The third round of fixtures in quick succession ended on Monday evening as game-week six of Serie A reached its conclusion.
Much to the enjoyment of the neutrals, Juventus continued their stuttering start to their Scudetto defence as they fell to defeat against Napoli, with last season’s runners-up, Roma, easing by Carpi with a 5-1 victory.
The top two faced off at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza with Fiorentina thumping Inter 4-1. The Nerazzurri’s city rivals AC Milan were shocked by Genoa, with the Rossoblu claiming a 1-0 win. Elsewhere on Sunday, Lazio beat Hellas Verona, high-flying Torino beat Palermo, Udinese won at Bologna, while Sassuolo remained the only unbeaten team in Serie A as they shared the points with Chievo.
The game-week concluded on Monday with Frosinone defeating Empoli before Atalanta overcame Sampdoria in Bergamo.
Our Team of the Week sees a 3-4-3-diamond formation deployed.
Do you agree with our selection? Have your say in the comments below!
Marco Sportiello – Atalanta (Two Team of the Week appearances)
The young Italian shot-stopper was in fine form as La Dea saw off a Sampdoria side high in confidence after a midweek defeat of Roma. In what was a close encounter between the sides, Sportiello answered whenever he was called upon and made a stunning save to deny Roberto Soriano in the second half.
Davide Astori – Fiorentina
The former Roma defender described the Viola’s 4-1 win over Inter as being magical, and his performance certainly wasn’t the worst. He comfortably dealt with the threat of Rodrigo Palacio and Mauro Icardi, as well as looking composed in possession.
Kostas Manolas – Roma
The Greek defender got his first Serie A goal for the Giallorossi as they ran rampant against newcomers Carpi. Wasn’t worked too hard defensively but limited the opposition
Gonzalo Rodriguez – Fiorentina
Astori’s defensive partner also put in a stellar display against the team who entered the weekend as leaders. He had little work to do defensively, and, as a result, was able to join in as the Viola attacked and his distribution was brilliant.
Marten De Roon – Atalanta
The 24-year-old has fast become a fan-favourite in Bergamo, following his summer arrival from Eredivisie side Heerenveen. De Roon has made the defensive midfield position his own and will make it difficult for Luca Cigarini and Carlos Carmona to work their way back into Edy Reja’s first team. The Dutchman put in another impressive performance in La Dea’s 2-1 defeat of Sampdoria.
Lucas Biglia – Lazio (Two apps)
As though he was never away, the Argentina international returned in emphatic fashion for the struggling Biancocelesti. Scored with a powerful penalty to get things up and running, before dominating the middle of the park and proved his importance to the side.
Miralem Pjanic – Roma (Two apps)
The Bosnian completely dictated proceedings as Roma ran out comfortable winners over Carpi. He displayed his fantastic technical ability as he got himself on the scoresheet with yet another free-kick.
Josip Ilicic – Fiorentina
The Slovenian was phenomenal against Inter on Sunday and began his night’s work by opening the scoring from the penalty spot. The attacking midfielder went on to assist two goals for his new teammate Kalinic.
Nikola Kalinic – Fiorentina
Bagged a historic hat-trick for the Viola in their remarkable victory over Inter. A rare performance that was so good that no superlative seems appropriate. After the frustration that Mario Gomez brought last season, Fiorentina might finally have a striker who can lead them to the top.
Gonzalo Higuain – Napoli (Two apps)
El Pipita will no doubt take great satisfaction from his performance as the Partenopei beat Scudetto holders Juventus. In what was labelled a big face-off between Higuain and Paulo Dybala of Juventus, who recently took the Napoli man’s place in the national team, it’s fair to say that the former Real Madrid striker proved that there is still a lot he can bring to any side with his goal and assist on the night.
Federico Dionisi – Frosinone
The 28-year-old former Livorno striker will have been pinching himself on Monday as his brace sealed the Canarini’s first ever Serie A win. The minnows now sit just a point behind Juventus after six games in the Italian top flight and deserve credit for their performances so far this season, despite still sitting in just above the relegation zone.
