Brian Louie is a Bay Area transplant but his heart lies in the world’s top soccer leagues. He talks to anyone about soccer (whether they wish to or not) and counts Bobby Pires and Dennis Bergkamp as two of his all-time favorite players. He has written about international soccer for the last two years on his site soccermadinamerica.blogspot.com.

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X-Factor: Amantino Mancini

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August 21, 6:22 PM

by Brian Louie, Soccer Examiner

Inter Milan have a lot to live up to. After sacking Roberto Mancini for failing to take the Nerazzurri to the Champions League final, Jose Mourinho has stepped in after a year out of the game and Inter are poised to maintain their top spot in Serie A.

With Juventus still unproven under Claudio Ranieri, AC Milan looking too old, and Roma and Fiorentina minus a few players that would make them consistent, it's Inter's scudetto to lose this year. The question is, can Jose work his European magic and win his 3rd European trophy with his new team?

Odds fall in his favor, and it's new signing Mancini that could be the missing element to take them to the next step.

Without Mancini's performance last year - and it was not his best - Roma would not have finished only three ponts behind Inter, and his absence in the capital will be glaring to Roma fans.

Many believe him to be Italy's answer to Cristiano Ronaldo, or perhaps more realistically, Alex Hleb if he played in Serie A.

It isn't difficult to see him making a positive impact, especially since he should be in the middle of his prime. And, much like Milan, Inter's midfield isn't getting any younger, and you have to wonder when the drop will come for Patrick Vieira, Luis Figo and Dejan Stankovic. Sulley Munari joins Mancini from Portsmouth and I'd be surprised to see Jose Mourinho deviate from what made him successful in England, a style that suits Italian soccer to a tee.

Keep an eye on Mancini, though. He's an exciting player to watch.

Amantino Mancini Age: 28 Height: 6'0" Clubs: Atletico Mineiro, Portuguesa, Sao Caetano, Venezia Calcio, AS Roma

Topics: soccer , italy , x-factors , inter

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Didier's dining habits and more

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November 26, 12:47 AM

We've yet to dip a toe into December, and air is ripe with transfer talk.So far, the most interesting I've seen is Kolo Toure to Manchester City, who may be looking to splash the cash big in January. At some point anybody who's a member of... Read More
Topics: soccer

What's on TV: Champions League Matchday 5

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November 24, 6:58 PM

Champions League Matchday 5 fixtures airing in the US (all times ET; be sure to check your local listings)Tuesday, November 25Villareal v. Manchester United 2:30pm ESPN [UEFA]Arsenal v. Dynamo Kiev 2:30pm Setanta [ESPN Soccernet]FC... Read More
Topics: soccer , tv , champions league

A new dawn for Arsenal?

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November 24, 6:39 PM

With the league title essentially out of reach (a 10-point gap between the leaders Chelsea and Liverpool, respectively, will do that), Arsenal's focus turns to Europe, where a win against Dynamo Kiev could guarantee progression to the knockout... Read More
Topics: English Premier League , soccer , arsenal , champions league , england

Hearts midfielder heads home out of fear for family

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November 20, 9:55 PM

Can you imagine brave John Terry making the long trip to er, Wembley, to prove his dedication to the England team, despite injury? For a friendly? Why bother if you can't play? First, there's that toll you have to pay to enter London proper,... Read More
Topics: soccer , ghana , friendlies , hearts

Site of the day: The Best Eleven

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November 20, 9:39 PM

Another great soccer blog on the Web is The Best Eleven, which deals in the same pedantry you'll read here or by pretty much anyone with a good satellite package and a basic understanding of the sport. What separates TBE from the rest is... Read More
Topics: soccer , websites , blog

Is the Bundesliga the best league for fans?

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November 20, 9:19 PM

Perhaps not the most current of articles, but an interesting read nonetheless. Jeremy Wilson gives us a glimpse into the biggest league in the world. Before you send in your disgruntled opinions on how I can say such a thing, remember... Read More
Topics: Bundesliga

Juventus unveils plans for new 40,000-seat stadium

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November 20, 5:00 PM

Not everyone wants a 60,000-seater to watch their favorite teams in. Juventus, for one,unveiled their plans for a new 40,000 seat stadium to be built on the site of the much-hated Stadio delle Alpi, which sat 67,000 at the height of its use,... Read More
Topics: soccer , italy , Serie A , juventus

The farce in north London

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November 20, 12:43 PM

Arsenal, with it's erudite continental manager, it's pass and move fluency, and it's cosmopolitan attitude to the direct brutishness of the English game, has become perhaps the most entertaining side to watch. Not for the pretty play nor the arrogant... Read More
Topics: English Premier League , arsenal

La Liga bleeds Euros, fat Red Devils, Women's soccer and the Liver bird

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November 20, 12:47 AM

La Liga will take a hit because of the current worldwide economic crisis, and it won't be Barcelona or Real Madrid that will reverberate the worst from the crash. With a current tax debt of 507 million GBP (about $760 million), and a combined debt... Read More
Topics: English Premier League , soccer , spain , man utd , england , Serie A , women , liverpool