Atalanta
| Key Acquisitions (Players they obtained) | Key Losses (Players sold / let go / sent on loan / retired) | Important Players that Stayed (stayed despite heavy links to leave) |
| Cornelius (Copenhaghen) | Migliaccio (Fine Carriera) | Papu Gomez |
| Ilicic (Fiorentina) | Grassi (Spa via Napoli) | Andrea Petagna |
| Castagne (Genk) | Zukanovic (Genoa via Roma) | Spinazzola |
| Osolini (Ascoli via Juventus) | Frank Kessie (Milan) | |
| De Roon (Middlesbrough) | Conti (Milan) | |
| Paloschi (Spal) | ||
| D’Alessandro (Benevento) |
Antonio’s Grade: B-
Atalanta lost key players to bigger clubs, but that was always going to happen after their incredible display last season, culminating in a fourth place finish. The loss of Kessie might hurt the most as he absolutely dominated the midfield for them. Ilicic and Orsolini should bring creativity to the attack and bringing De Roon back after a season in the Premier League should help patch up the wound of losing Kessie. Holding onto the likes of Petagna, Spinazzola and Gomez means that the transfer market wasn’t necessarily poor, as Atalanta also made good profit which will help them long-term. They also avoided losing enough players to put them in danger of the relegation zone.
Sebastiano’s Grade: C
When the highlight of your transfer window is keeping a 29-year-old winger, it’s not a great off-season. With the Europa League closing in, the Bergamaschi will have to do without star center midfielder Kessie, who was sold to AC Milan early on in the transfer window. Unfortunately, Atalanta did not re–invest much of the funds received from the Kessie deal and now find themselves falling back into Serie A mediocrity. The key signing for them this season will be Ilicic from Fiorentina, who could be set for a breakout season.
Benevento
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Belec (Carpi) | Cragno (Cagliari) | Ciciretti |
| Letizia (Carpi) | Pajac (Cagliari) | Venuti |
| A. Costa (Empoli) | Falco (Bologna) | Chibsah |
| Cataldi (Genoa via Lazio) | Bagadur (Brescia via Fiorentina) | |
| D’Alessandro (Atalanta) | Camporese (Foggia) | |
| Lemmello (Sassuolo) | Ceravolo (Parma) | |
| Antei (Sassuolo) | ||
| Lazaar (Newcastle) | ||
| Lombardi (Lazio) |
Antonio’s Grade: C+
It wasn’t a bad mercato for Benevento when you look at some of the players they bought. They brought in some players with Serie A experience, loaned in some young talent, and kept hold of some talents. I couldn’t imagine them doing much more given their budget and considering that this is their first ever season in Serie A. However, I do not believe that they have done enough to get them away from the relegation zone. The other teams that would normally finish near the relegation zone have seemingly done enough to stay up. Bringing in Letizia and Costa definitely gives some defensive strength, and Cataldi can improve their midfield considerably, but I don’t think it’s enough. Losing Cragno and Ceravolo could prove costly in the long run. Lemmello is the only player that seems capable of scoring more than a few goals. Since their goal is to stay in Serie A, I can’t give them a high grade because they have not done enough to remain there.
Sebastiano’s Grade: B+
Bringing in Serie A veterans such as Antei, Lazaar, and Lemmello are all crucial signings for a team that few have staying up. Cataldi from Lazio could also prove to be a revelation, but at the moment, it seems like they greatly overpaid for him. It is hard to imagine Benevento doing more than they have, and yet salvation still seems far away.
Bologna
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| De Maio (Fiorentina) | Dzemaili (Montreal Impact) | Verdi |
| G. Gonzalez (Palermo) | Viviani (Spal via Verona) | Di Francesco |
| Andrea Poli (Milan) | Oikonomou (Spal) | Masina |
| Palacio (Inter) | Gastaldello (Brescia) |
Antonio’s Grade: C-
It was a very dull transfer market for Bologna, and coming immediately after a terrible season has got to be painful for any Bologna fan. They didn’t bring in many names that I can see improving this side. The only good signing I can think of is De Maio, who is just a solid center back. They lost Dzemaili, who was one of their best goal scorers, and both of their starting center backs in Oikonomou and Gastaldello. Dzemaili needed to be replaced and their answer to bring in Andrea Poli is not nearly enough. Keeping Masina and Di Francesco could have positive long-term effects, but this was a poor mercato overall. I don’t think everyone’s least favorite cold-cut improved at all and they will likely finish around the same place as last season.
