-
Numero contenuti
143654 -
Iscritto
-
Ultima visita
-
Days Won
40
Tipo di contenuto
Profilo
Forum
Calendario
Tutti i contenuti di Socrates
-
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Ti riferisci a quello di Morf? -
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Bravissimo Padoin! -
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Basta ... rdo! -
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Braafheid il sosia di Ogbonna. -
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Ringraziamo tutti di cuore Mauro (Black) che ha fatto un lavoro straordinario. @@ -
LAZIO - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Antonio Damato HT 0-1: Pogba marches on Lazio Nov 22, 2014 Paul Pogba’s classic counter-attack has given Juventus the half-time lead away to fifth-placed Lazio. The Bianconeri again used the Christmas Tree formation with Carlos Tevez and Roberto Pereyra in supporting roles, but welcomed back Andrea Pirlo. Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Patrice Evra, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Luca Marrone were out injured. Lazio missed Michael Ciani, Stefano Mauri, Bruno Pereirinha, Diego Novaretti and Santiago Gentiletti, though Keita Balde Diao was finally fit again and Miroslav Klose was picked ahead of Filip Djordjevic. Stefan de Vrij, Carlos Tevez and Antonio Candreva had early efforts not far off target, while De Vrij performed a crucial sliding tackle to stop Tevez shooting from nine yards. Juve broke the deadlock with a classic counter-attack, as Tevez switched the play for Paul Pogba, who kept his cool to drill in from the edge of the box. Pogba almost had a magical second, as his curler left Federico Marchetti stranded, but smacked against the top of the far post. That goal completely changed the game, as Lazio seemed to lose confidence and intensity. Gigi Buffon needed two attempts to get a powerful Antonio Candreva free kick under control, while Keita volleyed over from close range. Lazio 0-1 Juventus (Half-Time) Scorers: Pogba 25 (J) Lazio: Marchetti; Basta, De Vrij, Cana, Braafheid; Parolo, Biglia, Lulic; Candreva, Klose, Keita Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Padoin; Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra, Tevez; Llorente Ref: Damato http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111
-
LAZIO - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Antonio Damato Line-ups: Lazio-Juventus Nov 22, 2014 Serie A leaders Juventus visit fifth-placed Lazio with Andrea Pirlo starting, but there’s an 11-year taboo around this fixture. It kicks off at 20.45 CET. Lazio have not beaten the Bianconeri – home or away – in their last 19 League meetings, going back to December 2003. The last nine visits to the Olimpico have seen them pick up just three draws. Juve go into this game without Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Patrice Evra, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Luca Marrone. Pirlo returns to the starting XI with Roberto Pereyra in a trequartista role, as Max Allegri sticks with his new Christmas Tree system. Lazio are without Michael Ciani, Stefano Mauri, Bruno Pereirinha, Diego Novaretti and Santiago Gentiletti. Talented teenager Keita Balde Diao has recovered from injury – and a car crash – to start with Miroslav Klose and Antonio Candreva. Lazio: Marchetti; Basta, De Vrij, Cana, Braafheid; Parolo, Biglia, Lulic; Candreva, Klose, Keita Lazio bench: Berisha, Strakosha, Konko, Gonzalez, Radu, Prce, Cavanda, Onazi, Ederson, Ledesma, Djordjevic, Felipe Anderson Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Padoin; Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra, Tevez; Llorente Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Romulo, Romagna, Pepe, Vidal, Mattiello, Coman, Morata, Giovinco http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111
-
