Betting tips / Michael Lintorn / 27 October 2011 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

The battle for the Serie A scudetto is shaping up to be a thriller. Michael Lintorn runs the rule over the four frontrunners...

AC Milan [[2.46]]
Strengths: As Gazzetta dello Sport put it: "Serie A is a tournament in which various teams compete and then at the end Zlatan Ibrahimovic wins." Ibra has won eight titles in eight seasons for five clubs, and - after an understandably slow start while facing five of last term's top eight in their first six matches amidst an injury crisis - his Milan side look worthy favourites to prolong that incredible run.
Weaknesses: There has been some uncharacteristically poor defending so far, with two or more goals conceded on four occasions already, and 11 leaked in total, compared to five at this point in 2010-11.

Juventus [[4.2]]
Strengths: A lot of what was rotten about the club in recent years is gone. There is a new stadium, new coach in Antonio Conte and a whole host of new players, with the rise of striker Alessandro Matri, who arrived at first as a bit of a panic purchase from Cagliari in January, particularly enjoyable.
Weaknesses: There were strong starts under Claudio Ranieri and Ciro Ferrara that faded, so it is too early to get excited, and they have dropped a few careless points. Defensive frailties remain, with Giorgio Chiellini out of form, and - Matri aside - they may not have enough in attack to compensate.

Napoli [[7.0]]
Strengths: Their first XI is as good, if not as star-studded, as any other in Italy, with a formidable goalkeeper, solid defenders, energetic wing-backs and midfielders and a front three capable of magic. Walter Mazzarri's 3-4-2-1 is a perfect fit, and they have already beaten AC Milan and Inter.
Weaknesses: There isn't enough quality on the bench and even now they are struggling to cope with two games a week. Champions League newcomers often have this problem, and Mazzarri has made clear that European progress is his priority, which may render a scudetto challenge unsustainable, and prolong their 22-year wait post-Maradona.

Inter [[8.6]]
Strengths: Wesley Sneijder is back and his impact was immediately felt as Inter claimed their first home win and goal of the campaign against Chievo. In Ranieri, they have a revival specialist, who inherited a Roma team in similar disarray two years ago and led them to within two points of top spot.
Weaknesses: Samuel Eto'o scored 37 goals last season and that wasn't enough to topple AC Milan, so the task becomes even tougher without him. Even more worryingly, their once great defence has been shot to pieces early on, with only promoted Novara shipping more in their first seven fixtures.

The recent form of Udinese [[32.0]], Lazio [[16.5]] and Roma [[17.0]] hints that all three could play a part too. Who are you backing?