║ Serie A Season 2013-14 ║

[Juventus]

Higuain: I suffered at Real Madrid

By Stefan Coerts103
Sep 11, 2013 11:39:00 AM

The Argentine attacker has admitted that he grew unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeu as he was reduced to a bit-part role

Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain has insisted that he does not regret his decision to leave Real Madrid this summer after revealing he was unhappy at the club.

The prolific striker, 25, netted over 100 goals in La Liga during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu side, yet often had to settle for a place on the bench during his final season, which culminated in his decision to depart in a €40 million deal.

"I had some great moments at Real Madrid, but also moments of unhappiness," the Argentina international told La Sexta.

"I suffered because I wasn't always playing. Sometimes [Karim] Benzema started and then I got the chance to prove my worth again.

"I will always be grateful to the Madrid fans, though. They showed me a lot of affection during my seven years at the club."

Higuain has netted once in two Serie A games for Napoli so far.

 

[Juventus]

Benitez: If Bale is worth €100m then Hamsik is priceless

By Craig Turnbull135
Sep 11, 2013 10:10:00 PM

The Spaniard says no amount of money would tempt him into selling the Slovakia international and says he is grateful for the strength of support shown to him by the club's board

Following Gareth Bale's world-record €100 million move to Real Madrid, Napoli boss Rafa Benitez has branded Marek Hamsik as "priceless".

The 26-year-old midfielder attracted interest from Europe's biggest clubs in recent months before signing a new deal in Naples that extended his stay at the Stadio San Paolo until 2018.

And Benitez insists that no amount of money would tempt him into letting the Slovakia international leave the Partenopei.

"What is Hamsik worth? Is Bale worth what Real Madrid paid for him? In this market if you say an outlandish figure then a club comes along and pays it," Benitez told Sportmediaset.

"That is why I say that Hamsik is priceless - because we do not want to sell.”

Hamsik has made a fine start to the new season, scoring four goals in his opening two Serie A games, and Benitez also took time to thank the club for the faith the board have shown in him during the transfer window.

Following the sale of Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain for €64m, Benitez has been able to bolster his squad with the signings of Real Madrid trio Raul Albiol, Jose Callejon and Gonzalo Higuain, PSV winger Dries Mertens, and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

"Five names have replaced [Edinson] Cavani," added the former Liverpool and Valencia boss.

"I appreciate the confidence De Laurentiis has shown in me and [sporting director Riccardo] Bigon has done so much to improve this Napoli squad."

 

[Juventus]

Serie A weekend preview

Thursday 12th September 2013 16:15

Gianluigi Buffon: Ready for weekend 'battle' with Inter

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is prepared for a difficult match with Inter Milan on Saturday and expects the club to be firm contenders for the Serie A title.

The Italian champions take the Nerazzurri on at San Siro in Saturday night's Derby d'Italia with both teams unbeaten and with two wins on the board from their opening two games.

"We have a lot of respect for Inter," Buffon told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We fear them.

"They have a great coach in Walter Mazzarri and they are prepared.

"They are a team that can make life difficult for any rival and they will challenge for the Scudetto."

Defeating Juve in the Derby d'Italia would be a major confidence boost for an Inter side that is trying to make up for last season's dismal ninth-placed finish.

That outcome cost coach Andrea Stramaccioni his job and meant Inter missed out on European football in 2013-14.

However, Buffon, whose team open their Champions League campaign at FC Copenhagen next Tuesday, believes that scenario will give Inter the edge.

"They will have the advantage of being able to concentrate on the domestic front," Buffon said.

"But we are very keen to win our third consecutive league title and it's going to be a battle."

AC Milan celebrated their first win of the campaign with a 3-1 triumph over Cagliari last time out.

The Rossoneri will, however, have to overcome the absence of injured defenders Mattia De Sciglio, Ignazio Abate and Matias Silvestre in Saturday's game at Torino.

Napoli are looking to make it three wins in a row when they welcome Atalanta to the Stadio San Paolo.

Roma also have winning momentum on their side as they go up against Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini on Monday, with victories against Livorno and Hellas Verona seeing Rudi Garcia's men remain perfect so far.

Bologna face a tough trip to the Stadio Friuli on Sunday when they take on Francesco Guidolin's Udinese.

The Bianconeri have not lost at home in Serie A since September 2 last year.

There will be no better time for Genoa to turn around their dismal start to the season than on Sunday when they face city rivals Sampdoria at the Marassi - with Samp playing the role of designated home team.

Genoa go into the first Derby della Lanterna of the season on the back of two straight defeats.

Lazio fans were left frustrated following their side's 4-1 loss to Juventus two weeks ago and they will expect a drastic improvement when Chievo come to town.

Verona, meanwhile, are hoping veteran striker Luca Toni can recover from injury in time for Sunday's game against Serie A newcomers Sassuolo.

