After letting in goals galore over the last couple of match-days, Serie A defenses finally roused from their slumber. There were three nil-nil draws followed by a further three tied affairs. Only four matches saw a result where points were not shared.
With the final international break coming in and clubs taking a step back to regroup, it was solidarity at the back that was a high priority. In terms of goals scored, Round 7 had the fewest in the 2020-21 Serie A season.
Despite this, there were some impressive goals scored, and we had our work cut out despite the lack of options. Our top-five goals list from Round 7 are as follows.
Nahitan Nandez vs Sampdoria
The goals for Cagliari came after the break, but it was Nahitan Nandez who set the foundations in the first half. The Uruguayan earned an early bath for Tommaso Augello late in the first half after being brought down on a counter-attack. Nandez’s relentless pressure paid off in the 69th minute after he was released on goal by Giovanni Simeone. He went on a mesmerizing run, taking on defenders before being only left with the goalkeeper to beat. Nandez squeezed the ball past him as he placed it into the bottom right corner.
Tommaso Pobega vs Benevento
In this potential six-pointer, Benevento’s profligacy in front of the goal continued as Spezia bagged the three points on offer. With plenty to lose, both sides went at it, and there should have been more goals on any other day. The post was hit, shots going marginally wide, and goalkeeping heroics. M’Bala Nzola should have finished with a hat-trick, but it would still have paled in comparison to Tommaso Pobega’s opener. The young on loan Rossoneri volleyed home Salvador Ferrer’s cross to start the proceedings, his second in successive games.
Felipe Caicedo vs Juventus
For the second week in a row, Lazio were behind their rivals going into injury time. And for the second time, Felipe Caicedo was their savior. They would not be saved their blushes this time and would only share the points with Juventus on this occasion. Joaquin Correa was the architect, moving in from the left flank and leaving the Old Lady defender in his wake before passing to Caicedo. The Ecuadorian was in dangerous territory and made the opportunity count. Lazio stealing a point from under Juve’s noses.
Marko Pjaca vs Roma
Genoa were a goal down to Roma, and their rivals were pushing to make matters worse. It should have been, but Mattia Perin denied the Romans. When the opportunity presented itself, the Griffins pounced on it. Gianluca Scamacca sliced Roma’s defense into two, sending Marko Pjaca through on goal. The Croatian got on the end of the pass, running away from the defenders and sending a low shot into the bottom right corner to equalize.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan vs Genoa
Roma continued their ascendancy in Serie A, securing an impressive away win. Edin Dzeko tested positive for Covid-19, and in his place, Henrikh Mkhitaryan stood up. The Armenian finished with a hat-trick against his name, but it was this third and final strike of the night that was the highlight. Pedro Rodriguez sent an enticing cross into the box for the unmarked Mkhitaryan. With all the time in the world at his disposal, the number 77 hit a beautiful volley that gave Mattia Perin no chance.