Football Season Guide

They just about managed to stumble into the European places last season. Struggled with absentees at times, and should have been punished for a slow start to the season. Instead, they got over the finish line thanks to the failings of the likes of FC Basel and Young Boys Bern. This season, they will finally move into their new AIL Arena stadium this season. It won't change much in terms of capacity, but it will enable them to play European matches at home, which has not been possible in previous years. Good news. In the transfer market, things also look good for Lugano. Keeping Croci-Torti in charge is paramount to their relative success, of course. Being able to fend off interest in star RB Zanotti and leader Papadopoulos in the heart of the defence were big wins pre-season, although there's still time for such to change. They've not felt compelled to bring many players in pre-season - a couple of live wires to improve their creativity. GK Saipi wanted to play more often so he was allowed to leave with the loan move of von Ballmoos made permanent - a step up from Saipi, despite his talent. They've also added Bichsel to their CB offerings for when Papadopoulos or Delcroix ultimately do leave, which seems inevitable - they look too good for this level. As always, the only real concern with Lugano is depth. They simply don't have enough of it to compete on multiple fronts, and unlike other Swiss teams I could mention, they do actually seem to take playing in Europe rather seriously. Therefore, another slow start to the season is possible. It's hard to envision the season not going well for them though. They're very settled, experienced, and consistent (when they get going). This is a very good team. If they can put a good run of form together at the right time, then they're dark horses for the title.