Insigne and Immobile Warming Up
Round 8 - October 5, 2018
Insigne suggests going for burgers after the Sassuolo game, or maybe for panini? After his wonder strike he’s more than earned it. - Image courtesy of gazzetta.it
Lorenzo Insigne can’t stop scoring, even when he doesn’t start. The diminutive Neapolitan came off the bench to kill off Sassuolo with a sensational top corner curler. Last time he was this prolific was when he was at Pescara under the tutelage of the pyrotechnic Zeman. His former Pescara strike partner, Ciro Immobile, was also on target with one of his trademark goals, nipping in at the far post for the winner at home to Fiorentina. Roberto Mancini will be pleased with abundant attacking options ahead of the do-or-die Nations League clash away at Poland.
For Fiorentina, Cristiano Biraghi put in a another workman-like performance and should reprise his role at left-back for Italy next week. Federico Chiesa did his best to try and put dive-gate behind him, while Benassi had a quieter game. Youngster Riccardo Sottil, son of former defender Andrea Sottil, was offered the last 10mins by coach Stefano Pioli.
Daniele Baselli was on the scoresheet in Torino’s more-laborious-than-expected win over Frosinone. Simone Zaza played well, while Andrea Belotti continues the search for his former self, the one that was able to take games by the scruff of the neck and score at a canter. Under 21 international, Vittorio Parigini, did quite well when coming on, but for Sirigu in goal this wasn’t one of his better showings.
In Cagliari’s 2-0 win over Bologna, Alessio Cragno followed up his strong showing last week with a clean sheet and a fine save on Dzemaili’s low drive. He’ll be hoping to again be called into Mancini’s keeper quartet. Filippo Romagna and Nicolo Barella were also excellent for the Isolani, with many calling for the latter to have a more prominent role for Italy. Riccardo Orsolini could do little to alter the result when he came on, only managing an effort from distance which sailed over the crossbar.
Azzurrini shot-stopper Simone Scuffet’s heroics weren’t enough to keep Juventus out; the champions running out 2-0 winners at the Dacia Arena. Rolando Mandragora unfortunately couldn’t do much against his former employers. Bonucci and Chiellini bossed and bullied any Udinese danger, while Bernardeschi was again lively when introduced from the bench.
Lorenzo Pellegrini seems to have a new impetus about him since his influential derby display. He provided the assist for Nzonzi in Roma’s win away at Empoli, as El Shaarawy assisted Edin Dzeko. Davide Santon was another impressive performer, while Cristante and Florenzi did okay to relieve teammates with their introduction from the bench.
Promising Alessandro Bastoni made his Parma debut and played well in the 30mins he was granted as a second-half sub. Young Genoa striker Andrea Favilli was brought on at half-time, but could do little to stop the home side’s defeat to Parma. Criscito was far from his best for the Grifoni. Atalanta were also beaten at home, as Audero kept another clean sheet in the Sampdoria goal, accompanied by some impressive saves. Gollini had some saves to match his counterpart, but not the clean sheet as Tonelli headed the winner for the Blucerchiati. Nicola Murru was also excellent in defence, playing his part in securing the 3 points.
Bonaventura made his mark in Milan’s 3-1 win over Chievo; before scoring with a deflected effort, the midfielder saw his daisy cutter brilliantly saved by Sorrentino and then watched as Depaoli miraculously blocked Calhanoglu’s follow up. Cutrone came on with just over 10mins to go but couldn’t make Milan’s score more emphatic. In goal, Donnarumma still goes in search of his first clean sheet of the season, but could do nothing to keep out Pellissier’s expert strike.
SPAL fought gallantly at home to Inter, but came away empty handed. Manuel Lazzari has been doing well to prove that he deserved his Italy cap at the last international break and this game was no exception. Andrea Petagna is still struggling to find the net with the regularity required for him to make the jump in quality. Inter disappointingly didn’t start with a single Italian, but introduced Gagliardini and Politano in the second half.
