What to look out for this weekend in Serie A

By: Francesco | September 12th, 2008

After the long international break, Serie A is back! Here are some things to look out for when you’re watching calcio this weekend:

Walter Zenga trying to beat his old team

Walter Zenga, an Inter legend, returns to the San Siro to take on reigning champions Inter and try to beat his former club. The Inter fans admire Zenga and Moratti respects him as well. Zenga also stated his dream is to eventually coach the Nerazzurri one day. Maybe a win here would help his dream become a reality in the future?

Small teams in first place

Torino and Chievo have games vs Reggina and Lecce and may find themselves at 6 points at the end of week 2. The winner of Bologna-Atalanta will also have full points and will find themselves top of the table. The big teams will have to be chasing them for yet another week. (but we know it won’t last)

Davide Ballardini’s new Palermo

Stefano Colantuono was relieved of his duties after one game and Ballardini, who conducted the Cagliari miracle last season, tries to get Palermo to perform its own miracle and impress Maurizio Zamparini. However standing in their way is Roma, who want to win after it’s opening day draw with Napoli. So how many games do we think Ballardini is going to last? 1? 5? 15?

Antonio v. Alessandro

Juventus vs. Udinese meet at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend (battle of the Bianconeri). Of course, all eyes will be on the most talented players of both teams, Antonio Di Natale and Alessandro Del Piero. Di Natale is easily the most in-form Italian player right now and can change the game at any instant. However Del Piero is Del Piero and always plays great for Juventus. Who will prevail?

Rossoblu vs. Rossoneri

Last week another Rossoblu team (Bologna) got the better of the Rossoneri, prevailing 2-1 over Milan at the San Siro. This week another Rossoblu team (Genoa) will try to get the better of the Rossoneri. Let’s face it, Milan aren’t in the best of form right now (they lost a friendly to a second division Swiss side mid-week), and Genoa have a good chance at taking some points. They also want to get some points after losing last week and they’ll have new signing Diego Milito upfront.

Nostalgic Bianchi and Amoruso

Two seasons ago Bianchi and Amoruso were scoring goals together in maroon kits, however the Southern variety (Reggina). The deadly pair led Reggina to an improbable salvation and became heroes. Now they are in maroon kits again, but up north in Torino, and make their return to Reggio Calabria this Sunday.

Napoli-Fiorentina

This game has meaning for both teams. Napoli will try and show they are a contender this year and can beat the big teams, while Fiorentina have to confirm themselves as a contender and show they can win on the road against good teams. Napoli always play well in the San Paolo (even though some fans will be missing) and this will be no walk in the park for the Viola.