Lugano

Although losing midfield beast Doumbia was a kick in the teeth for Lugano pre-season, they’ve done some really good business which should help mask his absence, including the free transfer signing of FC Sion captain Grgic, who should fit in rather well. They’ve also lost Daprela in defence, which isn’t ideal, but they’ve got everybody back from injury now so should be able to cope in defence without him. If they lose Mai for a prolonged period again though, then I’d fear for them keeping teams out. Assuming the German stays fit though, and that they don’t lose star goalkeeper Saipi (who has been playing well for a couple of years now), they should be ok. The latter would be particularly damaging now that they’ve lost backup goalkeeper Osigwe to injury until early 2024. They’ve moved swiftly to acquire veteran Deana and youngster Pseftis to bolster their goalkeeping options in the Nigerian’s absence though. Their midfield looks strong with Grgic slotting into it. They’ve also got Durrer back from loan, who is a handy enough option. Their attack looks lethal too now that Aliseda is the match-winner they wanted him to be, and Steffen is just as classy as ever. They’ll keep Celar on his toes this season, something that Babic failed to do last season, having signed Vladi from Aarau pre-season, who impressed in the Challenge League last season. Despite losing seasoned backup left-back Facchinetti, talented Portuguese left-back Marques has joined, and they must be confident about him making an immediate impact as they’ve let Stober return to Liechtenstein, although getting into the eleven ahead of Valenzuela is going to be a tall order! One other point to touch upon is the arrival of Cimignani; a really clever acquisition. He may alternate with Valenzuela as a left wing-back but is just as capable of playing behind the frontman, and with Croci-Torti’s seemingly diminishing trust for veteran creator Bottani, the latter may be on the cards. He can even play on the right, and they have struggled to fill that role properly for a while now. All in all though, this squad looks really, really strong. They’re good at everything, and Croci-Torti is a tactical genius, capable of completely turning games around at half-time moreso than anyone else in the Super League. They’re spending their money really intelligently, and have built a really impressive squad. Assuming they don’t lose Aliseda, Valenzuela, Mai, Saipi, or Sabbatini, they’re in for a very good campaign although finishing above Young Boys Bern looks a bridge too far - for now. Likely to start strongly, but be wary of their European commitments.