Transfer Window: 15 Signings That Would Shake Up the Serie A in 2010-11

The 2009-2010 Serie A season saw a large amount of attrition. Seventeen managerial changes occurred during the season, with countless more preseason and postseason moves.

Some players had terrible seasons after big-money moves (Felipe Melo) while others rediscovered their form (Giampaolo Pazzini). Although Inter expectedly captured the Scudetto, Roma’s close pursuit in the end stages made the season interesting.

Serie A has been dogged by many as a fading league with Germany’s Bundesliga closing in on gaining that fourth Champions League slot, but here are 15 signings that could change that. With plenty of attrition by way of managerial changes—Jose Mourinho leaving Inter for Real Madrid headlining the way—already rippling across Serie A, the 2010-2011 campaign will surely be interesting.

These players aren’t the 15 greatest players linked to Serie A teams, but feasible transfers (in my opinion) that could make a difference in the league table.

Edin Dzeko

Juventus’ long pursuit of Dzeko mirrors United’s chase for Owen Hargreaves a few seasons ago—long, tiresome, and hard-fought. Both the club (Juventus) and the player have wanted the move for a long time, only for money to come in the way.

Dzeko is a complete forward that would bolster a squad that needs help up front, and Juventus is eager to spend after a miserable campaign last year. Add Dzeko to Amuari, and Juventus could fire themselves back into Champions League contention again.

Ricardo Carvalho

After many great seasons of service at Chelsea, Carvalho is quickly finding himself to be surplus to requirements at the club. He’s interested many Italian clubs, who could surely use his experience to shore up their back line.

Carvalho would slide into an Italian defensive scheme quite easily, with his tactical nous beneficial and declining pace not detrimental to future success.

Javier Mascherano

With change ready to hit Liverpool hard, most of Liverpool’s top players will probably leave the club—Mascherano included.

Inter with former ‘Pool manager Rafa Benitez is a known admirer, although many more clubs would fancy one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. With many Italian clubs preferring a 4-2-3-1 formation, his services are valued everywhere.

Clint Dempsey

Fulham are in similar flux after Hodgson left for Liverpool, and Dempsey may be a casualty of the regime change.

Dempsey’s stock may never be higher after his fabulous club and country campaigns, and he gained many admirers in Italy after his fabulous wonder goal against Juventus in the Europa League. Fiorentina and AC Milan are the frontrunners for his services.

Joe Cole

Cole’s availability on a Bosman has clubs all over the world in a rush to grab his services. One of the few English players with very good technical ability, Cole is ready for a challenge outside of England.

He has sounded out interest from Serie A clubs, and responses have been plentiful.

Juan Roman Riquelme

Riquelme’s over the point in his career where you’d expect his talent to land him on a top-drawer site, but it’s silly to question his talent. Riquelme may just be the signing for an ambitious club, like Villarreal, where he thrived—and could propel the next Italian surprise.

Valon Berhami

With injury troubles perhaps pushing Berhami out of the setup in the new West Ham regime, Berhami may be pushing for a move back home. His best years were at Lazio, and his familiarity and overall ability at wingback may seal his move back to Serie A.

Luis Fabiano

Fabiano’s ready for a move to AC Milan after countless successful club seasons and a stellar World Cup. He’s almost 30 and wants one more challenge, either at AC Milan or Man Utd. Fabiano’s arrival at Milan would probably precipitate Huntelaar’s exit.

Luisao

Roma are having trouble finding the money to sign Nicholas Burdisso permanently, and if they don’t find a deal soon they may try to get Benfica’s Brazilian center back Luisao—ever the reliable and solid center back.

Kevin-Prince Boateng

Lazio have already agree to terms with the relegated Pompey over Boateng’s fee, but need to come to terms over wages with the player. The playmaker may be rejuvenated by his great cup form, and definitely has all of the skills to thrive as a playmaker.

Fabio Aurelio

After injuries derailed his spell at Liverpool, the talented Aurelio is ready for a new challenge. Aurelio’s experience and versatility would be of benefit to any team interested in signing him. He would be a solid signing for many Italian clubs looking for a composed presence at fullback.

Milos Krasic

Recently (and apparently) snubbed by Juventus in favor of Dzeko because of the non-EU player limits, the playmaking winger is on the radar of other Italian clubs as well. Krasic showed through his World Cup and club form that he is an impact player.

Alessandro Rosina

The mercurial Italian left wandering in the cold confines of Zenit is ready for a move back home. Rosina has struggled to break into the setup at Zenit, but is clearly talented and technically gifted.

An ambitious side would be quick to snap him up—he’s a top-side talent available for pennies on the dollar.

Cristian Ledesma

Available for cheap because of an expiring contract, Ledesma has attracted substantial interest from AC Milan.

The Lazio midfielder is a playmaker that commands the middle of the park with attacking fervor and defensive smarts.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Schweinsteiger’s stated that he’s not tied to Bayern forever, and that has alerted many clubs in Italy.

Many Italian clubs could use a good attacking midfielder, and Schweinsteiger has the skill and savvy to play for a top-drawer Serie A side.