Just 11 matches into the season, the Serie A table seems to have different kinds of surprises in store for the fans as Fiorentina now go back on top, with previous leaders Roma dropping down to the third spot.
It has been a rather turbulent start to the Italian football season this time round, and ita s not yet clear how many teams could pose a real challenge for the Scudetto in the 2015/16 season. So let us take a look at all the main action that took place this weekend in the Seria A.
Fiorentina go back on top with emphatic win
Fiorentina emphasised their strength this season with an classy performance against the struggling Frosinone, who decided to give 34-year-old goalkeeper Massimo Zappino his Serie A debut.
However, it is a debut that he would clearly like to forget, as he misjudged an Ante Rebic cross which floated into the top corner of the net, giving the Viola an early lead. Manager Paulo Sousa had rested a few players for this game against the newly-promoted side, but that did not make a difference as his side ran riot in the first half itself, scoring through Gonzalo Rodriguez, Khouma Babacar (penalty), and Mario Suarez. This win puts Fiorentina on the top of the table, closely followed by Inter Milan, who are only behind by virtue of goal difference.
Inter Milan back in contention with narrow win over AS Roma
Inter Milan, on the other hand, announced their title intentions once again, with a strong 1-0 win over rivals AS Roma. It was Chilean Gary Medel with the spectacular strike from 25 yards out that made the difference for the Nerazzurri against Rudi Garcia’s men.
However, the real hero of the match was Samir Handanovic, as he made save after save to keep the Romans out of his goal. He even made a quadruple save, keeping out a long ranger from Alessandro Florenzi, a rebound from Mohammed Salah, a deflection from his won defender, before finally latching on to a weak header from Salah again.
Napoli flounder in front of goal
After Romaa s loss, Napoli had the perfect opportunity to go to the top of the Serie A. However, manager Maurizio Sarria s men were wasteful, as they had to settle for a 0-0 draw at the end of the day, sending them to fourth spot on the table.
Genoa, who lost out on the services of Ezequiel Munoz and Blerim Dzemaili due to injuries they picked up during the game, were able to thwart all the chances created by their Naples-based opponents. Napoli, on the other hand, would be ruing the missed chances by Dries Mertens and Jose Callejon.
AC Milan ease past Lazio
This was predicted to be a rather difficult game for Milan, as Lazio had only conceded one goal at home ahead of the match. They were also unbeaten at their own ground. However, the Rossoneri swept Lazio off their feet with a 3-1 win, giving SiniA?a Mihajlovi a s side their third win on the trot.
This win leaves Milan sixth in the Serie A table, just four points off the pace from the Champions League spots.
Juve triumphant in Turin derby
Juventus climbed above their cross-town rivals to the 10th spot on the Serie A table, after a late Juan Cuadrado strike gave the Bianconeri all three points. The defending champions have been dismal this season, but seem to be coming back to their usual form, with wins in three of their last five matches.
Their star midfielder Paul Pogba, who has been linked with a move away from Italy, also seems to be coming back to from as he scored a spectacular goal to put Juventus in the lead in the first half.
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Random Facts from the Serie A this week
- Napoli are currently on a 10-match unbeaten run after losing 2-1 to Sassuolo in their first match of the season.
- Both Chievo and Torino have now gone five matches without a win.
- Inter Milan have been on incredible form away from home, as they are unbeaten in their last five travels.
- Higuain has been on rampant form this season a while playing at home a as was evident against Genoa. The Argentine has scored seven of his eight goals at home this season
Goal of the week
After much criticism for his early-season form, Paul Pogba seems to be finally answering his critics. In a tense Turin derby, the Frenchman opened the scoring with this stunner: