And we’re back! The Cult of Calcio will be once again recapping all the major action from every Serie A round in our original series, “The Top 5 Stories”. This weekend witnessed the opening matchday of the new campaign, and the big boys enjoyed a successful start – well, almost all of them. So let’s take a look at the Top 5 Stories from Serie A Round 1.
Do Not Over Overlook the Champs
Following a miserable summer, Inter could not wait to do their talking on the pitch. Underestimated and overlooked, the Nerazzurri were tipped to easily relinquish their Scudetto title after the departures of Antonio Conte, Achraf Hakimi and finally Romelu Lukaku.
Nonetheless, the defending champions can still rely on their backbone, from Samir Handanovic to the defensive trio and Marcelo Brozovic in front of them.
Moreover, new signings Edin Dzeko and Hakan Calhanoglu stole the headlines with their impressive debuts, as Inter proved that they can still be the most terrifying force in Serie A, with a 4-0 routing at the expense of Genoa in Round 1.
Inter have outscored Genoa 25-0 in their last 7 meetings.
INSANE ? pic.twitter.com/o40szyGowO
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) August 22, 2021
Madness in Udine
What a crazy clash that was! You name it, this match had it. The drama started an hour before a ball was kicked at the Dacia Arena, when famous Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo asked to start from the bench as he’s still seeking an exit from Juventus.
Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado sent the Old Lady into a thrilling start with two first half goals, but somehow, two horrendous mistakes from Wojciech Szczesny in the second period gifted Udinese a precious point.
To make matters worse for Max Allegri, Ronaldo’s injury-time winner was ruled out after a long stoppage from VAR due to a minimal offside call.
Crazy evening for sure.
Ronaldo and Juventus Denied by VAR as Szczesny Gifts Udinese Precious First Point https://t.co/VwXlpHQ3lw pic.twitter.com/0yEVXOyphQ
— The Cult of Calcio (@cultofcalcio) August 22, 2021
Roma Will Remain Roma
Historically speaking, Roma have always been known as the side that produces entertaining football amidst the generally-rigid Italian clubs – hence the nickname “La Magica“.
However, the arrival of José Mourinho – a proven winner during his heydays – was expected to add a sense of stiffness to the Romans’ tactical approach at the expense of their free-flowing football.
And yet, the Giallorossi’s round 1 win against Fiorentina proved to be thrilling as ever, and even Tammy Abraham played a major role for his side on his Serie A debut.
Four goals, two red cards, and end-to-end action, not even the Special One can change the essence of Roma – Definitely not on his debut at least.
50 – José #Mourinho has become the fastest manager to reach 50 Serie A wins (77 games) in the three points for a win era (since 1994-95). The Portuguese coach is also the fastest manager to have reached 50 wins both in Premier League (63 games) and in LaLiga (62). Perfectionist. pic.twitter.com/4rv8AOGX1l
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) August 22, 2021
A Different Beast
When Gianluigi Donnarumma turned his back on his boyhood club and joined PSG as a free agent, Milan fans were left with a major concern – after all, we’re talking about a goalkeeper who was voted as the best PLAYER in Euro 2020.
However, Mike Maignan proved to be a capable replacement, putting on a solid shift in his Serie A debut against Sampdoria. Brahim Diaz was the hero on Monday night as his goal was the lone difference between the two sides, but the French shot-stopper impressed all the same.
Even though the Blucerchiati rarely troubled the former Lille man, his stellar on-the-ball skills made the difference for the Rossoneri, as he drew the opposition forward and picked up his teammates with his brilliant passing abilities whilst remaining composed – something that his predecessor never truly excelled at.
Perhaps, he still has long way to go to make the fans truly forget Gigio, Maignan surely kicked off on the right foot.
Mike Maignan is as entertaining as a goalkeeper can be. Not usually how I describe anyone in the position but he’s definitely a unique one.
— Matteo Bonetti (@Bonetti) August 23, 2021
Serie A, Home of the Goals
From Inter’s demolition of Genoa, to Roma and Lazio’s 3-1 wins and Juve’s thrilling 2-2 draw in Udine, Serie A proved to be the home of entertaining football and quality action, with 36 goals scored on round 1.
Let’s not forget about Sassuolo’s 3-2 win over Hellas Verona, and Bologna who pulled off a comeback victory at the expense of Salernitana in the same result.
Despite everything that’s been written during the summer regarding the lack of quality in the league due the financial troubles, this promises to be another enjoyable season in the elusive Calcio universe.
Joy and pain: the thrillings are back! ??
Here are the results of Matchday 1 1️⃣?#SerieA ? #WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/AeBJHpK8tJ— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) August 23, 2021