Zenga and Iachini out

Sampdoria and Palermo have recently sacked their managers. In Palermo this is something already seen many times.

But did Zenga and Iachini deserve to get the sack? Their performances were not bad, with Sampdoria sitting 10th and Palermo 12th. But, needless to say, in modern football club owners have little patience.

Especially Palermo's Zamparini, who has changed a staggering number of managers. This time he fired Iachini after a win over Chievo.

It is a shame not to give a manager the possibility to turn a season around when his team are undeperforming. Let alone if the manager is leading a decent campaign.

But presidents like Zamparini often make controversial moves. Sometimes it seems that they sack managers for personal reasons and not with the goal of improving the squad's performances.

Is this the right way to manage a football club? A coach needs time to settle in a team and frequent changes can be detrimental.

Mourinho is close to the edge

The game against Liverpool on Saturday could be the last one at Stamford Bridge for Mourinho. According to The Times the Portuguese would be sacked in case his side suffered another defeat.

The players’ mood is not idyllic and after Upton Park’s defeat there is strong evidence that something has broken. The Chelsea’s manager refused to speak to media just few days after claiming a lack of respect shown to him by English press.

The Blues currently sit 15th with 11 points. Losing the sixth game of the season would be too much for Abramovich, who is concerned about the image of his club.

Mourinho’s behaviours have certainly given an image of the club that the Russian owner does not appreciate. Even though he has backed the Portuguese just three weeks ago, now it is undeniable that the Special One’s job is under threat.

In case of a defeat against Liverpool this would be the worst start to a Premier League season for Chelsea, something that would end the reign even of a manager of the likes of Mourinho.

Klopp will be next manager to face the Portuguese in a game that nobody can lose. Even the German is under pressure after a mediocre start of his career at Anfield and winning against Chelsea would help him get off this period of transition.

The two managers have already faced each other in 2013, when Klopp helped Mourinho end his reign at Real Madrid after Borussia Dortmund won 4-3 on aggregate in Champions League semi-finals.

Will the Chelsea manager turn this season around and save his job?

Predictions Premier League 24 October

Aston Villa-Swansea City: these two teams are going through a difficult moment. The Villans have won just one game this season. My prediction: DRAW

Leicester City-Crystal Palace: Jamie Vardy is almost unstoppable but it will not be so easy against Pardew's side. My prediction: DRAW

Norwich City-WBA: the Canaries need to turn the page after the defeat at Newcastle. My prediction: HOME WIN

Stoke City-Watford: after three wins in a row Stoke City may concede something to a team that are looking for points. My prediction: AWAY WIN

West Ham United-Chelsea: the Blues are in desperate need of victories and they will accept only one outcome from this game, the three points. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Arsenal-Everton: this will be a tough game, Everton need to forget the home defeat against the Red Devils but Arsenal are in the best moment of their season. My prediction: DRAW

Why beating Bayern would give a boost to Arsenal

On Tuesday Arsenal will face Bayern Munich in Champions League once again. After two defeats in the first two games, Wenger’s side must win.

Bayern are unbeaten this season and Robert Lewandowski is going through the best moment of his career. It will be hard for Arsenal’s defense to stop him.

But still, Arsenal can beat the German champions. Emirates stadium’s support will be crucial for a team that are looking for nothing but a victory.

Wenger seem to have finally found his strongest starting line-up and after trashing Watford on Saturday he has praised his players’ work.

Thus, this is perhaps the best moment to face Bayern Munich, as Arsenal have nothing to fear and a win is the only acceptable result.

The outstanding form of Alexis Sanchez, who has scored ten goals in his last six games, will certainly make attacking unpredictable. And, with Walcott giving his best playing front, Coquelin controlling the defensive midfield area and Gabriel Paulista available for this game, the Bavarian champions will not find it easy to dazzle.

A victory could have a particular meaning for Arsenal, as it would give them more confidence about their possibilities. Beating Bayern would mean that Gunners are able to compete in every competition and against every team.

And, as Arsenal in many occasions, especially in Champions League, seemed to lack confidence, this is the opportunity to demonstrate that they want to stay among the best European teams.

Will Wenger manage to urge his players to stay calm and focused, without thinking that a defeat would mean almost zero chances of qualifying out of their group?

Why Arsenal cannot do without Alexis Sanchez

Sanchez’s outstanding form is attracting interests from every football giant. He is performing well at Arsenal and he has been superb with his national team, after taking his tally to nine goals in five games.

Therefore, super clubs like Real Madrid have come forward and reportedly made a bid. According to the Standards, the Spanish giants have offered £37m for the Arsenal superstar.

The Chilean international has played down a move to Spain, assuring that he is happy at Arsenal and he is not thinking about leaving.

Wenger must make sure of the truthfulness of Sanchez’s statements for three reasons.

He is a world class player, the first player to score hat-tricks in three different European leagues. He netted a treble with Udinese in Serie A, with Barcelona in La Liga and with Arsenal in the Premier League. But the Chilean’s strength is not only about goals, his industry always makes his teammates’ work easier.