Sebastiano’s Grade: D
Bologna’s back line has been upgraded with De Maio and Gonzalez, and the midfield is set to showcase former AC Milan veteran Poli, who is not a signing that will change much, and might actually take minutes away from younger players like Donsah and Pulgar. Bologna will have to be weary this year as they may fall back to where they ended last season, which would be crushing for the city and the team.
Cagliari
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Cragno (Benevento) | Di Gennaro (Lazio) | Joao Pedro |
| Cop (Gijon) | Gabriel (Milan) | Barella |
| Cigarini (Sampdoria) | Bruno Alves (Glasgow Rangers) | |
| Andreolli (Inter) | Murru (Sampdoria) | |
| Romagna (Brescia via Juventus) | Tachtsidis (Olympiacos via Torino) | |
| Gregory Van der Wiel (Fenerbahce) | Mauricio Isla (Fenerbahce) | |
| Pavoletti (Napoli) | Salamon (Spal) | |
| Borriello (Spal) |
Antonio’s Grade: A-
It was just an average mercato for Cagliari until the news that Borriello would be leaving was heard. This could have been disastrous, given that there wasn’t much time to find a suitable replacement. However, Cagliari managed to make not one, but two fantastic signings in the last day or two of the mercato, in Pavoletti and Van der Wiel. They also brought in young talents like Romagna and Cragno. Cigarini should help bring balance to the midfield, while the only losses that may have hurt them were Tachtsidis and Murru as all the other players that left have been properly replaced. Overall, this was a very impressive mercato from Cagliari and they should finish closer to mid table now.
Sebastiano’s Grade: B+
It’s a good thing that the transfer window doesn’t end in July because a month ago, Cagliari’s window looked gloomy. A month later, the Sardinian giants brought in a steady right back in Van der Wiel and a proven goal scorer in Pavoletti as a replacement for Borriello. Andreolli will also shore up the back as Cagliari look to establish themselves as a mid-table Serie A team.
Chievo Verona
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Rodriguez (Cesena) | Sardo (Fine Carriera) | Birsa |
| Pucciarelli (Empoli) | De Guzman (Eintracht Francoforte via Napoli) | Inglese (sold but loaned back) |
| Tomovic (Fiorentina) | Spolli (Genoa) | |
| Stepinski (Nantes) | Gakpe (Genoa) | |
| Mpoku (Standard Liege) | ||
| Izco (Crotene) |
Antonio’s Grade: D
Surely this is the season that Chievo fails. They have finished way too high in the table for the talent their squad possesses. This mercato was a disaster in my opinion. Pucciarelli was brought in to score goals, but he has never been very good at that. Tomovic could end up being decent, but center back was not their biggest problem that needed fixing. Their goalkeeper is seemingly too past his prime to continue as a starting goalkeeper. Their midfield lacks creativity, and their attack doesn’t look very potent. Losing Izco and De Guzman with no replacements will likely cost them. Holding on to Inglese might be enough to keep them out of the relegation zone, but it’s not looking like this will be a positive season for Chievo.
Sebastiano’s Grade: D
Every year, Chievo seems to be on the brink of failing apart and every year, they prove the doubters wrong. This year’s window was no different than the past few windows, spending very little and relying on experience. It’s hard to see this team surviving an ever more competitive league with the signings that they made.
Crotone
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Budimir (Sampdoria) | Mesbah (Losanna) | Ceccherini |
| Faraoni (Udinese) | Rosi (Genoa) | Martella |
| Kragl (Frosinone) | Crisetig (Bologna) | |
| Izco (Chievo) | G. Gerrari (Sassuolo) | |
| Ajeti (Torino) | Falcinelli (Sassuolo) | |
| Crociata (Milan) | Capezzi (Sampdoria) | |
| Mandragora (Juventus) | ||
| Tumminello (Roma) | ||
| Pavlovic (Sampdoria) |
Antonio’s Grade: C-
Crotone pulled off somewhat of a miracle to stay up last season. Half-way through the season, they looked like they were probably finishing in last place, but somehow managed to stay up. A good amount of their success was due to Falcinelli’s ability to score goals, and now they can’t rely on him. He has not been replaced at all. Trotta and Budimir have extremely low chances of scoring 10 or more goals individually and possibly even combined. Mandragora and Izco are solid additions that actually make their midfield stronger than it was last season, while Crociata and Tumminello are interesting young talents that could end up making a difference. However, their goalkeeper isn’t that solid, they have no identifiable goal-scorer and their wingers really shouldn’t be on any Serie A team. Crotone didn’t do enough and will almost surely get relegated.
