The clubs of Serie A have been busy wheeling and dealing this summer but, unlike Del Boy Trotter, which ones have been successful in the market? Serafino Ingardia picks his top 10 transfers
10. Vincenzo MONTELLA
(Roma to Sampdoria, via Fulham)
After eight years l’Aeroplanino flies back to Marassi, where he is still considered a legend. Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham given the lack of room for him at Roma, he is back where he is wanted. Vincenzo is one of Serie A’s most prolific strikers having scored 137 times in Italy’s top flight, 54 of which were for the Blucerchiati. The 33-year-old will be a great addition to Walter Mazzarri’s squad and he will also have the opportunity to end his career with the team he loves.
9. JUAN
(Bayer Leverkusen to Roma)
This Brazilian stopper is exactly what Roma needed to replace Cristian Chivu. The 28-year-old has joined the Giallorossi from Bayer Leverkusen for a reasonable £4.5m. Juan, who was strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, has stated that he cannot wait to start his new adventure at the Olimpico, but he may miss the start of the season due to a muscle strain.
8. Francesco TAVANO
(Valencia to Livorno, via Roma)
One of the most underrated talents of Italian football comes back to Serie A on a permanent basis with Livorno to once again fight for a place in La Nazionale. After a great season with Empoli two years ago, Ciccio joined Spanish side Valencia but didn’t settle in La Liga and his loan to Roma last term was just a temporary solution. The 25-year-old, who has been handed the No 10 jersey, will have all the time he needs in Tuscany to rediscover his sensational skills.
7. TIAGO
(Lyon to Juventus)
His £10m move from French champions Lyon was well received by Juventus fans. Despite a few disappointing performances in the summer friendlies, the ‘new Paulo Sousa’ is Ranieri’s first name on the team sheet, with international experience putting the Portuguese ace ahead of Sergio Almiron and Antonio Nocerino. The former Chelsea man, who was a reported target for Milan and Valencia, will play a key role in Juventus’ midfield as he tries to win his fourth League title in a row.
6. Fabrizio MICCOLI
(Juventus to Palermo, via Benfica)
The pint-sized ace has finally left Juventus to join an ambitious Palermo side. Alongside Amauri he could help form one of the most threatening attacking partnerships in Serie A. The 27-year-old was made available for transfer this summer and President Maurizio Zamparini didn’t miss the chance to sign him at a cheap £3.5m. After two impressive seasons in Portugal on loan at Benfica he will be eager to put in some spectaculars displays on his home turf too.
5. Alexandre PATO
(Internacional to Milan)
Milan’s main catch this summer is this Brazilian wonder kid, who was signed from Internacional for £10m. The Rossoneri are convinced that they have their hands on Kaka’s heir, but only time will tell if the talented 17-year-old has the qualities to be a top-class forward. Meanwhile, he will have to wait until January to make his debut in an official game for Milan due to Italian work laws.
4. Antonio CASSANO
(Real Madrid to Sampdoria)
Il Talentino makes his return to the peninsula after leaving Real Madrid following two disastrous seasons spent bench-warming at the Santiago Bernabeu. At Sampdoria, who paid £800,000 to secure his loan services, the Bari-born hitman will try to finally live up to the potential he showed with Roma. The skilful 25-year-old could be Serie A’s revelation of the season if he manages to control his hot temper and puts his abilities to good use.
3. Cristian CHIVU
(Roma to Inter)
The Romanian defender leaves the Italian capital to join the Nerazzurri after one of the most stressful and unpredictable transfer sagas of the summer. Roberto Mancini is already planning to use the former Ajax ace in several positions and his £9m move – which included Marco Andreolli heading to Rome – has been well accepted by the Inter squad. Chivu, who rejected offers from Barcelona and Real Madrid, has already set his sights on winning his first Scudetto and imposing himself on the Champions League.
2. Fabio QUAGLIARELLA
(Sampdoria to Udinese)
Probably Udinese’s best ever capture. Last season’s revelation was co-owned by the Bianconeri and Sampdoria, but with a £5m bid the Zebrette were able to sign the Naples-born striker. Quagliarella had a fantastic time at Marassi last term, scoring 13 goals in 35 appearances, and making his debut for La Nazionale. Playing in the Friulani’s trident attack alongside Totò Di Natale and Antonio Floro Flores, he should be able to raise his level even further.
1. David SUAZO
(Cagliari to Inter)
Milan President Silvio Berlusconi will regret missing out on this Honduran striker, who joined Inter in exchange for the services of Robert Acquafresca plus £6.5m. Suazo, who has already scored 44 Serie A goals, will form a skilful and unpredictable attacking partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It didn’t take long for the former Cagliari star to show his potential – two goals against Manchester United at Old Trafford were his first ‘present’ to the Nerazzurri faithful.