Analysis of Serie A's first 11 rounds: Europe's weight on consistency

Analysis of Serie A's first 11 rounds: Lazio leads unexpectedly under Gattuso, while European commitments destabilise Juventus, Milan and Napoli; Inter and Roma show promise.

After 11 Serie A matchdays, the season defies prediction. Lazio, managed by Gattuso and without European distractions, sits top—a surprise given their mediocrity last season. The article argues that consistency is nearly impossible for clubs juggling domestic and European competition, yet this season's volatility is extreme.

Juventus and Milan, the two most anticipated sides, exemplify the problem. Juventus lacks Spalletti's tactical imprint and struggles with injuries; the squad appears unreliable despite their pedigree. Milan, Italy's most international team, swings wildly—dominant in the league one week, eliminated from Europa League spareggio contention the next, with only one win in four European games.

Inter, despite being strongest and richest, has shown incomprehensible lapses, entering matches dormant before conceding and waking up. Recent wins over Feyenoord and Como suggest they may be emerging from this slump. Roma's growth is evident in Serie A but less so in Champions League, where comebacks against Real Madrid and Manchester United expose defensive fragility at elite level.

Frosinone, promoted from Serie B, maintains the consistency others lack—sixth with 20 points, mirroring their form from last season's second-tier campaign.