Sebastiano’s Grade: C+
“Quantity over Quality” was the motto for Crotone this year after their improbable salvation last season. Having lost key players like Falcinelli and Ferrari, the arrivals of Budimir and Tumminello will need to be in-form if they are to stay up. Perhaps the January window will give Crotone another chance to add the last piece that would put them over the hump.
Fiorentina
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| V. Hugo (Palmeiras) | Cristian Tello (Betis Siviglia via Barca) | Chiesa |
| Gaspar (Vitoria) | Gonzalo Rodriguez (San Lorenzo) | Badelj |
| Veretout (Aston Villa) | De Maio (Bologna via Anderlecht) | |
| Benassi (Torino) | Ilicic (Atalanta) | |
| Eysseric (Nizza) | Valero (Inter) | |
| Giovanni Simeone (Genoa) | Vecino (Inter) | |
| Pezzella (Betis) | Bernardeschi (Juventus) | |
| Thereau (Udinese) | Tatarusanu (Nantes) | |
| Gil (Monaco) | Kalinic (Milan) | |
| Tomovic (Chievo) |
Antonio’s Grade: B-
As seen above, Fiorentina have had a very busy summer in the transfer market, as they basically have a completely new team from that of last season. However, even though I believe they have lost key players that will hurt them, they have made up for it in some way by bringing in some good talent. On defense, they can no longer count on former captain Rodriguez, De Maio, or Tomovic, players who have not been properly replaced. The loss of rising star Bernardeschi might end up hurting the most as he was Fiorentina’s best player last season. Chiesa is another rising star and can partially replace Bernardeschi, but he still has some time to go before he reaches that level. Fiorentina have replaced Kalinic, their top goal-scorer for the past two seasons, with Simeone. Simeone is the son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and looks to have a bright future, although I don’t think he is quite at the level of Kalanic just yet. Eysseric can replace the creativity lost from Valero going to Inter. Gil, Gaspar, and Benassi are all promising young talents that are positive additions for Fiorentina. Overall, Fiorentina are not as strong as they were just a few months ago, but this team is building for the future.
Sebastiano’s Grade: D
Fiorentina may have a very difficult season ahead, as they lost most of their centerpieces with Vecino, Kalinic, Bernardeschi and Valero all going to greener pastures. Now it will be up to Simeone and Thereau to carry the load left by those that have gone. Overall, there is little doubt that the team was far more talented a year ago.
Genoa
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Zukanovic (Atalanta via Roma) | Orban (Racing Club) | Laxalt |
| Bertolacci (Milan) | Burdisso (Torino) | |
| Lapadula (Milan) | Pinilla (Univ. de Chile) | |
| Rodriguez (Banfield) | Cataldi (Benevento) | |
| Centurion (Boca Juniors via San Paolo) | Ntcham (Celtic Glasgow via Manchester City) | |
| Rossettini (Torino) | Simeone (Fiorentina) | |
| Ricci (Sassuolo) | Hiljemark (Panathinaikos) |
Antonio’s Grade: B
Last season was one of the worst seasons that Genoa have had in recent memory. They barely avoided relegation even though their team usually finishes comfortably mid-table. They clearly needed a tune-up and that’s what they got to some degree. Zukanovic and Rossettini are pretty good additions to the defense and are upgrades over the likes of Munoz and Orban. Bertolacci, if he stays healthy, can add creativity and goals. Lapadula will guarantee hard work and I reckon, quite a few goals. Centurion seems like a positive purchase as many top sides were after him this summer. Genoa didn’t lose many key players besides Simeone and Burdisso, so they shouldn’t be too worried. If Perin can stay healthy, Genoa will likely go back to finishing comfortably mid-table.
Sebastiano’s Grade: B
Genoa covered all of the bases this summer by bringing in Rossettini and Zukanovic for the defense, Bertolacci in the midfield, and Lapadula in attack. With Simeone being the only star player leaving, Genoa should improve upon last season’s record. While the signings will not blow anyone away, they are enough to be competitive in this league.
Inter Milan
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Skriniar (Sampdoria) | Ever Banega (Sevilla) | Ivan Perisic |
| Borja Valero (Fiorentina) | Medel (Besiktas) | Antonio Candreva |
| Vecino (Fiorentina) | Murillo e Kondogia (Valencia) | |
| Dalbert (Nice) | Stevan Jovetic (Monaco) | |
| Cancelo (Valencia) | Gabigol (Benfica) | |
| Karamoh (Caen) | Ansaldi (Torino) |
Antonio’s Grade: B-
Inter remained fairly active in the August transfer market. They got rid of some deadweight and brought in some impressive acquisitions. However, Inter fans were promised top players from all over Europe and they didn’t really get that. This most definitely has to do with them not finishing in a European position and the fact that their big-money signings last season largely failed. I do think that Spalletti will figure out how to get the best from the players he has, which is still a strong squad. Skriniar isn’t the center back most Inter fans wanted, but he is solid nonetheless. Borja Valero could be that link that was missing from Inter last season and his midfield passing and movement is much needed. Dalbert and Cancelo are improvements over Nagatomo, Santon, and D’Ambrosio even though they didn’t get Ricardo Rodriguez or Serge Aurier. The failure to pick up a truly top-class midfielder may end up costing them in the end. Losing Murillo and Medel may actually hurt them as Inter look extremely low on center backs and defensive midfielders even if those two weren’t great in the first place.
