100% Proof

Its International break time, so I thought Id take a look at the only remaining teams in Serie A to have a 100% record remaining. Lazio, Juventus, Sampdoria and Genoa are the remaining teams in question. Each one has a great start, but each one does still need to improve if they are to achieve the sort of objectives that they deem feasible this season. Lets start with Genoa, lasts seasons 5th place revelation.

Genoa: wins against Roma (H) and Atalanta (A)
Its been another blockbuster start for them this season. After beating Roma in a early contender for game of the season so far, the Grifone traveled to Atalanta and picked up yet another 3 points. That also is a result to be respected, especially as Inter, Lazio and Roma were well beaten in Bergamo last season. Genoa look very good going forward, have strength in the middle now with Zapater coming in for Motta and seem to have done an able job in defence after holding off Atalanta last weekend and playing well on the counter in their away tie against Odense in the Europa League. Ultimately, theres no question that their good form can continue. But, how good can it get? Its a tought question and the home game against Napoli next will be a further test of their quality. Personally, I feel that this game has draw written all over it and thats where the 100% record will end. Still, they will be there or there abouts this season but they need Crespo to start firing in the goals. Its great when Criscito, Moretti and Zapater weight in with goals but the strikers need to show some muscle now.


Lazio: wins against Atalanta (H) and Chievo (A)
Its been a great start to the season for Lazio, on paper that is. Wins against Inter, Atalanta and Chievo have given the Rome based club a very solid start to the season. The problem is they have looked unconvincing in all of these games. Unconvincing in midfield in particular. The attack has goals written all over it. Mauro Zarate is legitimately one of the best young players, if not the best, in world football. Infact in a league packed with great young talent with the likes of Pato, Hamsik, Balotelli, and Edison Cavani, it was Zarate who shined the brightest last season. Factor into this Julio Cruz, Tomasso Rocchi and Pasquale Foggia then the forward line reeks of creativity. The defence also in the left and right back positions with Kolarov and Lichsteiner also is top class. But, it is the lack Cristian Ledesma in the holding midfield position and the uncertainty in central defence that is of major concern. Will Diakite and Radu come of age in central defence? Time will tell, but if they don't then the Aquile will find it difficult to maintain consistency in this league.

Sampdoria: wins against Catania (A) and Udinese (H)
Sampdoria have quietly gone about their business over the last two weeks picking up maximum points against teams that were very difficult to beat last season. Catania away is a game most teams dreaded, such was the fortress atmosphere that their ground commands. But Sampdoria conquered it quite easily really, and perhaps should have had a greater scoreline in their favour. Against Udinese the win never looked in doubt with their forward line of Cassano and Pazzini, one of the leagues best, shining again. Summer signings were quite, by effective it would seem. Manini, signed from Napoli, netted against Udinese and could weigh in well with Semioli, from Fiorentina, lined up on the other side. All the talk this summer has been about the improvement of Napoli and Palermo, but I wonder whether Sampdoria may spoil their party. If they continue the way they left off in terms of form from last season, they will finish much much higher this year. The defence is arguably the weakest area, but their is goals in this side, five already in the league, so be warned about this side this season.


Juventus: wins against Chievo (H) and Roma (A)
This side needs no introduction. Already they have looked hugely impressive but one senses that Ferrara will be disappointed that the International break came when it did. They return to Rome again to face Lazio next in a top of the table clash, but the two week break may halt their momentum to a degree. Still, Diego has been superb and Melo has settled instantly too. All of this glory so far and without turning to Giovinco, Del Piero or Trezeguet. Indeed, they look lethal in attack and it will take some doing to keep a clean sheet against them. The addition of Grosso has tightened up the defence, but it is not impenetrable by any means. Cannavaro has looked good since his return to Serie A, but he is beatable for pace, take note Mauro Zarate, as is Chielini, which probably explains why their is a rock solid midfield three in front of them.


One things for sure, this list of 100% will be at least reduced to three teams soon enough. Lazio v Juventus is the highlight of week 3 and it wont be easy for either side. Sampdoria will play away at Atalanta, who surely will have to pick up some points somewhen, while Genoa will face a Napoli side looking to move up the table after the money they spent in the summer. Its unlikely that all these four sides will be in the top four places come the seasons end, highly unlikely. But, at least they can enjoy it while it lasts.