JUVE, HERE'S THE ANSWER EVERYONE WAS WAITING FOR!
MILAN HAS BEEN DEMOLITED, THE BIANCONERI ARE NOW LEADING THE STANDINGS.
VOTE: 8
If the match against Milan was supposed to give us some indications on Conte's Juve, well, we went beyond all wildest expectations. Compact, aggressive, tactically perfect, the Bianconeri were simply from another planet compared to the Italian champions. This was the first important test for the new Juve, who after competing (with mixed success) against Parma, Siena, Bologna and Catania, faced Milan at home. Exam passed with flying colours, and if we really have to find fault with the Bianconeri's performance, there were too many missed goals. Great merits go to Antonio Conte, capable of bridling the Rossoneri with a perfectly fitting formation from all points of view.
The one striker formation proved to be a trap, because the wingers (aside from Krasic, the only disappointing one) were constant thorns in Milan's side, Vidal and Marchisio, in addition to protecting Pirlo, were able to insert and shoot from outside area several times and Vucinic was able to vary throughout the attack, making himself dangerous on several occasions. In short, a perfect Juventus, which in addition to stinging up front, risked practically nothing behind. Conte has a hand here too: Chiellini on the left, as well as allowing Bonucci to relaunch, gave Lichtsteiner the opportunity to push forward without fear, because anyway, those few times that Juve lost the ball, however found covered. A tactical and psychological masterpiece, because the Bianconeri didn't just feel good on the pitch, they simply ate it. Making the whole of Italy review that Juve spirit that has been missing for too long.
LAZIO CONFIRMS CORSARA!
FIORENTINA COMES BACK AND CONQUERS FRANCHI.
VOTE: 7
If he only played away, Lazio would be first in the standings. The numbers speak for themselves: in the three games played so far away from the Olimpico, Reja's men have totaled two wins and one draw, which is also very prestigious (2-2 at San Siro against Milan). Yesterday at the Franchi, the biancocelesti gave a great signal of strength. Down by a goal after a few minutes and crushed by Fiorentina's strength, Lazio had the merit of not letting go and striking as soon as they had the opportunity. Hernanes' goal then shows that this team has a lot of quality, especially up front. Klose took care of sinking Fiorentina, very booed by the Franchi for that famous offside goal which in 2010 condemned Viola to elimination from the Champions League.
Ironically, yesterday's goal was also born from an irregular position (but by centimetres) by Sculli, who then served the German Panzer in the penalty area. Returning to Lazio, Reja now has two weeks ahead of him, if not calm, at least normal, in which he will be able to prepare for the derby against Roma serenely. In fact, after the break, the Biancocelesti will play a truly thrilling derby match. Both teams have the same points (8) and come from two good victories, which have restored their respective environments. The only concern for Reja (Roma aside) is that the match will be played at the Olimpico. A complex that Lazio will necessarily have to overcome if they want to become really big.
MILAN, IT'S NOT GOING LIKE THIS!
CLEAR AND DESERVED DEFEAT, THE ONLY CONSOLATION IS THE STOP.
VOTE: 4
Simply a disaster. Raise your hand who, on the eve, expected such an ugly and defeatist Milan. All right, the Rossoneri have been playing with the same men for a month, Boateng was back after the injury and Juve had the advantage of not having played in the cups during the week. But Milan can't present themselves like this to a big match, full stop. It doesn't matter if the goals came from two episodes (a mistake by Bonera and yet another duck by Abbiati), because the draw that the Rossoneri were about to bring home would truly have been a divine and undeserved gift. Allegri lost the match with Conte, even if, in his defense, it must be said that training was practically mandatory. If anything, we didn't like the substitutions: why insert the evanescent Emanuelson for Cassano and leave a very tired Seedorf on the field? Beyond the tactical issues, Milan have some big problems that are reflected on the pitch in every game (even in the two victories with Cesena and Viktoria Plzen).
This is why at Milanello they welcome the break for the national teams as a godsend, not so much to let the players rest (indeed, many of them will travel around Europe to play decisive matches) but to try and recover some of them. Robinho and Gattuso are missing tremendously, Ambrosini and Boateng must find condition again, Mexes will be able to give Nesta some breathing room, Abate is now irreplaceable. For someone then, this stop will also serve to rearrange ideas a little: Abbiati has committed yet another gross error and who knows if Allegri is not starting to think about Amelia, Ibrahimovic, after the magic against the little Viktoria, has fenced once again in comparison with a large one. Mind you, it's only October and nothing is lost yet, but a sharp swerve is needed to confirm oneself at the top. Otherwise this will be a season of great suffering.