The 2006 World Cup winner is struggling with an ankle injury.

Cagliari will be bolstered by the return of playmaker Andrea Cossu for their trip to Florence. He has recovered from a muscular injury and is set to make his season debut at Fiorentina on Sunday.

Livorno fans will have to play the waiting game to see new signing Miguel Borja make his Serie A debut.

The Colombian striker has yet to acquire the work permit he needs to play in Italy and will therefore not feature in Sunday's game against Catania.

 

[Juventus]

Serie A 2013/14 : Round 3 Preview – Double Derby Treat After International Break

Published On: Fri, Sep 13th, 2013

Serie A Logo 2013:14Serie A returns after the international break with fantastic line up of fixtures.

The round kicks off with one of the biggest games of the season as the Derby d’Italia takes places at the San Siro as the early Saturday evening game.

Both Inter and Juventus have made a perfect start to the season with two wins from two; however it was Juventus who won the reserve fixture last year 1-2 on their way to the scudetto.

Diego Milito looks set to return to the Inter bench after the serious knee injury he suffered earlier this year while Mirko Vucinic is only fit enough for the Juve bench following a knock while playing for Montenegro.

Later on Saturday there are two fixtures with Napoli hosting Atalanta and A.C. Milan traveling to Torino.

Napoli have enjoyed a perfect start to the Benitez regime with captain Marek Hamsik shining with four goals in the opening two rounds of the season making him the top scorer in the league.

Atalanta meanwhile got back on track before the international break with a 2-0 home win over Torino after an opening day defeat to Cagliari.

Torino themselves entertain Milan, with three points to their name after two Serie games.

However Milan’s new signing Kaka is likely to make all the headlines on Saturday night as he is set to return to the Rossoneri side after four years away at Real Madrid.

The early game on Sunday sees Fiorentina host Cagliari, looking to maintain their 100% record in Serie A.

La Viola’s new forward partnership of Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Gomez have hit the ground running with five goals between them already in domestic matches.

Cagliari should be boosted by the return of Davide Astori who will strengthen their back-line after the Sardinian club have conceded four goals in their opening two fixtures.

Chievo travel to the Capital to face Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, in one of four Sunday afternoon games, with both sides coming off the back of heavy defeats in round two.

The two sides conceded four goals each, with Lazio losing 4-1 at the Juventus stadium and Chievo being beaten 2-4 at home to Napoli.

In this fixture last season, Chievo shocked the Biancocelesti beating them 0-1 with a goal from striker Alberto Paloschi.

Livorno play Catania, with the two teams experiencing very different previous matches in Serie A.

Livorno earned an impressive 1-4 away victory at Sassuolo while Catania were heavily beaten at home by Inter having previously lost away in Florence in round one.

Catania struggled against the “smaller” teams last year in Serie A, suffering defeats to Pescara and Palermo who were both relegated to Serie B.

Udinese will welcome Bologna this weekend to the Stadio Friuli hoping to maintain their incredible record against the Rossoblu.

The Zebrette beat Parma in week two and have not lost to Bologna in Udine in 19 meetings.

Bologna are still to pick up three points this season in Serie A and have just one win in their last dozen league games.

Verona’s Week three home game against Sassuolo could well be considered a relegation six-pointer, with particular importance for the visitors.

Sassuolo have gone down to successive defeat and need to get off the mark soon before they become cut adrift.

The Gialloblu, however, are already off the mark in Serie A after beating Milan on the opening day however the hero of that game, Luca Toni, is a major doubt for Sunday’s match.

The late game on Sunday night is the Derby della Laterna as Sampdoria host Genoa.

Genoa are yet to pick up a point after defeats against Inter and Fiorentina, while Samp have a solitary point which they picked up away at Bologna.

The fixture is the first derby for new Genoa coach Fabio Liverani while experienced Samp boss Delio Rossi is used to this fiery and intense fixture.

The final game of the round sees Roma travel to Parma.

Roma are one of the five teams who still have a perfect record in Serie A and should be able to call upon Kevin Strootman who made his return from injury during the international break.

Parma only have one point to their name after an opening day point against Chievo at home however Parma did beat the Giallorossi 3-2 in a rain soaked game at the Ennio Tardini last season.

 

[Juventus]

14 September 2013
Last updated at 13:00 GMT

Genoa coach caught spying on Sampdoria training session

Italian side Genoa have suspended a coach after he was found hiding in bushes spying on a training session held by local rivals Sampdoria.

Youth-team coach Luca De Pra is believed to have watched Sampdoria train from under a tree while dressed in camouflage gear, without the knowledge of his own club.

Sampdoria said in a statement De Pra was hiding "like Rambo under a tree".

“Like Rambo hidden among the branches on the hill, Luca De Pra failed to overcome Sampdoria's intelligence and counter-intelligence operations”

Samporia club statement

The teams meet at their shared Stadio Luigi Ferraris ground on Sunday.

