Following some midweek action, Italian clubs were barely able to catch their breath before the start of another round in the weekend. This matchday saw the majority of the top sides cementing their spots in the table. Milan and Napoli continue to lead the standings while Inter remain in the chase despite the seven-point gap. Juventus on the other hand, confirmed their woeful start to the campaign with yet another under-par performance. So let’s check out the Top 5 Stories from Serie A round 11.
A Major Statement
Since the start of the season, we’ve been talking about the horrific times endured by Juventus. However, perhaps it’s time to focus more on their tormenters and give some credit when credit is due.
Hellas Verona put up a brilliant performance in round 11, as Igor Tudor was behind the the fourth Serie A loss of his old employers.
However, this wasn’t the case of a midtable side snatching the lead and defending the result. No, for the most part, the Gialloblu were easily the better side on the pitch, dominating the action everywhere in an exquisitely confident performance, led by the man of the hour, Giovanni Simeone.
Keep an eye on the Croatian’s project.
Toro Up, Samp Down
Verona are surely rising in the table since the appointment of Tudor, but another Croatian should be given as much credit after helping the club in establishing itself in Serie A.
We’re talkin of course about Ivan Juric, who’s now leading what could be seen as the beginning of a revival at Torino. The Granata brushed aside Sampdoria in a comfortable 3-0 fashion in Serie A round 11 as their performances continue to improve.
On the opposite, Roberto D’Aversa’s plans with the Blucerchiati have been fruitless thus far. While we firmly believe that managers should be given enough time to adjust at their new clubs, the former Parma coach better not test the patience of president Massimo Ferrero for too long.
Massive Attacking Talent
Inter may have lost the services of Romelu Lukaku in the summer, but those who followed Inter throughout the week must have noticed the presence of a formidable attacking force at Simone Inzaghi’s disposal.
Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez are currently the first options – and rightfully so – but Alexis Sanchez reminded everyone of his skills with a sublime assist against Empoli in midweek, and Joaquin Correa once again proved to be one of the best second strikers in Serie A thanks to a fabulous brace against Udinese.
With various options present in the squad, it would be unwise to bet against the champions’ ability to find the back of the net in the vast majority of their fixtures.
A Terrifying Bomber
Speaking of Lukaku. Last season, we mentioned how the Belgian is perhaps the most terrifying striker in the world.
The former Inter man is currently enjoying the riches of the Premier League, but Serie A has arguably found a suitable heir in Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian bomber brought down Spezia with a personal hattrick that saw him cementing his name in the record book.
The 21-year-old might not last for long neither in Florence nor in Italy, but for now, he arguably is the most physically imposing center forward in the league.
25 – Dusan Vlahovic (25 goals in 2021) is one of only two players to have scored at least 25 Serie A goals in a single calendar year with Fiorentina, alongside Kurt Roland Hamrin (27 in 1960 and 25 in 1959). Astonishing.#FiorentinaSpezia #SerieA pic.twitter.com/Bk19f09KDe
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) October 31, 2021
Milan Embrace the Suffering
During the past decade, we witnessed the slow but steady collapse of Milan who were almost reduced to a midtable club at a certain point.
Luckily for the Rossoneri, competent men like Paolo Maldini and Stefano Pioli have played a key role in the club’s resurgence in Serie A, and the latest display against Roma at the Olimpico showcased yet another sign of improvement.
Winning league titles isn’t always built on dominating performances and comfortable victories, but it can only be achieved throughout passionate and hard-working displays, similar to the one witnessed in the capital after being reduced to 10-man.
The struggling Milan from the past decade would have never survived the Giallorossi’s late onslaught the way Pioli’s men embraced the suffering and put their heart into it, managing to cling into three vital points.