It feels like we’re repeating ourselves with every new edition, but then again, this calcio weekend truly delivered some exciting battles. Napoli topped Juventus in the big showdown at the Maradona Stadium, Fiorentina overcame Atalanta in a thrilling encounter, Genoa completed a brilliant comeback against Cagliari in Sardinia and Roma sealed a late win at the expense of Sassuolo in what was arguably the most intense battle of the weekend. So let’s check out the Top 5 Stories from Serie A Round 3.
Sound the Alarm?
Three matches, two defeats and one point gained. This is a summary of Juve’s early season troubles, as the Old Lady lost her second match in a row.
Massimiliano Allegri was forced the field a makeshift formation in the absence of his South American players as well as Federico Chiesa, and despite an early strike from Alvaro Morata, Wojciech Szczesny and Moise Kean gifted the three points to Napoli with two howlers.
Due to the depleted squad, the defeat was somewhat expected, but the Bianconeri seriously need to put their season on track as their horrendous start is threatening to wreck their campaign before it even starts.
Napoli – Juventus Player Ratings: Koulibaly Strikes Late Again https://t.co/RgHGROASoW pic.twitter.com/VA7OCVgXT9
— The Cult of Calcio (@cultofcalcio) September 12, 2021
New Manager, New Viola
Despite his impressive work at Spezia, Vincenzo Italiano rarely received the praise that he deserved. However, the young manager is now in charge of Fiorentina, and his good work shouldn’t go unnoticed this time.
It was a spot-kick fest in Bergamo, with the Viola earning two and Atalanta one, but the Tuscans’ positive approach to the match was clear to see.
Even though the Orobici tend to start their campaigns slowly, Fiorentina’s win was a fully-deserved one, as we’re finally beginning to see an entertaining version of the side, following the bland and forgettable editions witnessed in the past few years.
BIG TIME result for Fiorentina against Atalanta thanks to Vlahovic’s brace ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/aF8Uq6KAKL
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) September 11, 2021
Inzaghi’s First Blunder
The Luigi Ferraris Stadium witnessed yet another exciting clash in Serie A round 3, as Sampdoria and Inter shared the spoils. The Nerazzurri took the lead twice, but their hosts managed to equalize on both occasions.
Moreover, the Italian champions found themselves defending the result at the end of the match, following a tactical misstep from their new manager.
For one reason or another, Simone Inzaghi decided to use all of his five available substitutions before the 70th minute, forcing Stefano Sensi to play while carrying an injury for around 10 minutes, before eventually giving up and leaving his side with a man down.
An away draw at the Marassi is not a catastrophic result by any means, but Inzaghi should count himself lucky that his players bailed him out by preventing a defeat, despite being put in a disadvantageous position due to inexplicable call.
#Sampdoria ? #Inter Player Ratings: Three Defenders On Target. ⚽?#SerieA #SampdoriaInter #football #italy https://t.co/aA8HW71qi2
— Michel Sakr (@Michel_Calcio) September 12, 2021
New Club, Same Old Sarri
Maurizio Sarri’s tactical approach can be listed amongst the unchangeable aspects of life. The former Napoli, Juventus and Chelsea manager has always been known for his tactical rigidity, and he proved it once again in the defeat against Milan.
A loss at the San Siro can be an acceptable result for Lazio, but the manager’s reaction to the action on the pitch could have been much better. With five substitutions at his disposal, Sarri used it all, but without ever changing the 4-3-3 formation which was obviously suffering against Stefano Pioli’s men.
The Biancocelesti enjoyed themselves in their first two outings under the tutelage of the Italian tactician, but his rigid mindset could prove to be his downfall yet again.
Milan – Lazio Player Ratings: Zlatan Scores in Season Debut https://t.co/kuz5ZTWGnG pic.twitter.com/EkEoUEmGU8
— The Cult of Calcio (@cultofcalcio) September 13, 2021
The Olimpico’s Spirit Evoked
The San Siro might be the biggest stadium in Italy and the Allianz is surely the most modern, but the Stadio Olimpico will forever hold his own charm. Unfortunately for Calcio fans, we haven’t been able to enjoy its unique atmosphere for a while.
But with the supporters back to the curve, and José Mourinho reigniting the enthusiasm of the Roma players and fans alike, the special nights at the Olimpico are officially back, as witnessed by the Giallorossi’s dramatic late win against Sassuolo in Serie A round 3.
From the end-to-end action, to the crazy crowds in attendance, and of course Mourinho pulling off an Usain Bolt sprint to celebrate Stephan El Shaarawy’s late winner, the Olimpico’s spirit is back to life.
VICTORY!
It was dramatic, it was tense – but in the end Jose Mourinho's 1000th game in management ends with a win!
Cristante and, in the closing stages, El Shaarawy with the goals tonight!
GRAZIE ROMA! ?❤️#ASRoma #RomaSassuolo pic.twitter.com/L6E0wUKZi1
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) September 12, 2021