Back again for 2023-24! Behind Enemy Lines was a fun preview we started last year and we thought we’d do it again this year.
In these, we reach out to friends of the FDL 1899 – all dirty, filthy, disgusting, deadbeat fans of other top 7 contenders (I kid, I kid) – and ask them all the same series of questions regarding their respective teams and the upcoming season. The idea here is simple: what better way is there for us to preview other Serie A teams than to get the inside dirt from their biggest fans themselves. A lot can change between now and the closing of the summer mercato, so these are all based on how everyone feels about their team right now.
You’ll notice that while this is a top 7 preview we’ve actually included 8 teams. These are the 8 teams we think have a realistic shot at finishing in the top 7, so one of these teams will obviously find themselves on the outside looking in. We’ve also asked a fellow Milanista to share his thoughts on the upcoming season, so you’ll see his responses below as well. You can think of him as a spy or a mole in this Behind Enemy Lines preview…
Finally, we’ve ordered the list below in the order the teams finished last season, which I think is appropriate and we can see where people think their teams will end up relative to last year.
Alright, enough of the intro, let’s dive in!
Jump to: Napoli Lazio Inter Milan Atalanta Roma Juventus Fiorentina
Napoli
Guest Contributor: Art Morelli – Founder of Red Sauce Media
1. Who do you think Napoli’s best player acquisition was this summer?
The transfer market has not yet closed and, as of my writing this, Napoli have acquired only 3 new players: Natan, Brazilian CB; Cajuste, Swedish CM; and Elia Caprile, Napoli and potentially Azzurri GK of the future, who has already been loaned to Empoli. Natan has big Kim shoes to fill and Cajuste seems to slot into the Ndombele place on the bench. I honestly cannot speak too intelligently on these players as I have not really seen them play. They’re close to signing the young Spanish CM Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo, which excites me very much. And there are reports of Koopmeiners coming in to replace Zielinski, if the latter moves to the Saudi League. I am not convinced that Atalanta will be easy to do business with, and I would love to see Napoli get in on the Samardzic sweeps, if his deal with Inter falls through, as well, but Koopmeiners would be a perfect replacement for Zielu.
But I think the answer to your question (which is kind of a non-answer answer) is the contract renewal of Victor Osimhen. A healthy and happy VO9 is the single most important component of the future sporting and financial success of Napoli. Securing his contract almost guarantees on the field success, and ensures financial security when he wishes to leave. This deal is not yet official, but it looks ready and when the ink dries it will be the best move of the summer for Napoli.
2. What do you think will have the biggest impact on Napoli’s success this upcoming season? This can be the transfer market, coaching (either new coach or no change), formational change, current player growth, really anything.
How quickly the new manager Rudi Garcia transitions and how fast they start out of the gate, will have the biggest impact on their season. A new manager brings a lot of uncertainty but the core group of players remains mostly intact and if they can establish confidence early, they could be very dangerous.
3. What are you most excited and least excited about for your team this season?
I think Napoli fans AND all football fans should be most excited about the Kvara-Osimhen partnership and what they might be able to accomplish in their second act. For much of last season they were must-see TV and it still feels like they both have a few more gears. There might not be a more exciting combo in world football right now. I am least excited about the left back and right wing positions–shoring up the back line and the middle with youth and depth was definitely a priority, but these continue to be weak links in our starting XI relative to the rest of the squad.
4. Where do you think Napoli will finish this year and do you think they’ll win any trophies?
Provided there are no truly catastrophic injuries, Top 4 seems almost assured given the quality and depth and I do believe they will be in contention for the title, once again. Winning a Champions League seems, on paper, unrealistic, but Inter were indeed right there in June, but at a minimum it would be nice to see them take another step forward in that comp. They’ll have a shot at the Supercoppa too, so coming away from the season without any silverware will definitely feel like a slight underachievement given the great opportunity to build on last year’s success.
