Results from round seven of the 2020/21 Serie A season:
Serie A table:
This week’s talking point: It’s too early for predictions
High calibre matches involving Lazio v Juventus, Atalanta v Inter, plus Milan v Verona could have defined the standings, but three draws mean the top 11 remains very packed.
Sassuolo were held to an unusual 0-0 and missed the chance to go top, whereas Milan showed great determination to recover two goals.
Lazio’s last-minute goal revealed once again Juventus’ recent struggles: a few years ago, the Bianconeri would have closed the contest earlier and would never have conceded at the death. Atalanta and Inter’s draw means they have dropped down the table at the expense of Napoli and Roma to go as they go above them with a win apiece.
The result is: at this moment in time, it’s too early to make statements. Inconsistency has been dominant thus far and it will be very interesting to see who comes back strong after the break, as the league awaits to find its master.
The top team: Roma
Whilst a win against Genoa was a must-do for the Giallorossi, it was extremely important to keep the form going before the international break. Roma started the season with a point out of six, but have won all but one games since (draw against top of the table Milan).
Paulo Fonseca’s side finds themselves joint-third now, only three points below first place, turning around a tricky situation. Oncoming matches with Parma, Napoli and Sassuolo will tell if Roma can make a concrete mark for the season, or will have to settle for a Europa League spot like in recent years.
The top player: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
With mentions to Marco Silvestri (seven saves against Milan) and Felipe Caicedo (95th minute equalizer against Juventus)
With Edin Dzeko’s absence due to Covid-19, Roma found their hero in Mkhitaryan. It took great character from the Armenian to step up with a formidable hat-trick, as he was still goalless in the league.
In fact, despite being the top assister with four, he was only second to his Bosnian teammate Edin Dzeko for big chances missed, with five, and was yet to net.
It was a tremendous performance from Mkhitaryan, who had also hit the crossbar before netting his three goals, a header and two right-footed volleys, helping Roma into the top four.
All stats are provided by Sofascore (sofascore.com/tournament/football/italy/serie-a/23) and Serie A (legaseriea.it/it)