"No director or member of the coaching staff sent Luca De Pra, goalkeeper coach for the youth team, to watch the training session at Bogliasco. It was a personal initiative," Genoa said in a statement on their website.

"This has never been done before and is not part of the club's modus operandi. The club makes it known that De Pra has been suspended with immediate effect pending further explanations."

De Pra, who is grandson of former Genoa goalkeeper Giovanni De Pra, was chased by Sampdoria club officials after he was spotted.

Delio Rossi's side, who returned to the top flight last season and got the better of Genoa with a win and a draw in two meetings, released a tongue-in-cheek statement on their website in response to the incident.

It read: "That the derby is a question of nerve, tactics and strategy we already knew, but frankly we could never expect that it could turn into a scene of espionage.

"Like Rambo hidden among the branches on the hill, Luca De Pra failed to overcome Sampdoria's intelligence and counter-intelligence operations."

"However, no prisoners were taken and no blood was shed. Once tracked down and caught red-handed, the opposing side's soldier was let free to return to base."

"You should always forgive your enemies, as nothing annoys them more."

 

[Juventus]

Serie A Wrap: Fiorentina held, Lazio cruise to win
16 September 2013

Ten-man Fiorentina's undefeated start to the Serie A season continued as they 1-1 drew at home against Cagliari on Sunday.

Vincenzo Montella's side looked on course to build on an impressive 5-2 victory away at Genoa prior to the international break when Borja Valero broke the deadlock against Cagliari, nodding in at the far post after Giuseppe Rossi helped on a Massimo Ambrosini cross.

But Mauricio Pinilla came off the bench to power home a Victor Ibarbo cross with a just minute of normal time to spare as Cagliari claimed a share of the spoils.

Fiorentina's woes were compounded just moments later when David Pizarro was shown a second yellow card for dissent.

As well as losing Pizarro to suspension, Montella will also be sweating over the fitness of striker Mario Gomez and Juan Cuadrado, who both needed hospital treatment after picking up injuries.

Elsewhere, Lazio defeated Chievo 3-0 in Rome with a dominant performance despite fan protests at the beginning of the game.

Supporters left the Stadio Olimpico's famous Curva Nord stand empty for the start of the match to show their disapproval at the club's dealings in the transfer market.

On the pitch, Lazio eased to victory with first-half goals from Antonio Candreva, Luis Cavanda and Senad Lulic.

Genoa were just as ruthless in the day's evening kick-off, securing an emphatic 3-0 win at Sampdoria.

An early strike from Luca Antonini set Genoa on their way, before on-loan striker Emanuele Calaio extended their lead just after half-time.

The visitors made sure of the points after 65 minutes thanks to an well-struck Francesco Lodi free-kick, wrapping up a memorable night for Fabio Liverani's side.

Antonio Di Natale marked his 300th appearance for Udinese by salvaging a point for his side with a late goal in a 1-1 draw against Bologna, who went ahead after 71 minutes when Alessandro Diamanti stepped up to drive home a sweetly struck free-kick.

But Bologna were denied their first win of the season just five minutes from time when veteran Di Natale volleyed past goalkeeper Gianluca Curci.

In the day's other games, Hellas Verona condemned Sassuolo to the third consecutive defeat of the season with a 2-0 win, while a brace from Paulinho against Catania saw Livorno record their second win on the bounce with a 2-0 victory.

 

[Juventus]

Serie A Wrap: Inter and Juventus draw to stay unbeaten
15 September 2013

Inter and Juventus both maintained their unbeaten starts to the Serie A season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at San Siro on Saturday.

A tense affair was ignited after 73 minutes by substitute Mauro Icardi's goal, but Juventus replied two minutes later through Arturo Vidal.

The Chilean placed his shot calmly into the bottom corner to give the champions a share of the spoils, with both sides wasting chances to grab a winner late on.

For Inter boss Walter Mazzarri, the result represented more encouraging signs of progress, having seen his side hit six goals in three matches, including three unanswered against Catania last week, as they look to rebuild after last season's disappointing ninth-place finish.

Meanwhile, the draw at San Siro gave Napoli the chance to go top of Serie A as they beat Atalanta 2-0.

Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Callejon got the goals but the visitors were hardly helped after Luca Cigarini was sent off against his former club for two bookable offences.

Napoli rotated their squad for the clash with their midweek UEFA Champions League game against Dortmund in mind, and they were only able to break down Atalanta after Marek Hamsik came on.

In the day's other match, Milan hit two late goals to snatch a 2-2 draw against Torino.

Danilo D'Ambrosio and Alessio Cerci had given Giampiero Ventura's side a two-goal cushion midway through the second half before Sulley Muntari and then Mario Balotelli from the penalty spot netted in a late surge to save Milan from defeat.

