Five things to look forward to in Serie A
The Rome Derby, AC Milan take on Napoli and Hellas Verona needing the help of a 'madman' this weekend in Serie A
The international break was one to forget for fans of Italian football after the national side missed out on World Cup qualification for the first time since 1958. Thankfully Serie A returns with the Rome derby, table-topping Napoli taking on AC Milan and Benevento hunting for their first win of the season against Sassuolo. Ahead of the weekend's action, we decided to break down the must-see moments.
Derby Day in the eternal city
Roma entertains local rivals Lazio in the world famous Rome derby. Both sides have been in fine form domestically with only Roma losing once in both of the sides last five Serie A games. Only one point separates the two sides and Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco, will be targeting a win in his first Rome derby as coach. As for Lazio, they have only dropped points twice so far this season and will be looking to continue their dominance in the Derby della Capitale having beaten Roma 3-1 last season in the same fixture.
Pressure is on for Montella
Top of the table Napoli welcomes AC Milan to the Stadio San Paolo on Saturday evening in one of the standout fixtures of the weekend. Maurizio Sarri’s side has been playing some of the best football in Europe this season and will be looking to continue their run against an AC Milan side that has stuttered against the top teams in the league. After spending big in the summer, the pressure is on for Rossoneri boss Vincenzo Montella another poor result against a rival could spell the end of the road for the former Italian international.
Juve facing a battle at Samp
Second-placed Juventus will be hoping to take advantage should Napoli slip up, but will face a challenge when they take on an in-form Sampdoria on Sunday afternoon. Marco Giampaolo’s side has won their last five matches at home this season and will be a tough test for the Serie A champions. Keeper Gianluigi Buffon will have to put aside his disappointment of missing out on the World Cup to lead his Juventus side into the match at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Benevento not looking to break unwanted record
Newly promoted Benevento is one game away from breaking Manchester United's record of 12 consecutive league defeats from the start of a season should they lose to Sassuolo at the weekend. It will be an unwelcome record for boss Roberto De Zerbi who replaced Marco Baroni at the end of October. They take on a Sassulo side who have lost three straight games in the league, perhaps this could be the time for Benevento to break their duck in the league.
Verona need the help of the Madman
Another team in desperate need of a victory is Hellas Verona, who sit above Benevento in the relegation zone. Verona has racked up a total of eight draws this season, the joint highest in the league. They will be targeting a win against a stuttering Bologna side who are on a run of four straight defeats in the league. Veteran striker Giampaolo Pazzini is Verona leading scorer so far this season with four goals, and fans will be hoping the former Inter Milan striker who is nicknamed the Madman can fire the Gialloblu out of trouble.