All set for Matchday 2 of Serie A
Onto the second stage. The opening weekend of Serie A is now in the books, bringing both expected results and a few surprises, and attention is already turning to the next set of fixtures. The usual transfer market conundrum continues in the background, with a hectic week potentially bringing some dramatic late twists, but the focus is firmly on the here and now: those who drew a blank on Matchday 1 will be looking to make up lost ground, while the early frontrunners have the chance to build on their strong starts. There are plenty of intriguing storylines heading into Matchday 2, with the opening results already providing an early boost for some. But if teams are to lay solid foundations for the season ahead, they will need to provide immediate results.
AC MILAN vs VENEZIA (FRIDAY, 20:45 CEST)
The Rossoneri are set for their first game at San Siro. In Turin, the Diavolo discovered Alphadjo Cissè’s talent, whose pinpoint finish broke the deadlock against the Granata. Cissè, born in 2006, is pushing for another start against Venezia, alongside Adrien Rabiot, a real game-changer, coming off the bench at the Olimpico Grande Torino. On the other side, former Milan man Stroppa faces a tough task after his side were left frustrated by an opening home defeat to Lecce. Quick, direct counter-attacks could be key for the Arancioneroverdi, while also testing Amorim's defensive approach on home soil.
FIORENTINA vs FROSINONE (SATURDAY, 18:30 CEST)
The Viola’s centenary celebrations brought the heart of Florence to life, but Fiorentina now need to bounce back after their defeat to Roma. Fabio Grosso has plenty to consider ahead of the meeting with Frosinone, with a few changes on the cards. Guðmundsson is pushing for a start, while adjustments are also expected in midfield and defence. Home advantage at the Franchi could help Fiorentina, although they will be up against a determined Frosinone side.
The crossbar struck by Calvani late on against Juventus may still be on Frosinone’s minds, but Massimiliano Alvini only wishes to look ahead. The Gialloblù can take encouragement from their spirited response against the Bianconeri, having stayed in the contest until the very end. The trip to Tuscany has set high standards, but the enthusiasm within the camp is strengthening their belief that they can achieve this feat.
MONZA vs UDINESE (SATURDAY, 18:30 CEST)
Monza held out for a half at the Meazza against the reigning Italian champions. Ivan Jurić will look to build on that as he prepares his side for a very different challenge. Back on home soil, the Brianzoli are aiming to pick up their first points of the season and repeat their Coppa Italia Frecciarossa performance against Avellino. Monza have overhauled much of their squad in the transfer market and are now looking to hit the ground running and get off the mark in the league. The Friulani, however, have to deal with Zaniolo’s absence, after receiving a knock against Como. Against the Lariani, Kosta Runjaić once again showed his side's ability to adapt against strong opposition, with the 1-1 draw coming as no great surprise given Udinese's consistency in this type of fixture. Monza will pose a different test, and the Bianconeri will need to step up their level away from home.
SASSUOLO vs TORINO (SATURDAY, 18:30 CEST)
Two teams still without any points go head-to-head, both looking to turn promising signs into results. Each suffered a narrow defeat on Matchday 1, but, as is often the case, the performances told more than the scorelines. Sassuolo are waiting for players to return in defence, while Aquilani is preparing for the game at the Mapei Stadium by focusing on his side's strengths. The Neroverdi have plenty of quality in the final third despite Berardi's likely absence. Pinamonti's departure makes former Verona man Bowie an even more central figure in the team's plans.
Torino travel to Emilia looking for victory after appearing to still be finding their feet in the defeat to Milan. The main positives were Che Adams' stunning goal and Njie’s lively cameo off the bench. The Toro’s pace and threat on the counter could cause issues for the Neroverdi, with Abate looking for the spark to kick-start their season.