 

[Juventus]

<time class="time" datetime="2013-09-16T12:00:00+01:00" style="position: absolute; left: 155px; color: rgb(144, 145, 147); width: 465px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1em; line-height: normal; font-family: RobotoRegular, Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; top: 0px;"></time>

Fiorentina held as Lazio cruise
The Viola were forced into a share of the spoils at home to Cagliari while Vladimir Petkovic's side beat Chievo 3-0 in the Italian capital

Milan missing El Sha & Montolivo
The Serie A giants will have to make do without the services of their skipper and the young attacker due to physical problems

Montella rages at referee display
The Italian coach was unable to conceal his anger after key decisions went against his side on Sunday

Rodgers reveals Reina talks
The Reds boss met with the 31-year-old to discuss that he wanted to give him some competition by signing a new goalkeeper, before Simon Mignolet's £9 million move to Anfield

Icardi thrilled with first Inter goal
The summer signing admits he was blown away by the roar from the crowd at San Siro on Saturday, while compatriot Ricky Alvarez feels his side could have held on for the win

Bonucci buoyed by Juve belief
The Bianconeri defender hails his side's grit and determination after they came from behind to take a point at San Siro in the first Derby d'Italia of the new season

Vidal saves sleepy Juve in derby
The sluggish champions let their guard down in the Derby d'Italia, but the Chilean proved once more just what a class act he is to salvage a point

 

[Juventus]

Zanetti: Inter needed Mazzarri

Javier Zanetti says boss Walter Mazzarri is the right man to get Inter competing again at the highest levels.

FootballItalia – 16.09.2013

The tactician replaced Andrea Stramaccioni in the summer after the latter could only lead the Beneamata to a ninth-placed finish in Serie A. Under Mazzarri, the Nerazzurri won their first two League games before drawing 1-1 with Juventus at San Siro on Saturday.

“I like Mazzarri, he knows what he wants and he's got personality,” the Argentine told Rai Due. “That's what you need at a big club. “Inter-Juve was a good game between two strong teams,” he added. “There wasn't much between them. “We played very well against an established side.”

Zanetti took no part in the game as he is still on the comeback trail after rupturing his Achilles tendon in April.

“I'm better now,” the 40-year-old explained. “I've started running again – I missed that! I'm still training on my own, but I'll have a test on Tuesday and if everything's ok I'll start upping the workload. “I need to build up the calf muscle a bit. I'm not too far off returning – hopefully it will be around mid-November.”

Zanetti was Massimo Moratti’s first signing for the club back in 1995, the President who is in talks with Indonesian businessman Erick Thohir about selling the outfit.

“The Nerazzurri family will keep going,” Zanetti added. “Yet I can't imagine Inter without Moratti. “It's true that there are negotiations under way and the President is deciding what's best for the Nerazzurri family, but knowing his feelings...

“In any case we'll see what happens when the negotiations are over. But, as I said, I can't see Inter without the Morattis.”

 

[Juventus]

Llorente could consider Juve exit

Round-up: Spanish newspaper Sport claims Fernando Llorente will consider moving if he fails to break into the Juventus side.

FootballItalia – 16.09.2013

The international striker joined the Old Lady in the summer on a Bosman after his contract with Athletic Bilbao expired. However, the 28-year-old has made only one substitute appearance in the club’s first three League games of the campaign.

With the 2014 World Cup on the horizon, Llorente is said to be eager to get playing time in order to win his place in the Spain squad. Speculation this month claims he could be of interest to Barcelona and Real Madrid once the winter window opens.

He’s also been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham by newspapers in Britain over the last few days. Nevertheless, the Italian club have insisted that the centre-forward does have a future at the Juventus Stadium.

“There is no Llorente problem,” noted Juve director general Beppe Marotta recently. “Don’t forget that he didn’t play that regularly last season. “When we sign a player and hand him a four year contract, we’re evidently not looking for immediate results in the space of one or two months. “We believe in him and it is too early to judge.”

Livorno chief Aldo Spinelli has claimed he turned down a €10m summer offer for Paulinho, while he has likened boss Davide Nicola to Walter Mazzarri. The Brazilian striker caught the eye in Serie B last season as he scored 23 goals to help the Amaranto into the top flight. He has three in three Serie A games so far in 2013-14.

“We rejected a €10m bid for him, we didn’t believe it was an offer that had to be accepted,” Spinelli told Radio Anch’Io. “The player is fundamental for us and that is why he has a five-year contract here.”

The Amaranto started the campaign with a 2-0 home loss against Roma, but they’ve hit back with wins over Sassuolo and now Catania with the help of boss Nicola.

“We’ve followed Nicola closely in these years and he was destined to guide us,” the President continued. “He has the work ethic of Mazzarri, he has created a squad spirit which is fundamental for us. Let’s hope the results we got last year can be repeated this time around.”

