Serie A’s biggest clubs will look to make an early statement this weekend as Matchday 2 delivers a packed schedule featuring Juventus, Napoli, Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Milan open the round on Friday night against Venezia at San Siro, where the Rossoneri will be keen to make home advantage count and strengthen their early push among the leading contenders.
Attention then shifts to Turin on Saturday as Juventus host Parma, with Luciano Spalletti looking to shape a side expected to challenge for major honours this season.
One player already catching the Juventus coach’s eye is Colombian defender Jhon Lucumi, whose physicality and competitive edge could add another dimension to the team.
“Lucumi has this drive, this physicality that we could really do with,” Spalletti said.
“It’s a very South American thing, they call it garra, where the character is imposed on the game.”
Parma, however, will hope to frustrate Juventus and punish any slow start from the hosts.
Saturday’s other fixtures see Sassuolo take on Torino, Fiorentina face Frosinone and Monza host Udinese.
Sunday brings another major test as Napoli welcome an ambitious Como side whose rapid transformation under Cesc Fabregas continues to attract attention.
Former Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is among Como’s notable arrivals and says Fabregas played a major role in convincing him to make the move.
“He was a massive part. He explained what he wanted, the way he sees the club and how he sees me fitting into this club and how I can help,” Chalobah said.
“It wasn’t an overnight thing, it was a very thoughtful and hard decision. But I thought about the trajectory of this club and the direction it’s going in.”
Inter Milan are also on the road on Sunday when they face Cagliari, giving coach Cristian Chivu another opportunity to settle his side amid growing scrutiny.
Chivu has dismissed some of the criticism surrounding Inter, saying: “If we’re at this point in the season and someone doesn’t like what I say, that’s not my problem.”
Lazio host Genoa later on Sunday.
The round concludes on Monday with Roma travelling to Lecce before Atalanta host Bologna in Bergamo.
Follow our social media pages for breaking news updates, in-depth stories and videos.
news@nairobilens.ke