LAZIO - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Antonio Damato MATCH PREVIEW Nov 21, 2014 Following the international break, Lazio will hope to get back to winning ways as they welcome reigning Scudetto champions Juventus to the Stadio Olimpico. The Biancocelesti under Stefano Pioli have put in some solid showings so far this season and currently rest in fifth place—just two behind third-placed Napoli who presently occupy the last Champions League berth. Whilst the season’s conclusion is a distant concept, Fabrizio Ravanelli, who played for both sides, is still confident in the hosts’ chances to finish third. “It is true that Juventus are the strongest team in Italy, but Lazio are a good team [who can] beat them if they do things right. [And] if they had a charismatic leader, an [Alessandro] Nesta type in defence they could challenge both Juve and Roma for the title,” he recently opined in an interview. Bold words, perhaps, but Juventus, despite again leading the League, have shown that they are not unbeatable, especially away from home. Pioli, though, will be concerned over the fitness of defenders Michael Ciani and Edson Braafheid, both of whom had to stop training after suffering injuries. Meanwhile, captain Stefano Mauri is still battling a nasty throat infection and may not still be well enough to feature, let alone make the bench. Although Lazio’s last win against Juventus was in December 2003, Bianconeri Coach Massimiliano Allegri will still field a strong line-up with their opponents’ rivals, Roma, breathing down their necks only three points behind. Moreover, the Scudetto holders did struggle last season in this same fixture and needed a goal from Fernando Llorente in order to depart the capital with a draw. Still, the former Milan tactician will be pleased at the possible return of Andrea Pirlo after the veteran’s injury lay-off and viewers should also expect him to modify the previously used 3-5-2 line-up into a more conventional four-ban back-line. Keep an eye on: Antonio Candreva (Lazio) - The Rome-born attacker scored a great goal - his first - for Italy this past weekend against Croatia. His speed, trickery and rocket-shot from distance could cause trouble for the visitors’ back-line and he has also started to form a good understanding with the team’s top scorer, Filip Djordjevic. Form Guide: Lazio (W W D W L) Juventus (D W L W W) Last season: Lazio 1-1 Juventus Stat fact: In their last 12 meetings, Lazio have never been able to score more than one goal against Juventus. Lazio (probable): Marchetti; Basta, De Vrij, Cana, Radu; Parolo, Biglia, Lulic; Candreva, Djordjevic, Keita Suspended: None Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Padoin; Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba; Pereyra, Tevez; Llorente Suspended: None http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111
-
LAZIO - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Antonio Damato Lazio-Juventus Preview: Marchisio wary of Olimpico 'trap' The Italian champions have recovered well from the shock of losing their first game of the Serie A season last month but are going up against a side with a fine home record. Nov 21, 2014 Juventus are ready for an intimidating atmosphere when they travel to the Stadio Olimpico to face Lazio on Saturday. Serie A champions Juve overcame the disappointment of suffering a first league defeat since March at Genoa last month by bouncing back with back-to-back victories. Massimiliano Allegri's side claimed a routine 2-0 win at Empoli before thrashing Parma 7-0 last time out. However, Juve midfielder Claudio Marchisio is wary of the threat posed by a Lazio team who are in good form themselves having lost just one of their last seven Serie A fixtures. "Is the challenge of Olimpico a trap? Yes it's true, and then after the international break it's always very difficult, regardless of your opponents," Marchisio told Il Messaggero. "You never know how to return from international duty. "It will be a tough away match, Lazio can hurt us. We will find ourselves in a tough environment, against a great team who are tough, competitive, well-trained and are doing very well. "We aren't just going on a trip, we want the three points." Lazio will undoubtedly hope that Juve have one eye on next week's crucial Champions League meeting with Malmo, with the Turin's club's hopes of reaching the last 16 of Europe's premier club competition hanging in the balance. Juve have not lost at Lazio on their last nine Serie A visits to the OIimpico, though, but did need a Fernando Llorente equaliser to snatch a point after Gianluigi Buffon had been sent off in the corresponding fixture last season. Since that game in January, Lazio have lost just two home league matches. And while forward Filip Djordjevic knows they face a tough task this weekend, he is keen to continue that impressive run. "They [Juventus' players] are all quality players," he told Sky Sport Italia. "They are the best in Italy and we are motivated to do well. "It is a tough game, but we want to win because we are at home." Juve will hope to have Andrea Pirlo and Angelo Ogbonna back after the duo sustained injuries during the international break, while Kwadwo Asamoah and Patrice Evra are close to full recovery after knee and thigh issues. Lazio coach Stefano Pioli, meanwhile, is boosted by the return of Stefan Radu. OPTA FACTS Lazio have lost the most Serie A games right against Juventus: 72 defeats in 140 meetings (W32 D36). The Biancocelesti are winless in 19 league games against Juventus (D6 L13): their last win dates back to December 2003 at the Olimpico. Lazio have not managed to score more than a single goal against Juventus in their last 12 clashes in Serie A (six goals scored overall). LAST FIVE MATCHES Lazio L W D W W 11/9/14 - Empoli 2 - 1 Lazio 11/3/14 - Lazio 4 - 2 Cagliari 10/30/14 - Hellas Verona 1 - 1 Lazio 10/26/14 - Lazio 2 - 1 Torino 10/19/14 - Fiorentina 0 - 2 Lazio Juventus W W W L W 11/9/14 - Juventus 7 - 0 Parma 11/4/14 - Juventus 3 - 2 Olympiakos 11/1/14 - Empoli 0 - 2 Juventus 10/29/14 - Genoa 1 - 0 Juventus 10/26/14 - Juventus 2 - 0 Palermo HEAD TO HEAD 1/25/14 - Lazio 1 - 1 Juventus 8/31/13 - Juventus 4 - 1 Lazio 4/15/13 - Lazio 0 - 2 Juventus 1/29/13 - Lazio 2 - 1 Juventus 1/22/13 - Juventus 1 - 1 Lazio http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111
-
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Dentro Morata! -
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Ma bravo Padoin! -
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Braafheid l'Ogbonna olandese. -
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Sarebbe stato un goal da cineteca. -
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Pogba palo -
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Se stanno a scansá ..... -
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
PAUL POGBA 0-1 -
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Quoto! -
MAURO - BLACK - THE BOSS!
-
live match [ Serie A Tim ] Lazio - Juventus 0-3
Socrates ha risposto al topic di Morpheus © in Stagione 2014/2015
Serie A - 12^ Giornata Andata - 22-11-2014 (ore 20:45) LAZIO - JUVENTUS - Sabato, 22 Novembre 2014 - ore 20:45 Stadio Olimpico, Roma Arbitro: Antonio Damato Confronti ufficiali 165 - 140 (Serie A) - 21 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato divisione nazionale) - 2 (Supercoppa Italiana) Vittorie Juventus 80 - 72 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato divisione nazionale) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) Pareggi 43 - 36 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Lazio 42 - 32 (Serie A) - 8 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato divisione nazionale) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) Goals Juventus 283 - 249 (Serie A) - 27 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato divisione nazionale) - 5 (Supercoppa Italiana) Goals Lazio 190 - 160 (Serie A) - 26 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato divisione nazionale) - 2 (Supercoppa Italiana) Lazio - Juventus Serie A a Roma Confronti ufficiali 70 Vittorie Juventus 28 (L'ultima il 15.04.2013, 0-2) Pareggi 18 (L'ultimo il 25.01.2014, 1-1) Vittorie Lazio 24 (L'ultima il 06.12.2003, 2-0) Goals Juventus 94 Goals Lazio 88 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro la Lazio a Roma 15 presenze Del Piero Alessandro 11 Boniperti Giampiero 11 Depetrini Teobaldo 10 Buffon Gianluigi 10 Cuccureddu Antonello 10 Tacchinardi Alessio 9 Foni Alfredo 9 Varglien II Giovanni 8 Causio Franco 8 Conte Antonio 6 goals Bettega Roberto 5 Charles John William 5 Del Piero Alessandro 4 Sivori Omar Enrique 3 Bellini Savino 3 Boniperti Giampiero 3 Sentimenti III Vittorio 3 Trezeguet David Sergio 2 Cesarini Renato 2 Ferrari Giovanni Ultimi confronti diretti 02.05.2011 - Serie A - Lazio-Juventus 0-1 26.11.2011 - Serie A - Lazio-Juventus 0-1 11.04.2012 - Serie A - Juventus-Lazio 2-1 17.11.2012 - Serie A - Juventus-Lazio 0-0 22.01.2013 - Coppa Italia - Juventus-Lazio 1-1 29.01.2013 - Coppa Italia - Lazio-Juventus 2-1 15.04.2013 - Serie A - Lazio-Juventus 0-2 18.08.2013 - Supercoppa Italiana - Lazio-Juventus 0-4 31.08.2013 - Serie A - Juventus-Lazio 4-1 25.01.2014 - Serie A - Lazio-Juventus 1-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Lazio 1 - Goals Juventus 17 - Goals Lazio 6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTYnzbGammY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdebBtzHmoE http://www.goal.com/it/results-standings/69/serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_101 -
