After the fifth round in the Italian championship there are only three teams that have not known the bitterness of defeat, and one of them is suddenly Empoli. The constant participant in the fight for survival this season is really surprising. The calendar at the start was quite difficult, the Blues got three European Cup participants – Roma, Bologna and Juventus – as opponents, but managed to pick up five points in these games. And Roberto D’Aversa once again proved that he is one of the best coaches in the country in preparing modestly-powered teams for the start of the championship.
With a win against Lazio last weekend, Fiorentina earned their first victory not only in Serie A, but in the season in general. The players are improving from match to match and are already much better adapted to the demands of new head coach Raffaele Palladino than at the start of the championship. The only line that is not progressing at all is the defense. The team concedes in almost every match.