Serie A finally makes it’s long awaited return after three months of hibernation. The World Cup is a distant memory and the coaches, players and fans are fully geared up for the domestic season.
With the first week’s action completed we bring you the first Team of The Week of the season. The weekend action saw the champions Juventus edge out Chievo with teenager Kingsley Coman impressing on his debut.
Ashley Cole’s Roma career got of to a winning start as they overcame Fiorentina and Napoli needed a stoppage time winner to beat Genoa.
Filippo Inzaghi secured three points as he made his debut on the AC Milan bench.
The formation chosen this week is a 4-3-3- with an all Italian front three and a couple of young starlets in the midfield. Two new stranieri Alex and Kostas Manolas make up the centre back pairing.
What is your opinion of the team? Feel free to leave a comment if you disagree with any of the choices made.
Morgan De Sanctis – Roma
Was virtually a spectator in the first half as the Giallorossi dominated against Fiorentina. However that allthe changed in the second half as the Viola cranked up the pressure. The veteran showed that his reflexes have showed no signs of slowing down as he performed two stunnings saves to deny first Josip Ilicic and then Khouma Babacar.
Davide Zappacosta – Atalanta
The 22 year old, recalled from a loan spell at Avellino showed he should have the skill set to succeed in Serie A. Did nothing flashy in the match against Verona but protected his defence well and made a few forward runs from right back when the opportunity arose to do so.
Alex – AC Milan
The experiences centre back could prove to be a shrewd bit of business by the Rossoneri. Dominant in the air and good at distributing the ball out from the rear, the Brazilian will defintely improve the side’s defence. Was unlucky to score an own goal against Lazio.
Kostas Manolas – Roma
The Greek defender has been charged with the unenviable task of replacing Mehdi Benatia at the heart of the Roma defence. On first showing he looks like he could be an adequate replacement. Went off injured after an hour against Fiorentina but before then put in a composed display and nullified the threat of the Viola forwards.
Picked up where he left of last season. The Ghanaian attacked at will from his left wing back position as The Old Lady dominated against Chievo, providing a number of crosses for Carlos Tevez and the onrushing midfielders. Defended ably on the rare occasions he was asked to.
Kingsley Coman – Juventus
The teenage Frenchman, snapped up from PSG in the summer was handed his debut against Chievo and did not dissapoint. Impressed with his technique and passing ability. Twice went to close to scoring, first with a curling effort from distance and then with a close range header. It will be interesting to see his progress over the course of the season.
Radja Nainggolan – Roma
Roma’s best player in their season opener against Fiorentina. The driving force in the midfield, he started and finished the move for the opening goal and supplied the pass for Gervinho to score from. Was surprisingly left out of the Belgian World Cup squad in Brazil.
Stefano Sturaro – Genoa
Was on the losing side as his Genoa team conceded a late goal to Napoli but impressed throughout. Dominated the midfield for long periods combining some silky skills with an impressive work rate. On loan from Juventus.
Stephan El Shaarawy – AC Milan
Created his team’s first goal with a rampaging run down the left wing, allowing Keisuke Honda to net from close range. Always posed a threat to the Lazio defenders and became even more dangerous as the game became stretched. Will be looking to make up for lost time following an injury hit campaign in the previous season.
Simone Zaza – Sassuolo
Goal of the week must certainly go to Simone Zaza. The young forward celebrated his call up to the national team by scoring a stunning volley, smashing the ball in from the tightest of angles. His very own ‘Marco van Basten’ moment. The goal aside he led the line well, always looking to run the channels and be an outlet for his midfielders.
Antonio Di Natale – Udinese
Time marches on, players come and go but some things never change. Such as Antonio Di Natale scoring goals. The veteran hit man still plays like someone in his mid twenties. Scored a classy brace against his former club Empoli in the season opener.
