It's time for the infamous half term report. No, not from school or college but from Serie A as we delve deeper into the ongoings of calcio to see who's good enough to be on Santa's list this Christmas, or whose going to be handed a bit of coal instead.
Top of the class
One team with A grade's down the line is Napoli. Despite having European distractions Napoli currently sit in second place just three points behind Milan. With Edinson Cavani replacing Fabio Quagliarella in the Summer optimism was high about the young Uruguayan coming to town, but few would have expected the top notch rate of goal production that he has produced. Since coming up from Serie B a few years ago the Napoli project has hit top gear. They've held onto their best players in Marek Hamsik and Lavezzi, whilst adding quality in the off season over their return to Serie A. Can they get better and hit the top of the league? We will no more about their capabilities after their double header against Inter and Juve in the coming rounds.
AC Milan are also being given top marks. The additions of Robinho and Ibrahimovic added flare to go along with the brilliant young Brazilian Pato. Not to mention Kevin Prince Boateng whose signing has proved to be a master stroke as he continues to impress in his first season at a top club. If that wasn't enough Antonio Cassano seems set to arrive. But, the real success has been on the pitch. Despite not quite delivering in the big games, as defeats to Roma, Real Madrid and Juve have shown, Milan have been consistent against the so called smaller sides this term, something that in recent seasons has not always been the case. However, if it leads to the Scudetto, which I think it will, no Milanista's will be complaining.
Doing good, but could do better
Juventus, in my opinion, fall under this category. A season in which they have pulled off some impressive results, without actually setting a real challenge at the top as of yet. Five points off the top however is not too much to catch up and under Del Neri they are a much better side than they were last season, despite going out of Europe all too early for their high standards. Too many draws has also been advanced at them as a side, and if they had converted just one of their seven into three points they would be in a extreamly strong position as things stand. However, they've only been beaten twice all season long, the last time coming in week four of the season in September. Scudetto contenders? Yes, and if they spend in January they could be well on the way to being the force they used to be.
Bottom of the class
Inter Milan: After the heroics of last season, this campaign has so far been something of an anti-climax for all Inter fans out there. Yes, they could still win it all once again. But there has undoubtedly been a drop in intensity from Inter even with the huge injury crisis that they have suffered. Blame it all on Benitez may been somewhat unfair, but his cold touchline demeanour seems not to have the same effect as the all action, all power, showmanship of Mourinho. That being said Benitez should have received some funds for transfer activity to leave his mark on the team. But now Inter will be looking for a new coach and one wonders whether President Moratti will be as reluctant to invest again in this mercato after the somewhat average start to the season
Bari: After a great season last year for the Southern side this campaign has been one of total disaster as they sit rock bottom of the division. There last win was registered against Brescia in late September, and this contrasts to their excellent start to the season where they handed Juve the first of only their second defeats so far in a 1-0 win at the San Nicola. Perhaps it's been the injury issues that this side have suffered, perhaps the loss of Ranocchia and Bonucci at centre back has hit harder than first imagined, perhaps it second season syndrome. Whatever the problem time is running our for coach Giuseppe Ventura, which is a shame after his excellent work in the last campaign. Bari would be a loss to Serie A given their solid attendances and passionate fans in the curva, but it is looking ominous as things stand.
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