Five rounds are too few to decide a Serie A season, but they are enough to test the patience of fantasy managers. Fiorentina’s difficult opening has placed David de Gea and Atta under particular scrutiny, while Juventus are still waiting for Lucumi and Randal Kolo Muani to meet the expectations attached to their arrivals.
The decision
De Gea’s early numbers have been severe. Fiorentina’s goalkeeper has conceded 12 goals and has yet to keep a clean sheet; only newly promoted Venezia, with 13 conceded, have let in more. His value has fallen from 24 credits at the start of the campaign to 12 after five matches.
There was, however, a more encouraging sign in the draw with Napoli. With Paolo Vanoli back on the Fiorentina bench, De Gea received a 7.5 rating after important saves from Neres and Favasuli helped preserve the point. It may prove to be no more than one afternoon, but Fiorentina need it to become the beginning of a steadier run.
Lucumi arrived at Juventus with the task of adding authority to the defence alongside Bremer. The former Bologna player, valued at 20 credits, has had only one notable rating across his first four scored league appearances for the Bianconeri: 6.5 against Atalanta. Two yellow cards have added to an underwhelming start for a player expected to settle quickly in Turin.
Atta has also been caught in Fiorentina’s troubled beginning under Fabio Grosso. The midfielder, priced at 34 credits after leaving Udinese, had been seen as one of the most promising players in the Viola squad. Yet in five rated matches he has reached a passing mark only twice, against Torino and Venezia, and has provided neither a goal nor an assist.
Juventus had greater hopes still for Kolo Muani. His return carried a price of 66 credits and followed a productive spell in black and white last season, when he scored 10 times in 22 appearances between January and July. With Jonathan David, Dusan Vlahovic and Openda each failing to offer consistent reassurance, the Frenchman was expected to lead the line.
The forward has begun to show small signs of recovery: he registered his first fantasy contribution with an assist against Sassuolo and earned a 7.5 rating versus Atalanta. The larger picture remains less convincing, with missed chances in front of goal and a fantasy average of 5.7 so far.
Sunday’s picture
For Fiorentina, the draw against Napoli offered a possible turning point after a damaging opening stretch. De Gea’s performance gave the club a platform, but the wider concern remains unchanged: a side built amid high expectations needs more from its senior goalkeeper and from a midfielder such as Atta.
Juventus, meanwhile, are still waiting for their expensive pieces to become dependable parts of the season. Lucumi must find the consistency expected of a defender brought in to strengthen the side, while Kolo Muani’s recent assist and improved rating will matter only if they lead to a more regular contribution in the weeks ahead.
