A run down of the best ten transfers in Italy’s Serie A so far this summer.
10. Wallace – Chelsea to Inter Milan (loan)
The young Brazilian is already a rising star in his home country and Chelsea have identified Inter as the perfect place for the 19-year-old to become more acquainted with European football.
9. Josip Illcic – Palermo to Fiorentina
The Slovakian was the one shining star for the lacklustre Sicilians last season and his ten goals from midfield gave the club a fighting chance at survival. Highly rated, he will be expected to provide plenty of assists for La Viola’s front line.
8. Raul Albiol – Real Madrid to Napoli
Experiences, steady and competent. The defender’s signing for Napoli will plug any leaky holes in their defence as they look to mount a more serious title challenge this time around.
7. Kevin Strootman – PSV Eindhoven to Roma
The capital club have done well to land the highly rated Dutchman as he had been heavily linked with English champions Manchester United. Largely expected to be a long term replacement for the influential Daniele De Rossi.
6. Pepe Reina – Liverpool to Napoli (loan)
The Spanish international has linked with with former boss Rafa Benitez to provide cover for the departed Morgan De Sanctis. His flamboyant shot stopping will surely be a huge hit with fans at the San Paolo.
5. Fernando Llorente – Athletic Bilbao to Juventus
Juve have moved to boost their forward line with the Spanish international’s signature. Arriving on a free transfer, he could prove to be one of the bargains of the season.
4. Antonio Cassano – Inter Milan to Parma
The Enfant Terrible failed to settle in Milan and has joined Roberto Donadoni’s men in Tuscany. The 31-year-old is now with his seventh club in what could be his final move.
3. Carlos Tevez – Manchester City to Juventus
The Argentinian made the surprise switch to Turin after City failed to defend their title. Never very happy at living and playing in England, he’ll be hoping to get back to his best for the Serie A champions this season.
2. Gonzalo Higauin – Real Madrid to Napoli
One of the finest goal scorers in the world right now will link up with Benitez at the San Paolo. Expect him to light the league up this season with the boys in blue.
1. Mario Gomez – Bayern Munich to Fiorentina
Spending the money raised by Stevan Jovetic wisely. The Tuscan club have bought themselves a frontrunner for the Capocannoniere charts and his goals will help Fiorentina in securing a prized Champions League spot.