#benassi

Inter got their first win of the season away to Bologna including a goal from Candreva. Gagliardini had a strong game, coming in for Vecino’s shortcomings in the opening 2 rounds. It didn’t prevent Gaglia being excluded from the Champions League list instead of the Uruguayan. Matteo Politano continues his rapid adjustment to life at Inter with another excellent showing, laying on a sharp assist for Nainggolan that was similar to Higuain’s for Milan (similar in execution, but not in praise). Young hopeful, Riccardo Orsolini, continues having a torrid time coming off the bench for a sterile Bologna side that is yet to score.

Juventus ground out another win away at Parma in a fixture that inspires memories of mid-nineties title battles. Bonucci and Chiellini did what was needed in defense and Bernardeschi started again to confirm some extra faith on behalf of Allegri; even if he was taken off after 55mins of playing well.

Fiorentina found themselves an unlikely bomber in the shape of midfielder Marco Benassi, running onto a classy assist from Federico Chiesa who went on a gallop after picking the ball up in his own half. Left-back Biraghi will join his 2 Fiorentina friends in Mancio’s Italy squad. Scuffet had a better time between the Udinese posts compared to his recent outings as he gets ready to join up with the Under 21s.

Atalanta, possibly still dejected from their Europa League exit, fell at home to Cagliari. Their only Italian of note was Gianluca Mancini, who played about as well (or unwell) as his teammates. Cagliari’s Cragno did well and kept a clean sheet on the eve of his maiden senior Italy call-up. He’ll go along with highly-rated Barella who dominated the midfield and scored a match-winning free-kick from an awkward angle. Youngster Filippo Romagna did well in the center of defense and he’ll again accept the call of Di Biagio for the Azzurrini.

Chievo and Empoli traded blows, but not goals on their 0-0 draw. Depaoli started on the bench this time, but did enough during the 20mins conceded to him. La Gumina will still need more time to adapt to his new team and life in Serie A, but he’ll need to do more while Andreazzoli still has faith to start him. Capezzi worked hard in the Empoli engine room again.

Lazio edged out Frosinone, but it was a quiet day for bomber Immobile who’s still yet to double-down on his impressive goal from week 1. Acerbi has settled well in the capital and had a strong game, less so Parolo who was (some would say finally) left out of the Azzurri squad. Murgia made his first appearance of the new season as a late sub; the youth team product needs and deserves more playing time despite Lazio’s competitive midfield. For the regional rivals, Sportiello was OK in goal, but there was a positive note in Francesco Cassata’s good performance. The 21yo is currently on loan from Sassuolo after coming through the Juventus academy. Youngster Paolo Ghiglione came off the bench, whereas Pinamonti did not.

Napoli’s capitulation to Sampdoria was overshadowed by yet another Quagliarella wonder goal. Just add it to his already intense highlight reel which, as far as spectacular goals are concerned, rivals some of the best players in the game - refer to YouTube. That he didn’t even celebrate such skillful ingenuity, as a Neapolitan, made the whole event seem surreal. Fans seemed to question themselves on whether it really happened, thankfully it’s been immortalized on film. 

As for the other Italians on the park, Audero kept a clean sheet on the eve of his Under 21 get together and Tonelli proved to his former employers that it was a grave mistake keeping him on the bench for 2 years. Interestingly, the defender still managed 3 goals from 7 appearances over that time, that’s the same amount mustered up by Michu, de Guzman, and Pavoletti combined and from far more appearances. 

Also for Samp, Nicola Murru was particularly impressive at left-back and seems to be growing under Giampaolo. Speaking of, Saponara was brilliant under the orders of his old coach. Verdi and Insigne were both dismal for Ancelotti’s Napoli.

Sassuolo and Genoa slugged out an 8 goal thriller, however Gianmarco Ferrari was the sole Italian goalscorer. Locatelli and Berardi both played well from the start for the Neroverdi. Federico Marchetti shipped in 5 goals for Genoa with form that brought back painful memories of the 2010 World Cup, along with Criscito who was also in that ill-fated squad. The only Italian bright spark Genoa was the brace of assists from Favilli who came off the bench.