Serie A resumes this weekend after the international break, the pause in domestic action a good chance to assess some of the patterns that have emerged following the first eight matches of the 2018/19 campaign. With this in mind, the following is a look at some of the top statistics, with more available via The Sportsman’s own page.
Most dribbles - Federico Chiesa (Fiorentina)
A player wanted by many top sides around Europe, Federico Chiesa has completed an average of 2.6 dribbles per match in Serie A this season, more than any other player in the league. The 20-year-old has improved from a rate of 2.1 in 2017/18 and 1.7 the year before, however he must improve his decision-making in the long term if he is to become an elite player.
Most crosses - Manuel Lazzari (SPAL) and Cristiano Biraghi (Fiorentina)
Of those players who have started all eight matches, Manuel Lazzari of SPAL and Cristiano Biraghi of Fiorentina share the spoils here. The duo have registered 2.3 per match on average, a factor that has seen them both received maiden call-ups for the Italian national team from boss Roberto Mancini.
Most fouls committed - Tomas Rincon (Torino)
When looking at Serie A’s dirtiest teams, there’s no need to look any further than Torino. The Granata – led by former Watford boss Walter Mazzarri – committed more fouls than any other side in the league during the opening eight matches, an average of 15.4 per game. It is no surprise then, that Torino midfielder Tomas Rincon heads up the list in terms of players, the Venezuelan making 2.9 fouls on average every match.
Most interceptions - Atalanta and Wallace (Lazio)
Atalanta continue their reputation as a hard-working side, intercepting the ball 14.9 times on average. This season their attempts have not yielded the desired results however, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men currently sitting fourth from bottom of the table. Lazio defender Wallace has been most successful in this category in terms of personal contribution, his average rate of 3.5 interceptions per match the most in Serie A.
Most shots on goal - Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
It will be no surprise to most that Cristiano Ronaldo heads up this category, his quest to find the back of the net in a new setting clear for all to see. The Portuguese international has made 7.6 shots on goal on average this term, a high figure in return for his output of four goals so far. His penchant for shooting has also bumped up Juve’s total figure as statistics reveal the Bianconeri shoot most of any side in Serie A with 21 on average per match.
Most goals in the first 15 minutes
While Napoli are no longer the passing kings of Serie A, a look at goal timings reveals they like to strike early. Under new boss Carlo Ancelotti, the Partenopei have scored 0.5 goals per match in the opening 15 minutes on average, highlighting their tendency to hit teams with an early goal.
This strategy ultimately failed versus reigning champions Juventus where a Dries Mertens strike after ten minutes was followed up by three goals in reply from the Old Lady, yet it is a pattern that opposition teams would do well to look out for.
Most goals in the last 15 minutes
Just as Inter hit two goals late on to beat Tottenham in the Champions League at San Siro, the Nerazzurri have often left it late in Serie A. Luciano Spalletti’s men have the highest rate in the league for goals between the 75 minute mark and the final whistle with 0.8 on average per game.
Leaving it so late to score is a dangerous route to tread, but it does leave opponents with little time to reply if this side can continue on this streak.
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