5. What’s your prediction for top 7 in Serie A this season?
My way too early prediction:
i. Juve
ii. Napoli
iii. Lazio
iv. Milan
v. Inter
vi. Atalanta
vii. Roma
viii. Fiorentina
Lazio
Guest Contributor: Nick Dianni – co-host of the Kicks and Picks Podcast
1. Who do you think Lazio’s best player acquisition was this summer?
Everyone is on Kamada. Hard to argue, and he should start right away, but IF it happens I’d be most excited about Rovella. I think he could really be that Jorginho type ball mover that Sarri has craved.
2. What do you think will have the biggest impact on Lazio’s success this upcoming season? This can be the transfer market, coaching (either new coach or no change), formational change, current player growth, really anything.
Staying healthy – namely our aging forward line. If Ciro can play 30+ games, and Sarri learns to rotate a bit more, top 4 should be the realistic target. I think Cataldi had a massive leap last year, Casale had a year no one really saw coming, and Zaccagni finally fulfilled his potential. We’ll need all of that to stay the same.
3. What are you most excited and least excited about for your team this season?
Most Excited are the new additions, and how we start to shape the team for a post SMS and even begin to think about a post Ciro era. Rare to see so much investment from this club, but year 3 of Sarri and he seems to be getting more of what he wants, which is younger more dynamic players. Least excited about Champions League. You’ve heard me complain about Sarri – and this is why. He won’t value a competition he knows he can’t win. I think it would be a minor miracle to see Lazio make it out of their group.
4. Where do you think Lazio will finish this year and do you think they’ll win any trophies?
Coppa Italia is our only hope – but again that would take Sarri wanting to win it. I think we are somewhere in the 4-6 range. Europa League positioning seems like the floor, and if we get off to a decent start 4th is ours to lose.
5. What’s your prediction for top 7 in Serie A this season?
Inter, Napoli, Milan, Juve, Lazio, Atalanta, Roma.
Inter
Guest Contributor: Nima Tavallaey Roodsari – Football Journalist, Co-Host of The Italian Football Podcast, half-man/half-ferocious honey badger
1. Who do you think Inter’s best player acquisition was this summer?
Right now I’d say it was Frattesi. I think he will have an incredibly important impact and unlock games with goals especially against teams who defend in low blocks.
2. What do you think will have the biggest impact on Inter’s success this upcoming season? This can be the transfer market, coaching (either new coach or no change), formational change, current player growth, really anything.
It’s a difficult one to answer because a lot of important characters & leaders have left the Inter dressing room, so I have to go with that: can Barella & Lautaro, as new vice-captain & captain lead the dressing room off the pitch.
3. What are you most excited and least excited about for your team this season?
I’m most excited to see Thuram and Frattesi. These are two players I really like and whom I have wanted at Inter for a long long time. I’m not excited about Suning’s ownership of Inter being talked about the closer we get to May 2024 & Oaktree loan expiring. Quite frankly I’ve had enough of that topic.
4. Where do you think Inter will finish this year and do you think they’ll win any trophies?
I think Inter can win the Supercoppa & the Coppa Italia but just like Milan I don’t see them competing for the Scudetto. Imho Inter, Milan & Lazio will battle for 3-5th.
5. What’s your prediction for top 7 in Serie A this season?
I don’t like giving predictions before mercato closes but if you ask me today August 17th I think it’s going to be very tight & not much points-wise separating places 3-5. Napoli will win being pushed to the end by Allegri’s Juve who play once a week. So
1) Napoli
2) Juve
3) Inter
4) Lazio
5) Milan
6) Roma
7) Atalanta
8) Fiorentina
But again everything could change after mercato closed so I reserve my final judgement until then.
Milan
Guest Contributor: Joseph Baccellieri aka Joey Bach – Red Sauce Media Model
1. Who do you think Milan’s best player acquisition was this summer?
Chukwueze, this position has needed quality since Suso left. He is the perfect player to play opposite Leão and he should provide balance to the field of play.
