Although it may seem like we just started yesterday (thanks, Lega Calcio), week six is upon us already!

So, where do we stand?

Well, even though it’s pretty much up in the air at this point, there have been some surprises, two of which are perhaps the most noteworthy. Specifically, a glance at the table reveals Milan hanging around mid-pack, while Napoli… yes, Napoli, are only one point back from leaders Roma and Inter.

Let’s look at Napoli first.

It’s hard to believe that this team was slugging it out in Serie B just a few months ago! Nonetheless, despite their newly promoted status, Napoli’s defense has allowed just two goals in five matches.

No, seriously.

Yes, that’s less than Inter or Roma. As if that statistic alone wasn’t impressive enough, said matches included a 5 - 0 (What the…?!?!?!?) demolition of Udinese in week two, followed by a 2 - 0 week three victory over Sampdoria. Thus far, Uruguayan striker Zalayeta is the guy to watch up front, as he has netted three times. A few other players each have one goal each. Out back, Napoli’s keepers Iezzo and Gianello have shared duties, with Iezzo starting the first three games, and Gianello starting the last two, because Iezzo has apparently picked up an injury at some point. I don’t know when Iezzo is coming back, but with the way Gianello has been playing, it looks like they’re in good hands either way.

Perhaps the best part about this team’s progress so far is that they’ve retained their sense of humility. Paolo Cannavaro summed up their mindset: “Our priorities haven’t changed, we are still aiming for survival. We have every reason to feel proud of all the hard work we have put in, but there is a long road ahead.”

Niiiiiice, Paolo. Stay Humble.

Now… Milan, Milan, Milan.

Champions of Europe drawing with Siena and Parma? Ancelotti blames the referee for the draw with Siena and their recent loss against Palermo, while Maldini and co. were angry at the tifosi following their first Champions League match.

Regardless of the reason for their lack of success, at this point I’m having flashbacks of last season, where Milan took a while to build momentum. The next tie is against Catania. I’m not hitting the panic button yet, but if the Rossoneri don’t win this one, I might consider reacquainting myself with it.

Categories: Milan, Napoli