Serie A Matchday 13 Preview: All Eyes On Rome

Serie A Matchday 13 Preview: All Eyes On Rome
14:11, 17 Nov 2017

Domestic action returns with a bang after Italy’s failure to qualify to qualify for the World Cup in midweek, so here’s three things to look out for in Serie A this weekend.

Rome derby set to be a thriller

Roma will be the nominal home side as they host Lazio at their shared Stadio Olimpico home in the early Saturday evening kick-off. The Derby della Capitale needs no added spice, but the two sides are separated by just one point in the table, the home side residing in fifth whilst Simone Inzaghi’s men sit in fifth.

It will be a fascinating encounter between two young Coaches who have never faced each other in a Rome derby, with new Giallorossi boss Eusebio Di Francesco relishing the challenge. “The first time I played a derby, we all went under the Curva Sud before the game,” he recounted from when he graced the Stadio Olimpico as a Roma player. “I can assure you that my legs had never trembled before a match until then.”

“It’s a unique emotion and has never been a game like the others. This time it is also a clash between two clubs in the top spots of the table. In fact, I take this opportunity to compliment Simone Inzaghi, as he is doing a great job on the Lazio bench in a situation that is not simple.

Indeed, the 28 points collected by Lazio so far this term is their highest ever tally after 11 games, with striker Ciro Immobile topping Europe’s top-five leagues for goals and assists this term. Simone Inzaghi faces a nervous wait to see if his star will be fit however, with reports suggesting he returned from international duty carrying a knock. Roma meanwhile have only lost two of their last 19 derbies as the home side, setting the stage for another thrilling matchup.

Under pressure Milan travel to Naples

Milan travel to top-of-the-table Napoli on Saturday night, with Coach Vincenzo Montella still under pressure to perform. The Partenopei are yet to lose this term, and are unbeaten in the last five meetings with their Milanese opponents. Despite a huge summer spend, the Rossoneri have collected less points in the opening twelve matchdays (19) than in 2016 (25) and 2015 (20), but have claimed victory in their last two away matches.

Suso is the man for Maurizio Sarri’s side to look out for, having been involved in eight of Milan’s 18 goals this term. “I’m playing every game at Milan, maybe it’s not the same as before but we’re improving and growing,” the winger told Sky Italia. “I could have left, but I stayed and I’m very happy. There’s a release clause but I’m happy at Milan.

His defensive colleagues must also be sure to keep Lorenzo Insigne in check if they want to get a result. The pint-sized winger enjoys scoring against Milan, having scored four in the last four matches between the two sides.

Tough test for Juve

Juventus travel to Liguria for a stern test against one of the division’s in-form sides in Sampdoria. The Bianconeri may also have one eye on a home Champions League clash with Barcelona in midweek, whilst Samp look to continue their good run. The Blucerchiati are enjoying their best-ever start to a Serie A campaign, having taken 23 points from their first 11 matches, with one having been postponed due to bad weather.

Former Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella will play his 100th Serie A appearance for Sampdoria having made 84 appearances and scored 23 goals for Juve between 2010 and 2014. Despite their good form, Sampdoria will have to overcome an on-form Gonzalo Higuain and an Old Lady side that are unbeaten in their last six away matches.

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