Serie A findings Round 8 – What we learned from this week’s fixtures (Part 1)
The Serie A this weekend was a tad disappointing. There were only 18 goals scored in the nine matches that were played, averaging just a goal for each team. AS Roma, Inter Milan and Juventus all settled for draws while only SS Lazio managed
to register a victory. In the wake of Napoli’s Europa league match against Liverpool FC, the Milan-Napoli fixture was moved to Monday night. Even a Rossoneri victory will change little for Lazio, however, Milan now has a chance of going solo second in the
charts following Inter’s home draw against Sampdoria.
Owing much to the cut throat competition in Serie A, 11th placed Udinese are just three points off bottom placed Parma. Anything can change in the next round of Serie A as some mouth watering fixtures await us.
Following the eight round of Serie A, some interesting observations were made that are worth sharing.
1. Inter Milan need to get incisive
Reigning Champions Inter Milan hosted UC Sampdoria at San Siro on Sunday. Owing much to their recent form, many expected the Nerazzuri to register a routine win. Sampdoria however had other ideas as a Cassano inspired Blucerchiati managed
to hold Rafa Benitez’s men to a solitary draw. Although Milanese giants had lion’s share of possession, they managed to do precious with the ball. Nerazzuri looked short of ideas as they passed the ball around in Sampdoria half without posing a real threat
to Gianluca Curci’s goal. The Inter Milan side that took to the pitch last night was a far cry from the ruthlessly efficient Nerazzuri that played under Jose Mourinho last season. Sampdoria proved they were no pushovers and punished Inter for their profligacy
in the 62ndminute. Antonio Cassano disposed a hapless Christian Chivu and played a pin point cross for Stefano Guberti to volley home. Just when Doria thought they had managed an upset, a certain Samuel Eto’o restored parity with a tap-in.
Benitez must take this match as two points dropped rather a point won. Rafa must encourage his men to take their chances or at least test the opposition custodians from range.
2. Juventus need to distribute their goals evenly
The Turin giants have put in some mesmerizing displays so far this season. After eight rounds of Serie A football, Bianconeri have scored three or more goals on four occasions. Yet they failed to score a single goal on three separate occasions.
Such inconsistency must come as a worry to Luigi Del Neri. Last night, Juventus failed to score against Bologna. Even though a blatant Milos Krasic dive won them a penalty, Iaquinta missed from the spot and the fixture ended in a stalemate. Despite being the
most scoring Serie A side with 16 goals, Juventus are currently 5th in the league. Del Neri needs to realize that all these goals would come to nothing as long as Bianconeri don’t learn to grind out results against weaker oppositions.
At the end of the season, what matters is not the goals scored rather the points won.
3. Lazio continue to fly high
Eduardo Reja’s men recorded their fourth consecutive victory with a 2 – 1 win against Cagliari at home. The Aquile are now undefeated in their last seven games and things could not be any better for last season’s relegation strugglers.
Compliments to Reja for weaving his magic in such a short period, however, credit must be given to the Lazio squad for playing with fire in their bellies. With Hernanes pulling the strings like a puppeteer, Sergio Floccari has found a new leash of life and
so has Stefano Mauri. In the wake of their recent result, Lazio has gone four points clear at the top and even a Rossoneri victory will change little for the Aquilotti. Many have already declared the high flying Romans the Scudetto favourites but can Lazio
sustain their blistering form?
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