The beautiful chaos of Italian football has returned, and with it, the glorious tradition of immediate, definitive judgments based on a mere 90 minutes of play. Serie A`s opening weekend delivered its customary blend of expected dominance, shocking upsets, and the irresistible urge to declare champions and relegations before the leaves have even thought about turning. Let`s peel back the layers of the early “overreactions” and see if there`s any substance beneath the surface-level drama.
Napoli`s Unstoppable Start: A Striker-less Symphony?
Antonio Conte`s Napoli wasted no time in asserting their dominance, sweeping aside Sassuolo with a convincing 2-0 victory. This performance immediately fueled a bold declaration: “Napoli doesn`t need another striker!” The reigning champions, despite missing the injured Romelu Lukaku, showcased an impressive fluidity, with Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne — a delightful, if somewhat fantastical, midfield duo — linking up effectively and even finding the net. De Bruyne, joining as a free agent, demonstrated why his acquisition was deemed a masterstroke, not just for his debut goal but for his immediate synergy with McTominay.
The versatility displayed by these midfielders, seamlessly exchanging positions, certainly gave pause to those clamoring for another central forward. While only Lorenzo Lucca remains as a traditional striker on the roster, the early evidence suggests Conte might indeed have enough firepower and tactical flexibility to navigate the initial months without feeling the urgency of a costly last-minute transfer. Or perhaps, the allure of a shiny new toy (a striker, in this context) is simply hard to resist for the football romantic. Time, as always, will tell if this early season optimism holds.
AC Milan`s Shaky Foundations: A Top-Four Fright?
For AC Milan, the opening weekend was less a triumphant return and more a stark reminder of football`s unpredictability. A shocking 2-1 home defeat to newly promoted Cremonese at the iconic San Siro sent tremors through the Rossoneri faithful. The sight of USMNT star Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez struggling to make an impact, coupled with Federico Bonazzoli`s stunning bicycle kick for the visitors, left Massimiliano Allegri with plenty to ponder.
One match, and suddenly, the top-four finish, a prerequisite for Champions League football, looks like a distant dream. Such is the knee-jerk reaction nature of the beautiful game. Allegri`s experimental 3-5-2 formation didn`t quite click, and even the presence of former Real Madrid legend Luka Modric couldn`t conjure the magic needed. The club`s ongoing pursuit of another striker, with Victor Boniface`s medicals reportedly raising concerns, only adds to the mounting anxiety. Milan`s season will undoubtedly be defined by their transfer window`s closing week and Allegri`s ability to swiftly address these early issues. But for now, the `overreaction` is one of genuine concern.
AS Roma`s Resurgence: Scudetto Whispers in the Eternal City?
In stark contrast, Gian Piero Gasperini`s AS Roma started their campaign with the kind of confident, disciplined performance that fuels dreams. A 1-0 victory over Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico, courtesy of a second-half goal from former Flamengo winger Wesley, immediately positioned the Giallorossi as a formidable force. Wesley`s instant impact, along with the seamless integration of new talents like Matias Soule and Evan Ferguson, painted a picture of a well-oiled machine.
The whisper, quickly turning into a confident murmur, is that Roma might just be Scudetto contenders. Gasperini`s tactical acumen and the team`s apparent cohesion from day one have given the Roman faithful genuine cause for optimism. After Napoli, Roma were arguably the most convincing side of the opening matchday, demonstrating a readiness that bodes well for a challenging season. To suggest a Scudetto challenge after one game might be the purest form of football “overreaction,” but it`s one rooted in genuine quality and a palpable sense of renewed purpose.
The opening weekend of Serie A has once again reminded us why we love this sport. It`s not just the goals and the drama, but the immediate, passionate, and often utterly premature declarations that follow. These “overreactions” are the lifeblood of fan discussions, punditry, and the very narrative of a season. While caution is always advised, there`s an undeniable thrill in allowing ourselves, just for a moment, to believe that these early whispers might just be the first loud truths of an unforgettable campaign. The long and winding road of Serie A has only just begun, and its first few steps have already been anything but dull.
Lennox Bray