Marotta: Allegri knows best Nov 10, 2014 Beppe Marotta backs Max Allegri in making the best decisions for Juventus this term, and updates on Gigi Buffon and Stephan Lichtsteiner talks. Juventus thrashed Parma 7-0 on Sunday and the Coach was given credit for switching to a new system, deploying four at the back and two attacking midfielders behind the lone striker. It marked the second consecutive win since the switch away from the 3-5-2 system carried over from Antonio Conte’s reign, but whether the team stay with it or not, their director general has faith in his Coach. “Allegri has chosen a system that allows him to hone his players’ skills,” Marotta said in Cernobbio at the unveiling of the first Cruyff Court in Italy. “In this respect, the Coach has always shown himself to be really good and he hasn’t surprised me. “The most important thing is the firm belief that we have an important squad and a Coach who is able to nurture the capabilities of every single player.” After stunning Parma, many are starting to believe that Juve might go even one better than the 102 points collected in the final year of Antonio Conte’s stewardship. “Against Parma, victory was a normal step in a long championship where there are still many points to collect. “But I’d avoid to make comparisons with Antonio Conte. He has made history here, his era has left an important legacy. “But with the help of the club, players and every other element, Allegri lhas aid the foundations to compete for bigger targets. Here, winning is compulsory, regardless of the names.” Despite this, Marotta is well aware of the value of some of the Bianconeri’s biggest names, such as Gigi Buffon and Stephan Lichtsteiner. “Buffon’s contract extension is just a formality. As for Lichtsteiner, we are talking to his representatives because we have some guidelines we intend to respect.”
-
Atletico Madrid want Fernando Llorente? Nov 10, 2014 Atletico Madrid are reportedly preparing a surprise January move for Juventus striker Fernando Llorente. The 29-year-old spent nine seasons in La Liga with Athletic Bilbao, before moving on to Juventus at the start of the 2013-14 season. The Spaniard has impressed in Turin, but it is understood that the striker could be open to the possibility of a return to Spain. According to 13TV, Atletico boss Diego Simeone will make a move in January, although Juve are said to be not keen on a sale. Llorente scored twice in his side's 7-0 win over Parma at the weekend.
-
Roma join Lichtsteiner hunt Nov 10, 2014 Roma are the latest team being linked with a move for Juventus full-back Stephen Lichtsteiner, but Beppe Marotta remains confident. The Swiss international has been a key player for the Bianconeri since moving from the Giallorossi’s city rivals Lazio, but has still to put pen to paper on a new contract in Turin. A failure to agree terms with the Old Lady has led to speculation that Lichtsteiner could depart in the summer when his contract expires, with Arsenal and Inter being linked in recent weeks. Rumours over the past few days have put the wing-back and Juventus ever closer to a new deal, but now Calciomercato believes that Roma have entered the fray to secure the signature of the 30-year-old. The website states that while Juventus are closer to agreeing a new deal with the player, as the salary the Bianconeri are believed willing to pay is now €2.5m. However, still short of the €3m Lichtsteiner is angling for, the door is apparently still open for the Giallorossi, who are searching for a reliable right-back given their first-choice at the moment - Douglas Maicon - is 33. Calciomercato indicates that the capital club would be willing to accede to Lichtsteiner’s demands, given they could secure the Swiss on a free contract. Despite the rumours, Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta is confident Lichtsteiner will remain in Turin. “We’re talking about it [the renewal],” Marotta told Sky. “The player has requirements, but we have to take our budget into account. In any case, I’m confident [that he’ll stay].”
