As we’ve noticed already in this fresh blossom of a Serie A campaign, one week can make quite a difference, for better or for worse.
Let’s take a moment to put ourselves in Stefano Pioli’s shoes after the international break. After bandaging up a team without the likes of Federico Marchetti, Miroslav Klose, Lucas Biglia, and Filip Djorjdevic as a season begins, you then find out that your star centre back in Stefan de Vrij has joined the queue at team doctor Stefano Salvatori’s examination table.
What’s worse for de Vrij is that he could only contribute 45 minutes of play for the Oranje before they succumbed to a shocking 3-0 defeat to Turkey and fell to fourth place in Group A behind Iceland, Czech Republic, and the Turks in Euro 2016 qualifying standings.
Pioli was already patching up holes in his team throughout the forwards and midfielders, but his stress levels must be beyond breaking point, given problems now n his defensive core.
Thankfully, the 23-year-old de Vrij received positive scans of his knee problem and has not torn his meniscus as once thought. The player should re-enter the fray for Le Aquile in a matter of weeks.
A winning return to Serie A action for Lazio looked slightly daunting over the opening round Juventus slayers Udinese, who also needed a morale boost following a 1-0 loss to Palermo.
Stefano Colantuono expected a vengeful side to challenge his team, and Stefano Pioli got the exact show of strength from the Biancocelesti that he was looking for.
Wesley Hoedt provided an honourable debut performance as a replacement for his compatriot de Vrij in central defence, and behind him was a stellar man of the match return for Federico Marchetti who notched five saves in front of the Olimpico fans.
Dusan Basta produced a complete showing of defensive competency and offensive drive that earned him a spot along with the man of the hour Alessandro Matri on round 3’s team of the week.
Matri will surely be buzzing after his substitution magic tricks were at it again in the victory over the Zebrette, but he was aided well. Felipe Anderson made his second half entry known straight away with his close control and ability to unwind the defence in the blink of an eye.
Matri duly converted an excellent assist from the Brazilian to begin his mending process for the side he scored against in the Coppa Italia final to help Juventus win. The former Milan striker got the insurance for his side after punishing the sloppy defensive control of Panagiotis Kone, but should be given full credit for finding the space and control to score in such unsuspecting fashion.
The victory for the Biancocelesti means things are looking up once again, giving a sense like the very start of the season with a hard fought 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen and 2-1 defeat of Bologna.
However, that was then and this is now. Europa League runners up Dnipro await on Thursday, lets see if Le Aquile can keep flying.
