Serie A has been one of the busiest of the major European leagues in the transfer market this summer. So let’s take a look at what I think are the 5 best moves so far.
Joao Miranda (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan signed Brazilian defender Joao Miranda from Atletico Madrid in June for an undisclosed fee.
The centre back spent four seasons at Atletico, helping them win the Spanish league, Europa League and Copa del Rey, as well as finishing runners up in the 2014 Champions League final.
The 30-year-old had been tipped with a move to England with Chelsea and Manchester United understood to be interested in him, but opted for a move to Italy instead. Very good news for the Nerazzuri.
Inter conceded 48 league goals last campaign, the defensive department needed reinforcement and I believe the capture of Miranda could be a brilliant acquisition.
Miranda is very quick with the tackle and always looks to be in the right place at the right time. He also offers considerable aerial prowess, having scored 11 goals for Atletico during his 142 games at the club.
Nemanja Vidic’s move to Inter has been simply disastrous and I’m still not sure how Andrea Ranocchia still manages to get into this Inter team. With question marks over Juan Jesus and Marco Andreolli - Miranda should be a valuable player for manager Roberto Mancini.
Geoffrey Kondogbia (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan announced the signing of France’s defensive midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia from Monaco early in this market. The fee is believed to be in the region of £25m (€35m).
I think this is a brilliant signing from Inter, he’s young, quality and was sought after by many leading European clubs - certainly hot property.
Kondogbia provides great protection in front of his defenders, looking to hunt down any attackers threatening to get beyond them. A little further up the pitch, he has a good eye for stepping in and dispossessing any opponents looking to break from midfield.
As well as being strong, Kondogbia is skillful and has fine ball control. He is able to maneuver himself out of danger, and while capable of taking players on, he knows the merit of a simple pass in keeping his team ticking.
A player of his type was much needed at Inter.
Allan (Napoli)
Brazilian midfielder Allan has completed his move to Napoli from Udinese for an undisclosed fee, but it’s rumoured to be around the 10m euro mark.
This has the potential to be a good transfer for both club and player.
I’ve been impressed with the 24 year-old since his move from Brazilian side Vasca da Gama to Italy.
He’s a solid midfielder, breaking up play is his speciality. Just check out the stat below, the most successful tackles in the league since 2012/13.
Napoli lacked balance last season, the central position was an area that new manager Maurizio Sarri had to strengthen, which nicely leads me onto the next transfer.
Mirko Valdifiori (Napoli)
New Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri immediately turned to former club Empoli to make his first signing, bringing in Italy midfielder Mirko Valdifiori. The fee is believed to be worth 5.5m euros on a four-year contract.
He joined Empoli in 2008, but had to wait until last summer for them to gain the promotion. In their first campaign back in the top flight, Mirko helped the side to survival, finishing in the respectful 15th position.
Empoli were applauded for their style of football last campaign and Valdifiori was instrumental, pulling the strings from midfield- providing 7 assists.
His form encouraged Antonio Conte to call him up to represent Italy – making his debut against England back in March.
This is a good move to Napoli, alongside Allan, their midfield looks solid and stable heading into the season.
It certainly helps that the player and manager already obtain a solid relationship.
Giampaolo Pazzini (Hellas Verona)
The 30-year-old former Italian international became a free agent in June after leaving AC Milan and Hellas Verona snapped him up on a five-year contract.
This is perhaps a move that’s gone under the radar this summer, but I think this has the potential to be one of the best of the season.
Pazzini was poor for both Milan clubs, but he never really got given the opportunity with managers changing on a regular basis. One thing is for sure, Giampaolo certainly knows how to find the back of the net.
He’s scored over 100 Serie A goals and has represented Atalanta, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Inter, Milan and winning 25 international caps for Italy.
Hellas Verona already have a seasoned Italian forward in their ranks, none other than last season’s joint top scorer – Luca Toni. It will be interesting to see if the two can forge a good partnership, both similar forwards.
If they get it right, expect plenty of goals in Verona.
Worthy Mentions
- Luiz Adriano (Shakhtar Donetsk -> AC Milan)
- Carlos Bacca (Sevilla -> AC Milan)
- Mario Suarez (Atletico Madrid -> Fiorentina)
- Martin Montoya (Barcelona -> Inter Milan)
- Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid -> Juventus)
Written by Serie A Writer
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