Capocannoniere Preview

Capocannoniere Preview

After a thrilling 2016-17 season, where we saw 6 players score 20+ league goals for the first time since 1997-98, back when Bierhoff, Ronaldo, Baggio, Batistuta, Del Piero & Montella were bagging goals for fun. 

I take a look at the contenders to Dzeko's throne as the Capocannoniere...

Edin Dzeko (AS Roma) 

Positionally, Dzeko is arguably the best forward in Serie A, but in my opinion, he wastes far too many great chances. Where ever he goes, he does always manage to get more than his fair share of goals. Edin will feel the loss of Mo Salah more than most, having been assisted by Salah in 7 of his 29 goals.

Prediction: 16-21 goals


Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus)

Higuain is a complete striker. Big, strong and naturally gifted in front of goal. If Allegri's change of formation will suit anyone, then it will be Higuain. The addition of Douglas Costa (if played down the left) will be perfect for Higuain, as he will fed with a flurry of crosses throughout each game. If Claudio Marchisio can stay fit for a full season, his speed and quick vision will lead to plenty of chances for Higuain.

Prediction: 20-25 goals


Andrea Belotti (Torino)

So, it looks as though Belotti will be remaining at Torino for the coming season and with the World Cup taking place next Summer, it's probably a wise move for Il Gallo. Belotti was very impressive last term, showing off his versatility by being the only player to score 5+ goals with each of left foot (5), right foot (11) & head (10). Though Belotti does a lot more than just score goals, he chases the ball down tirelessly, constantly putting pressure on the opposition defence.

Prediction: 21-26 goals


Ciro Immobile (SS Lazio)

Immobile is back where he belongs, in the Serie A! Before last season, Immobile's last full season in Italy was 2013-14, where he scored 22 Serie A goals, before poor spells at Sevilla and Dortmund. Immobile returned to Italy in the January of 2016, where he scored 5 goals in 14 games, forming a great partnership with Belotti, where they have now re-united at La Nazionale. It is obvious that Ciro is happiest when playing in Italy and has already started the season with 2 goals against Juventus in the Supercoppa Italia.

Prediction: 19-24 goals


Dries Mertens (SSC Napoli)

One of the shocks of last season, Dries Mertens, a man who at the age of 30 had played his full career on the wing, was moved into a false 9 position. Napoli had signed Milik in the Summer of 2016, but after 4 goals in his first 7 games, he did he ACL. Manolo Gabbiadini was used in the 9 position, but fluffed chance after chance. Sarri called upon Mertens and never looked back, with the Belgian scoring in 15 of 22 games from December.

Prediction: 17-22 goals


Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)

Heavily tipped to win the Capocannoniere this season, with no European football to distract him and a manager who knows how the get the best out of his main striker in Spalletti. Icardi will also looks to be keeping his 2 wingers, Perisic & Candreva, who have both been linked with moves away this summer, plus the added advantage of Borja Valero playing some killer balls through to him.

Prediction: 22-27 goals


Andre Silva (AC Milan)

The only unknown quantity as far as Serie A goes on this list. Andre Silva should be the main man at the Rossoneri, though he may face tough competition from Kalinic. Silva looked very impressive last night v Shkendija, his strength to beat the defender for his 2nd goal should be something that Serie A defenders should take notice of.

Predicition: 13-18 goals