Statistical Weak Points for the Top Three in Serie A
This years transfer season is about to officially open soon and there is a lot of movement predicted this year, especially in Serie A. From a statistical point of view there are a few ways to find out what area's a team is weak in and where they should improve. One way is to look at player performances for the season just ended. Seven of the best ranked teams in Serie A will probably have the majority of the main signings this summer, and we will have a look at where the top three sides need improvements this week.
The following is an analysis based on player ratings from Serie A's top three sides. Each player from each position will be compared within these three teams.
AC Milan, New Serie A Champions - Team Rating: 7.00
In all fairness Milan have had a very good season, excluding thier Champions League knockout by Tottenham. Milan head into the transfer season knowing that just a couple of tweaks are needed to improve their title winning squad.
Looking at their lineup, four areas are marked as weaknesses/improvements. Milan VP Galliani must have seen this diagram a few months ago because they have already solved two of the four problem spots with the additions of Mexes (centre back) and Taiwo (left back) on free transfers. This leaves one position for the "left side" of the three man midfield, and possibly an attacking midfield spot. KP-Boateng has done good at AM, but realistically if Milan were to play bigger teams in the Champions League, that position should be occupied by a player with more technique, vision, and flair. Galliani has also publicly stated that he wants a "left sided" midfielder to the Italian press. Emmanuelson was signed last January and still needs a chance to prove himself. Milan might decided to deploy Boateng back to left midfield and try to sign their dream target Ganso from Sao Paulo.
Inter Milan, Runners Up - Team Rating 6.95
Hindered by injuries and changing of coaches, Inter's season started horribly and ended decently. Most of the transfer talk so far for Inter has been about players leaving, and possibly one "big" player coming in.
Looking at Inter's most used eleven there are two main areas that need upgrading. The first is at left back. This problem as actually been solved by the arrival of Japanese fullback Nagatomo. He will likely start next season and as proved already that he is up for the challenge. The second weak spot is in attack. Milito has been injured many times this season and is a shadow of the player that won last years UEFA striker and player of the year awards. Pazzini was bought in January and has impressed. But the real dilemma is with coach Leonardo staying, he is likely to deploy a more offensive formation and needs a wing forward at his disposal. Tevez and Alexis Sanchez are the main figures being linked to the former European Champions.
Napoli, 3rd place - Team Rating: 6.78
Arguably Serie A's surprise package alongside Udinese this year. Napoli have all the ingredients to demolish small teams, but when it comes to big teams they seem too soft in midfield and lack some vital experience.
Napoli have five positions that need a look at if they want to have a good run in the Champions League and Serie A. In their four man midfield, three of them possiblt need upgrades. Gargano and Pazienza(going to Juventus) are all decent players, while Dossena seems to have lost some spark and millage in his boots as of late. Players like Palacios (Tottenham) could be key to add experience and muscle to Napoli's midfield. Zuniga is another player that could take over from Dossena, even though he is usually deployed on the right. De Sanctis might not be as good as Juiio Cesar or Abbiati, but if Napoli get a chance to upgrade they might not need to think twice. Last of all, Aronica was the weakest in Napoli's defence this season. They might give a chance to Santacroce or Ruiz(singed from Espanyol) to take over next season.