Sebastiano’s Grade: C+
New ownership often brings high expectations – expectations that are not always met as we can see here with the Nerazzuri. The additions of Valero and Vecino will certainly strengthen the midfield, especially after selling former Monaco man, Kondogbia. Skriniar will be an upgrade over Murillo, but with Ranocchia as the only other option to Miranda, the back line is thin. Perhaps Inter was overshadowed by its crosstown rivals, but this is not a window that will see them compete for a champions league spot just yet.
Juventus
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Bentancur (Boca) | Dani Alves (Paris St. Germain) | Paulo Dybala |
| Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich) | Neto (Valencia) | Alex Sandro |
| Mattia De Sciglio (Milan) | Leonardo Bonucci (Milan) | |
| Wojciech Szczesny (Roma via Arsenal) | Mandragora (Crotone) | |
| Bernardeschi (Fiorentina) | Lemina (Southampton) | |
| Blaise Matuidi (Paris St. Germain) | Rincon (Torino) | |
| Benedikt Howedes (Schalke) |
Antonio’s Grade: B+
The major news this summer coming out of Juventus was Bonucci’s decision to leave for AC Milan. It seemed insane that Bonucci would want to leave Juventus, who have won the league six times in a row, for a team that finished in sixth place last season. People saw this as a sign of a disastrous mercato for Juve and maybe a changing of the guard. However, I believe that, in general, Juventus have done some good business this summer. They acquired a fantastic winger in Costa for a minimum price. They also made great deals by getting Szczesny, Matuidi and Howedes for very little cost. Szczesny is a great addition and gives Juventus two great goalkeepers in the squad. Matuidi fixes a lot of the midfield problems given how injury-prone Marchisio can be, and with Khedira out of steam. Howedes probably isn’t on Bonucci’s level, but he is a proven center back and adds needed depth. However, there are a few problems that they didn’t properly address. The purchase of De Sciglio to be their starting right back (and replace) Dani Alves is truly baffling. Also, I think that Juventus should have gotten rid of Sturaro and added another defensive midfielder to compensate for the aforementioned Marchisio and Khedira. Lastly, they were supposed to get Schick, but failed to do so which means that they don’t have much striker depth. Still, the likes of Bernardeschi and Bentancur are very promising youngsters, and the absence of Bonucci frees up more playing time for Daniele Rugani this season. Also, none of the purchases were very expensive, barring Bernardeschi, who deserved the price tag.
Sebastiano’s Grade: B
How do you defend your Serie A title? You do so through buying proven winners in Matuidi, Howedes, and Costa. This is how the Bianconeri answered that question this summer. Add on some utility players like De Sciglio and Szczesny and it seems like an excellent transfer roundup. On the other hand, Juve could have easily acquired Keita Balde, Spinazzola and Shick, and failed to do so. Balde in particular was up for pennies on the dollar and Juve will surely regret not picking him up. Finally, Bonucci’s departure will be a blessing in disguise as Rugani will see more minutes and improve the squad with his presence from the start.
Lazio
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Marusic (Ostenda) | Biglia (Milan) | Milinkovic-Savic |
| Lucas Leiva (Liverpool) | Hoedt ( Southampton) | De Vrij |
| Di Gennaro (Cagliari) | Keita (Monaco) | |
| Felipe Caicedo (Espanyol) | Cataldi (Benevento) | |
| Nani (Sporting Lisbon) |
Antonio’s Grade: B
As usual, Lazio have had a largely inactive mercato. They sold well with Hoedt, Biglia and Keita and brought in some cheap replacements. Nani was the replacement brought in for Keita, but he definitely isn’t quite at the same level and that’s ignoring the fact that he is on the decline. Lucas Leiva is a decent replacement for Biglia, but once again, he isn’t quite on the same level. They did well to hold onto Milinkovic-Savic, who was one of the best midfielders in the league last season. They somehow managed to beat Juventus in the Supercoppa, so maybe they are better than they seem. Overall, it wasn’t a very exciting mercato and the team hasn’t really improved – but Lazio held onto most of their talents, and their squad looks good enough to finish in one of the Europa League spots.
