Break over: Serie A Enilive returns for matchday six
Seatbelts fastened, we’re off again. The three-week break is now almost behind us, and Serie A Enilive is ready to fire up its engines and get back underway. The teams have gradually put the pieces back together, some lost along the way during international duty, others returning after various fitness issues and setbacks, while others are being called upon to confirm their form or relaunch their campaigns at short notice. Coaches must also manage the moods of players whose performances with their national teams may have affected them. Some have had to deal with long-haul journeys back from overseas, carefully balancing their fitness with a packed schedule. There is plenty of anticipation surrounding the return of all 20 Serie A teams: such a lengthy period without competitive football can have a significant impact, but on the other hand it could benefit those who had been sidelined in previous months and are now fully prepared for a new chapter of the season.
Matchday six is upon us: it begins on Saturday and comes to a close on Monday evening. Inter, Roma and Lazio are setting the pace, while the chasing pack are jostling to close the gap. Behind them, it is all to play for, and one club has a new man in the dugout. Saddle up, it’s time to play again.
Genoa vs. Fiorentina — Saturday, 15:00 CEST
The opening act takes place at the Luigi Ferraris. Daniele De Rossi is going through one of the most delicate periods of his tenure in charge of the Grifone: the Rossoblù need to find a way out of their dangerous early-season slump, and Marassi could prove an important factor in getting the job done. Just above them, Vanoli’s Fiorentina have already begun to establish the foundations of a clear identity. The new coach has collected four points, and the season finally appears to be heading in the right direction, but maintaining the right pace in their climb up the table remains essential. Genoa have scored just three goals in five league matches, a statistic that clearly needs addressing; Fiorentina’s performance in the 1-1 draw with Napoli was encouraging, but if they are to aim high, they will need to pick up points in difficult away games such as this one in Genoa.
Inter vs. Parma — Saturday, 18:00 CEST
A classic from the 1990s at San Siro. The meeting between the Nerazzurri and the Crociati is an intriguing one, an always-special fixture that brings back memories of numerous high-profile encounters. The main news is Alberto Gilardino, appointed as Carlos Cuesta’s successor in the Parma dugout. It is a fiery return for the Piedmont-born coach, who scored 56 goals in three seasons as a Parma player between 2002 and 2005. It was an almost sudden revolution given the Emilians’ victory over Genoa immediately before the break, a breath of fresh air that nevertheless failed to prevent the separation between the Spanish coach and the Gialloblù. Gilardino has barely had time to settle in and already faces Inter. Chivu’s side produced a spectacular comeback in their 2-2 draw away to Roma, salvaging top spot thanks to captain Lautaro’s brace. The schedule allows no respite, and the Nerazzurri must demonstrate their superiority against a Parma side eager to make the best possible start under their new head coach.
Napoli vs. Frosinone — Saturday, 20:45 CEST
A trip to the Maradona for Saturday night in Matchday 6. Alvini and his team arrive in Fuorigrotta with plenty of praise and strong performances behind them. The Ciociari also have ten points in the bag, leaving them sixth and alone ahead of many of the league’s big hitters. At home, Napoli will look to dampen the newly promoted side’s enthusiasm, while knowing they face a modern, fearless team in the way they approach matches. Allegri’s side are three points behind their opponents and know they cannot afford to let this opportunity slip. The Azzurri fought back to earn a point in Firenze in the second half and have nevertheless shown signs of improvement after their struggles at the start of September. There is plenty of intrigue surrounding the approach the two coaches will take: Napoli are almost obliged to claim all three points, while Frosinone will be carefree and determined not to be overwhelmed by the occasion.
Como vs. Roma — Sunday, 12:30 CEST
The bar is set extremely high for the meeting at the Sinigaglia. Having been halted by defeat at Frosinone last time out, Cesc Fàbregas has lost some ground on the leading pack. The table remains tightly packed, despite a schedule that immediately presents one of the biggest challenges in the form of a meeting with Gasperini. Both teams also have Champions League commitments coming up, but their energies will certainly be focused on this direct Serie A encounter. As for Roma, Gasperini has produced an almost perfect Giallorossi side over the opening five matchdays; the next step must be taken carefully, with a healthy dose of experience required to overcome the team from Como. Como vs. Roma is a genuine ‘three-way’ game, a crucial moment in setting a course towards the top of the table.
