Scratch from Start…

By: Samson | July 30th, 2009

So, here we go again. A new season, some new players yet here remains the same objective…survival. Even though I do not dedicate much time to this blog, I must say, I am stoked to see that Chievo emblem on theoffside menu for one more season. While we are not champions and we are not playing in Europe, we are still one of the top 20 teams in Italy. This is a process, a process that is not easy. Modern football is dominated by the Benjamin’s and we lack Benjamin’s, OHH how we lack Benjamin’s. Still, one has to admire small clubs like ours. Its where the essence of Italian soccer is seen. Well, enough of the: “we are special” stuff. Lets see that schedule, shall we?

Chievo 2009-10 Schedule:

1) Juventus-Chievo
2) Chievo-Lazio
3) Bologna-Chievo
4) Chievo-Genoa
5) Siena-Chievo
6) Chievo-Atalanta
7) Cagliari-Chievo
8 ) Chievo-Bari
9) Chievo-Milan
10) Catania-Chievo
11) Chievo-Udinese
12) Parma-Chievo
13) Sampdoria-Chievo
14) Chievo-Palermo
15) Livorno-Chievo
16) Chievo-Fiorentina
17) Napoli-Chievo
18) Chievo-Inter*
19) Roma-Chievo

…honestly, I think it is a very fairly good looking (first half of the season) schedule. Well, the 16th to 19th giornata is pretty rough and it can be a pain in the ass for teams fighting relegation but like Di Carlo; I will stress them games when the time comes.

Speaking of Di Carlo, hear is what he had to say about our first match against Juve.

“We start with a great team like Juventus: a hard commitment on paper that we have to turn into stimulation in order to show our quality. Then we face Lazio, Bologna, Genoa and Siena, matches that are equally challenging for different reasons. We know sooner or later our enemies have to deal with them all. Satisfaction begins this new season at the Olimpico against Juve: its time to think, prepare well and take advantage of the time we have to get ready. ”

Some rumors, actually… 1 rumor

Dessena… ok, im not gonna freak out. I WANT HIM! I WANT HIM! PLEASE CAMPEDELLI, MAKE IT HAPPEN. ok, now im done.

The 22 year old Parma native, Sampdoria midfielder has gained the interest of Chievo and for good reason. He is a young, vibrant and offensive minded midfielder who can cross into the box with the best of them. He would be a great addition to the donkeys. He has a fairly impressive track record:

- 81 games for Parma with a total of 5 goals during 2004-2008(17-21 years old).

- 25 games for Sampdoria in 2008-2009 scoring 2 goals.

- He has been called up 25 times for the Italy U21 squad which saw him score 6 goals.

but of course, talented player + Co ownership – cash = A ball busting transfer.The whole scoop with Dessena is that he is co owned by Parma and Sampdoria. The question is, who’s half will Chievo go for? if there is interest to buy him at all. A loan is possible but highly unlikely. Dessesna is one of Parma’s brightest young prospects and a homegrown one at that, so I don’t see Parma selling their half. It all comes down to negotiations with Samp and looking at their situation (form, depth, etc) To me it looks like they will try to keep him.

The mercato giveth and the mercato taketh away

It is rumored that the Dessena transfer could happen if Bentivoglio was thrown into the equation and I am all for it. Don’t get me wrong, Bentivoglio is a great midfielder and he defends very well but when it comes to Serie A Midfielders my opinion is: Dessena>Bentivoglio. A fair swap and if it could be a half and half contract swap, even better.

Until next time

I have a feeling that Serie A is gonna be intense this year, really intense. I cant wait till that 1st giornata whistle is blown so that the drama, excitement and passion may begin. Enjoy Serie A this season, I know I will.