Sebastiano’s Grade: C+
Another perplexing transfer season for the capital’s first team, as they lose Keita Balde at a discounted price, their captain, Biglia, and promising young defender Hoedt. When one sells the center pieces of a team as is the case here, the appropriate signings must be made. Unfortunately, Lazio brought in injury prone Lucas Leiva, a winger that is past his prime in Nani, and two promising but unproven youngsters from the Braga young team – for 30 million euros. With all of the funds at their disposal, it would have been nice to see Lazio make the jump into champions league placement.
A.C. Milan
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Musacchio (Villarreal) | Pasalic (Spartak Moscow) | Gianluigi Donnarumma |
| R. Rodriguez (Wolfsburg) | Mati Fernandez (Fiorentina) | Suso |
| Kessie (Atalanta) | Deulofeu (Barcelona via Everton) | |
| Conti (Atalanta) | Honda (Pachuca) | |
| André Silva (Porto) | Kucka (Trabzonspor) | |
| Borini (Sunderland) | Bertolacci (Genoa) | |
| Calhanoglu (Bayer Leverkusen) | Lapadula (Genoa) | |
| Bonucci (Juventus) | De Sciglio (Juventus) | |
| Biglia (Lazio) | Vangioni ( Monterrey) | |
| Kalinic (Fiorentina) | Bacca (Villarreal) | |
| Niang (Torino) |
Antonio’s Grade: A
Milan had one of the best transfer markets in all of Europe. Fassone and Mirabelli were in charge of the mercato and they completely revolutionized the team to the point where only two or three starters from last season will continue to be in the starting lineup this season. Milan brought in Rodriguez, who is one of the best left backs in the world. They signed Conti who was the highest scoring defender in all of Europe last season and is an improvement over Abate or Calabria. Calhanoglu is one of the world’s best free kick takers and is versatile. Biglia is a top midfielder and a huge improvement over Montolivo. Kalanic and Andre Silva will provide a lot of goals between them (as will Cutrone). Both strikers are much more suitable to Montella’s playing style than Bacca was. Musacchio has been one of the best center backs in all of La Liga for the past few seasons and is a much better player than Paletta or Zapata.
The biggest signing, however, must be Bonucci. Milan were able to sign him for only around €40 million, which is a steal when you compare it to the overall market. The fact that he wanted to leave Juventus and join Milan shows that top players are interested in Milan’s project. Bonucci is considered to be one of the world’s best center backs and will be important for Milan’s goal of Champions League qualification. It was also incredibly important that Gianluigi Donnarumma stayed because he is already one of the best goalkeepers in the league and will likely be one of the best that Italy has ever had. It must also be mentioned that Milan bought almost every one of these players for a fairly cheap price and beat out other competitors (Roma and Inter) to get some of these players. Lastly, Milan did a fine job getting rid of players that shouldn’t be on the team like Bertolacci, Poli, Honda, Bacca, and Vangioni. The only missing piece is that they didn’t get another winger to replace Deulofeu and Niang, which could hurt them in the long run. Overall, it was a fantastic Mercato for Milan as they will likely finish in a Champions League spot.
Sebastiano’s Grade: A+
After years of enduring subpar players and performances, it finally seems like the return of the Milan giants is eminent. Kessie, Biglia, Bonucci, Rodriguez, Musacchio and Silva are but a few of the plethora of top level additions Milan made this offseason. It may still be early to tell just how far this team can go, but the potential is there. From the performances we have seen to date, this team may well be contending for the Scudetto as early as this season. A transfer window for the ages.
Napoli
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Ounas (Bordeaux) | Pavoletti (Cagliari) | Insigne |
| Mario Rui (Roma) | D. Zapata (Sampdoria) | Koulibaly |
| Strinic (Sampdoria) | Hysaj |
Antonio’s Grade: B+
The main story for Napoli this summer is that they barely changed their team. But is this a bad thing? They kept a fantastic team together and even made a few good deals. Insigne and Koulibaly are hitting the peak of their career now and it is so important that they stayed. This Napoli side can push hard for the Scudetto this season as Juve and Roma are slightly weaker. The fact that not one of their starting players left is impressive and shows that the team is committed to their goal. The only problem I see is that Reina is getting old and is starting to make a few too many mistakes. If they had gotten Rulli, it would have been an important purchase. Also, Koulibaly probably needs a better partner than Albiol, Maksimovic and Chiriches if they want to push deep into the Champions League. However, Ounas is a solid addition, as is Mario Rui. This team looks set to do great things this season, including mounting a title challenge.
