Serie A, the premier league of Italy, has produced and still produces the most extravagant, skillful and talented footballers on the planet. Names like Baggio, Del Piero, Ronaldo, Batistuta, Bierhoff and Schevchenko illustrate the supreme quality of the league's players. The national side getting to the final of Euro 2000 showed just how their stars are dominating world football.

This season (2000-2001) promises to be everything last season was and more. With all the transfers that went on during the summer, there have been many changes which look set to make the Italian Premier League even more dominant.

Firstly, lets take a look at the top ten transfers over the summer to see just who has been bought and sold.

1. Hernan Crespo ~ Parma to Lazio ~ £37 million
2. Gabriel Batitsuta ~ Fiorentina to Roma ~ £23 million
3. Claudio Lopez ~ Valencia to Lazio ~ £18 million
4. Savo Milosevic ~ Real Zaragoza to Parma ~ £16.5 million
5. David Trezeguet ~ Monaco to Juventus ~ £15 million
6. Robbie Keane ~ Coventry City to Inter ~ £13 million
7. Nuno Gomes ~ Benfica to Fiorentina ~ £12.5 million
8. Francisco Farino ~ Valencia to Inter ~ £12 million
9. Redondo ~ Real Madrid to Milan ~ £11.5 million
10. Walter Samuel ~ Boca Juniors to Roma ~ £11 million

There seems to have been a lot of big transfers going on most notably in Italy, Batistuta’s move to Roma. At 31 years old, paying £23 million may be a bit of a risk but he is a world class player.

Most notably for people in England, Robbie Keane made a surprise move to Inter Milan. Now playing with some of the world’s best he seems to have made a good move.

No it's 'kicked off' all the team's will be out there trying to win the Scudetto or the League championship. Last years winners Lazio, who pipped Juventus to the post, have a good chance but let's have a look look at the top teams and the chances they have got this season.

• Last Season 1999-2000-
• League Position: 1^st
• Champions League: ¼ finals
• Italian Cup: Winners
• Title odds: 7/4

Lazio have got a good chance this season. The owner has provided money to buy may top class players including goalkeeper Peruzzi from Inter. They have already got players like Salas and Veron and look to have a huge squad. The coach Sven Goren Erikkson has problems in choosing his team simply because they have so many players. They have started the season well in the Champions League and qualified for the next round, but new England boss Erikkson is under pressure due to erratic early form.

• Last Season 1999-2000-
• League Position: 2^nd
• UEFA Cup: 4^th round
• Italian Cup: ¼ finals
• Title Odds: 12/5

After losing the title last year to Lazio on the last match of the season, Juventus may be expected to be a little down hearted. However, with 25 Scudettos to their name and statistically the best team of the 20^th century they should not be underestimated. They do not seem to have too many injury problems at the start of the season but one of their top players Del Piero does need a return to form after a poor season and Euro 2000 championship. They have had a mixed start to the season and have been knocked ou of the Champions League. However they are strong competitors and shouldn't be written off.

• Last Season 1999-2000-
• League Position: 3^rd
• Champions League: 1^st round
• Italian Cup: ¼ finals
• Title Odds: 11/2

Milan have been unusually quiet where transfers are concerned ,although they did sign Redondo from Real Madrid for £11.5 million. They have said goodbye to George Weah but have still got Maldini, Albertini etc. Their coach Zacaroni realises he is under a lot of pressure and needs to be successful this season if he is to stay. They have made quite a good start in the Champions League and have progressed to the next round, but their league form is all over the place and needs sorting out.

• Last Season 1999-2000-
• League Position: 4^th
• Italian Cup: Finalists
• Title Odds: 4/1

After a disappointing season, which was meant to be a 'come back' for the Milan side, they are ready for another ‘come back’ season. They haven’t won the title since 1989 and need to soon, to satisfy the fans and themselves. A lot of their problems were to do with injuries. Brazilian star Ronaldo was out for most of the season, as was Italian international Vieri. However, this season, Ronaldo ought to be back training by December and Vieri, although still struggling, should be making his return very soon.

It has been a busy time during the summer for Inter. They have signed Coventry striker Robbie Keane, dubbed ‘Baby Irish’ by the Italians, and also Hakan Sukur. But their former star Roberto Baggio has left to Brescia. Will all of this pay off for Inter? Well, so far no. They lost in the Italian version of the Charity Shield to Lazio 4-3 and so far in the league they have failed to  be consistent. But with the big names, Inter is another team you can't ignore.

• Last Season 1999-2000-
• League Position: 7^th
• Champions League: 2^nd phase
• Italian Cup: ¼ final
• Title Odds: 16/1

Parma had a less active summer. Crespo moved to Lazio but Mboma, Milosevic and many others were signed to help strengthen the squad. Star Amaroso needs to get back to his best as does the whole team. Coach Malosani knows this as he is under a lot of pressure to get his team to perform.

• Last Season 1999-2000-
• League Position: 7^th
• Champions League: 2^nd phase
• Italian Cup: ¼ finals
• Title odds: 16/1

As with many of the teams reviewed hear, Fiorentina failed to live up to expectations. There have been quite big changes in the team. Former hero Batistuta has gone to Roma and Leandro and Euro 2000 Portuguese star Gomes have signed for the club. A new coach has been brought in. Terim (previously coach of Galatassaray) could be under a lot of pressure from the notoriously expectant fans.

This season will prove to be very interesting with big name stars moving around and also little teams perhaps causing upsets. We will have to see but already outsiders Roma are streaking clear in the Serie A. Personally, my bet for the league is Juventus as if they can beat the little teams and make fewer mistakes, they're the team to beat.