Serie A and La Liga Betting: Inter and Real to triumph

European Leagues / Alsy / 29 July 2008 / Leave a comment

Alister Morgan looks at the big signings in European football this year and raises concerns at the way some top players are turning their backs on England.

The purchasing power of English teams ensures a steady stream of talent flows towards our shores but our Premiership stars shouldn't blind us to talent migrating elsewhere. Many "big name" players have switched sides in the last few months and we should take note - they will doubtlessly stand in the way of another English Champions League triumph this season.

In Italy the biggest domestic switch saw Mancini move from Roma to Inter Milan. The Brazilian winger scored 40 goals in 154 appearances for i Giallorossi but I expect another signing to grab more attention after Sulley Muntari completed a £12.7m transfer to Inter this week. At 23-years-old Muntari has a wealth of experience having played for Udinese for five years from 2001. A return to Italy should be seamless for a midfielder with genuine steel in defence, plenty of creativity and a left-foot shot like a scud missile. With Vieira aging and Cambiasso injury-prone Muntari, and Mancini, will be key players for Mourinho. I expect Muntari to light up Europe but I do not think Mourinho will take Inter to a Champions League final this season. I wouldn't back them at a generous [9.4] but domestically more silverware is on the way for the Nerazzurri so put the house on them to win Serie A at [2.52].

Ronaldinho has also moved to Milan but will wear the black and red of the Rossoneri. I recently wrote a more in-depth assessment that I'll summarize - anyone who considers Ronaldinho a spent force is in for a shock! The 28-year-old has a season, without Champions League pressure, to integrate into Ancelotti's side and somehow I suspect that playing alongside countrymen Kaka and Pato will bring out the best in him. Expect the infamous grin to return along with a host of outrageous flicks and tricks that will have us all reaching for the rewind button.

AC Milan have made more high-profile signings than anyone else but it will take some time for a new Milan to emerge. As well as Ronaldinho six more signings arrived including key defensive players Zambrotta, Abate and Flamini. Chief rivals Inter already boast a hugely talented squad so I consider AC Milan a risky bet for Serie A victory at [3.85] instead a Top 3 finish at [1.13] looks more prudent. While there may not be silverware this season I expect Milan to explode in next season's Champions League.
With all the paper-talk I never thought I'd write this but Real Madrid have not signed a single marquee player during pre-season. However, perennial rivals Barcelona have a new coach and Josep Guardiola has been desperate to exchange a few old masters for some fresh talent. Deco and Ronaldinho have left while Eto'o will follow for the right price but I suspect that Guardiola would like to clear out more players. Nevertheless he has purchased some major names including Daniel Alves and Aliaksandr Hleb. Alves is nominally described as a defender but in the exact same way that Roberto Carlos was known to make the odd tackle from time-to-time. Simply sit back and admire as Alves was made for this kind of stage.

While Alves should be an instant hit Hleb may need a little more time. With Xavi and Iniesta showing their full range of skills for Spain in recent months there's precious little room for Hleb in centre midfield while Messi and Bojan occupy the advanced wing slots. Guardiola surely has a plan but I'm not certain he'll have the time to see it bear fruit. Barcelona are [2.44] to win La Liga and [9.4] for Champions League victory but I predict disappointment on both fronts for Hleb and Co. Madrid are too strong at home while a long queue of better Champions League teams exist. All in all I fear Hleb and Guardiola will not be at Barcelona in two years time.