Yes folks - the season is upon us. The Community Shield is this weekend (Arsenal vs. Chelsea) and the Premier League begins the following. All other leagues begin in the weeks thereafter with the majority getting underway before the end of August. Don't know about you but I'm bloody excited!

The Premier League will dominate the headlines as per usual but my undercard interest lay in the Serie A. A league that dominated the 1980's and 90's has dwindled into a sort of misery comparable to the economic downturn of the Great Depression after the match fixing scandal. The financial crisis that crippled Italy's ability to attract foreign investment didn't help. However, the recent purchase of AC Milan by Chinese investor Yonghong Li has shaken the boot and ball up. Milan have signed 10 players including the rock solid Leonardo Bonucci from rivals Juventus. The Old Lady themselves have signed eight players, namely the speed demon that is Douglas Costa from Bayern Munich. They look a powerhouse yet again. Inter and Napoli will be strong aswell and when Francesco Totti finds a role he is satisfied with, he will be determined to make Roma a contender.

Remember, Italy once had the most dominant league in the world and held every European trophy within their wondrous assortment of talent. Those days may be upon us again and I for one cannot wait.  

Get ready folks - real football is almost here and banter, beers and bust-ups are upon the horizon. Get your minds and gloves ready, it's gonna be a great season!