Introduction
Ciao Ciao! Matchday 4 of Serie A is here, and so are we. Welcome to the Tackle From Behind X Calcio Charcha preview, India’s home for Italian football fans—stories, debates, and pure calcio passion, where we will not only break down the coming weekend’s fixture but also take a look back and revisit how each team fared in their previous outing. So, let’s dive in.
Charcha Corner
The Derby della Capitale is one of the biggest and fiercest rivalries; this is a clash that not only brings Rome but the entire Calcio to a standstill. Among Europe’s top five leagues, the Roma-Lazio rivalry stands out as one of the most intense inter-city battles, comparable to very few rivalries in football. The only ones that come close to this rivalry are the Old Firm Derby between Celtic and Rangers and The Belgrade Derby between Partizan and Crvena Zvezda, with the notable mention of The London Derby between West Ham and Millwall. Yet, the Rome Derby carries its unique legacy and rivalry, particularly in the early 2000s when both clubs used to be equally competitive and fiery. While a few unsavory incidents have taken place over the years, intervention from the federation has curbed much of the off-pitch violence and fights. Still, the nostalgia and the competitiveness of those early 2000s derbies are unmatched; those fixtures used to feel like more of a war than a game of football.
Now, let’s move on and discuss the UCL fixtures where the Italian teams have participated and review them before we dive into the Matchday 4 Preview.
UCL Matchday-1 Review
1. Juventus vs Dortmund
Juventus’ UCL campaign began with a thrilling 4-4 draw against Dortmund at their home Allianz Stadium, sealed by a late equalizer. Karim Adeyemi opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, exposing Juve’s poor defense to midfield structure and running through it. Throughout the game, the poor cohesion of Juventus has been exposed between their defense and midfield line, which resulted in the goal despite their reputation for keeping clean sheets in previous games. Khéphren Thuram, though a quality No. 8, isn’t a ball-winner, while €60M signing Teun Koopmeiners from his arrival last season has struggled, slowly drawing more criticism from the fans and media. The case had been the same throughout this match as well, as he visibly struggled to keep up with the pressure of Dortmund, which led to his poor performance. Although everything can’t be put onto one man, as the entire midfield trio of Locatelli, Koopmeiners, and Thuram has lacked chemistry since the last season, which leaves Igor Tudor with the tough task of integrating them into a unit. Also, Tudor has to find a way to give Joao Mario a gradual start, as he had been a more inspiring summer purchase.
Juve’s structure appears to depend on individual performers in the defense, midfield, and attack, which makes the team less cohesive and leads to conceding goals. This was evident as the four goals they conceded all came in the second half, with Juve at a point trailing 4-2 before showing resilience to fight back. Tudor deserves much of the credit for instilling character and belief into the team, though frailties in the defensive structure remain.
On the pitch, the rebirth of Duan Vlahovic has to be talked about, as he has been in great form lately, but still, the question over his contract situation lingers, as he is yet to accept the renewal with a pay cut because of his poor performances over the years, and being the highest-paid player in Serie A hasn’t helped him either. Matteo De Gregorio has been going through a rough patch in the recent past, but it can be said that he is a promising shot-stopper that Juventus can trust in the long run. While all of this has happened, Lloyd Kelly has surprisingly impressed with his performances, though consistency and reliability are still in question.
Despite its flaws, Juventus’ high spirit, smooth attacking transitions, and never-give-up mentality are the key positives from their gameplay. However, Joao Mario’s inclusion could enhance the attacking threat, but it may expose his defensive frailties. For now, Juve entertains with the chaos and comebacks, but they need to find their balance as soon as possible, and the winter transfer market will be crucial to fixing their missing pieces.
2. Ajax vs Inter
As expected, Inter comfortably eased past an unconvincing Ajax side to become the only Italian club to secure all three points in this Champions League matchday. Before the match started, there were conversations about rotation in goal after Sommer’s error in the previous game, but Chivu stood by him, saying that one error shouldn’t be the criterion to judge Sommer, the keeper who had been like a wall in Inter’s goal last season, insisting that Jose Martinez will get his due start at the right time. Sommer repaid the trust by producing a key one-on-one save, which was Ajax’s only real chance of the night.
