Amantino Mancini thinks Inter are “scarily strong” and quickly moved to smooth the controversy with his old club Roma.

“I just met Jose Mourinho, he seems a relaxed and likeable person. We are both here to achieve something important, aiming for Serie A and the Champions League,” said the Brazilian in his presentation Press conference after penning a four-year contract.

“I can say that even without other new signings, this team is already scarily strong. They won two Scudetti on the field in as many years, so they have quality.”

This statement sits somewhat awkwardly with what was said by Mancini’s former Roma teammates, who had blamed refereeing ‘help’ for the last title.

“I am a Nerazzurri player now, what happened last year is in the past. I thank Roma for everything they did for me, as I spent five wonderful years there.”

The Brazilian contingent used to be in the minority at the club, but Mancini’s arrival increases their power with Douglas Maicon, Maxwell, Julio Cesar and Adriano.

“It will be easier to settle in thanks to them, but I have been playing in Italy for a very long time now. If you work in a certain way, things come automatically, especially if you have help from the players that Inter can boast.”

Amantino managed 40 Serie A goals in 154 appearances and also impressed in the Champions League, most memorably with his step-over strike against Lyon.

However, uncertainty over his future, contract wrangling and the persistent rumours linking him with Inter made for a very fraught relationship with the Giallorossi supporters.

“I am only sorry that in the latter part of last season I was suffering from an injury to the top of my foot that I sustained against Real Madrid.

“I was out for three weeks and had to start all over again, but I still managed to net 13 goals. I was happy at Roma, though, and can only thank the club, fans and players.”

Ref From channel4.com

The Serie A 2008-2009 schedule are now released. The season will begin on August 31st and end on May 31st. There will be three midweek rounds slated for September 24, October 29, and January 28. The winter break will be from December 21-January 11. Serie A will also come to a halt three times for the National Team, who will be undergoing World Cup 2010 qualifying. Those dates are September 7, October 12, and March 29.

The Coppa Italia will begin on August 9th, with the second round being played August 17th. The third round is August 23rd, and the fourth round will begin the 2 legged ties (September 18 and October 2nd). The Round of 16 will be November 12, and December 3, 10, and 17. The Quarter-finals will be January 21 and February 4th, with the semi-finals March 4 and April 22. The Final will be Wednesday May 13, 2009, at a venue yet to be decided.
The Italian SuperCup between Roma and Inter will be played on Sunday, August 24. The Lega Calcio has temporarily named San Siro as the venue, but both clubs have expressed interest in playing the game abroad, and New York (The Italians call it New York, but it’s really New Jersey-Giants Stadium) is the most likely venue. The SuperCoppa was held at Giants Stadium back in 2005, Juventus beat Milan on penalties. I was there and it was a great experience, I would love for it to be held here again.

Ref From www.italy.theoffside.com