-
JUVENTUS - PARMA 7 - 0 Fernando Llorente (23') Stephan Lichtsteiner (29') Fernando Llorente (36') Carlos Tévez (50') Carlos Tévez (58') Álvaro Morata (76') Álvaro Morata (88') Sunday, November 9th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Juve’s magnificent seven Despite being rocked by injury, Juventus found their groove as they carved up Parma on Sunday. Luca Cetta wraps up the action from the 7-0 mauling. Nov 10, 2014 Juventus may look back at last Wednesday’s comeback win against Olympiacos as a turning point. Suffering a poor run of results in October, they needed November to start on the right foot and Paul Pogba’s goal did just that. It was a significant win not only for Champions League qualification aspirations, but for Massimiliano Allegri to put his stamp on the team. He had experimented with a four man defence in pre-season but largely stuck to Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 – with his own twist on the style. But in moving to a 4-3-1-2 on Wednesday the team looked rejuvenated. The Coach kept the premise of that system as Parma visited Juventus Stadium on Sunday in another rain-soaked contest. The midweek defensive struggles did not surface as the Gialloblu offered little in attack. Instead they were put to the sword by a rampant and vibrant Juve which hardly put a foot wrong in 90 minutes of domination. Parma had ended their long-standing losing streak against Inter and Allegri warned his side to be wary. Especially given the number of absentees – Andrea Pirlo, Kwadwo Asamoah, Andrea Barzagli, Patrice Evra, Martin Caceres, Luca Marrone and the suspended Arturo Vidal all sat out. But those who took over did so with assurance, the test of depth passed with flying colours. Roberto Pereyra gave balance alongside Carlos Tevez as one of the two deeper attackers and often made forays into dangerous positions. Romulo and Simone Padoin – both making their first starts of the season – showed Allegri they can do a job when called upon. The Italo-Brazilian alternated well with Pogba and kept possession ticking over, while Padoin was chosen ahead of Angelo Ogbonna at left-back and bombed forward effectively, even grabbing an assist. Manning the right flank, Stephan Lichtsteiner was a standout. His well-taken goal was the topping on a fine performance at right-back. The Swiss Express was full of steam in a role which suits him better than a wing-back role. With more room to utilise Lichtsteiner took advantage, his four crosses up on his season average and he ended with two assists in addition to the goal. With contract extension negotiations ongoing it was a reminder of what he offers. As he did earlier in the season, Claudio Marchisio played the pivot role in midfield with confidence. He provides a viable alternative to Pirlo and on Sunday was second only to Leonardo Bonucci in the number of passes made, but completed more than anybody on the pitch. Both were up on his season average. The strikers all impressed on a day when Serie A’s worst defence endured a torrid time. Sunday’s Tuttosport highlighted Allegri’s disappointment Juve were taking eight chances to score a goal and that wastefulness had haunted recently, but Fernando Llorente got the ball rolling with two well-taken finishes signifying a man in a positive mood. Ending his drought, Tevez returns to international duty with Argentina buoyant following a second half brace – his first a wonderful individual effort. Alvaro Morata then celebrated his maiden call-up to the Spain squad by smashing Parma’s crushed spirits further into the turf. There was even time for substitute Kingsley Coman to have an impact and then for Federico Mattiello to make his debut. Even with numerous injuries Juventus have depth and dangerous players waiting for an opportunity. And when the Bianconeri play with such confidence, it will take something special to stop them. It’s too early to say whether this system suits Juve to a greater degree, after all Parma are a shadow of their 2013-14 best and Olympiacos posed problems in midweek. Furthermore, Allegri says it will come down to a game-by-game basis. But he has unleashed another weapon in the armoury and as Sunday showed, has a number of players able to execute. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111