This Ajax looked far from their traditional identity of youthful, exciting football. Instead, they relied on veterans like Klaassen, Weghorst, and a past-his-best Dolberg, though youngsters Mika Godts and Youri Baas provided glimmers of hope, but that wasn’t enough to stop Inter. Meanwhile, Inter has struggled with attacking fluidity, often lacking chemistry in the final third, but they still managed the game with ease.
Refereeing by Michael Oliver drew criticism, and one particular incident that called for this criticism was when a foul by Baas on Thuram was first given as a penalty and then controversially overturned after Oliver reviewed the footage in VAR. Heitinga’s side pressed well, disrupting Inter’s rhythm, but the Nerazzurri were far more composed compared to their last outing against Juventus.
Some standout performers for Inter were Calhanoglou, who bagged both the assists of that night; Barella, whose energy was unmatched in the midfield; and Mkhitaryan, whose work rate was decisive. Pio Esposito impressed despite no goal contributions, dropping deep to link-up play, create chances, and win fouls, while his gameplay showed some shades of Luka Toni and Lukaku. Dimarco rediscovered his long-lost form, while Akanji continued his strong start at Inter with another solid display, while De Vrij and Zielinski displayed good performances. Zielinski looks rather rejuvenated after his injury woes last season.
3. PSG vs Atalanta
There was always very little doubt about the result PSG has produced, as they would have dismantled any Italian side on the night, whether it be champions Napoli or mid-table Bologna, as they previously destroyed Inter at the UCL final by a margin of 5-0. A 4-0 win for PSG was a result that seems like a thrashing on the face of it, but looking into the game, it could have been far worse for Atalanta, thanks to Carnesecchi’s saves and PSG’s choice to control tempo rather than attack relentlessly, which is why this result was not a 7-0 or an 8-0. Still, Atalanta’s defense was poor, highlighted by the fourth goal they conceded when Bellanova gave a disastrous backpass that gifted Gonçalo Ramos the late goal.
In attack, the trio of Maldini, De Ketelaere, and Pašalić offered no threat, while Musah and Bernasconi were average, and De Roon’s decline was again evident, making this a clueless midfield. With Ederson sidelined, Atalanta’s midfield looked thin and uninspired, exposing a major weakness. Juric’s side not only lost but also appeared to surrender, lacking any fight.
After Gasperini left, Juric seems to be set up for failure without proper investment, echoing his previous failed spells at Roma and Southampton. While his team selection could be questioned, as he could have chosen Zalewski over Bernasconi, as that might have added more attacking thrust, the result likely wouldn’t have changed much against PSG’s firepower.
But amongst the mess, blaming Juric alone would be harsh, as resources available to him remain limited, though concerns around squad depth, a regressing midfield, and poor form are real. The only bright spot is Lookman nearing his return, but overall, these are worrying times for Atalanta.
4. Man City vs Napoli
What was expected to be a Champions League classic between Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte quickly lost its spark after Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s early red card, turning the game into a cakewalk for City. De Bruyne’s return to Etihad stadium was cut short as Conte opted for defensive cover, while his original plan to grind out a result was ruined by Di Lorenzo’s rash decision. Despite years of inconsistent performances, Di Lorenzo continues to start and even captain both Napoli and Italy, though his place now looks increasingly untenable.
Conte’s choice not to start Olivera was also questionable, as Napoli were left vulnerable down the flanks. With 10 men, Napoli had no choice but to sit back, forcing Politano into a draining dual role, which affected his performance. City eventually broke through with a brilliant Foden chip finished by Haaland’s header, before Doku sealed the win against a tiring Napoli defense.
