It’s been the biggest story in the football world this summer, and the hysteria isn’t about to die down any time soon.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in Turin sent waves of excitement cascading through many Serie A fans. One of the two best players in the world, and a Champions League winner, is about to light up Serie A 2018 news, and the football-mad country can’t wait.
Following Ronaldo’s €120-million switch from Real Madrid to Juventus, the mood in Italy has reached fever pitch. He’s just started training with his new team-mates and so now the reality is setting in.
That’s all very well for the Bianconeri faithful of course, but the other 19 teams in the league have the challenge of stopping him. And then the top clubs must be wondering if one of their players can even outshine him? The Serie A 2018 odds say he’s the favourite to score the most goals in Serie A, odds-on in fact.
But the best football bets aren’t always the favourites, and there are plenty of sharpshooters in Italy ready to take on the top man. The Serie A Capocannoniere was shared last season by two real hotshots, Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi and Lazio’s Ciro Immobile, so where better to start if we’re looking for someone to outgun Ronaldo.
Mauro Icardi: Inter Milan
2017/18 – 29 goals
The top SBOBET tips will take a very close look at the early season form of Mauro Icardi after he bagged 29 goals last season to share the Capocannoniere. In the most dramatic climax to the 2017/18 season, Icardi scored an equaliser as Inter grabbed the last Champions League slot, right from under the noses of Lazio.
He’s already been on target in pre-season and looking as sharp as ever. And he may have another sniper alongside him as Inter prepares for another big season.
Young Lautaro Martinez has arrived on an undisclosed fee, catching their attention with 22 goals from 48 appearances for Racing Club, after he was rewarded with his debut for Argentina at the age of 20. He’s one for the future, but we could see fireworks if he links up well with Icardi.
Ciro Immobile: Lazio
2017/18 – 29 goals
The Lazio man, a long-time favourite to pick up the top scorer mantle last season, not only had to watch Icardi catch him at the last, but also saw his own hopes of a Champions League campaign dashed. That was hard to take after such an incredible season, scoring 41 times in 47 in all competitions, a record Ronaldo would be proud of.
Starting out life at Juventus, Immobile has developed into an Italian international and a lethal predator; an all-around striker with two great feet, a turn of pace, strong in the air and with a clinical finish. He’ll be there or thereabouts again this season.
Dries Mertens: Napoli
2017/18 – 18 goals
Thirty-one-year-old Dries Mertens has been a major player in Napoli’s success in recent years and is regularly amongst the goals. Former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri would like to take him to Chelsea but was warned off.
Mertens plays out wide, but then Ronaldo started his career playing more on the wing and drifting inside. It’s a role Mertens did so successfully for Napoli last, year and at World Cup 2018 with Belgium. As a developing player at Manchester United, it was four seasons before Ronaldo broke through the 20-goal barrier, and then as he was afforded a free role the goals flooded in.
Can Mertens similarly move into the limelight? Well, he has the ability but time isn’t really on his side. He’s still younger than Ronaldo though!
Edin Dzeko: Roma
2017/18 – 16 goals
For an outside bet, I’m looking at Roma’s go-to man Edin Dzeko; top scorer in 2016/17, but he had a quieter season last time out.
His 29-goal record season made him the first Bosnian player to be Capocannoniere. And with 16 last term, he still won his team plenty of points. A man for the big occasion, Dzeko famously scored a late equaliser for Manchester City in their title-winning match against QPR in 2012.
He’s a real handful at six-foot-four, very strong in the air, and equally deft with his feet for such a big man, But he really needs a fast start to keep up with the leaders.
So there we have it. Four players who could, if they have the near-perfect season, out-score Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s a monumental task when you look at his record. He’s the first man to score 30 goals or more in six consecutive La Liga seasons.
But this is Serie A.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
