Even though Serie A is officially in its offseason, the news and rumor mill are still churning out tons of content that the Italian soccer fan has to see. In order to make sure you, the Serie A fan, do not miss the most interesting and important stories of the day, we are re-introducing our daily feature highlighting the top five stories of interest. These will go beyond simply reporting the outcomes but dive into the analysis, stories, and controversies driving the beautiful game both in Italy and around the world. If you see a story you want to recommend for this series (which will run every business weekday), Tweet us @serieaweekly or @roberthayjr. This column will run mid-morning NYC Time.

Forward to today’s headlines:

In the wake of their devastating Coppa Italia loss to rival Lazio, A.S. Roma director Franco Baldini declares the season “not positive”, according to Football Italia.

Also not positive: Pablo Osvaldo’s response to not starting the match. Reports are out this morning that the striker Tweeted about his manager: “Would’ve been better if you admitted you’re incompetent. Go celebrate with those of Lazio.” See the Tweet in its original Italian at Tutto Mercato Web.

Amanda Coletta remembers Juventus’s improbable scudetto in 2002 and ties it into a famous Italian poem at Black & White & Read All Over. It is an interesting read about Italian literature and soccer history. Christopher Atkins profiles a Fiorentina target, Chilean Nico Castillo, in ESPN’s The Scout Notebook. He looks like he would be a good fit for the Viola, but his low price tag should attract some competition.

Paul Pogba and Borja Valero both make Michael Cox’s “best” list of the best and worst transfers of 2012-2013 at ESPN’s Tactics & Analysis blog.

Finally, since we all love a juicy transfer rumor, the daily links will end with a transfer rumor of the day. This rumor will be one that is intriguing, juicy, or hilarious, and plausibility is not a requirement. Our transfer rumor for today comes from Tuttosport (it), which claims Stevan Jovetic will spurn Arsenal and sign with Juventus to stay in Italy. This would be an interesting signing for The Old Lady, in my opinion, but Jovetic may make more money and receive more playing time with striker desperate Arsenal.