Serie A’s seventh round opens with a useful measure of how quickly early-season certainties can shift. At Lazio, Nuno Tavares has rediscovered the force that once made him one of the league’s most watched wide defenders; at Roma, Mario Hermoso has become a steady reference point under Gian Piero Gasperini; and at Parma, Diego Carlos carries part of the responsibility for a defence that must settle under Alberto Gilardino.
The seventh-round schedule
- Frosinone host Sassuolo on Friday 13 October, with kick-off set for 20:45, to begin the round.
- The programme concludes on Monday evening, when Monza face Cagliari at 18:30.
- Parma then meet Torino at the Tardini at 20:45 in the final fixture.
Tavares gives Lazio a different outlet
Nuno Tavares has been among the unexpected figures of the opening six rounds. The Portuguese left-back, valued at 27 credits in the fantasy game, scored his first league goal of the campaign with a powerful strike against Monza and has posted a fantasy average of 7.6.
Gennaro Gattuso has openly underlined the player’s talent and the challenge of getting the best from him. “I see him as a Real Madrid-level player,” the Lazio coach said. “He knows he is extremely strong; the key is getting into his head.”
That work appears to be producing results. Tavares is approaching the standard he showed two seasons ago, and Juventus will need to find an answer for his runs down Lazio’s left side in their meeting.
Hermoso’s reliability at the Olimpico
Hermoso has established himself as one of the more dependable elements in Gasperini’s Roma. The Spanish centre-back has featured in all six Serie A matches, scored against Atalanta and recorded a 6.5 fantasy average, without receiving a rating below 5.5.
Roma welcome Genoa to the Olimpico with a difficult individual contest in prospect. Genoa striker Milutin Osmajic arrives in strong form, but Hermoso comes into the match after helping Roma contain Nico Paz and Douvikas in the previous round against Como.
The former Atletico Madrid defender has given Roma a firm base at home, an important quality as Gasperini’s side seek to turn their early consistency into a broader league rhythm.
Parma need experience in the back line
Parma’s situation is less settled. Gilardino, who replaced Carlos Cuesta, has inherited a side that has conceded 10 goals in six league matches. Rebuilding the defensive structure is therefore an immediate task ahead of Torino’s visit.
Diego Carlos is one of the senior figures available for that job. Signed late in the transfer window after leaving Como, the Brazilian has received a rating in every match for which he has been available. His first two appearances brought scores of 6 and 6.5, followed by a 5.5 and then a 5.
There is still a case for patience. Diego Carlos has already shown that he can affect matches from set pieces, while Parma will hope the Tardini can provide the setting for a more secure performance. Torino arrive encouraged by their win over Udinese, making the hosts’ need for a cleaner defensive display all the more pressing.