Sebastiano’s Grade: D
There is no question that retaining your team identity and most valuable players is important in mounting a serious run in to the top. However, for a team like Napoli, bringing in one or two big names would have undoubtedly put them above most of the other teams with the exception of Juventus. With one of the most exciting teams in Europe, we would have liked to see more investments being made to better the team now and possibly to even have Napoli be a contender in the Champions League. In an age where money reigns supreme, Napoli were left behind and we will see the consequences both in the present and in the future.
Roma
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Moreno (PSV) | Totti (retired) | Nainggolan |
| Pellegrini (Sassuolo) | Szczesny (Juventus via Arsenal) | Manolas |
| Karsdorp (Feyenoord) | Vermaelen (Barcelona) | |
| Gonalons (Lyon) | Salah (Liverpool) | |
| Under (Istanbul Başakşehir) | Paredes (Zenit) | |
| Defrel (Sassuolo) | Rudiger (Chelsea) | |
| Kolarov (Manchester City) | ||
| Schick (Sampdoria) |
Antonio’s Grade: B-
Roma brought in famous sporting director Monchi to revolutionize the team in the upcoming season. How did he do? Well, he came to a club that was in debt because of Roma’s failure to qualify for the Champions League the previous season. Monchi did a decent job at making money back with sales for decently high prices for Salah, Rudiger and Paredes. He was able to get a few players for cheap like Pellegrini, Moreno, Under and Gonalons, although none of these are top signings. Kolarov could prove to be a good purchase at left back as Roma relied far too much on Emerson last season. Towards the end of the transfer market, Roma were able to capture Schick, who may well prove to be a fantastic long term signing. However, it seems that Roma overpaid for Defrel and they never signed a true right winger to replace Salah after they failed to land Mahrez. This means that players will have to play out of position to cover for this failure. Under could end up being a player that flourishes in that role but isn’t at the level of Salah yet. This will be the first season in over 25 years that Roma can no longer rely upon the magic of Francesco Totti, so their failure to pick up multiple quality signings will hurt their chances of fighting for the Scudetto and possibly even finishing top four.
Sebastiano’s Grade: B-
The sporting director Monchi did a decent job in his effort to mix young talent with experienced veterans, but nothing spectacular occurred in Roma’s window. Numerous key players have left, and their replacements are questionable. Defrel for 20 million still leaves us speechless as does the addition of Gonalons, while Kolarov, Pellegrini and Shick seem to be the ideal signings for a Roma team that will be battling at the top of the table for a Champions League spot.
Sampdoria
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Capezzi (Crotone) | Skriniar (Inter) | Torreira |
| Caprari (Pescara via Inter) | Bruno Fernandes (Sporting) | Linetty |
| Murru (Cagliari) | Cigarini (Cagliari), | |
| Kownacki (Lech Poznan) | Muriel (Sevilla), | |
| G. Ferrari (Crotone) | Schick (Roma) | |
| Ramirez (Middlesbrough) | ||
| Andersen (Twente) | ||
| Strinic (Napoli) | ||
| D. Zapata (Napoli) |
Antonio’s Grade: B+
It looked like it was going to be another difficult season for Sampdoria after they started selling a number of their starters from last season including the center back Skriniar, attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes and striker Luis Muriel. Not too long after, Sampdoria started making important new signings. Caprari could be an interesting buy to replace the dribbling skills of Fernandes and Muriel. Gaston Ramirez is a top signing from the Premier League who improves the squad without a doubt. Anderson and Ferrari will be important in defense as Sampdoria incredibly only had two true center backs last season, which caused them problems. There probably should have been another center back brought in considering they sold Skriniar. New signings Murru and Strinic will compete for the starting left back spot. Duvan Zapata is a positive signing for the attack as well. However, losing promising young star Schick will cost them some goals even though they ended up getting a large sum of money in his sale. Keeping hold of Torreira and Linetty will be important for them. I think Sampdoria could aim slightly higher this season since they added much needed depth to the squad this season.
Sebastiano’s Grade: B+
A couple of years ago when we saw Samuel Eto’o wear the Sampdoria shirt, we were perhaps tricked into thinking this was the start of a new Sampdoria. Instead, today we have come to realize the Genovese giants remain the same – good without being great, making astute signings without blowing anyone away. Zapata, Murru, Ferrari and Gaston Ramirez will improve the team from last season and while I would not expect anything spectacular, a top-ten finish seems almost assured.
