Serie A returned to our screens following the international break. The weekend’s action saw Roma, Juventus and AC Milan all maintain their 100 percent start to the season.
There was goals galore as Inter thrashed Sassuolo 7-0 and AC Milan overcame Parma 5-4.
Lazio got their first win by putting three goals past Cesena whilst Chievo shocked Napoli at the San Paolo. Verona overcame Palermo 2-1 in the Monday night match.
For the Team of The Week we go with a 4-3-2-1 formation with Mauro Icardi spearheading the attack.
His team mate Mateo Kovacic gets a place in the midfield after an excellent performance whilst young prospect Daniele Rugani earns a spot in the back four.
Feel free to leave a comment if you disagree with any of the players chosen.
Mattia Perin – Genoa
Practically won his side a point against Fiorentina, denying his opponents on numerous occasions. The young keeper still makes the odd mistake but he is undoubtedly one of the best shot stoppers in the league. Made great saves to deny Alberto Aquilani and Federico Bernardeschi in particular.
Lorenzo De Silvestri – Sampdoria
Solid and dependable in the right full back position. Did not have too much defending to do against a subdued Torino team but completed his duties ably. Made a number of his trademark attacking runs down the flank.
Stefan de Vrij – Lazio
The Dutch international, signed over the summer, recovered from a disastrous debut against AC Milan in round one to put in a more composed display against Cesena. Kept forward Guido Marilungo quiet for large periods and distributed the ball well.
Daniele Rugani – Empoli
Never looked fazed or nervous against the Roma attack despite his lack of Serie Aexperience. Ensured Mattia Destro had a largely anonymous match and was unlucky to be on the losing side. The 20 year old is on loan from Juventus.
Patrice Evra – Juventus
The former Manchester United man had a comfortable debut as Juventus strolled to a 2-0 victory against Udinese. Will certainly face tougher tests but already looks like he will be a useful addition to the squad. Was rarely troubled at the back and made a few attacking runs down the left flank.
Paul Pogba – Juventus
Coach Massimiliano Allegri earlier claimed Paul Pogba had the potential to be one of the best three midfielders in the world. Based on recent displays you could make a claim for him already being in that class. In the absence of regular midfield colleagues Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal the Frenchman stepped up and dominated the game from start to finish against the Zebrette. Was a class apart with his strength and technique
Radja Nainggolan – Roma (2 Team of The Week appearances)
Continued his strong start to the season with an industrious display against Empoli. The Belgian was crucial in driving his team to the three points. Took the shot which goalkeeper Luigi Sepe fumbled for the only goal of the game, made several important tackles as well as making forward runs to support the attack. A crucial addition to the side since the injury to Kevin Strootman.
Mateo Kovacic – Inter
The little Croatian put in a sumptuous display of passing and dribbling as the Nerazzurri thrashed a sorry Sassuolo side 7-0. Scored his first goal of the season and laid on numerous through balls for Mauro Icardi in attack. Rumour has it the club rejected several offers for the player over the summer, a decision no doubt greatly appreciated by coach Walter Mazzarri.
Jeremy Menez – AC Milan
The Frenchman tormented the Parma defence in Sunday evenings nine goal thriller. Won and converted a penalty in the first half and took advantage of a error in the Gialloblu back line to net with a delightful back heel later in the match. Veteran centre back Alessandro Lucarelli in particular will be happy to see the back of him.
Manolo Gabbiadini – Sampdoria
The forward used his trusty left foot to good effect, opening the scoring for Sampdoria, netting with a precise free kick in the first half and then nearly adding another with a free kick that thumped the woodwork. Is one of the cleanest strikers of the ball in Serie A.
Mauro Icardi – Inter
The Argentine showcased his movement and technique as he netted a hat trick against Sassuolo. He certainly benefited from some terrible defending from the opponents but none the less was lively throughout. Hopefully the former Barcelona man will continue to make the headlines for his exploits on the pitch rather than of it as was the case last season.