-
JUVENTUS - PARMA 7 - 0 Fernando Llorente (23') Stephan Lichtsteiner (29') Fernando Llorente (36') Carlos Tévez (50') Carlos Tévez (58') Álvaro Morata (76') Álvaro Morata (88') Sunday, November 9th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Does something look familiar? There was a feeling of déjà vu in Week 11 after wins for Juventus, Roma and Napoli saw the top three take a familiar order, writes Alasdair Mackenzie. Nov 10, 2014 Things had looked so promising before the season started. The Antonio Conte era had ended at Juventus, Milan and Inter had revamped their squads and the likes of Lazio and Fiorentina were looking decent outside bets for a Champions League spot. Yet after a slow start, the top three has returned to the way it was for so long last season. Juventus top, Roma second and Napoli third. There remains a long way to go, but neutrals will be hoping against all hope that there will be more twists and turns as the season progresses. For Juventus, their seven-goal hammering of Parma went some way to silencing the criticisms that they are a toothless side going forward, as the unfortunate Gialloblu became the guinea pigs for an exhibition of Max Allegri’s attacking vision. Two goals for Carlos Tevez were perhaps the least surprising as he has been the Old Lady’s most consistent forward. But his first, for which he picked the ball up in his own half and went past three Parma defenders before finishing coolly, was a reminder of the individual brilliance he is capable of. Albeit with the help of some catastrophic defending. But it was the doubles from Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Morata that will give Allegri his biggest boost. The Spaniards have struggled to make an impact so far this season, only managing three League goals between them before the Parma match, but confident finishes from both of them will certainly help their confidence going forward. Given Morata’s hefty price-tag of €20m, he is unlikely to be awarded as long a settling-in period as his compatriot by the fans, who will be looking for him to deliver consistently from now on. Napoli’s slow start was in a large part down to the poor form of their key players from last season, particularly Marek Hamsik and Gonzalo Higuain. But Higuain’s return to form along with Jose Callejon’s Capocannoniere-contending start has lifted them back into the top three after an unbeaten run that stretches back to September 21. Higuain was at the centre of everything good for Rafa Benitez’s side during their tight 1-0 win away to Fiorentina yesterday. The Argentine created chances for himself, saw an explosive overhead finish chalked off for offside and finally pounced on a loose ball from 10 yards to give his side the vital goal. Meanwhile, Roma’s 3-0 win over Torino was a demonstration of their ability to comfortably win games without relying on the goals of a recognised No 9 like Higuain. In fact, their centre-forwards Francesco Totti and Mattia Destro have only amassed six of their team’s 19 goals between them. This time it was goals from Vasilis Torosidis, Seydou Keita and Adam Ljajic that gave them the three points and further evidence of Rudi Garcia’s positive brand of football paying dividends, given that neither of the first two are known for their goalscoring exploits. Elsewhere, it was a big chance missed for Lazio, who fell to a shock 2-1 defeat in Empoli in a game that could have seen them take third place for themselves. Pioli raged after the match at two avoidable goals from set-pieces, but Filip Djordjevic was again on target for the Biancocelesti. Not much luck again for the San Siro sides, as both Milan and Inter were held to 2-2 draws. Milan celebrated Stephan El Shaarawy’s first League goal since February 2013, but Sampdoria showed classic Sinisa Mihajlovic-instilled fighting spirit to come back from one down and go in front thanks to goals from Stefano Okaka and Eder before a penalty from Jeremy Menez levelled the score. Things could’ve been worse for Inter, who thanked Samir Handanovic for his third penalty save from three this season to take a point from their match against Verona, as Walter Mazzarri’s struggles continue. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111