Lazio vs. Monza — Sunday, 15:00 CEST
The dream and maturity. Two elements that make up the match at the Stadio Olimpico: on one side, Lazio are flying and becoming increasingly aware of their own strength; on the other, Jurić’s side are gradually developing, built on a certain degree of collective solidity. Gattuso knows that taking the match lightly could prove counterproductive, particularly with the chasing pack close behind. The Biancocelesti are enjoying the moment and, as they lay the foundations for their next objectives, are targeting a fifth win from six matches overall. Monza, meanwhile, enjoyed a welcome boost in their 2-1 victory over Sassuolo and now, looking at the table, can imagine extending their advantage over the teams at the bottom. The Croatian coach is nurturing the talent of several promising youngsters who appear ready to continue making an impact. The Brianzoli are still missing a statement win over one of the big sides to truly announce themselves. Lazio have been warned and are ready to repel the threat.
Lecce vs. Bologna — Sunday, 15:00 CEST
At the Via del Mare, the key is to keep trying. Lecce are coming off a poor performance away to AC Milan, which raised further doubts about the Salentini’s progress. Di Francesco needs to shore up the defence while also looking to bring out the individual qualities of a team capable of producing flashes of brilliance in previous matches. Palladino’s Bologna will show no mercy, having been left disappointed by their draw with Torino in the Neapolitan coach’s first match in charge. The Rossoblù picked up just one point against the Granata, revealing some problems in maintaining their level over the full 90 minutes. There is no time to look back: Bologna must put things right quickly with a convincing result, particularly given their failure to win a league match so far.
Sassuolo vs. AC Milan — Sunday, 18:00 CEST
It is time to dance at the MAPEI Stadium. Sassuolo will be looking to bounce back immediately after their defeat to Monza, primarily to ensure that their productive start to the season does not go to waste. The match against AC Milan should provide plenty of motivation for Aquilani’s players, whose objective will be to maintain their excellent home record against the Rossoneri. Standing in their way, Amorim has lost several players who returned from international duty with physical problems. The Portuguese coach will have to make the best of the situation, working out a different set-up for AC Milan compared with previous matches, particularly out wide. The three points against Lecce have also tightened up the table, which is now particularly interesting from the Rossoneri’s perspective.
Cagliari vs. Juventus — Sunday, 20:45 CEST
There is the feel of a direct battle in Sardinia. Or at least that is what the table currently suggests. Pisacane is just one point behind the three teams at the top, and the Juventus test is the perfect challenge to take on while riding the crest of a wave. Spalletti’s side are also in good shape: two victories, across the Europa League and Serie A, have helped strengthen the group’s confidence, with the players now seemingly more aware of their own capabilities. Cagliari have the best defensive record in the league in statistical terms, having conceded just two goals, while Juventus have already kept three clean sheets, including the most recent one in their 2-0 win over Atalanta. Last season, the Bianconeri lost 1-0 at the Unipol Domus, giving them even more reason not to drop further valuable points.
Atalanta vs. Venezia — Monday, 18:30 CEST
A moment of truth in Bergamo. The international break can bring clarity and, sometimes, provide a way to banish negative thoughts. Maurizio Sarri’s Atalanta know they cannot afford to lose further ground on the teams setting the pace at the top; ambitious targets are at stake, along with the desire to turn their fortunes around. The 2-0 defeat at the Allianz Stadium means La Dea must confront their run of three consecutive defeats and turn them into motivation for an immediate response. Their opponents are Venezia, bottom of the table and still without a point. The club have reaffirmed their faith in coach Stroppa, who remains committed to a team that is still fighting despite its disastrous start. On the pitch, the Arancioneroverdi have always put up a fight, but have failed to make the difference at key moments, as was the case in their most recent home match against Lazio. At the New Balance Arena, the future is at stake, and neither Atalanta nor Venezia can afford to let it slip away.
Torino vs. Udinese — Monday, 20:45 CEST
Saddle up for the final match of the round. In recent seasons, these two sides have often battled shoulder to shoulder in the middle of the pack, almost always occupying mid-table positions. For Torino and Udinese to take the next step, they need to take a different path: the Granata are coming off a strong final half-hour at the Dall’Ara, while the Friulani seem a long way from the positive results of the opening weeks. Abate and Runjaić’s sides have four points each, and both need to move up a gear and show their respective clubs that they can aim for something more ambitious. Torino are still without a home win, while Udinese are coming off three consecutive defeats. A game that looks evenly balanced on paper, with both sides determined to tip the scales.