The international break briefly allowed Juventus and Milan to breathe, each arriving there on the back of a win. Once Serie A resumed, however, the familiar doubts returned. Their 1-1 draw did little to alter the sense that neither side is yet equipped to remain at the summit for a sustained period, and the leaders have again moved further away.
Juventus appeared the more energetic of the two, finally drawing a league goal from Kolo Muani, while Milan were again left waiting for Gonçalo Ramos to reproduce in Italy the confidence he has shown for Portugal. Yet both teams carried the same limitations into the match, in quality and in selection. Zhegrova, Juventus’ most convincing attacking midfielder at present, was again held back until the second half, when his dribbling, imagination and shooting gave the game greater life. Milan made Cisse wait until the 78th minute despite his strong recent displays with Italy’s youth side and an already decisive contribution in red and black.
Spalletti and Amorim have so far offered progress in flashes rather than a settled direction. The point leaves them sharing the same frustration, while Cagliari and Sassuolo were able to enjoy another encouraging weekend of their own.
Lazio turn early scepticism into belief
The clearest statement of the round came from Lazio. Their victory over Monza was their fifth in six league matches, with only the draw against Milan interrupting an exceptional beginning. Even that afternoon carried encouragement: Lazio had controlled the first half before being held.
Defeating Monza alone will not define a season, but the broader work of Gennaro Gattuso and his players is becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss. The club began the campaign under deep scepticism. Supporters had stepped away, Gattuso had arrived after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, and the squad had been weakened by Gila’s departure. Recruitment brought loans and free agents rather than major assurances.
After the Coppa Italia exit to Mantova, few in Rome were looking upwards. There were stronger fears that Lazio might be dragged towards the bottom of the table. Instead, they are keeping pace with Inter through a side that is organised, clear in its approach and increasingly capable of drawing the best from its individuals.
Gattuso is often reduced to the language of character, collective spirit and emotion. Those qualities are plainly part of his work, but Lazio’s start has also highlighted his coaching. The team have shown an understanding of their tasks and have frequently played well. This Roman spell is presenting him as a more rounded, contemporary manager than the usual description allows.
Only conviction would not be enough to remain alongside Inter. Lazio have ideas as well, and on Sunday they will take a five-point advantage over Juventus to Turin. Juventus, meanwhile, must first travel to Vigo for their Europa League fixture on Thursday.
Como and Roma produce the season’s first goalless match
Elsewhere, Como and Roma became the first Serie A match this season to finish 0-0, ending a sequence of 53 league games without a scoreless draw. It was not a match in which either coach accepted the point from the outset. Cesc Fabregas and Gian Piero Gasperini both pursued a win, though neither was prepared to expose his side recklessly.
Fabregas left Baturina out and selected Caqueret, while Gasperini chose Pellegrini ahead of Soulé and Mora. Chances arrived at both ends and, until Malen’s dismissal, the contest retained its quality despite the lack of a goal. After the red card, Roma’s priority became containment. The result was a draw shaped less by caution than by two sides recognising the danger posed by the other.
