A new season beckons and hope and optimism fills the thoughts of every Italian club's tifosi (fans). So I thought it was time to state my predictions so in nine months' time you can all point out how wrong I was...

Atalanta - Came eighth last season but I feel La Dea may struggle this time round. Their options between the posts doesn't inspire me, although I can see them scoring a few goals through Riccardo Zampagna and Zlatan Muslimovic. Manager Luigi Del Neri has failed to produce much since his first stint and will be desperate for a good season. However, I don't think the 2002 Serie A coach of the year can help Atalanta better last year's finish. Prediction: 12th

Cagliari - Managed 16th last season and only scored 35 goals, 14 of them by David Suazo. I think the promotion of several youngsters and some clever managing from Marco Giampaolo might help them remain in the Serie A. This year will be a far cry from when Gigi Riva led Cagliari to the Scudetto in 1970 but they will do just enough in my opinion. Prediction: 17th

Catania - Returning to the Serie A for the first time in over two decades, Catania did fantastically well to finish 13th last year. Despite this, I think Gli Elefanti will hold up the table this year. They collected 27 of their 41 points at home last season and will rely on home performances again if they are to have any chance of surviving. Prediction: 20th

'Catania collected 27 of their 41 points at home last season and will rely on home performances again if they are to have any chance of surviving'


Empoli - Amongst the Calciopoli turmoil last season, Empoli managed seventh spot and a UEFA Cup place. I think the burden of Europe (however long it lasts) will stop them from reaching such dizzying heights in the league this season. Prediction: 10th

Fiorentina - A relatively harsh 15-point deduction saw Fiorentina just miss out on Champions League last season, finishing fifth. Despite the loss of Luca Toni, I expect a lot from La Viola again this term and they will definitely be in the mix for the Champions League. They scored the third most goals last season and with Giampaolo Pazzini, Christian Vieri and Adrian Mutu leading the line, another high goal tally is on the books. Prediction: 5th