The last time AC Milan and Inter Milan were first and second on Serie A’s podium after nine games was 2010/11. That year Milan won the league, and it was also the last time a club other than Juventus won Italy’s top league.
This year everything seems to be different. The Rossoneri remain unbeaten but they still have to pay attention to the pursuers that are biting at their heels.
Title challengers: Milan make their best start in the three-points era
Zlatan Ibrahimovic of A.C. Milan celebrates against SSC Napoli in the Serie A on November 22, 2020
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his teammates are carving their own history at a club with an illustrious past. Milan’s 23 points at this stage is a significant club record.
In fact, the Rossoneri have never gained this many points after nine games before. The previous record was established in 2005/06 when the Milanese had 22 points.
Local rivals Inter are hot on their heels. Victory over U.S. Sassuolo Calcio took them above the Neroverdi in the table. However, the side from Emilia-Romagna have been one of the biggest surprise stories so far and sit in third place, the same as Inter, thanks to the 18 points gained.
It could be strange not seeing Juventus in the top three, but Andrea Pirlo’s side are still struggling to find their identity. Nevertheless, this is not the first time the Old Lady have registered a bad start. In 2012, when Maximillion Allegri was in charge, they collected only 12 points compared to 17 of this year. There’s life in the Old Lady yet.
Race for extra European places: can S.S.C. Napoli maintain Maradona’s spirit?
Diego Maradona’s death shocked the entire football world. But few clubs more than Napoli. The Azzurri put in an impressive performance to beat Roma 4-0 in a totally surreal night in Naples. At this moment, the one point deduction imposed for not following Covid-19 protocols hasn’t weighed heavy on them.
Another team that have had a decent start to the season is Roma. The Giallorossi are in sixth position with 17 points, like Napoli and Juventus, and they are “re-discovering” Paulo Fonseca. In fact, the Portuguese coach was considered on the brink at the beginning of the season, but an 11 game streak of positive results has made many people change their mind.
Fight for Serie A’s middle ground: Hellas Verona offer the surprise package
Verona have already demonstrated that they can make life difficult for anyone they face. The draw against Milan and win over Atalanta were proof of this statement. The Gialloblù are proceeding on the same track as last season, when they finished ninth – their best league position over the last 20 years.
Atalanta and Lazio seem to be a bit muted compared to last season. However, they are both leaving their mark in the Champions League. Bologna conclude the top 10 who seem to be prepared for a tranquil year without many shake-ups.
Mattia Zaccagni (C) of Hellas Verona celebrates against Genoa CFC in the Serie A on January 12, 2020
From Sampdoria to Fiorentina: everyone wants to avoid the relegation
The relegation battle is shaping up nicely with four points separating seven teams in the bottom half. Sampdoria and Cagliari appear to be best prepared to face the situation, but also Udinese, Spezia and Benevento have found their way after a shaky start.
The scenario seems to be more complicated for Parma and Fiorentina. Almost nobody expected this slow start from the Viola. After Giuseppe Iachini’s dismissal, there hasn’t been much change in fortunes and Cesare Prandelli has a lot to do.
Torino, Genoa and Crotone can only do better
Finally, in the last three positions of the table, we can find Torino, Genoa, and Crotone. The Genoese have been hit hard by Covid-19 with many of their players and staff not available to play.
Torino instead, have defensive problems: 22 goals conceded are too many for an expert club like the Granata. At the boot of the table, there is Crotone on 2 points from their two draws. Will the Squali repeat the amazing escape they managed three years ago? It’ll be very hard, but what’s certain is that this Serie A season promises a real spectacle.
