With six of the top eight clubs embroiled in direct contests, Calcio fans had already highlighted the third matchday on their calendar when the schedule was first announced. As for the outcome, one of the three big showdowns ended in a demolition job while another delivered an upset. As for the clash between Roma and Milan, the final result was somewhat expected, albeit with a twist. So let’s recap the most compelling action from the thrilling Italian weekend in our Tops and Flops from Serie A Round 3.
Top (Player): Marcus Thuram
In the first two rounds of the season, Marcus Thuram had decent outings but didn’t exactly capture the imagination of the Inter supporters. But in Round 3, the Frenchman exploded onto the scene, announcing himself as the rightful claimant for the position left vacant by Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku alongside club captain Lautaro Martinez.
The 25-year-old put Fiorentina to the sword by directly contributing to the first three goals of the 4-0 hammering. First, he opened his Serie A account with a magnificent header, before providing the assist for Martinez and then winning a spot-kick that was converted by Hakan Calhanoglu.
Gianluca Scamacca deserves a honorable mention for his fabulous brace against Monza, but Thuram is our best Serie A player for Round 3.
Flop (Player): André-Frank Zambo Anguissa
In the last couple of seasons, Zambo Anguissa has been blossoming into a complete midfielder. This statement remains valid until today, but the Napoli star had a bummer evening at the Maradona Stadium against Lazio.
The Cameroonian simply lost the plot. He couldn’t track Luis Alberto who scored a stunning backheel, while failing to complete simple passes.
Nevertheless, we expect the former Fulham man to bounce back after the international break as he remains a top-notch midfielder.
Top (Manager): Maurizio Sarri
Speaking of Lazio’s win in Naples, we must give some credit to Maurizio Sarri who, for the second time in the calendar year, managed to collect all three points at his old ground and return to the Eternal City a happy man (or at least as content as Maurizio Sarri can be).
It just feels that the Biancocelesti boss knows the secret code to deactivate Victor Osimhen, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and company. The Partenopei were lucky not to suffer a bigger defeat than 1-2, as their visitors were completely harrying them on the counter.
Last time around it was Luciano Spalletti on the opposite dugout. This time it was Rudi Garcia, but the outcome was strikingly similar.
Never count the old fox out, even when he shockingly loses the first two matches of the season.
Flop (Manager): José Mourinho
While one capital side managed to turn the tide in its favor, the other continues to slide towards the abyss. Roma produced another hallow display when hosting Milan at the Olimpico Stadium.
Even when Fikayo Tomori received his marching orders at the hour mark, the Giallorossi failed to pounce on their numerical advantage. They only managed to grab a late consolation goal thanks to Leonardo Spinazzola’s deflected effort.
But even with José Mourinho returning to the dugout, the team remains uninspired. The Portuguese was completely outplayed by Stefano Pioli who comfortably won the tactical battle.
The Special One’s substitutions were also questionable, as he took his time to add Romelu Lukaku and unleash an onslaught despite trailing by two goals and having an extra man on the pitch.
From Counterparts to Comrades: The Intertwining Careers of Lukaku & Dybala
Top (Team): Inter
We already illustrated Thuram’s exploits above, but the entire Inter squad deserves credit for making short work out of Fiorentina in Round 3 in what was arguably the most savage demolition job of the Serie A campaign thus far.
The Nerazzurri were compact at the back while Calhanoglu and Co. ran the show in the middle of the park. Moreover, Federico Dimarco and Juan Cuadrado delivered pinpoint assists from the flanks.
So well done, Mr. Inzaghi.
Flop (Team): Fiorentina
Now surely Thursday’s Conference League thriller took its toll on the Tuscans from physical and mental standpoints, but their display against Inter was just too feeble to be justified regardless of the circumstances.
Fiorentina conceded four goals at the Giuseppe Meazza, and were arguably lucky to avoid as many.
Top (Goalkeeper): Stefano Turati
Serie A fanatics may remember Stefano Turati as the teenager who once rose out of nowhere to pull off a stunning display between the sticks in a 2-2 draw between Sassuolo and Juventus.
At the age of 21, the Italian shot-stopper is now plying his trade at Frosinone and still has a knack for producing formidable outings.
The young man’s heroics were essential for the newly promoted side as they secured a valuable point away from home with a stalemate against Udinese.
Flop (Goalkeeper): Boris Radunovic
In the past, Cagliari often relied on the services of competent goalkeepers, the likes of Federico Marchetti and Alessio Cragno to name a few. However, Boris Radunovic has some work to do if he wishes to carve himself a memorable legacy in Sardinia.
The Isolani took the lead at the Renato Dall’Ara, but the 27-year-old was beaten at his near post, allowing Bologna to grab the equalizer.
Afterwards, he miserably failed in his attempt to grab what should be a relatively easy ball in a deadly blunder that gifted the home side the win.
Top (Goal): Rafael Leao
On another weekend, Luis Alberto’s astonishing backheel would have been the best goal of the Serie A matchday, but Round 3 happened to witness a jaw-dropping acrobatic effort from Rafael Leao who left no chance for Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
On his day, the Portuguese is simply unplayable.
Top (Moment): Nemanja Radonjic Winner
While it was always going to be hard to beat Leao’s screamer from Friday night, Nemanja Radonjic came extremely close, so he deserves some sort of mention.
The Serbian delivered a spectacular 94th-minute winner that secured all three points for Torino against Genoa. The winger dribbled his way past his maker from the left flank before unleashing an unstoppable rocket from an acute angle that almost tore the roof of the goal.
Top (Comeback): Domenico Berardi
So after another summer where Domenico Berardi failed to escape his Sassuolo jailor (also known as Giovanni Carnevali), this is the time of the season when club and player pretend as if nothing happened at all during those hot Mercato months and resume business as usual.
To his credit, the Euro 2020 took the pitch in Round 3 as if he hadn’t missed a beat, proving to be decisive once again. The 29-year-old scored a brace as he led the way for the Emilians in a 3-1 win over previous league leaders Verona.
So welcome back, Mimmo! We all knew you’d be wearing black and green after all.
Flop (Nickname): Thu-La
Following the dramatic collapse of the Lu-La bromance, the industry is currently trying to recreate a spinoff with a slight change in personnel (and syllables).
So if you thought Lu-La (Lukaku + Lautaro) was cringy enough, then say hello to Thu-La!
For the love of Calcio, please do not adopt or condone this hideous nickname.
Thank You!
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