Elsewhere on the pitch, Massimiliano Allegri’s side displayed all the same problems that has plagued them so far this campaign. A frail defense once again out of sorts and embarrassingly slow, Philippe Mexes and Francesco Acerbi only competing with each other over who could be the worst defender rather than trying to stop Napoli’s fluid attack. The Partonopei can consider themselves unlucky to be held to a point in a game where they looked the better side overall, but once again failed to take advantage and put the game beyond an opponent when it looked easier to do so. Before El Shaarawy’s first goal Napoli had several chances to make it 3-0 and really put it out of sight, but failed to take advantage of their opportunities. Milan escape with their tail between their legs, whilst the Vesuviani rue what should have been.
Inter failed to take advantage of the league leaders slip, drawing 2-2 with Cagliari in an exciting encounter and once again sabotaging their chance at a Scudetto challenge. After seeing their Serie A unbeaten streak end at six after being beaten by Atalanta they failed to get a gain on Juventus again, the Sardinian side pulling themselves into the lead after going behind at the San Siro, before a Davide Astori own goal saved the Nerazzurri’s blushes. With Inter failing once again to build a consistent threat, they sit 4 points behind Antonio Conte’s side, which appropriately is the amount of points they’ve dropped in the last two matches. As a
Sampdoria bought under-fire manager Ciro Ferrara back from the brink of losing his job with an potentially vital 3-1 derby win against Genoa at the Marassi, goals from the talented Andrea Poli and Emmanuele Icardi and a Cesare Bovo own goal capping off a famous victory for the newly promoted side. As for Genoa, it would appear that Luigi Del Neri has put another nail in his coffin. Sticking with the 4-4-2 that was responsible for his success at Chievo and Sampdoria is admirable, but frustratingly stubborn. A two man attacking partnership works well when the strikers in question compliment each other, ideally with contrasting but workable traits. Marco Boriello and Ciro Immobile are too similar to construct a fluid partnership. They make the same runs, look for the same spaces. The two man strikeforce works well when there is a creative second striker present similar to how Antonio Cassano played at Sampdoria under Del Neri, and ironically a man who would have been perfect for that role, Rodrigo Palacio – left the club in summer to join Inter. Del Neri is a respected coach, but unless results improve the former Juventus manager will seeing in the New Year looking for a new job.
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