2. What do you think will have the biggest impact on Milan’s success this upcoming season? This can be the transfer market, coaching (either new coach or no change), formational change, current player growth, really anything.
The biggest impact on how the season goes will be the defense. On paper, it should work, but for whatever reason this side sometimes has lapses in concentration when transitioning to the defensive phase. Also, Krunic playing as a six in front of the defense leaves a lot to be desired simply because his athleticism and acumen usually leave the two centerbacks on an island forced into making a tough decision. So if Pioli can cure the first issue which he should be able to, and if management can upgrade at the 6 then they should be fine.
3. What are you most excited and least excited about for your team this season?
Most excited to see the speed and athleticism on display. Milan is going to be a lot of fun to watch, something Milan fans struggled with at times last year. There are clear upgrades in the attack with greater pace and technicality; and there are two really exciting midfielders to provide support in all three phases.
I’m not too excited that Pioli trusts Krunic so much, but he seems to be on his way out so that should be cured. The right back position does not offer a lot of confidence as well, but that is a pretty tough position to fill. Hopefully Calabria can be a bit more consistent this year.
4. Where do you think Milan will finish this year and do you think they’ll win any trophies?
Milan are winning the Scudetto and will have a deep run in the Coppa Italia. If they can stay healthy, there is no reason they can’t make another deep run in UCL.
5. What’s your prediction for top 7 in Serie A this season?
1) Milan
2) Napoli
3) Inter
4) Juve
5) Fiorentina
6) Atalanta
7) Lazio
Atalanta
Guest Contributor: Bergamasca (Disqus username)
1. Who do you think Atalanta’s best player acquisition was this summer?
It’s been a relatively busy summer for La Dea, but I think it’s going to end up being El-Bilal Toure, the highly-rated Malian center forward. He’s got all the tools and should offer some of what Hjolund brought to the squad last season. Toure, combined with the newly acquired Gianluca Scamacca, should make for a formidable forward line duo.
2. What do you think will have the biggest impact on Atalanta’s success this upcoming season? This can be the transfer market, coaching (either new coach or no change), formational change, current player growth, really anything.
The squad has turned over pretty significantly. Many guys moving on and moving in. Atalanta’s success is going to depend on how quickly the team gels.
3. What are you most excited and least excited about for your team this season?
Serie A is wide open this year, so I’m excited to see if Atalanta can push for a top-4 finish. I’m also excited to have them back in Europe for the first time in a couple of years. What I’m not excited for is yet another year of speculation about Gasperini’s future. Give it up guys, he’s never leaving! He’s going to die on the Atalanta touchline!
4. Where do you think Atalanta will finish this year and do you think they’ll win any trophies?
Last year I predicted Europa League, this year I’m predicting Champions League. Atalanta finishes 3rd.
5. What’s your prediction for top 7 in Serie A this season?
Top – 7 is as follows:
1. Juventus
2. Napoli
3. Atalanta
4. Milan
5. Inter
6. Roma
7. Lazio
Roma
Guest Contributor: ssciavilloCdT – co-host of the Kicks and Picks Podcast and Across the Romaverse Podcast (and blogger) from SB Nation Chiesa di Totti
1. Who do you think Roma’s best player acquisition was this summer?
As much as I like the Ndicka signing, I think Aouar could have the bigger impact. Roma’s defensive structure is already in place and Ndicka will add some quality to an already strong backline. However, I think Aouar will add a new dimension to Roma’s midfield that was lacking last season and should help facilitate more offense for a side that struggled to create last season when Dybala wasn’t on the pitch.
2. What do you think will have the biggest impact on Roma’s success this upcoming season? This can be the transfer market, coaching (either new coach or no change), formational change, current player growth, really anything.