He fits perfectly in Arsenal’s line-up. Playing on the left-side makes his moves unpredictable, as he can move to the centre of the field and shoot with his right foot.

Sanchez celebrating a goal

He can become a leader. A player who has class and a good attitude towards his team is a good fit to lead the others.

Predictions Serie A October 17-18

Roma-Empoli: Garcia is not an untouchable anymore and he has to demonstrate that he deserves to stay at Roma. My prediction: HOME WIN

Torino-Milan: Mihajlovic finds himself in an even more critical situation. He will not substancially improve in this weekend. My prediction: DRAW

Bologna-Palermo: these two sides have been disappointing so far and both will try to win this game. My prediction: DRAW

Atalanta-Carpi: after their first win Carpi must be galvanised but I do not think they will enjoy this trip to Bergamo. My prediction: HOME WIN

Frosinone-Sampdoria: the hosts are struggling and they have won only one out of three home games. My prediction: DRAW

Genoa-Chievo: Gasperini has not found the right pace yet but his team are improving. My prediction: HOME WIN

Hellas V.-Udinese: Hellas are the only team that have never won in this season. I think this will be the right time. My prediction: HOME WIN

Napoli-Fiorentina: this is going to be an oustanding game but at the end Sarri's improvements will push Napoli to the victory. My prediction: HOME WIN

Sassuolo-Lazio: Sassuolo were the only team that had never lost before conceding the victory goal against Empoli. Now it is going to be harder for them. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Inter-Juventus: another big game between harsh rivals Inter and Juventus. After a terrible start Juve are improving. On the contrary Inter are experiencing some problems. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Predictions EURO2016 Qualifiers 12 October

GROUP C:

Belarus-FYR Macedonia: HOME WIN

Luxembourg-Slovakia: AWAY WIN

Ukraine-Spain: DRAW

GROUP E:

Estonia-Switzerland: DRAW

Lithuania-England: AWAY WIN

San Marino-Slovenia: AWAY WIN

GROUP G:

Austria-Liechtenstein: HOME WIN

Russia-Montenegro: DRAW

Sweden-Moldova: HOME WIN

 

Prediction EURO2016 Qualifiers 8 October

Georgia-Gibraltar: Gibraltar are probably the weakest team in these qualifications, it will be difficult to see them making even a single point. My prediction: HOME WIN

Ireland-Germany: Ireland are a decent squad, it will not be an easy game for the World champions. But still, at the end Germany will probably win this match. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Scotland-Poland: Scotland have dropped many points when they were likely to win and now the road to EURO2016 is really tough. My prediction: DRAW

Hungary-Faroe Islands: this is apparently an easy game for Hungary but I think they will struggle more than expected. My prediction: HOME WIN

N. Ireland-Greece: Greece were absolutely disappointing and now the qualification is impossible for them. My prediction: HOME WIN

Romania-Finland: in this group the race for EURO2016 qualification is massively heated and Romania will keep taking part in it. My prediction: HOME WIN

Albania-Serbia: this game's atmosphere will be intense. Everyone hopes not to see what happened in Serbia when these two national teams faced each other. Serbia's hopes of qualification are gone but they will fight tooth and nail against Albania. My prediction: AWAY WIN

Portugal-Denmark: this match is worth the first place of group I. It will not be easy but I think Portugal will eventually win. My prediction: HOME WIN

Why Fiorentina might be a tremendous outsider

After seven games Fiorentina are top of the table, after six wins and one defeat. The most substantial victory was at San Siro, when they trashed Inter 4-1.

Paulo Sousa's team turned out to be a better side than expected, thanks to a perfect integration of the new players.

Furthermore,some old ones, like Marcos Alonso, have found their best form ever. The Spaniard, in particular, has shown a terrific improvement also in striking free kicks.

If you add a goalkeeper that has surprised everyone with a series of sensational saves, like Tatarusanu has done, you will understand why Fiorentina has been successful so far this season.

Appointing a young manager like Paulo Sousa, despite the supporters' scepticism for his Juventus past, turned out to be a good choice.

Nobody would expect Fiorentina to play an important role in the title race but this is football and it is often unpredictable.

Cristiano Ronaldo is an outstanding player but...

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players of all time. He is fast, technical and extremely cold blooded in front of the goal.

His body is built to compete in sports and in football it gives the best performance. He has made the difference both in Spain and England, something that even Messi has not done.

So what? Does Cristiano Ronaldo have some weaknesses? Yes, like everyone else. He is not good at shooting free kicks.

It may seem nonsense. If you google "Cristiano Ronaldo" and click images you will certainly find pictures of him before striking a free kick. And if you look for images of free kicks you will find the Portuguese.

But still, stats are against him. In the last 85 free kicks he scored only twice. He was unlucky only once, when he hit the post.

Astonishingly he hit the wall 34 times, whereas his shot was stopped by the goalkeeper in 25 occasions.

The percentage of free kicks scored considering the last 85 is 2.35%. Is he really good at shooting free kicks?

Rodgers sacked

Liverpool have sacked Brendan Rodgers and on Twitter there have been thousands of comments.

Should big clubs sack managers like small ones do? Or Liverpool are not a big club anymore?

