Serie A returns to action. The last round before the international break left some issues unresolved for several top teams, and this weekend will reveal whether they’ve been addressed or have worsened.
Today at 6:00 PM, Milan will face Udinese at San Siro. In the Rossoneri camp, Fonseca’s firm stance during yesterday’s press conference at Milanello caught attention. When asked if he considered himself a quiet leader in the locker room, the Portuguese coach replied bluntly: “I talked to the team about the game in Florence. I don’t close my eyes to problems; they exist and need to be dealt with. I don’t care about names: for me, no player is more important than the team.” Fonseca also hinted that his lineup choices could send a message to those who underperformed in Florence: “We’ll see tomorrow. If someone undermines the team spirit, it’s a problem for me.” There could be exclusions for Tomori and Abraham, but Leao, whose attitude has been questioned, might also be at risk.
At 8:45 PM, Juventus will host Lazio at the Allianz Stadium. The Bianconeri must prove their defense remains solid despite the absence of leader Bremer, who won’t return before April. With the transfer window closed until January, Juventus must find new reliability in the center-back pairing of Gatti and Kalulu. On the flanks, Savona and Cabal are expected to start, while Danilo seems set to begin on the bench. Coach Thiago Motta will reintroduce Thuram in midfield alongside Locatelli, while Douglas Luiz should start up front, with Cambiaso possibly pushing forward on the right, preferred over Weah.
Serie A Saturday will kick off at 3:00 PM with the matches between Genoa and Bologna, as well as Como and Parma. For Parma’s coach Pecchia, the situation is dire: despite playing attractive football, his team has only collected 6 points, leaving them dangerously close to the relegation zone. Genoa’s Gilardino also finds himself under pressure, despite securing survival last season, and a loss could threaten his position too.