JUVENTUS vs PARMA (SATURDAY, 20:45 CEST)
Bremer's header proved decisive against Frosinone, and Luciano Spalletti now prepares for the Allianz Stadium debut. The blow of losing Yıldız means the Tuscan coach must find the best alternative to replace the Turkish international. Boga was impressive off the bench at the Stirpe, but Alajbegović is increasingly pushing for a place. More of the attacking burden will fall on Kolo Muani, who is yet to score between pre-season and Matchday 1. Parma, meanwhile, will be determined to bounce back after their home defeat to Cagliari. Cuesta needs to make adjustments, as Pellegrino's leaves behind a legacy to build on. There are plenty of options up front, but a new attacking leader is yet to emerge. Will Romero have room in the centre of the attack?
NAPOLI vs COMO (SUNDAY, 18:30 CEST)
Allegri-Fàbregas, Højlund-Douvikas, McTominay-Nico Paz. The Maradona is preparing for the first of many fascinating nights this season. There are intriguing battles across the pitch, pride at stake and bonus points. The Azzurri have the chance to move five points clear of one of their rivals near the top with a win, potentially giving Cesc Fàbregas some uncomfortable deliberation. It is still far too early for any definitive conclusions, though: Como performed well at Napoli last season, often staying true to their footballing principles.
Napoli left it late to get the result at Genoa, perhaps an early indication of what to expect from Allegri's side from Fuorigrotta. Sunday's game carries plenty of emotional weight; it is time for football to do the talking.
CAGLIARI vs INTER (SUNDAY, 20:45 CEST)
Chivu's side face their first away trip of the season. Inter's performance against Monza showed signs of controlled dominance: the first half gave a false impression, which was quickly erased by a top-class return after the break. In Sardinia, Pisacane will look to make life difficult for the Nerazzurri with a well-organised side firmly focused on its objectives. The win over Parma means Cagliari head into the Inter game with points already on the board, easing the pressure and giving the players peace of mind and belief. The Nerazzurri will be looking to stay on course, and Chivu could start by keeping the same line-up that beat Monza, as Inter target a second consecutive victory.
LAZIO vs GENOA (SUNDAY, 20:45 CEST)
Rino Gattuso's Lazio made a big statement in Bologna. A far cry from the side seen against Mantova, Lazio showed at the Dall’Ara that they could quickly develop an identity and character in keeping with their coach. Frattesi's entrance in the second half transformed the game, and the former Inter man is now pushing for a starting place against Genoa. The Biancocelesti have also completed a deal for Pinamonti, a key addition to round out their attacking options.
The Grifone arrive in the capital after losing to Napoli at Marassi and will be keen to get points on the board as soon as possible. Østigård is expected to remain a mainstay at the back, while Vitinha and Colombo are both searching for their first goal of the season. For De Rossi, this is a 'derby' he cannot afford to get wrong.
LECCE vs ROMA (MONDAY, 18:30 CEST)
Following their 4-0 victory over Fiorentina, Roma are preparing for another Monday night fixture. The bets at the Via del Mare will be on whether the Giallorossi can show the maturity required to follow up on their opening win. Lecce delivered at the Penzo, showing their ability to handle a direct battle. With three points already in the bag, they have enjoyed a great week of preparation before facing Gasperini's formidable side.
The exciting Malen-Dybala partnership promises plenty, although Roma will have to contend with Lecce’s defence which was impressive when not in possession against Venezia. Di Francesco wants more goals from his forwards, but can also take encouragement from Gorter’s appearance he prepares to play his hand. For Gasperini, this is the first real test of his side's credentials as Roma look to set the pace from above.
ATALANTA vs BOLOGNA (MONDAY, 20:45 CEST)
Matchday 2 draws to a close at the New Balance Arena. The mood is very different at Zingonia and Casteldebole: the Dea managed their workload around their Conference League commitments and came away with a victory over Sassuolo, while Bologna were caught out by Lazio.
Domenico Tedesco is not panicking and will be looking for a strong response in Bergamo. The Rossoblù's opening game suggested they still need time to fully adapt to the changes introduced by their new coach. Piccoli and Dovbyk are both yet to score and will be eager to quickly get off the mark.
Maurizio Sarri takes charge of his second home game knowing how valuable it could be to keep pace with the early frontrunners. Krstović scored the winner against Sassuolo, with the Montenegrin once again competing with Scamacca for a place in attack.
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