The third round of Serie A fixtures was just as exciting as the two that went before it. Action on the Italian peninsula made an emphatic return after the international break and provided us with plenty of goals and talking points.
Inter won in the first Derby della Madonnina of the season as they beat AC Milan 1-0, Juventus stuttered again as they drew at home to Chievo, while Roma beat Frosinone.
In other results around Serie A, Fiorentina beat Genoa 1-0; Lazio defeated Udinese; and Sampdoria beat Bologna on Monday night, following the postponement of that game on Sunday afternoon.
Remarkably, the first four games on Sunday – Sassuolo v Atalanta, Empoli v Napoli, Hellas Verona v Torino, and Palermo v Carpi – all finished with a 2-2 scoreline.
Our Team of the Week will see a 3-4-3 formation deployed.
Do you agree with our selection? Have your say in the comments or get in touch on Twitter!
Samir Handanovic – Inter
The Inter shot-stopper was in fine form to thwart Luiz Adriano initially, then Mario Balotelli later who was determined to spoil the show for his former club on his AC Milan return. Much like he has before, Handanovic frustrated the Italian forward with a number of brilliant saves.
Massimo Gobbi – Chievo
One of many Chievo players to have impressed at the Juventus Stadium. It would not have been inappropriate to select more of their defenders in this team. Looked almost impermeable at the back for the Flying Donkeys, and also looked more than capable with handling the added threat of Martin Caceres as he joined in with the Bianconeri attacks.
Gary Medel – Inter
The tenacious Chilean was a huge talking point before kick-off, and it seemed destined to remain that way one way or another after the game. Roberto Mancini will be thankful that his gamble paid off, as Medel was imperious in defence. His terrier-like approach became more important as the game wore on and his teammates tired.
Dusan Basta – Lazio
The Serbian full-back was impressive in a relatively straight-forward victory for the Biancocelesti over Udinese. Basta joined in attacks whenever he could and never looked in danger of finding himself exposed defensively.
Marek Hamsik – Napoli
In a game which saw most of the Partenopei’s players drift in and out of the action, Hamsik was a rarity in that he was consistent throughout. A powerhouse in midfield from early on, he came close to stealing the points but for Lukasz Skorupski in the Azzurri’s goal.
Perparim Hetemaj – Chievo
Gave his side the lead with a brilliant long-range effort into the bottom corner of Gianluigi Buffon’s goal. His performance was tireless, as was that of every player in a yellow shirt on the night as Chievo now find themselves two points behind early season leaders Inter.
Riccardo Saponara – Empoli (Two Team of the Week appearances)
The former AC Milan midfielder becomes the first player this season to make it into two of my weekly teams. Scoring in a 2-2 draw against Napoli, who are under the control of his former coach, he has picked up exactly where he left off at the end of last season and after Maurizio Sarri’s failed attempts to bring the 23-year-old to the Stadio San Paolo with him in the summer, it is surely only a matter of time before he moves on from Empoli.
Lucas Castro – Chievo
His work rate was phenomenal and much needed as Chievo fought for a point away to the Scudetto holders, and will feel aggrieved not to have left Turin with more. He put in a monumental shift defensively, but also looked to join in as his side counterattacked.
Antonio Floro Flores – Sassuolo
Started as he intended to continue as he was a thorn in the side of the Orobici’s defence from early on, winning his side a penalty within ten minutes. Continued to be lively throughout and eventually added a sublime goal of his own, beating the brilliant Marco Sportiello in goal.
Mauricio Pinilla – Atalanta
Mr. Bicycle Kick was at it again against Sassuolo as he netted his fourth (yes, FOURTH) bicycle-kick goal of 2015, before adding a more conventional finish later on in the game to bag his brace. The Copa America winner scored 50 per cent of his Serie A tally last season from overhead kicks, I can’t help but wonder how many he will add this year.
Alessandro Matri – Lazio
The former Milan striker hit the ground running at his new club, having only started the game as a substitute. Coming on with just over 30 minutes to play, the Italian scored twice to seal the points for his new club on an impressive debut.