Spinelli knows Mazzarri well as the now Inter boss was in charge of Livorno for the 2003-04 campaign.

 

[Juventus]

16 September 2013
Last updated at 17:15 GMT

AC Milan's Kaka 'asks not to be paid' while injured

AC Milan midfielder Kaka has asked to go without pay as he recovers from a thigh injury picked up in his first game since rejoining the Italian side.

The Brazil international, 31, was substituted in the 70th minute of the Rossoneri's 2-2 draw at Torino.

He returned to Milan on a free earlier this month after leaving for Real Madrid for a world-record £56m in 2009.

"I don't want anything from Milan, except for love and support, until I'm fully fit and ready to play," he said.

"For this reason I have decided to suspend my current pay for this period of time. The only thing I ask is for the support and help to recover properly.

"It is a difficult moment but I have started to work on getting better and I hope to get back as quickly as possible."

Kaka added he had spoken "at length" with Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani and club doctors before deciding to ask not to be paid.

It is not clear whether Milan have accepted the player's offer.

Kaka, the 2007 World Player of the Year, made 268 appearances for Milan between 2003 and 2009, scoring 95 goals. He helped them win the Serie A title in 2004 and the 2007 Champions League.

In 2010, Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu agreed a new one-year deal for no salary after he had spent a year on the sidelines.

In 2004-05, Roma and Italy midfielder Damiano Tommasi played for £1,200 a month while recovering from a serious knee injury.

 

[Juventus]

17 September 2013
Last updated at 13:22 GMT

Inter Milan forced to close stand at San Siro after racist chanting

Inter Milan have been ordered to play their next home match with one end of San Siro closed as punishment for racist chanting by their fans.

A section of Inter supporters targeted two Juventus players with abuse during Saturday's 1-1 draw.

The Italian league also fined Inter 15,000 euro (£12,500).

A stand will now be closed for Inter's next home game against Fiorentina on 26 September, the third time this season a Serie A club has been punished.

Lazio were sanctioned for supporters' actions in the Italian Super Cup against Juventus, while Roma were penalized for racism toward AC Milan players at the end of last season.

Fifa ruled in May that teams could be relegated or expelled for serious incidents of racism.

Lesser offences will lead to matches being played behind closed doors.

 

[Juventus]

Pizarro banned for two games

Fiorentina will be without playmaker David Pizarro for two Serie A games following his dismissal against Cagliari on Sunday.

FootballItalia 17.09.2013

Fiorentina's David Pizarro (Reuters)

The Chilean international was shown a red card late in the game for abusing the referee in a tie which controversially ended 1-1.

The suspended Pizarro will thus miss the ties against Atalanta and Inter. The Viola will also be without the injured Mario Gomez and Juan Cuadrado for those matches.

Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella has also been fined €5,000 for his protests about the referee at the end of the game.

Atalanta’s Luca Cigarini will also be absent in Week 4 as he was handed a one-match ban today.

 

[Juventus]

Serie A, Week 4 preview: Roma and Napoli face tough challenges

By Kirsten Schlewitz @KDS_Football on Sep 20 2013, 6:57a

Both teams at the top look to have the advantage in the week's toughest matches, but it's never wise to expect the expected from a Rome derby, while Milan are brilliant at pulling luck out of a hat. Will Napoli and Roma still stand at the top when the week runs out?

It's Round 4 in Serie A, and we're down to two at the top, both who face challenging opponents this weekend. On Sunday, Roma host Lazio in the season's first Derby della Capitale, and their rivals certainly won't be eager to play a hand in the giallorossi maintaining their perfect record. Later that evening, Napoli visit the San Siro to take on Milan, with both sides tired after a challenging first round in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, last week's stumblers have the benefit of weak opposition. Juventus, who drew 1-1 with Inter in last week's Derby d'Italia, welcome Hellas Verona, who've made a decent start to the season but still won't present much trouble to the Old Lady. The nerazzurri take on Sassuolo, who are dead last and searching for their first point. Finally, Fiorentina go to Bergamo, looking to avenge last week's late draw with Cagliari by taking all three points against Atalanta.

So might we have another five-way draw at the top of the table by the end of the week?

Saturday

Cagliari vs Sampdoria

The hosts will be hoping to build on last week's draw against the viola, and facing Sampdoria, they could certainly double their win tally. Samp put on a pathetic -- yes, there's no better word to describe it -- performance against Genoa last weekend, looking for all the world like they didn't care that they were involved in a derby. The loss caused 'Doria to slip down into the bottom three, although the tone of their performance is ultimately more concerning.

Chievo Verona vs Udinese

Well, this game should be a blast. Thanks for giving it special billing, FICG. Chievo are somehow just above the relegation zone, but since they're level on points with Parma and Samp, we'll go ahead and put them in the bottom three. Their only point comes from a goalless encounter with Parma. Meanwhile, Udinese continue their tradition of slow starts to the season, needing a late goal from Antonio Di Natale to give them a point against Bologna last weekend.

