struggled for a starting place even before the Ivorian was captured for a reported £28m.
Depending on a successful medical, Jovetic will join Atletico Madrid defender Miranda, Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia and Granada defender Jeison Murillo as Mancini’s fourth big summer signing.
The Inter revolution has begun, with Jovetic potentially set to partner current San Siro hitman Mauro Icardi in attack, as an assault on Serie A and a return to Europe’s elite club competition is undertaken.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s out-of-favour shot stopper Szczesny will want a strong showing for Roma, in order to cement a permanent deal at the Stadio Olimpico, or to somehow salvage his career in London afterwards.
With both Premier League stars arriving in Serie A, along with plenty of other fresh faces, Italy’s top tier is, like many of its teams, undergoing a rejuvenation period, which will be welcomed by everyone who loves football.
