SERIE A - so where are we?
Well after six rounds some things are becoming clearer. Inter have stood firm in the face of their critics who said that their previous titles were handed to a mediocre squad; Juve despite their protestations have a good squad and are playing well; Roma have failed in the crucial head to head encounters; Milan look short of confidence and genuine verve; Napoli have started better than anyone could have hoped, but Livorno's gamble in offloading Lucarelli may backfire as they are struggling to score and leaking goals.
Week 5 saw Roma held away at Fiorentina, for whom Adrian Mutu has started very well. Margins are tight at this level, and Frey in the Fiorentina goal was inspired…..Inter slaughtered Sampdoria 3-0 at the San Siro, an impressive performance highlighted by Zlatan's double. The only doubt the team will gave came from their shockingly poor display away in Istanbul where Fenerbahce dominated from start to finish. Can Mancini compete in CL as well as Serie A, and win over his doubters? Rumours persist that Jose Mourinho waits in the wings. Juve beat Reginna 4-0 but insist that their title credentials are poor. Not on this form. Milan lost 2-1 away to Palermo, with two late goals turning the game on its head: they look reliant on Kaka, and otherwise short on ideas, and pace. The might, awesome and superb Napoli (!) defeated hapless Livorno 1-0 to maintain their great start to the season. Livorno look toothless, yet porous at the back: a fatal combination.
Week 6 saw Roma's challenge falter: their third game against potential challengers saw them crushed 1-4 at home to Inter, meaning 2 points from 3 such games in a week….not good enough. Inter's form keeps them on course for a third 'shield' in a row, a fact repeated by Juve's Buffon who stated that despite their late, late win in the Turin derby Juve had not got the squad, experience or talent to win the league. We shall see. Milan toiled at home, and were held 1-1 by Empoli. Again the only bright moments came from Kaka…one man team is a bit much, but getting close. Let's hope they can find some form for Wednesday night….Napoli's fine formed stalled against fellow promoted team Genoa, a 2-1 defeat at the San Paulo. They remain in the pack though. Fiorentina emerged as genuine threats with a fine 3-0 away win at Livorno. They have crept up the table, but their long suffering fans will wait to be convinced after debt, relegation, scandal and losing their very name and badge.
Week 7 should tell us more with Fiorntina playing hated rivals Juventus, with Inter facing Napoli and Milan travelling to hyped but disappointing Lazio.