For the first time since the 2010/11 campaign, Brescia are back in Serie A after winning their fourth Serie B title last season.
The Rondinelle have largely made their name in Italy’s lower division, but their return to the top flight will likely be tracked by several casual fans after the signing of Mario Balotelli on a free transfer.
Brescia aren’t new to landing big-name players searching for a fresh start, and they will be banking on Balotelli’s return to help them stay up in the top flight.
It won’t be easy however, as the Lombard outfit will rely on most of the cast that impressed in Serie B, along with some fresh faces that aren’t exactly household names.
As a result expect Brescia to have a tense and eventful season, one that will likely see their top flight lives hang in the balance until the final day.
Transfer Dealings – 6/10
Balotelli is back in Italy after signing on a free transfer, and the newly promoted outfit will be hoping he can recreate the magic that the likes of Luca Toni and Roberto Baggio had while there.
Jesse Joronen is expected to take over in goal after signing from Copenhagen, while Jhon Chancellor and Giangiacomo Magnani join from Al-Ahly Doha and Sassuolo respectively, and figure to play big roles in defence.
Lastly, Jaromir Zmrhal joined from Sparta Prague and brings some versatility to the middle of the park.
As for exits, Simone Romagnoli played a key role in Brescia’s Serie B campaign last season but his loan wasn’t made permanent and he is back with Empoli.
Edoardo Lancini, Alessandro Martinelli and Jacopo Dall’Oglio were all let go on free transfers, while Biagio Meccariello saw his loan move to Lecce made permanent.
Key Man – Mario Balotelli
Despite strong interest from Flamengo, the enigmatic striker has returned home – not just to Italy, but to Brescia, where he lived with his foster family as a child.
The striker enjoyed a short but fruitful six months at Marseille to close out the campaign last season, netting eight times in 10 matches.
It wasn’t enough to secure a new contract, but it shows he still has what it takes to hit the back of the net. He’ll need to continue that form with Brescia if the Rondinelle have any chance of making their stay in Serie A an extended one.
One to watch – Sandro Tonali
The 19-year-old is viewed as one of Italy’s hottest young talents, and his reputation only grew last season when he was called up to the senior Italy team in November before even making his Under 21 debut.
Tonali is often compared to former Brescia man Andrea Pirlo given he plays as a regista, dictating play with maturity beyond his years.
Should he replicate his form from last season, don’t be surprised to see the youngster make a big-money move next summer.
The Coach – Eugenio Corini
Corini took over from David Suazo early last season, and it’s likely he won’t deviate too much from what worked then.
The 4-3-1-2 formation is the Italian’s tried and tested tactic, and it resulted in Brescia topping Serie B with 69 goals.
Don’t expect the same goal haul this season, but with Balotelli now in the mix, it’s safe to say Corini’s fate will likely lie in the striker’s hands.
Prediction – 17th
With or without Balotelli, it’s hard to see them fighting for anything other than to avoid relegation. So let’s go with a 17th place finish.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com