Serie A’s fifth round will begin on Friday night when Monza host Sassuolo and will end with Milan against Lecce on Sunday evening, with Roma-Inter the weekend’s standout fixture. Away from the biggest stage, Como, Udinese and Juventus have midfield decisions that could shape both their league plans and fantasy selections before the break.
Key takeaways
- Nico Paz has followed his goal against Genoa with his first league assist of the season, taking his return to a new level for Como.
- Jurgen Ekkelenkamp has recorded two goals and one assist across Udinese’s opening four matches.
- Edon Zhegrova scored twice after coming on in Juventus’ defeat at Sassuolo and is now pushing for a starting place against Atalanta.
- Como will face Frosinone as favourites, while Udinese meet Cagliari in the next round.
- Zhegrova’s absence from Juventus’ UEFA list could give Luciano Spalletti another reason to use him in Serie A.
A round framed by major fixtures and smaller opportunities
The fifth matchday opens at 20:45 on Friday with Monza-Sassuolo. Roma’s meeting with Inter provides the central confrontation of the round, while Milan-Lecce will bring the programme to a close at 20:45 on Sunday.
For Como, the focus is again likely to fall on Nico Paz. The Argentine, 22, scored against Genoa in the previous round before creating Jacobo Ramon’s goal against Parma. His delivery gave Ramon a close-range chance that was converted despite an imperfect contact.
Paz has become the technical reference point in Cesc Fabregas’ side, setting the rhythm in the final third and providing the moments that can unlock a match. Como are expected to take the initiative against Frosinone in their final fixture before the break, and Paz will again be asked to lead the attacking midfield line.
His fantasy value stands at 61 credits, reflecting his importance to a Como side increasingly built around his influence near goal.
Udinese’s Dutch surge and Juventus’ selection question
Jurgen Ekkelenkamp has made a fast start under Kosta Runjaic. The Udinese midfielder has two goals and an assist in four league appearances, including a goal at San Siro against Inter in the last round.
He is expected to begin behind Davis against Cagliari, having established himself among Udinese’s key performers. Even in the match against Lazio, when he did not produce a goal or assist, his display was still judged sufficient. His price has already risen by eight credits since the season began and is now 36, with further growth possible should his productive start continue.
At Juventus, Zhegrova has turned a difficult situation into a possible opening. Previously seen as peripheral to the Bianconeri project, the Kosovo international made a strong impact from the bench at the Mapei Stadium. In the defeat to Sassuolo, he scored twice as Juventus came back on two occasions before Adzic’s decisive intervention.
His technical quality had never been in doubt, but his physical sharpness also stood out. That performance has put him in contention to start against Atalanta. Since he is not registered for Juventus’ Europa League squad, Spalletti may view the league fixture as an opportunity to use him more heavily and rest either Conceição or Alajbegovic.
Priced at 27 credits, Zhegrova represents a lower-cost midfield option whose place in the coming championship chapter may depend on whether he can turn one influential substitute appearance into a sustained role.
SEO Title: Serie A Matchday 5: Paz, Ekkelenkamp and Zhegrova in Focus
Meta Description: Serie A’s fifth round brings Roma-Inter and Milan-Lecce, while Nico Paz, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Edon Zhegrova enter the weekend with growing importance.
