Predictions Champions League 30 September

Malmoe-Real Madrid: Benitez has not fully convinced yet but it is difficult to see Real Madrid struggling in the group stage. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Shakhtar-PSG: it is hard to predict the result of this match. The Ucranians have lost probably their best players but I do not think it will be that easy for PSG. My prediction: DRAW

CSKA-PSV: PSV have surprisingly won their first match against Red Devils and they can make points also in Russia. My prediction: DRAW

Manchester U.-Wolfsburg: Red Devils must win this game but it will not be easy. My prediction: HOME WIN

Astana-Galatasaray: we do not have to underestimate Astana, especially if they play against a club with many problems like the Turkish this year. My prediction: DRAW

Atletico Madrid-Benfica: this is going to be a tough match but I think the Spanish team are much better. My prediction: HOME WIN

Borussia M.-Manchester C.: after a perfect start Pellegrini has lost three games in a row. Now his players need to find a victory. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Juventus-Sevilla: these two teams have got off a poor start this season but both have won their first game in Champions League. Juventus are surely a better side. My prediction: HOME WIN

Prediction Champions League 29 September

Bate Borisov-Roma: Roma had some difficulties to get started but now they have improved and they can easily win this game. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Barcelona-Bayer Leverkusen: Bayer are a tough team, I reckon they will fight to stay in the Champions League until the end of the group stage but I do not see them leaving Camp Nou with even a point. My prediction: HOME WIN

Arsenal-Olympiakos: Arsenal have the ability to lose the easiest match and complicate their position in the group stage. In this game they need three points. My prediction: HOME WIN

Bayern Munich-Dinamo Zagreb: the visitors have surprisingly won their first game against Arsenal but I do not think they will be lucky enough to do the same at Allianz Arena. My prediction: HOME WIN

Porto-Chelsea: Mourinho will play against his former club and I believe it will not be easy. My prediction: DRAW

Maccabi Tel Aviv-Dynamo Kyiv: Dynamo Kyiv are more accostumed to Champions League but in my opinion they will not enjoy this trip to Israel. My prediction: HOME WIN

Lyon-Valencia: the Spanish team have lost their first match but I think they will make points at home of one of the clubs that are struggling more. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Zenit-Gent: Villas-Boas' players are in good form and I do not think they will drop points in this game. My prediction: HOME WIN

 

Inter... Back to reality!

The first defeat of the season has shown that Inter still have the same problems of the last year. These problems were hidden behind an aggressive midfield and some strokes of luck.

Inter have been cynical before Sunday night's game against Fiorentina and it is not a bad thing at all. Big teams need to be cynical and often they win 1-0 with very few shots on target.

To tell the truth Inter were unfortunate in the 4-1 defeat, as some mistakes made by the goalkeeper Handanovic were frankly uncomprehensible.

But still, Inter's problems were not only about the goalkeeper. The defense did not help him and Fiorentina found an immense freedom of action.

Inter's performance were embarassing, they could have conceded even more goals. They are still at the top of the table, though, and so they can work on what has not worked.

Prediction Premier League 26 September

Tottenham Hotspur-Manchester City: I think Pellegrini might win this game after 2 defeats. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Leicester City-Arsenal: Ranieri's team have not lost a match yet. I think this will be the first, though. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Liverpool-Aston Villa: will Liverpool finally play a convincing game? Probably this time they will do it, against another side that are going through some difficulties. My prediction: HOME WIN

Manchester United-Sunderland: I think this match will surprise. Manchester United will probably win but they will struggle. My prediction: HOME WIN

Southampton-Swansea City: Saints are experiencing some problems this season and their home form is poor. I do not believe they will beat Swansea. My prediction: DRAW

Stoke City-Bournemouth: the home team have never win at Brittania but they are improving. My prediction: HOME WIN

West Ham United-Norwich City: this is not an easy match to predict the result. Hammers have done better away from Upton Park so far. I think they are a stronger side than Norwich. My prediction: HOME WIN

Why Sarri is the man for Napoli

Napoli supporters often show restlessness when things do not go well, and so they do this year with the new manager, Maurizio Sarri.

The people of Naples feel a sense that the pattern of the last year is repeating. With Sarri, though, Napoli are finding a new philosophy.

The dissatisfaction has been amplified by Maradona's words. Indeed, el Pibe de oro has shown his scepticism about the former Empoli manager.

Napoli have taken only 6 points from the first five games, clearly a poor result. But in the home match against Lazio they have shown how huge their potential is.

Furthermore Sarri has found a cure for the past season's defensive problems. The weak point of Benitez's Napoli was the defense and Sarri needed to work on this aspect.

I believe Napoli are improving, even though only few points have come so far.

Why Juve need more time

Yesterday night Juventus supporters were disappointed. It feels like Bianconeri have thrown away 2 points.

5 points in 5 games is not the best result ever for Juve, considering that Allegri's squad has conquered 2 points in 3 matches at Juventus Stadium against Udinese, Chievo and Frosinone.

It seems a disaster, an awful involution. But the potential is huge and day by day Juventus are improving.

The defense is still the same, the midfield is strong even without Pirlo and Vidal and there are a large number of good strikers. The only issue at the moment is about the injuries.

So, Juventus supporters, nothing to worry about, the Italian champions will come back to compete for the title, there are still 33 games to go!

Why will Roma not win the title

This season Roma have outstanding players, even more than the last year. They have brought Dzeko in, as well as Salah and Iago Falqué, a real crack during the last season.

But, even if Juve have led a poor season so far, Roma have not done much better. Yesterday Garcia's players lost their first game of the season, having already drawn two.

Why does this happen to Roma? As I always say in my blog, attitude is important in life and so it is in football. Roma have lacked the winning attitude many times in their history.

This lack of attitude led them to some dishonourable defeats, for instance the 7-1 home loss against Bayern Munich the last year, or the Old Trafford defeat in 2007.

Furthermore they have come second in Serie A many times but they have only managed to win 3 titles.

Garcia should work on this, as Roma often lack hunger. As Juve have changed some players and seem to have problems, it is more than an opportunity for the Giallorossi.

Who's going to win tonight?

Tonight in Italy there will be 8 Serie A matches. Let's find out who's going to play.

Inter-Hellas Verona: will Inter win again? After beating Chievo away with few attempts for Inter it's time to prove it wasn't just coincidence. My prediction: DRAW

Carpi-Napoli: after trashing Club Brugge and Lazio, Napoli could be unstoppable. And Carpi are not in the best form. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Fiorentina-Bologna: in my opinion Fiorentina are not a reliable team at the moment. As Bologna won the last match, I think they could upset Franchi stadium. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Palermo-Sassuolo: I believe this is going to be an amusing game. My prediction: DRAW

Chievo-Torino: Torino are a very organised team, I think they will play an outstanding season. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Lazio-Genoa: Genoa's away performances are not exciting but Lazio have never convinced me this season. My prediction: DRAW

Juventus-Frosinone: after winning at Etihad Stadium Juventus players are more confortable and Allegri has found the right way to play the 4-4-3. My prediction: HOME WIN

Sampdoria-Roma: I believe Sampdoria are weaker than the last season and Roma need the three points. My prediction: AWAY WIN

 

Are Milan's clubs back?

After spending millions during the summer window are Inter and Milan finally going to compete for the title? Difficult to say.

But after the Milan derby we have understood that these two clubs can strive for the top three. The last derby was an amusing match and probably Milan would have deserved at least one point.

At least we have forgotten the awful game between these two teams the last year, when the technical level was horrendously low.

With a difficult start for Juve, Napoli and Lazio this season Serie A is truly unpredictable. We can't wait to see how this season will end.