Credit goes to City, who looks to settle into their new approach, where they are looking more compact and defensive than they looked in past seasons, focusing on off-the-ball intensity rather than pure possession dominance. Napoli’s defensive setup worked for a long while, but against City’s quality, defensive containment alone was never enough. Despite the loss, Vanja Milinković-Savić’s performance in goal was outstanding, giving Napoli a rare positive from the night.
Napoli’s strength in depth at goalkeeper with both Meret and Milinković-Savić could prove vital as they go on to defend the league.
Overall, it can be summed up that this was a disappointing Champions League week for the Italian clubs, though it can be expected that things will improve in the future.
Jose Mourinho’s new challenge as Benfica boss after he left Fenerbahçe
After an early exit from Fenerbahçe this season, former Roma and Inter boss José Mourinho has taken charge of Benfica, a move that has sparked controversies. Mourinho—”The Special One,” as he is called—became “The Special One” at Porto, the club where he built his reputation by winning the 2004 Champions League out of the blue and to this date being regarded as a legend there. For many Porto fans, seeing him join one of their fiercest rivals feels like a betrayal.
Though Mourinho did briefly manage Benfica before his Porto days, that stint was rather short-lived and largely forgotten. This return, however, carries much more weight, given the rivalry and his iconic status at Porto. Many were surprised he didn’t consider the emotions of Porto fans before accepting the job.
That said, for Mourinho, the decision makes sense, as his last few years have been difficult, and Benfica offered him a fresh opportunity at a big club. True to his reputation, after being sacked by Fenerbahçe, he left with fireworks in a typical “Mourinho” way openly criticized the club and exposed its internal flaws before moving on.
The Big Derby della Capitale Preview
It’s Matchday 4, and the Derby della Capitale has already arrived. A fixture where the stakes are so high that every external factor fades, leaving only the fiery rivalry on the pitch. Roma’s new manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has closed the club off from every sort of outside noise by banning all sorts of press, media, and even Roma’s own social team to keep players fully focused. Claudio Ranieri, still advising the club, has been supporting him behind the scenes.
Roma’s perfect start ended last weekend with a 1-0 home loss to Torino, as Gasperini was caught out by Marco Baroni’s defensive setup and counter-attacking plan. His front three of Soule, Dybala, and El Aynaoui misfired, and the decision of not starting Evan Ferguson up front proved costly. Still, an early setback could serve as a wake-up call for Gasperini to refine his system before the season goes on further. With Gasperini training his team now behind closed doors, Roma’s exact setup remains a mystery. Saying this, nothing can win the fans over faster than winning derbies or against an arch rival, which is a golden opportunity Gasperini should pounce on.
Lazio, meanwhile, enter the derby in turmoil. A transfer ban, caused by their accounting errors, has shaken the club, while injuries to Patric, Lazzari, Gigot, and Vecino alongside the fresh knocks to Rovella and Castellanos have thinned out Sarri’s squad of depth. Without Rovella, their midfield looks average at best. Sarri, however, has stayed loyal despite pessimism and boardroom mistakes, holding the team together with his principles and experience.
But this season it seems that every time Lazio appears to gain momentum, like after their big win over Verona, setbacks strike again. Fans feel let down by poor management, and Sarri now faces the difficult task of lifting the mood of a rather demoralized and thin squad. On paper, Roma appears stronger and better placed to take all three points. For Gasperini, it’s the perfect chance to respond to Torino’s defeat and win over his new supporters; for Sarri, it’s about damage control and salvaging pride in a derby that always means everything.
Predicted XIs & Tactical Outlook
1. Roma
- GK: Svilar
- Defense: Celik, Ndicka, Mancini
- Midfield: Rensch, Cristante, Kone, Angeliño
- Attack: Soule, El Aynaoui, Ferguson
Celik looks set to return to the XI alongside ,Cristante following injury knocks to others, while Hermoso is sidelined and Wesley remains doubtful with a stomach virus. Paulo Dybala is ruled out with a muscle strain, which forces Gasperini to reshuffle the attack. Evan Ferguson should lead the line after being benched against Torino which was a decision that felt like a mistake.
