We’re nine rounds into the campaign, and the Serie A standings remain tight as ever. With their victory in Cremona, Napoli took advantage of Atalanta’s draw in Udine to become the sole leaders, but their chasers are still in a striking distance. So let’s recap the most important action of the weekend while identifying the best and worst performances in our Tops and Flops of Serie A Round 9.
Top (Player): Luis Muriel
Every time you think he’s on the decline, he comes back with a bang!
Even though Atalanta squandered a healthy two-goal lead and left the Dacia Arena with a solitary point, Luis Muriel was in spectacular form.
The Colombian noticed Ademola Lookman’s run and picked him up with top-notch square ball to break the deadlock. He then put his experience and shrewdness to good use, prompting the young Destiny Udogie to give away a penalty before converting it himself.
Top (Player): Edin Dzeko
After scoring his 100th and 101st Serie A goals, Edin Dzeko also deserves some recognition for his exploits in Round 9.
While Muriel’s heroics weren’t enough for Atalanta, the Bosnian’s brace decided a tight affair at the Mapei Stadium in Inter’s favor.
The 36-year-old also made history by becoming the oldest player to score a Serie A brace for the Nerazzurri.
36 & 205 – Edin Dzeko (36 years and 205 days) is now the oldest player to have scored 2+ goals with Inter in a Serie A match, overtaking Sinisa Mihajlovic in 2005 against AS Roma. Habitual.#SassuoloInter pic.twitter.com/bABQSB5LSZ
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) October 8, 2022
Flop (Player): Leonardo Bonucci
On the contrary, father time is being a little less kind on Leonardo Bonucci. During the big clash at the San Siro, many things went wrong for Juventus, and the captain’s shortcomings was surely one.
The veteran defender allowed Brahim Diaz to skip past him unopposed on his way towards scoring Milan’s second which proved to be the deadly blow for Max Allegri’s men.
A baffling decision from the legendary center-back.
Top (Manager): Raffaele Palladino
Prior to Raffaele Palladino’s appointment, Monza hadn’t won a single match in Serie A. Three rounds later, the Biancorossi have won thrice while producing an enjoyable brand of football.
The former Juventus and Genoa forward has now become the first manager in Serie A history to win his first three league matches in charge.
What a start!
Flop (Manager): Massimiliano Allegri
This is becoming a recurring theme this season, but it’s hard to pick up a Serie A manager who endured a worse Round 9 than Massimiliano Allegri – Even Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina displayed some guts during their beatdown at the hands of Lazio.
The five-time Scudetto winner has been unable to charge up his troops as the Bianconeri once again faded following a promising start to the match.
Moreover, his changes hardly helped the cause. For instance, Weston McKennie’s introduction on the right wing instead of Juan Cuadrado only made matters worse for the Old Lady, with the American struggling against Rafael Leao’s run and failing to get past Theo Hernandez.
Top (Team): Milan
Perhaps Juve’s woeful display proved to be a major assist for Milan, but Stefano Pioli’s men did their part. The defensive partnership of Matteo Gabbia and Fikayo Tomori completely shut down Dusan Vlahovic, and the Englishman even scored the opener.
Ismael Bennacer operated well in the middle of the park, while Rafael Leao and Diaz wreaked havoc on the wings.
Flop (Team): Juventus
After getting the recognition in the player and manager categories, Juventus as a team deserves this one by default.
This side’s lack of character is simply puzzling.
Top (Super-Subs): Napoli Trio
In Round 9, Napoli found more trouble than they initially expected when taking on Serie A newcomers Cremonese, as the hosts managed to equalize the scoring in the second half.
However, Luciano Spalletti resorted to his bench, and his substitutes delivered the goods, with Giovanni Simeone, Hirving Lozano and Mathias Olivera all putting their names on the scoresheet to end the match 4-1, which is arguably a harsh result on the courageous Tigers.
Flop: Paulo Dybala’s Condition
Paulo Dybala is undeniably one of the most formidable talents of his generation. Yet, the striker’s career continues to be plagued by recurring injury setbacks.
On Sunday, the Argentine scored the winner for the Giallorossi from the spot, but it came at a hefty price, as he sustained another injury while taking the shot.
Will this curse ever break?
Top (Goalkeeper): Wladimiro Falcone
Speaking of Roma’s win over Lecce, things would have been much more straightforward for the capital side against their 10-man opponents, if it wasn’t for Wladimiro Falcone’s heroics.
The former Sampdoria custodian might just be the most underrated goalkeeper in Serie A.
Top (Goal): Mattia Destro
The old fox still has it!
Mattia Destro stole the limelight with a stunning bicycle kick which should comfortably earn the award for the best goal of the Italian weekend.
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