Outside90’s Joshua Scarcella breaks down the major talking points to come out of Serie A matchday 24, including some of the big transfers of the week.
Gonzalo Higuain rules all
Subscribers to our Top Five performers weekly column will be no stranger to the achievements of this man so far this season. It is almost on a weekly basis that Higuain breaks a new record, scores another goal, or dazzles us with his fantastic ability.
This week he has knocked over not one but two records. The Argentine scored a penalty against Carpi which takes his season tally to 24 goals, this means he now not only has more that last season’s Capocannoniere joint winners Luca Toni and Mauro Icardi (23) but he has also scored at least one goal against every Serie A team.
The prolific goal scorer’s biggest test of the season is the upcoming fixture against Juventus, which could decide who is to take out the Scudetto for 2105-16.
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Verona almost cause the boil over of the season
I Gialloblu were heading into their clash against Inter Milan on a high after their first win of the season just three days prior and while the result means they were unbeaten in their previous four matches, no one could have predicted the drama that would unfold.
The home side unbelievably found themselves 3-1 to the good midway though the second-half with three headed goals from set pieces. Previous to the Derby della Madonnina, the Nerazzuri had not conceded any headed goals, however, have now conceded four out of six in this fashion since then.
Inter managed to claw their way back to share the points, in what would have undoubtedly been the biggest upset of the season.
Roma win three in a row
Only a month ago we discussed Roma’s mounting problems, both with personnel and management and wondered whether they would be able to dig themselves out of a large hole. The appointment of Luciano Spalletti has been a positive one for the Giallorossi, he has shuffled their style of play to accommodate key players such as Maicon, Miralem Pjanic, Mohammed Salah and new recruit Stephan El Shaarawy.
The former Milan winger has contributed two goals and an assist in his first three matches for the Romans, in what seems an inspired transfer for the 23-year-old. It is also the first time since round five that the side has managed to win three matches in-a-row, bringing them back into contention for a European opportunity in 2016-17.
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Atalanta miss that winning feeling
Although not contending for a top-third finish, I Nerazzuri began spent the first few weeks of the season in mid-table, a result they would have been content with considering the players in the squad and lack of funds for the season.
Unfortunately the season has now spiralled out of control for Atalanta, only taking four points from their last nine matches, not winning one of those. This statistic proves them to be the worse performing side in the last ten weeks, although somehow still sitting in thirteenth position on the table.
Vincenzo Montella – the most under pressure manager in Serie A
Sampdoria fans would be close to the most frustrated out of any other club in the Serie A. Many decisions, from not only on matchday but also at the board level leave us wondering what exactly their strategy is, both on the pitch and off.
The appointment of Montella was a positive move, but after their January transfers it is difficult to believe Sampdoria have not written off the rest of the season. The Blucerchiati have only taken one point from the last six matches, less than impressive from a team that start at the top of the table at the beginning of the season.
Genoa cannot find the net
It is no secret that I Grifone have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net this season and despite the recent surge in form of Leonardo Pavoletti, Genoa’s strikers have not exactly shared much of the load.
Unfortunately for Genoa, another scoreless drought is now mounting and after a 0-0 draw at home against Lazio, their run now stands at 341 minutes long. The upcoming fixture against Milan at the San Siro will be not be an easy opportunity for them to snap the streak, with the Rossonero finding some good form.
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