#20: Bari
Bari was the Serie B champion last year, so you would think that the club would be better prepared for top level competition then the other new clubs promoted to Serie A. But Bari has not played on the top level anytime recently and the club will likely struggle against the newly discovered top tier clubs.
#19: Siena
Siena has been one of those clubs that struggle to reach the middle of the pack squads and often finish near relegation. The last three seasons the club has finished 13th, 15th, & 15th respectively. We at the STO believe that the lack of offense (only 33 goals last year) will finally catch up to the struggling squad and they will face relegation at the end of the year.
#18: Chievo Verona
Five years ago Chievo Verona was a legitimate contender finishing in the top ten clubs consecutively, but now Chievo Verona is past those days of dominating Italian clubs. Last year Chievo Verona was lucky to escape relegation finishing the year in 16th place and only earning 38 points. If Chievo Verona wants to avoid relegation then they need to win m0re then a pathetic eight matches this year. Chievo Verona will likely not do much better.
#17: Livorno
The number three seed from Serie B last year are coming off of a strong finish to the season. The club won a playoff to receive the final promotion spot. Next year Livorno will continue the good fight and hope to survive a season in Serie A football. The club was pretty good the last time they were on the top tier finishing in 6th place three seasons ago. Look for the club to get Landon Donovan in a midseason loan after the MLS season is wrapped up and that addition should save the club’s season.
