Five Questions Ahead of Serie A Round 4: Ribery’s Unwise Choice?

AC Milan, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Roma, Serie A

Following the inaugural European midweek of the campaign, Italian clubs will shift their focus back to the domestic league. Some of the Serie A clubs did well on their first European appearance, while others left the pitch empty-handed. Nevertheless, the weekend action won’t be any less exciting, especially with a major clash between two Calcio giants set to lighten our Sunday evening. So here are Five Question that we have ahead of Serie A Round 4.

Inter and Squad Rotation

When it comes to squad rotation, we find two school of thoughts – One that sees its necessity to maintain the physical and mental freshness of all players, and another that believes in consolidating a starting lineup.

Antonio Conte had his first XI during the two seasons he spent at Inter, and would only rest his players on rare occasions where the match would be deemed easy on paper. But his successor appears to be taking another approach.

Simone Inzaghi is expected to field the likes of Arturo Vidal, Joaquin Correa and Denzel Dumfries from the get-go against Bologna as he shakes things up a little bit.

So is the former Lazio manager willing to use the various weapons at his disposal throughout the campaign? Or is he simply trying to figure out his best lineup in the early days of the season?

An Unwise Late-Career Choice?

When Franck Ribery announced his departure from Bayern Munich after 12 successful years in Germany, many saw it as the ideal timing to hang up his boots.

Nevertheless, the Frenchman decided to further prolong his career, and spent two seasons at Fiorentina, which can be described as a decent experience.

But the reasons behind the legendary winger’s latest career choice remains a mystery. The 38-year-old joined new Serie A boys Salernitana – a side that is expected to struggle throughout the season.

Against Roma, we saw how the Campania side were hardly able to maintain possession for few seconds, thus, the former Marseille man could be set for an unpleasant experience.

So what is Ribery trying to prove by signing for a bottom of the table club? And can he improve the form of the new Serie A boys when they host Atalanta on round 4?

An Upset on the Cards?

Since he first landed in the Italian capital, José Mourniho has been enjoying La Dolce Vita at Roma. Victories, top of the Serie A table, crazy celebrations and laughter.

But those who followed the Special One’s career know that it hardy ever lasts. But when will the Giallorossi suffer from their first misstep remains the question.

This weekend, the Romans will be hosted by Hellas Verona who have just replaced Euebio Di Francesco with Igor Tudor.

Could this change in personnel prompt the spark needed to wipe the uncharacteristic smile off the Portuguese’s charming face? Or will it prove to be business as usual for the capital side?

Fresh Start or False Alarm?

After retrieving his South American block, Massimiliano Allegri led Juventus towards their first victory of the season as they put three unanswered goals in Malmo’s net. However, the Bianconeri are yet to earn their maiden Serie A win, and they will take part in a major clash against their rivals Milan on round 4.

The Rossoneri won their first three domestic matches of the season, and put up a real battle in their Champions League debut against Liverpool. Thus, Stefano Pioli’s men make for unwanted visitors in Turin at this stage of the season.

So will the Old Lady build on her Swedish victory? Or will it prove to be a false alarm as she surrenders against a tougher opponent?

A Quiet Resurgence

The words “Napoli” and “Quiet” do not usually walk hand-by-hand, but the Paternopei appear to be building something special this season while most observes are distract elsewhere.

The southerners had an uneventful transfer campaign, and the aura that surrounded Luciano Spalletti during the 2000’s has somewhat faded by now, which partially explains why the limelight turned elsewhere.

Nonetheless, with three wins in their three Serie A matches thus far, and an impressive come-from-behind draw at Leicester, Napoli deserve more attention, so will they deliver the goods once again when they play Udinese in round 4?

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