Roma may have finished second in Serie A last season, but this year is a different story.
The team slumped to their fifth defeat of the Serie A season on Sunday following a 3-1 loss versus new league leaders Udinese. Italy striker Antonio Di Natale struck twice to ratchet up the pressure on Roma coach Luciano Spalletti, who once made a name for himself as coach of the Udine-based club.
Roma, a point above the drop zone, have been hit by injury and suspension this season but the problems look to be far deeper and Spalletti could be in trouble if they lose to Sampdoria in Wednesday’s fixtures. A 4-0 thumping at home by Inter last weekend was followed by a 1-0 defeat by Chelsea in midweek Champions League play.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, are level with Udinese with 17 points after eight rounds following a 0-0 draw with Genoa in another drab home display. Napoli are also tied for first place after Sebastiano Siviglia’s unlucky own goal secured a 1-0 victory at fast-sinking Lazio, who were early pacesetters but have now not won in three games.
AC Milan are a point behind after Kaka scooped home 10 minutes from time to seal a fortunate 1-0 win at Atalanta, who had troubled a shaky visiting defence. Kaka’s shot from Marco Borriello’s pass went into the ground and bounced high into the net.