Monza – Torino

What should we expect from a newcomer?

Monza have not just risen to Serie A for the first time in history, they have had almost the most high-profile transfer campaign of the summer. Silvio Berlusconi is at the helm of the Biancorossi and Adriano Galliani is the sporting director - creators of Milan's finest days. In four seasons, this duo have led the team to the Italian top flight and, judging by the renewal of the squad, clearly do not want to end up in the second half of the table at the end of the season. Carboni, Caprari, Cragno, Ranocchia, Sensi and Marlon have already joined the Serie A newcomer. Perhaps the most significant transfer was the signing of Matteo Pessina, the club's pupil. The European champion was given the captain's armband and will become a centre-back. The only position which needs a bit of strengthening is the forward position. Given the fact that they managed to retain last season's leaders, the transfer campaign can clearly be regarded as a success. Pre-season itself proves it. Although the opponents were not of the highest calibre, the Biancorossi were often victorious. The team also managed to progress to the Italian Cup: they demolished former neighbours Frosinone. Torino, under Juric, have become a strong mid-table side. The team has been successful against the grands, but could at times take on opponents from the lower reaches of the table. "The Bulls, for example, have lost to Genoa, Cagliari, Venice and Sampdoria. Now it is Juric himself who is flailing. The Croatian recently got into a serious row with the Turin manager Davide Vagnati. He is unhappy with the club's transfer policy. The summer saw them sell Bremer for a reported 41million euros, Andrea Belloti transfers, the departures of Ansaldi and Rincon. There are also some fairly good quality acquisitions in the form of Ricci, Pellegrino and Radonjić, but there is still no way to make up for the loss of the two key players. But, interestingly enough, the two newcomers have already made appearances in the Italian Cup. Torino recently beat Palermo 3-0. "The Bulls are unlikely to make any significant changes to their place in the table. In the absence of quality reinforcements, a European place is unlikely. Monza break into Serie A with big ambitions. By all accounts, they should be fighting for at least 10th-13th place. To declare it in the first round is Berlusconi's clear wish. Torino will be difficult without Bremer, but the newcomers, who have already shown themselves quite well, can assert themselves once again. Given the Bulls' problems in games against clubs that are weaker on paper, the Biancorossi could find their moments. But class is class: Torino must score in the match against the newcomer.