Genoa vs Livorno

Prior to the last round, this match would've likely held no interest to anyone other than supporters of the clubs involved. But then Fabio Liverani guided his team to a surprising 3-0 victory over their rivals, leaving no trace of the Genoa that lost 2-5 to Fiorentina. Livorno, who are, crazily enough, currently in sixth, come to town with back-to-back victories, although wins against Catania and Sassuolo aren't exactly boast-worthy.

Sunday

Sassuolo vs Inter Milan

Sassuolo: dead last, one goal, eight against. Already dubbed this season's Pescara. Should be no trouble whatsoever for Walter Mazzarri's revived Inter.

AS Roma vs Lazio

It's another derby week in Italy, and rarely do rivalries get more more exciting than games played out in the capital. Last year brought three editions of the Rome Derby, including the Coppa Italia final, with Lazio winning two and drawing the third. But it's the giallorossi that have the advantage this time around, have dropped no points yet this season, and conceding their first goal just last week, against Parma. Lazio put three past Chievo last week, and Vladmir Petovic rested many in the Europa League win over Legia Warsaw on Thursday, but it's difficult not to view them as underdogs this time around.

Atalanta vs Fiorentina

Andrea Consigli did well to keep Atalanta in the match last week, but after the introduction of José Callejón and Marek Hamšík, la dea fell 2-0 to Napoli. They've got a win against Torino to keep them warm at night, but Atalanta will likely still be tossing and turning, fearing what Fiorentina might do after last week's late draw and failed penalty call on Giuseppe Rossi.

Bologna vs Torino

Blah.

Catania vs Parma

Is it too early in the season to think about thrilling fights at the bottom of the table? Parma doubled their season's goal tally last weekend with the opening goal against Roma, but the visitors fought back to win 3-1. Catania are having an even worse go of it, having slipped from a fun attacking side to one that's scored just once in the opening three rounds. The elefanti are sitting in 19th and starting to look doomed to repeating Palermo's slide into Serie B.

Juventus vs Hellas Verona

A draw against Inter. A draw against Copenhagen. Are Juve set to wreak havoc on visiting Verona? Or will Hellas be buoyed by their 8th place standing and a win against fellow newbies Sassuolo? The visitors may have all the confidence in the world -- they certainly look like a side determined to remain in Serie A -- but it's unlikely they'll leave Turin with a result.

Napoli vs AC Milan

The week ends with Napoli determined to keep hold on first place, showing the world they deserve to be serious scudetto challengers. The win against Dortmund midweek certainly proved more than their perfect record against inferior opposition, but the partenopei looked tired by the final ten minutes. Rafa Benítez will have to choose whether to rest some of his best, but fortunately, the depth in this Napoli squad runs much deeper than it has over the past few seasons. Milan, meanwhile, are regretting not having the same sort of choices, with their injury list running as long as the road to Naples. Despite managing to beat Celtic, the rossoneri gave a poor Champions League showing, and the visitors will need an impressive match at the San Paolo to silence their critics.

 

[Juventus]

Serie A Wrap: Chievo beat Udinese, Sampdoria steal draw
22 September 2013

Chievo picked up their first win of the Serie A season as they came from behind to beat Udinese 2-1 on Saturday.

Giuseppe Sannino's side fell behind with just one minute on the clock as Maicosuel capitalised on a defensive mix-up to run through and put the visitors ahead.

But they rallied immediately, with Sergio Pellissier levelling matters 13 minutes in before Luca Rigoni put the hosts ahead just before half-time.

And the Verona outfit held on to take a victory that moves them up to 14th in the Italian top flight, while Udinese, who finished fifth last term, sit 12th.

The day's most dramatic game saw Cagliari and Sampdoria share a 2-2 draw that featured plenty of late action at Stadio Nereo Rocco.

Manolo Gabbiadini looked to have salvaged a point for Sampdoria when he cancelled out Albin Ekdal's first-half goal in the 89th minute of the match.

But Daniele Conti struck in the first minute of stoppage time to seemingly ensure that the three points would go to the hosts.

However, there was still time for one more twist, as Lorenzo De Silvestri netted in the 93rd minute to save his side from defeat in a thrilling finish.

Cagliari move up to ninth courtesy of their draw, while Sampdoria's second point of the season sees them just above the relegation zone in 17th.

In the final game of the day, Genoa held visitors Livorno to a 0-0 draw that keeps the sides in 13th and sixth place respectively.

 

[Juventus]

Serie A Wrap: Napoli, Roma lead the way as Inter hit seven
23 September 2013

Napoli and Roma lead the way in Serie A thanks to respective wins over Milan and Lazio on Sunday, while Inter hit seven goals.

