It was supposed to be the first big match for the Scudetto, an exciting match on the pitch and on the benches, with two up-and-coming coaches ready to challenge each other with tactics and game systems. Instead, it was the match of fear, even if not without emotions. Gasperini and Luis Enrique saved their benches but the two clubs had to settle for a goalless draw. De Rossi and Borini the best of Rome, Sneijder of Inter. In the afternoon, Cagliari, beating Novara 2-1, provisionally leapt to the top of the standings which now awaits Sunday's clashes. We will see the highlight in the evening, when the most beautiful match of the weekend will be staged at the San Paolo, the challenge between Naples and Milan. Both teams, albeit in different ways, come from two important European draws, which gave morale but also some medical problems.
In this sense, the Italian champions are worse off, who will have to face the bedlam of San Paolo without Ibrahimovic, Boateng, Ambrosini, Gattuso and Robinho. Mazzarri, on the other hand, will be able to play with all the big names, even if Lavezzi is not doing well (but he will grit his teeth). In short, for both teams it will be a very tough and indicative exam: for Milan, who if they manage to win at the San Paolo with all these absent would give an enormous signal of strength, and for Napoli, who will have to demonstrate that they are capable of manage the double commitment Champions League - championship. Siena – Juventus also promises a show, with the Turin players who will be called to confirm the progress shown against Parma. For Conte then it will be a very particular challenge, given that he will return to Franchi after last year's promotion to Serie A. Del Piero asked his teammates for maximum concentration, because he knows well that provincial fields hide many pitfalls, and Siena have already shown that they are a solid team last weekend, stopping Catania at his home.
Also not to be missed are Udinese – Fiorentina and Lazio – Genoa, matches which, at least on paper, guarantee goals and fun. The teams in question have Europe as their declared objective, and will face each other head-on with no holds barred. For bettors, it should not be underestimated that Lazio and Udinese come from the efforts of the Europa League, a competition that historically takes away a lot of energy for the championship. A good challenge also at lunchtime, with Palermo called to repeat last week's glories on the difficult field of Bergamo, where the rosanero will find an Atalanta hungry for points, who have already demonstrated in Genoa that they are an excellent team. Finally, the third day will offer the first match-ups for salvation: Catania – Cesena, Bologna – Lecce and Parma – Chievo. Catania, on the other hand, will seek a home win at all costs, but watch out for Cesena, who, despite losing against Napoli, showed excellent things. Bologna and Lecce want to win their first points in the league, as well as Parma, the worst team seen last week. Colomba knows he can't afford any missteps against Chievo, also because the Gialloblù will visit Fiorentina on Wednesday in the midweek round.