I think their ability to score goals will be the biggest determining factor in how well they do this season. Last season, Roma defended so well but struggled to score. Now, with Tammy Abraham out, someone will need to step up as a number 9 and put the ball in the back of the net. Whether it’s one guy scoring 15-20 or a few options chipping in by committee, Roma needs to score more. Belotti and likely Zapata will need to have bounce back seasons and if they can complete the deal for Marcos Leonardo he will have to adapt quickly and put his talent to work.
3. What are you most excited and least excited about for your team this season?
I’m most excited to see if Roma can build on the success that they’ve had in Europe the last two seasons and have it translate to Serie A more. I’d love another deep run in the Europa League but would enjoy a top 4 finish even more to get back to the UCL. I’m probably least excited at the prospect of them not being assertive enough in the attacking third and dropping points because they can’t score enough again. I think that’s a distinct possibility if the mercato doesn’t play out in their favor.
4. Where do you think Roma will finish this year and do you think they’ll win any trophies?
I could honestly see Roma finishing anywhere from 3rd to 7th this season. Roma’s roster is finally taking shape but the striker position still isn’t solved. A lot will depend on how all the new signings fit into this side and how healthy key men like Dybala can stay. It’s also so hard to say until we see where all the other sides end up at the end of the mercato. I think the league will be wide open yet again.
5. What’s your prediction for top 7 in Serie A this season?
I think this is really hard given how wide open the league has been over the last few years. A couple weeks ago I was leaning toward Inter to win the league, but now question that since they didn’t land Scamacca or Balogun and only replaced Onana w Sommer. So, I’m leaning toward Juve with no European commitments. I’m sure this will be completely wrong (and I actually hope most of it is) but here goes nothing. 1. Juve 2. Inter 3. Napoli 4. Roma (out of optimism) 5. Atalanta 6. Milan 7. Lazio (out of principle)
Juventus
Guest Contributor: Anthony Scanga – Host of The AJC (All JuveCast )
1. Who do you think Juventus’s best player acquisition was this summer?
Lorenzo Manganelli: Bringing Lorenzo into the coaching staff to help in the attacking third, for me, is the clear cut winner for this summer’s acquisition list. Last season, in the 21 games that Juve found themselves down 1-0, our record was 1W, 5D, and 15L. The ability to overturn negative results was top of the priority list and Lorenzo should help with that.
2. What do you think will have the biggest impact on Juventus’s success this upcoming season? This can be the transfer market, coaching (either new coach or no change), formational change, current player growth, really anything.
The loss of European income will definitely be a hindrance but playing once a week may be the recent this team, club, and fans need to reestablish this clubs identity.
3. What are you most excited and least excited about for your team this season?
Max Allegri is the answer to both. If he can get this group of players playing at a higher level than last season, we could be in for some exciting results. The reverse is also true. If Max shows no improvement from last season, especially in the attacking phase, it’s going to be long year.
4. Where do you think Juventus will finish this year and do you think they’ll win any trophies?
Top 4 should be a given. With only the Serie A and Coppa Italia on the schedule Juve should expect nothing less. I don’t think a scudetto is out of the realm of possibility but I’ll take top 3 with a significant point increase from last season is more likely.
5. What’s your prediction for top 7 in Serie A this season?
Top 7 this season: Milan, Juve, Inter, Napoli, Lazio, Roma, Fiorentina.
Fiorentina
Guest Contributor: The Tito – part of SB Nation Viola Nation
1. Who do you think Fiorentina’s best player acquisition was this summer?
The best acquisition so far (and given Daniele Pradè’s historical penchant for working deals late in August, there’s plenty to come) is Lucas Beltrán. It feels like the replacement for Dušan Vlahović has finally arrived. Arthur Cabral was competent and fun while Luka Jović was a worthwhile gamble, but neither proved capable of filling Vlahović’s shoes and the Viola suffered as a result. Beltrán is young and probably needs a full year to really settle in, but he looks like a 20-goal striker.