Napoli travelled to San Siro on the back of a confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, but they showed no signs of a continental hangover by leaving Milan with all three points.

Miguel Britos put Napoli ahead in the sixth minute, with Gonzalo Higuain adding the second after the break.

Mario Balotelli failed to score a penalty for the first time in his professional career as Pepe Reina denied him, and although the Italian did get a goal in spectacular style late on, Rafael Benitez’s side held on to the win.

The defeat was compounded for Milan after the final whistle when Balotelli was shown a red card, with his dismissal appearing to be for dissent.

One of Italy's most famous fixtures also took place on Sunday as Roma and Lazio contested the Rome derby at Stadio Olimpico.

Rudi Garcia's side had begun the season in impressive form with three wins from three, and although the score was level at the break, they were well on their way to three points in the second half when Federico Balzaretti volleyed them into the lead after excellent play by Francesco Totti on the byline.

Lazio's cause was not helped by Andre Dias being shown a straight red card eight minutes from time.

Adem Ljajic compounded Lazio's misery by converting a penalty in stoppage time, moving them on to a maximum 12 points.

Inter's resurgence following a torrid campaign last year continued against Sassuolo, as they ran riot against the promoted side to win 7-0 away from home.

Rodrigo Palacio broke the deadlock early on with his third goal of the season before Spahir Taider and a Raffaele Pucino own goal ensured a 3-0 lead at the break.

Ricky Alvarez added a fourth before his Argentinian compatriots Esteban Cambiasso and Diego Milito completed the rout, with the latter scoring twice on his return from injury.

Reigning champions Juventus got back to winning ways following a week which included draws against Inter and Copenhagen.

Hellas Verona were their victims in Turin, although the visitors opened the scoring as Fabrizio Cacciatore tapped in from close range.

A brilliant finish across goal from Carlos Tevez followed by a Fernando Llorente header on his home debut did enough to claim the three points for Antonio Conte’s side as they won 2-1, but it could have been far more comfortable.

Fiorentina remained in the top three thanks to a 2-0 win at Atalanta, the hosts' third defeat of the season.

Meanwhile, Torino made a significant move up the table thanks to a 2-1 triumph at Bologna, while Parma and Catania remain in the bottom three after their 0-0 draw.

 

[Juventus]

Milan will not appeal Balotelli ban

Mario Balotelli is restrained by Milan team-mate Marco Amelia after receiving a red card.

UPDATED SEP 24, 2013 7:55 AM ET

AC Milan will not appeal against striker Mario Balotelli's three-match ban for dissent in Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Napoli.

The Italy international was punished by the Italian football league (Lega Serie A) after being shown his second yellow card for "insulting and intimidating the referee" after the final whistle.

It represents a turnaround by the Serie A club who Monday said they would appeal against the decision.

However, the club will launch an appeal against the Lega Serie A's decision to close the Curva Sud for one game - Milan were ordered to close that section of the Giuseppe Meazza stadium for their next home game for racist abuse directed at Napoli fans.

A statement from Milan read: "AC Milan announces it will appeal against the closure of the Curva but it will not appeal against Mario Balotelli's ban."

Balotelli, who is Milan's top scorer with three goals in four league games this season, will miss the Rossoneri's encounters against Bologna, Sampdoria and Juventus.

 

[Juventus]

Serie A Preview: Chievo v Juventus
24 September 2013

Juventus are out to continue their unbeaten start to the Serie A season when they visit Chievo on Wednesday.

Antonio Conte's side have won three and drawn one of their opening four league games to get their bid for a third straight Scudetto off to a strong start.

Their latest success did not come without complications though, as they had to come from behind to defeat Chievo's neighbours Hellas Verona 2-1 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday.

Fabrizio Cacciatore put the away side ahead, but Carlos Tevez equalised before Fernando Llorente scored the winner in first-half injury time on his first start for the club.

And the Spain international is targeting further improvement as he settles in Turin.

"I normally take a bit of time to hit top form and knew I'd have to work a great deal, also because I pretty much missed the whole of last season," he told the club's official website.

"In addition I needed to settle in and learn the language, and adapting to a new environment is never an easy task for anyone.

"I'm getting on great here and feel the manager has faith in me, but I know I need to keep working to get back into peak condition."

Conte made five changes for the victory over Verona, but goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, and defenders Stephan Lichtsteiner and Giorgio Chiellini could earn recalls against Chievo.

Winger SImone Pepe is likely to miss out again with a thigh problem, although midfielder Claudio Marchisio could start after coming on as a substitute in the win over Verona after a long-standing knee injury.

Giuseppe Sannino's side have not beaten Juve since January 2010, although they have drawn four of the previous six Serie A encounters between the sides.

And Chievo will head into this showdown with the champions buoyed by their first league success of the season after they defeated Udinese 2-1 on Saturday.

