Heading into 15 games played, the top of Serie A stands: 1st Inter Milan (38 Points), 2nd Juventus (36 Points), 3rd Lazio (33 Points).
Though it is too early in the season to crown a champion, Inter look to be the ones to take the title from Juve for the first time since 2011.
For the past 8 years Juve have enjoyed clear dominance in Italy’s top tier league. Other clubs have challenged for the title most noticeably Napoli in recent years but no ones managed to overthrow the Italian giants. But what makes this season different?
Firstly, despite the acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo, Juve have not hit the ground running this season. Other big names Juve have brought in include midfielders, Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot, defenders Danilo and highly rated young prospect Matthijs de Ligt but it does not seem to be going Juve’s way this season.
Despite them being undefeated for the first 14 games, early draws and a loss to Lazio in match week 15 saw them drop valuable points early in the season. Juve and Inter met in the league already and Juve came out victorius in a thrilling 2-1 win.
Inter however, do not seem to be slowing down, winning 13 points put of a possible 15 in their last 5 matches. Inter players are putting in great performances this season. The departure of Mauro Icardi opened the door for young Argentine, Lauturo Martinez to shine. Another star for the side is Romelu Lukaku who came in from Manchester United in the summer. Martinez and Lukaku have been ruthless this season with a combined total of 18 goals in the first 15 games.
Inter’s defense also deserves some recognition. Thanks to a solid partnership in center backs Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij and goalkeeper Samir Handanovic between the sticks Inter have the best defense in the league as they have only conceded 13 goals in the first 15 games. But, How long will this hot run of form last?
Only time will tell as the Serie A heads into its midway point and eventual end in May of 2020.
(Photo credit: Tribunews)
