Serie B Focus: Frosinone lead the way

Frosinone lead the way in the race for promotion to Serie B. Three wins out of three is an impressive start for the Lazio based side, but even more impressive was the manor of their win in Lecce at the weekend. A 3-1 away win down south confirmed perhaps that Frosinone will be a side to be reckoned with over the coming season.

In the rounds big game, Brescia defeated Torino to end their 100% record in the division by 1-0 thanks to goal scorer Francesco Flachi. The former Sampdoria ace, who netted over 100 goals for the Genoa based club, gave Brescia the three points to move them up to third place in the division. Could this be the season when Brescia return to Serie A after coming so close over the last two seasons?

Empoli, another yoyo club in Serie B, have given themselves a good start to their campaign by beating Crotone by 3-1, although they left it late to do so by scoring two of their three goals in the last 12 minutes of the game. Ancona are level also with Empoli on six points, picking up their second win of the campaign by beating Bergamo side Albinoleffe again by 3-1.

Ascoli, in Serie A a few seasons back, are perhaps galvanising themselves for a return as they remain undefeated this season by beating Mantova at home by 2-1. Former Arsenal youngster Lupoli converted the winner in the 94th minute after they had equalised in the 89th minute.

Last seasons suprise package Grosetto continue to struggle, managing only a draw at home to Gallipoli while Sassuolo again continue to do well, registering four points so far this campaign.

Reggina, perhaps one of the favourites to go up, are sitting on four points after a win and a draw but have a game in hand against Vicenza, who themselves remain unbeaten registering two draws so far. Indeed, it has been a while since the northern outfit have been in Serie A so perhaps it would be nice to see Vicenza back in the big league.

Piacenza, another side that has been in Serie A since 2002, has so far registered one win and one defeat. With a game in hand against Padova away from home a win here could give them the platform to succeed this campaign.

It looks like it is going to be an interesting season in the Cadetti with a number of teams in contention for promotion for Serie A. Torino in all honesty are likely to return, but will one of the classic clubs like Brescia, Piacenza, or Vicenza make a welcome return back to the top flight? Time will tell.

Azzurri Focus: Georgia 0-2 Italy

Italy picked up three points in their world cup qualifier last night in Georgia thanks to a remarkable scenario in which Milan defender Kaladze scored two own goals.

After their confederation cup debacle, Italy have been looking to restore pride. Lippi again omitted Antonio Cassano, but gave starting line up positions to Marco Marchionni, Angelo Palombo and Domenico Criscito. Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chielini, Pirlo, Camoranesi, Rossi and Iaqunita made up the rest of the positions as Lippi continued to revert back to 4-4-2.

It was pretty even in the early going, with both teams exchanging efforts in Tblisi. Camoranesi had an early chance when he headed wide a Marco Marchionni cross, and Chielini sent a header wide to from a Pirlo free kick. However, it was in the second half where the best of the action took place. Indeed, Gianluigi Buffon confirmed once again that he is nothing but world class after stopping a bullet header from six yards out with just one hand in a quite remarkable piece of goalkeeping. Italy sensed the growing danger, and promptly took the lead in Bizzare circumstances moments later. A strong strike from Sampdoria ace Angelo Palombo was headed into his own net by Milan defender Kaladze as Italy prospered from his misfortune. D'Agostino and Quagliarella were introduced and evidence of their previous links ups at Udinese was fully on display as the pair combined and Quagliarella sent a low drive across the face of goal that just went inches wide. However, moments later somehow Kaladze again managed to put the ball in his own net. Domenico Criscito crossed into the box only for Kaladze to somehow volley it into his own net. Clearly, Kaladze after this did not know where to put himself. The comedy continued in injury time as Quagliarella's diving header hit the inside of the left post, rolled across the face of goal to find Iaquinta who on a tight angle again himself hit the post. They should have scored, but they had the three points anyway. Italy face Bulgaria on Wednesday evening in Italy and if they are victorious they will carry to Ireland a four point advantage for the qualifier in October.