Italian Serie A: Old Lady writing the same script as pretenders slip up

Juventus’ usual romp to the title seems well on track as the Serie A title race reads from the same hymn sheet all over again. The Bianconeri hardly had to break sweat, and considering their travails in the tough Champions League group that featured Real Madrid among all, their league leading tally of points seems impressive. Even more when you consider the fact that AS Roma were running away with it at one stage; winning the first ten games of the season. Antonio Conte’s team of men wasn’t fazed by Roma, and went about their task with characteristic calm; now finding themselves leading the Giallorossi by three points after 15 games.

Speaking of Roma, the Rudi Garcia led side caused shockwaves with their immaculate start to the season; they broke/set a record by registering ten consecutive wins on the trot to start off the season and had (still have) the meanest defense in all of Europe (only five goals conceded so far). Roma, after years of fiddling with their staff, finally found themselves a perfect fit in the former Lille boss, and the Frenchman hasn’t disappointed either. But more recent events suggest that they have somewhat faltered; they failed to win any more games after setting the record (that’s some way to rest on your laurels!) until last weekend, but they still remain within touching distance of the Old Lady. Mattia Destro’s redemption of sorts after six long months of hurt when he netted the winner against Fiorentina took them five points clear of their nearest rivals Napoli. And they still remain unbeaten.

Another of this season’s probable title hopefuls, Napoli have had problems aplenty in keeping up the pace with their rivals. Rafael Benitez is regarded in many quarters as a cup specialist, and with this Napoli side the title this season might be a bit too early; even after the high standards they set during a blistering start to the season. Benitez last won a league title a decade ago with Valencia, and did come close on occasions with Liverpool but inconsistency may prove to be Napoli’s undoing come the season’s end; given how their initial bubble has been left flattened. Napoli have also failed to inspire against the big guns; they have already lost their games against both Roma and Juventus, but the silver lining is that both games were away from their much feared Stadio San Paolo. Benitez must replicate his cup successes into the marathon league campaign; they are all but out of the Champions League as well and there isn’t much at stake beyond the league for the Partenopei. And given their pedigree of players, they are worth a bet but it would really be a huge surprise if they can emerge as the champions; they are already eight points behind Juve.

It’s really hard to look beyond the top three at the moment; Inter in fourth as well as Fiorentina in fifth don’t seem like title contenders while eternal giants AC Milan have a long road to travel to even finish mid-table. So predictably enough, it’s Juventus again at the top of the Christmas tree, while they have a fresh challenge in Rudi Garcia’s Roma. Roma could take this to the distance; given Garcia’s proven pedigree in winning league titles (he won Lille the Ligue 1 after 57 years). AS Roma look capable of giving the Old Lady a good fight, while Napoli’s vivid inadequacies and inability to win against the lowly sides could see them fall away far sooner than anticipated. Roma, in the midst of a milestone season, won’t be throwing in the towel this soon or easy, and Antonio Conte’s defending champions have a lot to ponder if they’ve already considered the 2013/14 Serie A a closed chapter.