Capocannoniere - Top 5 contenders for the Serie A Golden Boot in 2015/16

Italy’s top tier may not have the grace and flamboyance that it once so exuberantly did. Nonetheless, it took a significant step in catapulting itself back into Europe’s elite when the league shipped in some of the stellar names from the mightier quarters of Europe and South America.The league now appears more competitive, more challenging and with many new forwards strutting the Italian soil, sees more goals – the one particular facet of the league that has bordered on scarcity in the recent years. And they are set to come in myriad numbers this season.That, however, brings us to the topic in concern – the Serie A Golden Boot. Here are the top 5 contenders for the Capocannoniere award this season.

#1 Mario Mandzukic - Juventus

Will Mandzukic be an able successor to Carlos Tevez?

Following a fair-to-middling inquisition in the Iberian Peninsula with Atletico Madrid, Croatia star Mario Mandzukic relocated to Turin to join Juventus after just one season with the Spanish capital club. The 29-year old, who won Los Rojiblancos the Spanish Supercup last year, came at a €19 million price tag for the Bianconeri, and made an immediate impact as he made a vital contribution in Juve’s Supercoppa Italiana clincher with his maiden goal for the Old Lady.

Although the defending champions have got off to a woeful start in the league, losing both the opening two games, Juventus are still expected to climb their way back into the top two. And the former Bayern Munich striker can play a starring role in it.

A proven goalscorer, Mandzukic has taken the Croatian and German league by storm in the past – scoring 68 goals in the last three seasons, never falling below the 20-goal mark. And after a mediocre year in Spain, he may find his footing and start firing on all cylinders again.

#2 Edin Dzeko - AS Roma

Edin Dzeko is currently on loan at AS Roma from Manchester City

Having always been a second-fiddle to Sergio Aguero in Manchester City’s attacking pecking order, Edin Dzeko finally found a central role in AS Roma, the Serie A runners-up he joined this summer on loan for greener pastures. The Bosnian has always proved his goal scoring prowess with his national side and the time has come for him to finally unleash the beast for his new found abode as well.

The former Wolfsburg hitman came to the Premier League in 2010 as one of the most outrageous buys. But the presence of star attractions such as Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero meant he was never given a clear opportunity to emulate his Bundesliga heroics. Now he is set to take up a more prominent role with La Maggica and the Sarajevo native has a shot at redemption and prove his mettle once again.

AS Roma are looking to end their 14-year wait for another Scudetto. And if Dzeko manages to get a consistent run of games, the wait could finally be over.

#3 Stevan Jovetic - Inter Milan

Stevan Jovetic has already scored three goals for Inter Milan

Another Serie A import during the summer, Stevan Jovetic seems well on his way for the individual recognition as the Montenegrin star has already scored three goals in the opening two games of the league and is appearing to be the deal of season.

A misfit at Manchester City, Jovetic hardly found any game time during his time in the North West of England. He moved back to the Mediterranean after two years away on a loan deal that could be made permanent.

Inter Milan have sent a statement of intent when they added some sought-after names to the roster and the current squad. After maintaining a 100% record in the pair of games thus far, they look ready to launch a challenge for a top-three finish.

While the scoring burden was shouldered by the little-bitty, impish Argentine Mauro Icardi all alone, the current Capocannonerie holder will have his task cut out a little now that he has an able partner alongside to share the striking responsibility upfront.

#4 Carlos Bacca - AC Milan

Bacca signed for AC Milan after winning the Europa League with Sevilla

Amongst the various names joining the Serie A conveyor belt this summer, one of the most exciting ones was that of Carlos Bacca who made waves across Europe with his terrific performance to help Sevilla retain the Europa League crown earlier this year.

Despite garnering interests from bigger and more affluent outfits, it came as a shocker that the Colombian ace chose the Rossoneri above everyone else, despite knowing that he would be away from Europe’s major outings for at least a year. Nonetheless, the move is definitely a shot in the arm for Milan, who are looking to put themselves on the map of the continent again.

Bacca, an able and highly experienced striker, opened his Milan account with a strike against Empoli two weeks ago. Judging by his calibre and past record, we may witness much more from him as the season progresses.

#5 Gonzalo Higuain - Napoli

Gonzalo Higuain has scored two goals already this season

After being seen through the dark coloured spectacles by the media and fans alike for his faux pas in the Copa America final penalty shootout that cost Argentina the trophy, Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain is on a mission to resurrect his damaged reputation. The former Real Madrid target man hasn’t quite been able to replicate his peerless self that he used to be in while at the Spanish giants, but he still remains a key to the Naples side.

Sitting 14th in the table after the first two fixtures, it has been a far from straight-forward start to the season for Maurizio Sarri’s team. They need to start stockpiling wins if they are to catch up with the rest of the pack.

After a brace against Sampdoria on matchday 2, Higuain would be raring to add many more to the tally over the course of the season and guide his side to silverware at the end of it.