El Shaarawy, often underappreciated but usually reliable, could feature if El Aynaoui is dropped. Pellegrini is another option off the bench, and his knack of scoring in derby makes him a tempting wildcard. The bench should include Vazquez, Gollini, Ghilardi, Tsimikas, Wesley, Ziolkowski, Hermoso, Pisilli, Baldanzi, Dovbyk, Pellegrini, and El Shaarawy. Leon Bailey remains unavailable.
2. Lazio
- GK: Provedel
- Defense: Marusic, Romagnoli, Gila, Nuno Tavares
- Midfield: Cataldi, Guendouzi, Belahyane
- Attack: Zaccagni, Pedro, Cancellieri
Lazio enter this derby depleted. Rovella is a major doubt, so Cataldi is expected to step in. Vecino, Patric, and Lazzari remain out, while Castellanos is pushing for involvement but unlikely to start. Reda Belahyane may be preferred to Dele Bashiru, who has struggled this season despite last year’s promise.
Cancellieri has been sharp since the preseason and could trouble Roma’s backline, while Pedro remains a smart alternative to lead the line if Sarri opts for a tactical surprise. Nuno Tavares provides attacking thrust but remains suspect defensively. In goal, Provedel keeps his place, though Mandas, arguably the tempting option, seems to continue his wait, which is a thing he’s undeserving of,, as he performed well every time he has been trusted.
With Dybala ruled out, much of Roma’s attacking weight will be on Evan Ferguson, who must cause problems against the Lazio defense and would be key if his side is to find a breakthrough. Roma’s midfield should look forward to dictating the tempo, as Lazio is missing Rovella and fielding a weak midfield, which looks vulnerable and can crumble under pressure. On the flanks, Lazio’s most promising outlet appears to be Cancellieri, whose direct threat will test the defensive discipline of Celik and Angeliño, making his battle with Roma’s wingbacks a potentially defining factor in the derby.
Prediction
Roma look better placed, even with their own injury issues. Gasperini’s side should benefit from Ferguson’s return and Lazio’s midfield weakness without Rovella. A fiery battle can be expected, but Roma seems to have the edge in this fixture.
Prediction: Roma 1–0 Lazio (Evan Ferguson or Matias Soule goal).
Matchday-4 Predictions
- Lecce vs Calliagri: Although a draw can be expected but Caliagri might take this home with a 2-1 victory.
- Bologna vs Genoa: A 1-0 Bologna win can be expected at their home. Bologna seems to defend their record of not losing at home since December 2024.
- Hellas Verona vs Juventus: A 2-0 win for Juve can be predicted with Vlahovic and David as scorers. Yildiz amd Thuram can be expected to continue their good display.
- Udinese vs AC Milan: A 1-1 or a 0-0 draw can be expected as both teams would look to set up in an ultra-defensive setup, as they are known for. A cagey display is expected, with very few or maybe no goals being scored during this while.
- Lazio vs Roma: Predicted above.
- Cremonse vs Parma: A Cremonese win is expected with the scoreline of 2-1. A Jamie Vardy goal can be expected if he plays.
- Torino vs Atalanta: A 1-0 home win for Torino is expected, as Baroni would like to set his team up in the same formation from which he ground out a win against Roma.
- Fiorentina vs Como: A 2-2 draw is expected, as it would be difficult for Como to bring out a result from Fiorentina at their home. Fiorentina is expected to be competitive, although they have a poor defensive setup. Moise Kean, if he is in good form, can convert any and every chance he gets.
- Inter vs Sassuolo: A 2-1 or 3-1 Inter win is expected, as Inter will gain confidence after their win against Ajax and should look to continue their good run here as well.
- Napoli vs Pisa: After the disastrous night in Etihad it is expected for Napoli to come back into winning form as the Scudetto champions will host the promoted side and a 2–0 or 3-0 win can be expected.
