It is the battle of the Italians in this Premier League preview, with messers Ranieri and Conte looking to enjoy huge seasons. For Claudio Ranieri and Leicester the challenge will be to continue their incredible 2015/16 season and progress in the Champions League. For Antonio Conte and Chelsea the job is a lot more extensive, with the Italian needing to restore Chelsea to their former glories after an awful defence of their Premier League crown last season.

Chelsea

Can new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte bring the stability and success that owner Roman Abramovich craves?

In the former Italy and Juventus manager, they have a man who will be desperately keen to show that he can add to his glittering CV and build a team to dominate both the Premier League and Europe.

This season represents the chance for Chelsea to dominate domestically and regain what they consider to be their rightful place among Europe's elite competition.

The Italian will be keen to reassert Chelsea's domestic dominance as a starting point and has already stated that the lack of European football will give his side a distinct advantage and allow him to implement his philosophies on the squad.

For the club to truly progress they will need to at least finish in the top four and secure European football, which as a result of last seasons debacle will see the Blues forgo anything other than domestic football.

He will have a huge job on his hands to rebuild the confidence of the Chelsea players following last years disastrous 10th placed finish.

A number of high-profile players have seemingly peaked, with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Cesar Azpilicueta, Branislav Ivanovic, Diego Costa, Nemanja Matic and Eden Hazard all dramatically failing to reproduce any sort of quality last season.

Antonio Conte and the board have recruited well, with the signings of N'Golo Kante from Leicester, Michy Batshuayi from Marseille and the possible re signing of Romelu Lukaku from Everton.

Stamford Bridge
Can Conte be a Stamford Bridge success?

 

Chelsea have always had the financial muscle and they have also had excellent levels of success with a Premier League title only 18 months ago and they will be looking to add to that tally with Conte, who has a phenomenal level of success of winning league titles.

During his three seasons at Juventus they were able to win three consecutive Serie A titles and despite his failure to win the Champions League there, he had an excellent stint in Turin.

His major concern will be the ongoing transfer speculation regarding Diego Costa and his need to eventually select a new centre back, with John Terry in the twilight of his career now.

They face a huge challenge this season with the likes of Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham and Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool.

 

Leicester City

Claudio Ranieri enjoyed an incredible season as Leicester cruised to an incredible first Premier League title win, finishing above the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, both Manchester sides and the emerging Tottenham.

The appointment of Claudio Ranieri was initially met with scepticism from the media and fans alike, however come May no-one was in any doubt of the Italian's credentials.

They were the best side in the league by a distance, with the goal scoring exploits of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez matched at the back by captain Wes Morgan and midfield dynamo N'Golo Kante.

The Italian will be keen to reassert Leicester's domestic dominance as a starting point and but has the added carrot of Champions League football to navigate with the foxes.

Leicester City

For the club to truly progress they will be looking to make their mark in European football, which as a result of last seasons incredible efforts will see the Foxes compete in Europe's premier club competition.

Ranieri has lost the services of Kante to his compatriot Antonio Conte at Chelsea, but they have managed to secure Jamie Vardy on an extended contract and Riyad Mahrez looks like he will be staying put as well.

They will be refreshed coming into the season with only a few players reporting for international duty over the summer and they will be hoping this will give them a great opportunity to challenge on all fronts.

Claudio Ranieri and the board have recruited well, with the signings of Luis Hernandez from Sporting Gijon, Nampalys Mendy from Nice, Ron-Robert Zieler from Hannover 96 and Ahmed Musa from CSKA Moscow.

 

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He has been backed in the transfer market and the board have said they will continue to do so, there is no doubt that it is still exciting times at Leicester City and they should expect a blockbuster season again.

They face a huge challenge this season with the likes of Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, Antonio Conte at Chelsea, Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham and Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool.

It will be a massive achievement to finish in the top four but as Ranieri will be looking to mastermind another Premier League challenge as well as an excellent European showing.

 

Chelsea Betting Tips

Chelsea to win the Premier League outright @ 5/1

Chelsea to register a top four finish @ 4/7

Michy Batshuayi to be the Premier League's top goalscorer @ 14/1

 

 

Leicester City Betting Tips

Leicester to win the Premier League outright @ 28/1

Leicester to register a top four finish @ 5/1

Jamie Vardy to be the Premier League's top goalscorer @ 14/1

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