Sassuolo
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Falcinelli (Crotone) | Aquilani (Pescara) | Domenico Berardi |
| Cassata (Ascoli via Juventus) | Pellegrini (Roma) | Acerbi |
| Goldaniga (Palermo) | Defrel (Roma) | |
| Iemmello (Benevento) | ||
| Ricci (Genoa) |
Antonio’s Grade: C-
Sassuolo’s season was a failure. They got knocked out of the Europa League in the group stages and finished close to the relegation zone. They needed a strong mercato to make sure that they can finish in the top ten, but it doesn’t look like they have improved at all. They do have Falcinelli back who should add goals and Goldaniga is a solid defender, but they really haven’t done much. Losing Pellegrini to Roma could do a lot of damage as he might have been their best player last season. Defrel and Iemmello scored most of the goals last season, so it’s strange how they let them both go. They have to hope that Berardi has a fantastic season or it will be another failure of a season. Sassuolo needed more depth and they really didn’t get that.
Sebastiano’s Grade: F
Having lost Defrel, Pellegrini and Antei, we expected Sassuolo to buy young exciting replacements. Instead Sassuolo failed to reinvest and are now looking like relegation contenders. Furthermore, the neroverdi have lost long-time manager Di Francesco, and this too will add to the difficulties of the upcoming season. Berardi and Duncan, the two star players of the team that stayed, will have to be in form if Sassuolo has any chance of surviving.
SPAL
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Mattiello (Juventus) | Bonifazi (Torino) | Meret |
| Oikonomou (Bologna) | Del Grosso (Atalanta) | Vicari |
| Rizzo (Bologna) | Ghiglione (Pro Vercelli via Genoa) | |
| Viviani (Bologna via Verona) | Zigoni (Milan) | |
| Felipe (Udinese) | Castagnetti (Empoli) | |
| A. Gomis (Salernitana via Torino) | Giani (Spezia) | |
| Paloschi (Atalanta) | ||
| Konate (Malmoe) | ||
| Grassi (Atalanta via Napoli) | ||
| Borriello (Cagliari) | ||
| Bonazzoli (Sampdoria) |
Antonio’s Grade: A
SPAL had a fantastic season as they won Serie B to make it into Serie A. They have also had a fantastic mercato in that their already strong squad became a lot stronger by bringing in talents from all over Serie A. The players they brought in aren’t just rejects but truly talented players. Oikonomou and Felipe are pretty good defenders. Bringing in Rizzo, Viviani, and Grassi improves their midfield considerably. Gomis and Meret will fight for the starting goalkeeper spot but Meret looks like he will have the brighter future of the two, especially after his performances last season. Most impressive of all is that they were able to bring in two proven goalscorers in Paloschi and Borriello. Borriello had a great season and scored 20 goals in 37 competitive games last season and his abilities will be important. It looks like SPAL have done more than enough to stay up, meaning this mercato has been fantastic. Still, losing players like Giani, Zigoni, and especially Bonifazi could end up costing them as they were very important for SPAL last season. Still, I think the additions brought in are good enough to get them to safety.
Sebastiano’s Grade: A-
An excellent summer for the novel Serie A squad! Essentially revamping the entire team, SPAL managed to add young talent with many proven Serie A players. Greece star-man Oikonomou will be a pivotal addition to the defense as marquee signings, Borriello and Paloschi will take care of the goalscoring up front. There will also be competition for the starting goalkeeper spot as Meret and Gomis look like two promising Italian shot stoppers. For the funds at their disposal and their inexperience in the top flight, SPAL have enough to be the surprise of the season.
Torino
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Bonifazi (Spal) | Joe Hart (West Ham) | Belotti |
| Lyanco (San Paolo) | Castan (Roma) | Baselli |
| Sirigu (PSG) | Iturbe (Roma) | |
| Berenguer (Osasuna) | Benassi (Fiorentina) | |
| N’Koulou (Lyon) | Rossettini (Genoa) | |
| Rincon (Juventus) | Zappacosta (Chelsea) | |
| Burdisso (Genoa) | ||
| Niang (Milan) | ||
| Ansaldi (Inter) |
Antonio’s Grade: A
Torino had a decent season, but it looks like they have all of the right pieces to improve. Bonifazi was a beast last season for SPAL and looks to be a bright star in the future of their defense. Sirigu should be an improvement over a very poor Joe Hart. Berenguer was linked to Napoli, but the fact that Torino was able to get him is positive for them. N’Koulou is a top defender and will bring stability to the defense, which was Torino’s biggest problem last season along with mistakes from Hart. Rincon is a good replacement for the departed Benassi. Niang should add more depth to the attack and Ansaldi can play at left or right back and is also a positive signing. Torino addressed their defensive weakness and added some overall depth. Losing Zappacosta might be the only negative as he did very well for the Granata. They also don’t have a solid backup for Belotti, but Boye should be decent enough. Possibly the most important thing is that Belotti stayed with them and is guaranteed to score a lot of goals.
