Serie A Roundup, Matchday 4
The fourth round of the 2023/24 Serie A season featured exciting matches, unexpected outcomes, and outstanding player displays. Here’s a recap of the weekend’s games.
Como 2-2 Bologna
Bologna came back from being two goals down to earn a thrilling draw against newly-promoted Como, leaving both teams still searching for their first win of the season. As Bologna pushed for an equalizer in the closing moments, they achieved it in the very first minute of stoppage time when Samuel Iling-Junior delivered a stunning shot into the far corner, further deepening Como’s struggles in their return to the top division.
Empoli 0-0 Juventus
Empoli and Juventus remain unbeaten after playing four matches each in Serie A, with their recent encounter at Stadio Carlo Castellani ending in a 0-0 draw. This result extends their respective unbeaten streaks to seven and nine competitive matches. Managers Roberto D’Aversa and Thiago Motta have yet to experience a loss since assuming their roles in the summer.
AC Milan 4-0 Venezia
Paulo Fonseca achieved his first Serie A victory as AC Milan’s manager, leading the team to a 4-0 win against 10-man Venezia at the San Siro. The Rossoneri managed to comfortably finish the match, steering clear of the humiliation of being just the second Milan team in 65 years to not win any of their first four league games. On the other hand, Di Francesco has now suffered six losses in his last seven encounters with Milan, as the Arancioneroverdi remain at the bottom of the table with three losses and one draw this season.
Genoa 1-1 AS Roma
AS Roma’s winless streak in Serie A has now reached 11 games after a last-minute equalizer from Koni De Winter resulted in a 1-1 draw against Genoa at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium. Daniele De Rossi received a red card in the dying moments of the match, and the Roma defense ultimately faltered with almost the final play of the game. De Winter took advantage, scoring a powerful header from close range to secure a crucial point for his team. This draw leaves Roma still searching for their first league victory of the season, while Genoa moves up to ninth place in the standings.
Torino 0-0 Lecce
Torino maintained their unbeaten record in the Serie A season, but they were likely lucky to come away with a goalless draw against Lecce, who have now gone six out of their last eight away league matches without a loss. As the match neared its end, neither team seemed capable of finding the quality or desire to secure a victory. Consequently, the points were divided, allowing Lecce to break a two-match losing streak in head-to-head encounters, although they have not scored in their last three matches against Torino. Torino now shares eight points with their rivals Juventus after four games.
Atalanta 3-2 Fiorentina
Ademola Lookman made a significant impact upon his return to the team, helping Atalanta come from behind to beat Fiorentina 3-2 at the Gewiss Stadium. This marked Fiorentina’s first loss of the season after five straight draws. Although Lookman missed a clear opportunity to score and finish off an impressive performance, it ultimately didn’t matter as Fiorentina struggled to mount an attack after halftime and couldn’t secure a point. Atalanta avenged their 3-2 defeat to Fiorentina from the previous season, getting their own season back on track after two losses, while Fiorentina’s seven-match unbeaten streak in the league ended despite having taken the lead twice.
Cagliari 4-0 Napoli
Napoli temporarily secured a 4-0 victory over Cagliari at the Sardegna Arena. Antonio Conte extended his successful streak against the Islanders, achieving 10 wins in 14 matches. Cagliari has now failed to score in three matches this season and has dropped to second from the bottom, having only one win in 27 encounters against Napoli. Meanwhile, Napoli has secured three consecutive league wins under Conte, who has a perfect record against Cagliari’s coach Davide Nicola after four meetings.
Monza 1-1 Inter Milan
A late goal from Denzel Dumfries saved Inter Milan from embarrassment, allowing the Serie A champions to come back from a goal down and secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against AC Monza, who have not won in 13 league matches since March. The Nerazzurri will regret their missed opportunities, as Dany Mota scored a powerful header past Yann Sommer from Armando Izzo’s perfectly placed cross. However, Dumfries found the net with a precise first-time finish at the far post from Dimarco’s assist, ensuring both teams shared the points. Monza can take many positives from their determined effort after narrowly missing out on a memorable victory.
Parma 2-3 Udinese
Udinese made a remarkable comeback, overcoming a two-goal deficit to maintain their unbeaten start to the Serie A season with a 3-2 victory over 10-man Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. Despite their efforts, Parma struggled to regain control of the match due to the disadvantage of playing with one less player. This victory propels Udinese to the top of the standings and marks their third consecutive match against Parma without a loss. Meanwhile, Parma remains in 12th place.
Lazio 2-1 Verona
Boulaye Dia’s impressive debut at the Stadio Olimpico continued with his fourth goal in four matches since transferring from Salernitana, leading Lazio to a 2-1 win against Hellas Verona. This victory keeps Lazio unbeaten in their last nine home games, a streak that dates back to March. Meanwhile, Hellas Verona, who have not won in their last six encounters against Lazio, were unable to achieve consecutive league wins for the first time since March.