Round 1 Serie A and Player of the Week‏

Article by e-Football Serie A Correspondent Daniel Pisani

Finally the season got under way and already we saw which teams have the intentions to strive and which teams could struggle.

Two games were played on the Saturday and that saw newly promoted Hellas Verona play host to AC Milan who were looking to start there year a bit better than the way they started last year. Verona to the surprise of many (but not me) won in a 3 goal game where Luca Toni stole the headlines as the 36 year old showed the league he still has plenty of goals in him.

So lets look at the results and from here on in I will write a sentence or two about the game in an honest view.

Hellas Verona vs AC Milan (2-1) - AC have a problem, they concede too many goals in the air! This was evident with terrible defending on Luca Toni who bagged a double. it was a classy double yes but the defending on the giant was not up to the level of Italian football that's for sure.

Sampdoria vs Juventus (0-1) - it's as though the 22 men were playing in a pond, the rain was pouring down which caused a pretty boring game that saw 3 chances really, Pirlo's long range shot which was parried over, Asamoah's header well saved and the goal by Carlos Tevez.

Inter vs Genoa (2-0) - an Inter team with something to prove and goals by Nagatomo and Palacio brought to life a game that after the first half was looking like a draw.

Cagliari vs Atalanta (2-1) - both played an attacking formation 4-3-3 (diamond) and the 1st 30 minutes was very entertaining with 2 goals within 2 minutes. Cabrera got the winner for Cagliari thanks to an assist by Murru.

Lazio vs Udinese (2-1) - recovering after their demolition in the Super Cup, Lazio needed to show intent and grab the 3 points. Started like a house on fire up 2-0 within the first 20 minutes but slowly Udinese found their grips. Muriel scored a consolation but wasn't enough.

Livorno vs AS Roma (0-2) - after a scoreless first half the managers needed to say something to liven up proceedings and it was the Romans who got that kick up the backside as De Rossi and Florenzi scored 2 goals within 2 minutes. Roma shut up shop in a very tactical game that saw numerous changes in formations.

Napoli vs Bologna (3-0) - intention made!! Scudetto is calling for an impressive Napoli showing in this demolition of a some what flat Bologna side. In was as though it was an impossible task travelling to Naples in front of a 40,000 strong crowd. Hamsik dominated and scored a double helping his side show Juve that they mean business.

Parma vs Chievo (0-0) - I was actually excited to see how this game turned out seeing as though Amauri and Cassano were headlining the Parma attached. Both teams shared 5 shots of target a piece with no real worry for any keeper. Disappointing show from both outfits and guaranteed if Parma come out like this next week Udinese will give them a footballing lesson.

Torino vs Sassuolo (2-0) - somewhat surprising result seeing as Torino stumbled in the Coppa Italia and Sassuolo having a great pre season. Brighi and Cerci assured the Turin boys would take the 3 points as Sassuolo play maker Zaza was relatively quiet. A very solid showing by Torino.

Fiorentina vs Catania (2-1) - Giuseppe Rossi is back and this game was arguably the match of the round. It some way delivered with both outfits having numerous chances. It was obvious that the purple boys were playing a more attacking game whilst Catania sat back with a 4-5-1 and tried their luck on the counter. All goals were in the 1st half but that didn't take away from a tactical 2nd 45.

Player of the Week - LUCA TONI

Apart from the fact that I am a massive fan of Luca Toni it can't be ignored what happened over the weekend as the 36 yr old proved to any doubters that he still has PLENTY of class goals left in him. I mentioned a few articles ago that the player to watch out for in Hellas Verona was Luca only due to the fact that any balls in the air, he will win. Verona have a solid side and it's headlined with a poaching striker like Toni and 2 play makers behind. Hellas have a tough trip to one of Toni's former sides AS Roma and I will not be surprised if Garcia hands the giant to De Rossi who as of late has needed to put his centre half boots on.

Next article will be a preview on one game I believe will stand out as well as a small preview on the other remaining fixtures.

Follow me on Twitter @dpisani23 and also @e-seriea

Thanks

Daniel Joseph Pisani #23

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