Sebastiano’s Grade: A
One of the most efficient and effective transfer windows in all of Europe. This year, Torino managed to keep up with the big money spenders in Juve, Roma, Milan and Inter by purchasing numerous proven players in the likes of, Sirigu, former Cameroon captain N’Koulou, Rincon, Niang and Ansaldi. Not only this, but they were also able to keep star striker Belotti for at least another six months. Iturbe and Benassi have moved away, but Toro replaced them magnificently. Expect Toro to finish in the top seven this year.
Udinese
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Lasagna (Carpi) | Kums (Gent) | Jankto |
| Mallé (Granada) | D. Zapata (Napoli) | Fofana |
| Bizzarri (Pescara) | Felipe (SPAL) | |
| Pezzella (Palermo) | Heurtaux (Verona) | |
| Nuytinck (Anderlecht) | Badu (Bursaspor) | |
| Bajic (Koniaspor) | Thereau (Fiorentina) | |
| Behrami (Watford) | Karnezis (Watford) | |
| Maxi Lopez (Torino) | Kone (AEK Atene) | |
| Wague (Watford) |
Antonio’s Grade: C+
Udinese had a disappointing season overall and their mercato is slightly disappointing as well. Udinese’s goal should be to get back into Europe, but they haven’t done nearly enough to finish among the top seven. Losing their main strikers in Thereau and Zapata will likely prove costly as Lasagna and Perica don’t seem like they will score as many goals. Felipe and Heurtaux are gone, which isn’t much of a problem, but losing Karnezis to Watford seemed like a bad decision. Maybe Scuffet can finally live up to the hype that surrounded a few seasons back, but they probably shouldn’t have made that gamble. Keeping Jankto and Fofana is important for their midfield as both are promising players. Nuytinck was a positive purchase for their defense and Behrami will bring strength to the team. Maxi Lopez was a good signing for cheap as he might be able to make a difference from the bench, as will Bajic. It wasn’t necessarily bad, but I don’t think they have done enough to considerably improve upon last season.
Sebastiano’s Grade: D
Could this be the year that Udinese go down? With the window that they had, it may very well. With Thereau going to Fiorentina and Badu to Bursaspor, Udinese brought in Maxi Lopez and Behrami as replacements. Perhaps five years ago, these players could have been starters in Serie A, but now they are merely old and unable to be what they once were. Udinese are in trouble if they fail to splash the cash in January.
Hellas Verona
| Key Acquisitions | Key Losses | Important Players that Stayed |
| Verde (Avellino) | Boldor (Montreal Impact via Bologna) | Fossati |
| Cerci (Atletico Madrid) | Ganz (Pescara via Juventus) | Bessa |
| Heurtaux (Udinese) | Troianiello (Roma) | Zaccagni |
| Silvestri (Leeds United) | Pisano (Bristol) | |
| Buchel (Empoli) | Siligardi (Parma) | |
| Caceres (Southampton) | Bertolacci (Genoa) | |
| Fossati (Cagliari) | Lapadula (Genoa) | |
| Ferrari (Bologna) | De Sciglio (Juventus) |
Antonio’s Grade: B+
Hellas Verona are back in Serie A where they should be. The mercato was decent enough to have many people saying that they will avoid relegation. They did a good job to keep some of their young talent like Bessa, Fossati, and Ferrari. Verde and Cerci add width and dribbling ability. Their defense has been improved by solid additions like former Juventus center back Caceres. Heurtaux was also brought in to solidify the defense. Kean could end up being the best signing, having shown so much promise in his youth career, and if they can hold on to him for a few seasons before he returns to Juventus, it will be a great deal for Hellas. Losing Siligardi may end up as a negative sale but they have added enough players that his loss won’t likely be felt. Still, they probably should have brought in some midfielders to add creativity as they are mainly relying on youngsters. If their goal is just to stay up, then I think they have done enough, but I don’t expect them near the top 10.
Sebastiano’s Grade: B-
With the Cassano debacle finally done, Verona have settled what is for them a solid transfer season. Cerci and Caceres will hope to revive their careers as young prospect Kean will surely add some aggression and desire upfront. It is still too soon to tell how far this team can go, but with the pazzo Pazzini leading the front line, anything is possible.
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