Serie A’s seventh round arrives with different kinds of pressure already shaping the season: a Venezia side seeking a response after a change on the bench, leaders Lazio preparing for Juventus, and Torino continuing to trust a young wide player in the rhythm of the championship.
The coach and the club
Venezia have reached a difficult early crossroads. Six league matches have brought six defeats, followed by the dismissal of Giovanni Stroppa. The arrival of Davide Nicola offers the club a new reference point, and Antoine Hainaut will hope to remain central to the recovery.
The French midfielder has provided one of the few encouraging individual notes in Venezia’s opening weeks. He has scored twice and supplied one assist, directly contributing to three of the five goals the club have managed in Serie A. His next assignment, against Napoli, is demanding, although Napoli’s European commitments may leave opportunities for Venezia to exploit. Priced at 24 credits in Fantacampionato Gazzetta, Hainaut remains a low-cost midfield option capable of attacking returns despite his team’s position.
At Lazio, the story is altogether more settled. The league leaders face Juventus with Gennaro Gattuso having identified Reda Belahyane as his preferred player at the base of midfield. The Moroccan has regained importance under the coach through his tackling, ball recoveries and persistent pressing, qualities that have helped preserve Lazio’s balance.
Belahyane has also delivered consistent fantasy scores. Across five rated appearances, his only below-par mark was a 5.5 against Milan, a performance affected by a booking. Every other rating has been solid, including a 7 against Monza. Goals and assists have yet to arrive, but at 18 credits he offers reliability and an established starting place.
Torino’s faith in Alessio Cacciamani is another early-season thread worth following. After working with the player at Juve Stabia, Abate has continued to place his trust in the 2007-born winger at Torino. Cacciamani has received a rating in each of the first six rounds, starting five of them.
His debut against Milan brought a 5.5, but he has met the required standard in every match since. He also registered his first attacking contribution, setting up Comuzzo against Sassuolo. Cacciamani is expected to cover the left flank again at Parma. Having begun at only one fantasy credit amid questions over his step up to the senior side and Serie A itself, he now costs nine. His regular role and attacking instincts make him a notable budget selection.
The seventh-round calendar
- Frosinone host Sassuolo on Friday 16 October at 20:45, opening the seventh matchday.
- Monza play Cagliari on Monday at 18:30.
- Parma welcome Torino at 20:45 on Monday, bringing the round to a close.