And why has he been sacked after a draw at Goodison Park?

Prediction Premier League 03/10

Crystal Palace-WBA: HOME WIN

Bournemouth-Watford: HOME WIN

Aston Villa-Stoke City: DRAW

Manchester City-Newcastle United: HOME WIN

Norwich City-Leicester City: DRAW

Sunderland-West Ham United: AWAY WIN

Chelsea-Southampton: HOME WIN

Why market's new rules are destroying many players

In the last years it has become more and more difficult for a football club to buy a player who has international caps without splashing out a fortune.

This happens for the new rules of the football market, which has been changed by clubs like Manchester City and PSG, but also by Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Therefore, when Milan, a club that notoriously loan players rather than buy them, tried to sign new men, they found that every target was overpriced.

And it is the same for all the managers. So, when Brendan Rodgers decided that he needed new players, Hoffenheim and Aston Villa were craving to put their hands on the money that Liverpool had after Sterling's departure.

And what happens to overpriced players? They comprehensibly feel under pressure and they eventually underperform. Liverpool's Firmino is a good example.

This leads to make managers feel under pressure as well. They feel the money spent as an obligation to include the new players in the starting line-up, even if they are underperforming.

Why Napoli can win the Europa League

Last year Napoli had a gigantic occasion to win the second most important European competition but they naively fell in the semi-final against Dnipro.

This season has not started according to plans for Sarri's Napoli but the last match against Juventus gave some hopes to Neapolitans.

And now they must face the reality: Napoli are one of the most equipped teams to win the Europa League once again.

As I said in a previous post, Sarri is the man for this club. He can give them pace and he can work on their attitude.

The main reason for last year semi-final defeat was the wrong attitude, maybe Napoli underevaluated their opponents, maybe they were surprised by Dnipro fans' support or maybe both.

But this year they must improve, even if it is the Sarri's first season. They managed to keep Higuain, they have Insigne and Hamsik in the best form so far. They just cannot fail.

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.

Is it really Balotelli's last opportunity?

Mario Balotelli is set to rejoin Milan after a dreadful spell at Liverpool. Italian journalist Fabio Caressa described it as the last opportunity for the striker?

Is it true? Probably yes, if Mario fails again, nobody will ever believe in him anymore. It's time to grow up and become a real football player!

Tevez out, Mandzukic in?

It seems clear that the next transfer move for Juve will be dropping the Argentinian striker and buying the Croatian. Is it a good move?

Tevez is a skilled striker, he likes to take the ball near the midfield, Mandzukic is completely different, he's aggressive inside the box, an old-fashioned striker.

Juve have already hired a skilled striker, Paulo Dybala, but can they really get rid of Tevez without any problem? It will be hard to replace him.

Finally... One day to go!

We are ready for the Champions League Final. We have been waiting for a long time and we obviously can't wait to watch the most important match of the season.

Are Juventus actually much weaker than Barcelona? But let's think about the 2012 CL final. Who imagined Chelsea winning against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena?

Thankfully football results are always unpredictable. Let's enjoy!

Roma-Napoli: Derby of the sun

Two teams that are struggling in this part of the season, two managers that have to convince more.

Maybe next season we will not see Garcia and Benitez on an Italian bench but they can still save the season.

Roma struggle to score, Napoli concede too many goals.

It's always a heated game and we can't wait to see two aggressive teams.

Who will win?

Will Juve be one of the four best teams in Europe?

Juventus will face Monaco, after probably the best draw possible for Bianconeri. But are Monaco actually weak? Of course not.

Even though Juventus always struggle in European games, after defeating Borussia Dortmund 3-0 they are now self-confident.

Monaco knocked out Arsenal on away goals after an astonishing first-leg win at Emirates.

Who will go through?

Salah vs Iturbe

Tonight we will watch an amazing match: Fiorentina against Roma!

For this game I forecast Salah and Iturbe playing a key role, even though probably the Argentine will not be part of the starting 11.

What do you think about this match?

Who's better?

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC                      OR                        DIEGO COSTA

Who's gonna make the difference tonight?
I can't wait!

Atleti Azzurri d'Italia stadium

Coming up...

Palermo-Napoli: derby of the two Sicilies

Statistics for the match between Palermo and Napoli are quite peculiar. This match is known as "derby of the two Sicilies" for historical reasons.

The match of tonight will be tough as the two teams are healthy and in particular Palermo have an 8-game unbeaten streak at Stadio Barbera. Moreover they haven't conceded many goals in these last eight matches.

But Napoli can count on Hamsik and Maggio, who have scored respectively seven and four goals against Palermo.

We are sure that we are going to see a good match, as the game played at San Paolo between these two teams was a thrilling 3-3.

Parma, the difficult moment of Italian football

Finally we know who the new chairman of Parma is, but probably is too late to save the club from relegation.

It is absolutely sad to see a club that once was glorious being one step from the edge of bankruptcy.

Parma are obviously at the bottom of the table and it seems that only a miracle could save "I Ducali".

Every Serie A enthusiast now hopes to see Parma playing at least in Serie B the next year because the risk of bankruptcy is still concrete.