Serie A - Top Scorer Preview 2012-13

Following the departure of Zalatan Ibrahimovic to PSG the race for the top scorer in Italy is much more open than usual but it might be all set up for one of the most successful strikers of recent years in Inter’s Diego Milito (pictured), who was second with 24 goals last year despite Inter’s turbulent season and seems even better set to repeat that feat once again this season.

Inter spent a large amount of last season without their creative talisman and maestro Wesley Sneijder but he had a storming Euro 2012 when he looked right back to his best, albeit in just 3 games as Holland crashed out at the Group stages. Inter are hugely reliant on the Dutchman but with him back they can look forward to good things this season and the new arrivals this season look sure to help him in every way possible. Antonio Cassano was instrumental towards Ibrhaimovic’s tally, assisting more than any AC Milan player last season despite his well-documented health problems, and it’s not hard to thin he can do the same for Milito, while Guarin and Pierera are solid additions from a creative Porto sides known for its attacking prowess. All in all, Miltio looks to have a standout chance at 9/1.

Edison Cavani is staying at Napoli, who have no Champions League football to distract them, and should go well again although Lavezzi was a big help for him and while Vargas and Insgine are both talents, they might be more scorers than helpers and he’s just swerved at 7/1. Atonio Di Natale has always been there or thereabouts in the past few years but the loss of Isla and Asamoah might take away the service he’s been used to and others make more appeal. Matia Destro might well thrive upon Zeman’s new aggressive management style at Roma and is hugely well regarded in Italy, so has to be of some interest at 14/1 with the market much more open than usual. Zeman has said that he expects his side to be challenging for the title this year in which case Matri will be at the forefront of the scoring charts.

Two other dark horses to serious consider would be Alessandro Matri and Stefan Jovetic. Matri scored a paltry 10 goals last season and was largely expected to play second fiddle to a world class talent but Juve haven’t added another striker and he might make the best of his second season as the main man. The additions of Mauricio Isla and Kawadwo Asamoah increase Juve’s running threat hugely and with those two on either side of a midfield which has Andrea Pirlo, he may be able to launch himself into contention.  Jovetic scored 14 last season but is still fairly raw at 22 and Fiorentina were poor last season. New manager Vincenzo Montella has brought in David Pizzaro and Albeto Aquilani, which should improve the service that he gets tenfold, and he’s a very interesting shout at what looks like a large 28/1.

Advice

2 pts each/way Diego Milito (9/1 general)

1 pt each/way Stefan Jovetic (28/1 general)