Diamanti geezer

If there was any doubt about which Premiership team Italians should support it looks like being shed pretty soon. Yes, there is Ancelotti at Chelsea if you want to go for guaranteed glory. Or there is Cudicini at Spurs if you want to get off to a flying start. There is even the Aquilani-Dossena connection at Liverpool.

But the time has surely come to say Forza Hammers!

It was probably enough for most Napoletani that Mara-Zola was in charge. Add in a little sprinkle of former Viola and Inter man Luis Jiminez and the temptations grew stronger. Now that it looks like they have snapped up Livorno starlet Alessandro Diamanti and there is no room for dubiety. Heck, they are even being linked with Massimo Oddo.

So, bring me my dictionary straight away. How on earth do you translate "I'm for ever blowing bubbles!".

Countdown to the new season - Part Two

Tuscany has never had it so good with four teams in Serie A again this season. They all have different hopes and expectations, having pretty much flourished last term. Here is my forecast for what lies in store. Remember, just over a week to go now!

Siena: It was a long, hard battle last season to survive by the skin of their teeth. I fear, however, that this time around the competition looks too strong. I like the strike force of Maccarone and Chiesa but I believe the support behind them may not be enough. I think the dreams of the Palio town are over. Rinaldi's forecast: 19th.

Livorno: A real surprise package of recent times, I believe the bubble will burst this season. The loss of Lucarelli is a big one both in terms of goals and influence. And, ultimately, the volatile nature of their president must take its toll. Hopefully the Tavano/Tristan partnership can gel nicely but, if not, their drop could be rapid. Rinaldi's forecast: 16th.

Empoli: They have already over-achieved by getting into European competition and that might be a hard burden to take. Just the same, they have shown in recent times they know how to get the best out of their resources. Maybe not the revelation of last year but still solid. Rinaldi's forecast: 10th.

Fiorentina: There are a lot of unknowns making the Viola hard to judge. On the one hand, their form of recent seasons suggests a top four finish but, on the other, they have lost Luca Toni. That puts extra pressure on Adrian Mutu and Giampaolo Pazzini - not to mention Bobo Vieri. Still, the rest of the team remains intact with a few interesting young additions. I think they might go close to the Champions League placings but not quite make it. Rinaldi's forecast: 5th.

Why I love Serie A

I always knew he was a crackpot but just the same, it is fine to see Livorno President Aldo Spinelli in top form. Not content with firing his Coach Daniele Arrigoni after the 5-1 defeat by Atalanta, he has now got it in for his best players too. Check out his bile for goalkeeper Marco Amelia who spoke up in the manager's defence.

"Amelia loves the sound of his own voice - like all Romans," he ranted. "I hope we can sell him as soon as possible.

"As for Lucarelli, he is our captain, but if the team wanted to save their manager they should have played better."

I can remember Spinelli from his Genoa days and he seems to be getting more barmy with age. In recent times, of course, he effectively pushed Roberto Donadoni out the door when Livorno were flying high. Earlier this season he "dissed" the UEFA Cup by saying it was a pain and hoped his team was out of it soon.

It is this kind of oddball activity which makes Serie A such a loveable spectacle. Even in a predictable season like this (see below) you still have the likes of Spinelli, Cellino and Zamparini to liven things up every so often.

Stop press: Incredibly, player power appears to have worked and Arrigoni retained his post thanks to pressure from Lucarelli. Truly amazing!