The Italian top-flight saw transfer delight for giants Juventus, heartache for Napoli fans and unexpected surprises up until yesterday’s deadline.
Outside90’s Matt Nicoletti takes a look at the top five deals made by Serie A clubs this summer.
Gonzalo Higuaín – Napoli to Juventus
With their capture of the record-breaking striker, Juventus have significantly weakened their closest Scudetto rivals. While some may balk at the price paid by the Old Lady, spending big has been nothing new over the past five years since their new stadium was built. Juventus were also able to pay the Argentine’s buyout clause over two years, which makes the transfer even better financially. On the field, Higuaín will partner his national compatriot Paulo Dybala to form a mouth-watering duo up front for the Bianconeri faithful. Il Pipita scored on his debut and the club will hope that is only the start of a successful spell for their marquee summer signing.
Miralem Pjanic – AS Roma to Juventus
The Turin giants did not only weaken Napoli’s prospects, they also minimised Roma’s chances as well. The signing of Miralem Pjanic for his buyout clause of €32 million could seem like a bargain by the end of the season. Following Paul Pogba’s departure to Manchester United, the creativity of the Bosnian will be gladly welcomed by coach Massimiliano Allegri. Pjanic will most likely end up playing as a Regista, similar to Pirlo’s role for La Vecchia Signora.
Arkadiusz Milik – Ajax to Napoli
The Polish international arrived at Napoli for €35 million as a replacement for Higuaín. Partenopei have greater squad depth than last season and if Milik hits the ground running, they might end up fine without the departed Argetnine. The 22-year-old striker’s youth is also of great assistance to Maurizio Sarri, who can build a team around him for a long time to come.
Joe Hart – Manchester City to Torino
This is a transfer that caught many by surprise, however, it is a terrific coup for il Toro. What critics in England fail to realize is that Torino is an ambitious club, which with their new manager and summer arrivals could very well be challenging for Europa League places. This is a new experience for Hart, who will make the journey to the Peninsula as the first ever English goalkeeper to grace an Italian pitch and will benefit as the team’s first choice custodian. If the move does not workout though, it is only a loan and both parties can soon go their separate ways. Either way Torino can hardly complain, as Manchester City are reportedly paying three-quarters of his wages.
Antonio Candreva – Lazio to Inter
Capturing the midfielder is a terrific move for the Nerazzurri, strengthening both their creative options and Italian presence on the pitch. The Inter attack could consist of a front three with the 29-year-old alongside Ivan Perišić and Mauro Icardi – an upgrade from Stefan Jovetić. They are getting a player who is a thoroughbred running down the wing and terrorises defences with his bursts of pace and skill. After a good window, Inter look to challenge for the Champions League places, and the arrival of Candreva only strengthens that potential.
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