Milan and Napoli in lockstep – Roma with old weaknesses

The current top duo in Serie A knows no boundaries. Both Napoli and Milan have ten wins and one draw after eleven games. The two teams have now set the all-time start record in Serie A. So far only Roma (2013/14), Juventus (2018/19) and Napoli (2017/18) have managed to reach 31 points after eleven match days. Milan's success over Roma (2-1) and Napoli's victory against Salernitana (1-0) were a case for the history books.

The numbers before the top game on Sunday spoke for themselves. From the last 26 games against the top 6 in Serie A, Roma only recorded four wins. With José Mourinho, the capital club brought the man on board for the big games last summer, but so far they have hardly been able to convince in the crucial moments. They only took one point from the games against Lazio, Napoli and Juventus. Things finally turned around against Milan - but the subsequent 0-2 defeat was anything but undeserved. Ibrahimovic with a free kick Milan knew how to control the game as much as possible. Playful superiority, clever work against the ball and reliable top performers. Simon Kjaer in particular outgrew himself on Sunday evening, the Dane once again underlined his absolute world class. The lead after a free kick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic was only the result of a convincing performance by the northern Italians (25th).

This picture hardly changed in the second half. After a foul on Ibrahimovic in the Roman penalty area, Franck Kessié confidently converted to make it 2-0. Theo Hernandez was sent off in the 66th minute due to his second yellow card, but apart from a few forays forward, Roma were unable to capitalize on their numerical superiority. Stephan El Shaarawy's remarkable goal ensured an exciting final phase, but did not change the outcome of the game (90+3). In the end there was a completely deserved away win for Milan. Napoli trembles its way to victory The direct competitor from southern Italy almost made a slip against Salernitana. Luciano Spalletti spared some of his regulars when appearing for the newly promoted team. This was probably one of the reasons why Napoli's offense lacked its usual efficiency. Could be happy about another victory: Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti. © ANSA / MASSIMO PICA

The favorite's run-up lasted well into the second half. In the 61st minute, Piotr Zielinski was able to convert a follow-up shot from six meters. As a result, the game became significantly more heated. After Grigoris Kastanos was sent off due to a rude foul (69th), Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly followed his counterpart into the locker room seven minutes later after an emergency stop (76th).

With the win, Napoli remains at the top with Milan. On matchday 12, the southern Italians face Hellas at home. Meanwhile, Milan have to prove themselves in the Derby della Madonnina against Inter. Serie A, 11th matchday Roma – Milan 1:2 0:1 Ibrahimovic (25th), 0:2 Kessié (57th), 1:2 El Shaarawy (90th + 3)

Salernitana – Napoli 0:1 0:1 Zielinski (61.)

Inter – Udinese 2-0 1:0 Correa (60nd), 2:0 Correa (68st)

Fiorentina – Spezia 3-0 1:0 Vlahovic (44th/penalty), 2:0 Vlahovic (62nd), 3:0 Vlahovic (74th)

Genova – Venice 0-0

Sassuolo – Empoli 1-2 1:0 Tonelli (43rd/own goal), 1:1 Pinamonti (83rd/penalty), 1:2 Zurkowski (90th+2)

Serie A Italy	SP	TV	P
1. Inter	33	79:18	86
2.Milan	33	64:39	69
3. Juventus	33	47:26	64
4.Bologna	33	48:26	62
5. Roma	32	57:38	55
6. Atalanta	32	59:37	54
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Milan and Napoli in lockstep – Roma with old weaknesses

Slowly but surely a title duel is emerging in Serie A. After their respective victories, Napoli and Milan continue to show an impeccable record and are increasingly running away from their pursuers. José Mourinho's Roma also cut their teeth on the Milanese granite.

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