Fortunately, he won’t carry too heavy a burden, as fellow new signing M’Bala Nzola will fill in up front and should be quite productive as well, given his familiarity with Italiano’s system. However, Beltrán looks like a high-ceiling prospect who’s ready to contribute now, too, and that’s always exciting. He’s also nicknamed el Vikingo, which has to be the best moniker in Serie A. Honorable mention to Fabiano Parisi, who’s maybe the best young leftback in Italy but will likely take an apprenticeship under Cristiano Biraghi, who led the club in minutes last season and won’t just drop to the bench to accommodate him.
2. What do you think will have the biggest impact on Fiorentina’s success this upcoming season? This can be the transfer market, coaching (either new coach or no change), formational change, current player growth, really anything.
There are two factors that will control Fiorentina’s eventual success or lack thereof this year. The first is the rest of the transfer market. The squad badly needs another central defender, another ball-winning midfielder (assuming that Sofyan Amrabat does indeed get his move away), and a backup rightback. With another 3-front campaign looming, competent depth isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. The other factor is pure, unadulterated luck. Nobody likes to admit it, but winning always contains a measure of luck. Fiorentina was relatively healthy last year and had some good breaks to reach two cup finals. The guys played wonderfully and Italiano demonstrated a lot of growth as a tactician, but breaking through that barrier and actually winning some silverware will require the same good fortune that blesses every team that wins a trophy.
3. What are you most excited and least excited about for your team this season?
I’m most excited to see the new signings in action. Beltrán and Nzola could be transformative up front and watching how they link up with Nicolás González especially should be fascinating and fun. I’m not as confident about Arthur Melo, given his recent injury history, but if he can stay healthy, he could also add a new dimension to this team: the ability to break down a deep block, which was so badly missed last year. It’s easy to be optimistic in August, of course, but this team could, with a couple more signings, take a real step forward. Least excited is tougher. The threat of having legendary shithead Aleksanr Kokorin on the roster to ruin the good vibes really gets me.
On a more abstract level, though, I’m worried about ownership derailing the good vibes here. Rocco Commisso will be back in Italy this month and is doubtless going to produce another explosive press conference when he arrives. His pathological need to poke any bear he encounters certainly has benefits (e.g. calling out Italy’s restrictive laws around new stadium construction) but he’s also got a habit of attacking people who don’t deserve it, and that’s not great to cover. Bonus bad thing: the inevitable racist incidents that send the worst sort of fan scuttling to their keyboards to stir up the most idiotic discourse imaginable. It happens every year and every year I hate it more.
4. Where do you think Fiorentina will finish this year and do you think they’ll win any trophies?
Fiorentina should push for the top 7 this year as long as the roster gets a couple more reinforcements. I don’t think the ceiling is much higher since this group will want to make deep runs in the Coppa Italia and the Conference League again, and that naturally takes some points away from the league through squad rotation and basic attrition, so I’ll say 7th place. As far as winning trophies, well, the likeliest outcome is that Fiorentina’s trophy case remains unreplenished for the 23rd year running. Like I said earlier, winning a trophy takes so much good luck, especially for a team that’s not a relative giant. If the Viola get lucky again and reach a final, though, I’d bet on them actually pulling through and winning. More than anything, though, I want to see progress compared to last year. That’ll demonstrate the club is on a sustainable upward trajectory as much as a trophy.
5. What’s your prediction for top 7 in Serie A this season?
1) Milan 2) Napoli 3) Inter Milan 4) Atalanta 5) Roma 6) Lazio 7) Fiorentina
Wrap Up
That’s about it for this year’s Behind Enemy Lines. Thank you to everyone for contributing and taking the time to answer our questions. We truly appreciate it. Big thanks to Michael Lisi as well, who helped facilitate much of what we shared above.
Tomorrow we’ll have our Milan Season Preview and we’ll have a lot to say about this summer, how the upcoming season looks, and share our predictions for the season. Then shortly thereafter we’ll have this season’s first Serie A Whip-Around as the league kicks off this Saturday. Just a few more days!
Until then, Forza Milan per sempre.
gillis