Serie A resumes after the break with the sixth round set to test the depth of several leading squads, particularly in midfield. Milan, Juventus and Napoli each have a player whose recent contribution has altered the selection picture ahead of another demanding weekend.
Key takeaways
- The sixth Serie A matchday begins with Genoa against Fiorentina on Saturday 10 October at 15:00.
- Monday’s programme closes the round with Atalanta-Venezia at 18:30 and Torino-Udinese at 20:45.
- Christian Pulisic has returned from an early absence with an assist against Lazio and a goal against Lecce.
- Francisco Conceição scored his first league goal of the season in Juventus’ latest match against Atalanta.
- Billy Gilmour has started Napoli’s last two games and found his first Serie A goal against Fiorentina.
Selection questions after the international break
Milan will return to league action against Sassuolo, with Pulisic pressing for a place from the opening whistle. The American missed the first three fixtures of the campaign, but made an immediate impact once available. He supplied an assist at the Olimpico against Lazio before scoring in the home victory over Eusebio Di Francesco’s Lecce.
Those displays have strengthened his case with Amorim. Pulisic’s valuation had dipped during his absence, but has returned to its opening-week level of 57 credits. With his minutes expected to rise, he has become a significant option both for the coming round and for the longer stretch of the season.
Juventus, meanwhile, travel towards their meeting with Cagliari encouraged by Conceição’s growing influence. Spalletti has selected the Portuguese winger from the start in every league game so far, valuing his ability to take on opponents and create danger in individual duels.
The former Porto player ended his wait for a Serie A goal against Atalanta in Juventus’ final outing before the break. It was an important strike, and one that could help a player not generally regarded as the most clinical finisher gain greater conviction in front of goal. Priced at 44 credits, Conceição is expected to retain his starting role against Cagliari.
Napoli turn to Gilmour amid midfield absences
Napoli’s midfield shortage has given Gilmour a more prominent role under Allegri. The Scotland international has started the last two matches and scored his first league goal in the fixture with Fiorentina, following a positive display against Bologna.
His opportunity has arrived as Napoli cope without Scott McTominay and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, while Vergara also suffered an injury during the international interval. With several established midfielders unavailable, Gilmour is likely to begin again when Napoli face Frosinone.
Beyond his goal, the midfielder has helped Napoli find the balance between possession and defensive work that Allegri expects from his side. At 15 credits, his probable place in the starting line-up gives him added relevance as the sixth round opens a new chapter in the early championship race.
