Serie A: Napoli cling onto top spot while AC Milan and Inter Milan give chase
Serie A is never short on drama. However, one thing that remains constant is the consistency of reigning champions Inter Milan, who are still undefeated. More intriguingly, Juventus are starting to settle after claiming back-to-back wins. This preview will look ahead to two crunch weekend games — Fiorentina v Napoli and Atalanta v AC Milan.
Fiorentina looking to cure home woes
Although it is still early in the Serie A campaign, Fiorentina won’t have too many complaints. Currently, they are fifth in Italy’s top flight, having picked up 12 points from six games. However, they will look to cure their home woes against the top sides. They were ripped apart by reigning champions Inter Milan earlier this month as they crashed to a 3-1 defeat.
La Viola may have bounced back last weekend away to Udinese, but with a home match to contend with against Napoli on Sunday, they could be in for a tough ride. Napoli have picked up maximum points from their first six games, and they have been in free-scoring mode too. So far, they have netted 16 goals, conceding a paltry two.
Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano still demanding improvement from his troops
Fiorentina may have bounced back after defeat to Inter Milan, but La Viola coach, Vincenzo Italiano, still thinks his side needs to improve in certain areas. Speaking after the win, he suggested his side needs to learn how to contain a high press and take their chances when they come their way.
Napoli looking ominous after cruising past Cagliari
As things stand, Napoli are looking like the team to beat. After chalking up back-to-back 4-0 wins over Udinese and Sampdoria, the Serie A table-toppers claimed a 2-0 victory at home to Cagliari last weekend. Victor Osimhen did the damage, as he scored the opener after 11 minutes before Lorenzo Insigne wrapped up the points just before the hour mark from the penalty spot.
Victor Osimhen has come alive for Napoli.
Osimhen has exploded into life for Napoli over the last few weeks. While Insigne will naturally receive more of the plaudits, Osimhen has been exceptional. Against Cagliari, he scored for the third game on the bounce. He will be a handful against Fiorentina, and if La Viola aren’t careful, he will punish them.
AC Milan keeping on Napoli’s coattails
AC Milan looks like the real deal already this season. Having been in the doldrums for such a long time, the Rossoneri are ready to put in a serious title challenge. Although they tasted defeat in their opening Champions League group game away to Liverpool earlier this month, they have picked up seven points from their past three Serie A games.
Last weekend, they clinched a 2-1 win away to Spezia, with Daniel Maldini and Brahim Diaz grabbing both goals. It was a momentous day for Maldini — son of Rossoneri legend Paolo — as he became the third generation of his family to score for the Serie A outfit. Milan is still yet to taste defeat this season.
Meanwhile, Atalanta — who are seventh in the table — have picked up two wins and two draws from their last four games. Last weekend, they were held to a 2-2 draw away to Inter Milan after Edin Dzeko denied them all three points with an equaliser 19 minutes from time.
Atalanta v AC Milan: A look back on past encounters
Atalanta is no pushover, but Milan has the better head-to-head record. And Milan will be relishing a trip to Atalanta after winning 2-0 on their last visit at the end of last season. A Franck Kessie double put Atalanta to the sword, and Atalanta played out the last few minutes of the game with ten men after Martin de Roon was sent off.
Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud thinks Milan should be setting their sights on winning the title this season. After joining from Chelsea over the summer, the Frenchman has also set lofty targets for himself this season. He said: “I can score at least 15 goals. If I play every game, that’s what I expect.”
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