Srikes from Sergio Pellissier and Luca Rigoni before half-time ensured the three points after Maicosuel had put the visitors in front after just one minute at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

Pellissier and Alberto Paloschi are likely to once more lead the line against Juve, while midfielder Alessio Sestu is expected to feature despite taking a knock in the victory over Udinese.

 

[Juventus]

Serie A Preview: Bologna v Milan
24 September 2013

Bologna and Milan meet on Wednesday with both sides looking to recover from disappointing starts to the campaign.

Stefano Pioli's men have not won a game this season, while Milan have triumphed just once in their opening four games.

Massimiliano Allegri's side's latest defeat came in front of their own fans against Napoli, whose 2-1 victory marked the first time in 27 years that they had beaten Milan at San Siro in the top flight.

Mario Balotelli endured a typically eventful game, the striker missing the first penalty of his career, before scoring in spectacular fashion and then being dismissed after the final whistle following an argument with the referee.

The Italy international will now miss the next three games and he will join a number of first-team players on the sidelines.

Stephan El Shaarawy, Riccardo Montolivo and Kaka (all thigh) are out, as is on-loan defender Matias Silvestre (knee).

Defenders Daniele Bonera and Mattia De Sciglio, and striker Giampaolo Pazzini (all knee) are also unavailable .

Still, despite a long list of notable absentees, Allegri's men should head to Emilia-Romagna with a good deal of confidence, having done the double over Bologna last season.

Bologna have not beaten Milan since 2008, when goals from Marco Di Vaio and Francesco Valiani gave them a 2-1 win at San Siro.

Pioli's side have been in dreadful form so far this term, with their latest defeat coming at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara against Torino, who emerged 2-1 winners.

Cesare Natali found the net for Bologna in that game, but the defender will be absent against Milan after he was shown a straight red card early in the second half.

Defender Nicolo Cherubin (foot) is still on the sidelines, while midfielder Rene Krhin and defender Frederik Sorensen are yet to return to fitness.

 

[Juventus]

Serie A Preview: Roma, Napoli target fifth win
24 September 2013

Leaders Roma travel to meet Sampdoria on Wednesday aiming to maintain Rudi Garcia's winning start as manager.

Garcia has turned the club around after taking over in June and they have a 100 per cent record, including an impressive 2-0 victory in the Rome derby last time out.

However, they were unable to beat Sampdoria last season, and have only won once in their last seven meetings.

Sampdoria have yet to win this season – in fact the two points they have collected have come away from home – so they will be hoping to collect their first points of the season at the Luigi Ferraris.

Napoli welcome Sassuolo to the San Paolo and they will be confident of recording a big victory.

Eusebio Di Francesco's side are competing in the top flight for the first time but have found it tough going, and were beaten 7-0 by Inter on Sunday.

Rafael Benitez's side could pile more misery on Sassuolo if they can match Sunday's performance against Milan, when they beat them at San Siro for the first time in 27 years.

Close-season arrival Gonzalo Higuain has filled the void left by Edinson Cavani well and has scored four in five for his new club in all competitions.

Two of the top four go head-to-head when Inter face Fiorentina at San Siro.

Walter Mazzarri has revamped the Inter squad and they look likely to improve on their ninth-place finish last season.

Fiorentina should pose a much harder test than Sassuolo did on Sunday, given that Vincenzo Montella's side are also yet to lose in the league.

However, without injured duo Josip Ilicic and Mario Gomez, they could find it hard to add to their 10 goals against Inter's miserly defence, which has only conceded once.

Defending champions Juventus travel to Chievo on Wednesday looking to maintain their impressive record against Giuseppe Sannino's side.

Juventus have only lost once in their 20 meetings and did the double over them last season.

Antonio Conte is set to be without Simone Pepe (thigh) and Martin Caceres (knee) as they prepare to face opposition from Verona for the second time in four days.

Catania – fresh from their first point of the season against Parma – face Lazio, who will be keen to put their derby defeat behind them.

Vladimir Petkovic will be without Andre Dias after his dismissal against Roma, and he also has Diego Novaretti (foot), Lucas Biglia (calf), Stefan Radu (knee) and Giuseppe Biava (foot) on the sidelines.

Milan will face Bologna without Mario Balotelli after the striker was shown a red card after the final whistle following the 2-1 defeat to Napoli.

The striker will serve a three-game ban after having two games added to his initial suspension for intimidating the referee.

Massimiliano Allegri's side have made a stuttering start to the season with just one win so far, but they will be confident of getting their second against a side that they have not lost to since 2008.

Like Milan, Udinese have made a low-key start to the campaign and they will be looking to bounce back from Saturday's defeat to Chievo when they face Genoa on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Livorno will aim to continue their good start to the season when they face Cagliari, while Verona travel to Torino for their second game in Turin in four days.

The final game of the round sees struggling Parma host Atalanta as they try to collect their first win of the term.