By Anna Italia


It's the big day to test the waters for the 2011 - 2012 Scudetto. We have today the TIM TROPHY which is the triangular Summer game between AC Milan, Inter, and Juventus.  All three will look to test their key players and see how well the team is.  News is Inter not listing forward Samuel Eto'o as there are still negotiations for his transfer to the Russian team.  AC Milan not having Zlatan Ibrahimovic for injury, Juventus with the hope on the feet of new forward Mirko Vucinic...  You bet I agree with the headlines on the "Scudetto test" for all three teams. Do you?

Coffee or tea anyone?  Two Serie A teams Lazio and AS Roma playing today the Europa League Play-offs round. Lazio trusting new forward Miroslav Klose while Roma relying on iconic captain Francesco Totti.


Here are the front pages from Corriere dello Sport, La Gazzetta dello Sport from Thursday August 18, 2011. By the way, I love the front page from La Gazzetta today with the photo of Samuel Eto'o with his closed eyes as if making a wish.

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Corriere dello Sport
Thursday August 18, 2011


  Italian Serie A transfer market.
Eto'o - Anzi, we are ready.
Inter targets Drogba.
The Cameroonian reaching an agreement with the Russian club who are non stop dealing with Inter.
To substitute Eto'o on target Forlan, Tevez, Higuain...

Guys, your take on this one?  Let me tell you that if Drogba joins Inter, woooo hold your horses because I will put Inter as serious contender.  Leadership of Drogba, his skills, powerful strength, stamina... oh gosh....  Eto'o I am sad he is leaving... though even sadder will be Inter fans.  Funny, well, not funny... but Moratti still sustain Inter will be stronger even without Eto'o.. Hum? If he brings Drogba then... I will follow the motion.  Do you?

Guys, as much as I like Diego Milito, reality is that he had a poor season. Surely, on the treble winner year Milito was decisive.  Let's hope Milito find his way back to consistency and shoot those "wanted goals."  All the best.

Guys, let me pause, count to ten.... no denial about Balotelli's skills, but his problem is his character and proven lack of discipline/respect with coaches..   Is Milan ready for Balotelli and all the turmoil? Will Balotelli change his ways and adapt to Milan discipline? Don't know about this possible transfer.  How about you? 

Guys, this is good news.  Too much tension between Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentis and Lavezzi.  All the "he said, he responded," finally seeing an end.  Lavezzi is a symbol in Napoli and along Edison Cavani can work wonders.  I honestly believe Napoli this season is among the true candidates to challenge AC Milan for the Scudetto.  Do you?

Calcio scomesse /calciopoli.... today the appeal...





La Gazzetta dello Sport
Thursday August 18, 2011
 
The first true test for the big three this afternoon in Bari.
A Scudetto test (without Eto'o"
Trofeo Tim
Milan, Inter, Juve looking for responses.
Eto'o not among called ups and only a step away to sign for Anzhi.

Guys, I can't help it but to carefully analyze all details of Et'o gestures in this photo.  It is like he is making a "birthday wish" to have his wish granted and sign for the Russian club to grab the super mega millionaire deal.

Anyway, the three big AC Milan, Inter and Juve playing today the Trofeo Tim in Bari.   I will say the one really looking or in desperate need for "passing the test" is Juventus.  How about you?   Come on, AC Milan already winning Scudetto, Super Cup and looking as the main contender to beat for the Scudetto, Inter are also strong even without Eto'o....  the big question is for Juventus to raise from the ashes and back to the big top  positions since not qualifying this season "for anything." oops... yep,   sorry if you are a Juve fan. but it is true.  Juve not in Champions League and neither in Europa League.

Ok, here I come with all my prayers for both Serie A teams Lazio and AS Roma to win their games.  We need to be back in the big show with Italian football participating not only in Europa League, but Champions League as well.  So, go Lazio, go Roma, cheerleading!!!!!!