Kimi’s triumph at Monza. The women’s volleyball team’s defeat. A disappointing draw between Juve and Milan (1–1)

It’s a shame, though, for the women’s volleyball team. They’d almost done it; then, at 2–1, just a step away from victory, in the deafening and unfriendly atmosphere of Istanbul, after a dazzling start, they suffered a complete breakdown. Almost in tears, the girls say it’s their own fault. That the Turkish team were strong, but that it was they who cracked at the crucial moment. That they’ll have to work out where they went wrong. That they’ve got the silver, of course, but that gold is something else entirely.

There is a great deal of maturity and a strong sense of self-criticism in these girls, who have almost always swept aside their opponents over the last two years. But that’s what sport is all about. You win, you fall, and you get back up. Anna Danesi, the captain of an extraordinary team, says this on behalf of them all – a team we hope to see laughing and hugging one another again in the future.

And what about football, our national sport? Over this bittersweet weekend, the league has finally bounced back. Starting with Inter v Napoli (3–2), a hard-fought match won by the Nerazzurri, though nobody would have objected had the Neapolitans come out on top, having led by two goals until the 11th minute of the second half. Inter’s clinical comeback was down to the extraordinary technical ability of Chivu’s side, who managed to turn the match around despite Napoli having been the more effective side for much of the game.

In short, Inter have once again proved themselves to be the dominant force in this competition, but Napoli, despite suffering two consecutive defeats (something that hasn’t happened for three years), did not put in a poor performance – quite the opposite, in fact. Another side that shone, putting themselves forward as a possible alternative to Inter (though this is just pub talk, given we’re only on matchday three), was Roma, who, after falling a goal behind to Atalanta, went on to see them off with goals from Hermoso and Soulè.

But beyond the result, what stands out about the Giallorossi is their energy and the quality of their play. Gasperini’s influence is plain to see and hear. Sarri himself admitted as much, albeit grudgingly, at the end. “They’re impressive, title-winning material…” declared the Atalanta manager, referring to the Giallorossi. Indeed, alongside Como – who thrashed Genoa 4–1 on Friday – Roma can now be considered a possible alternative to Inter in the title race. There’s a special atmosphere surrounding these two teams. A determined desire to improve, which must be a cause for concern for the old guard of football.

In particular, Juventus and Milan, who, in the late kick-off, disappointed by producing a mediocre 1–1 draw that was hardly a treat for the discerning spectator. Slow play, few shots on goal, a lacklustre performance that ultimately left no one satisfied. Milan, who were absent in the first half, took the lead through Cisse in the 68th minute; Juve equalised with a header from Gatti, a specialist in last-gasp goals, in the 92nd minute.

It is worth noting that neither of the two strikers was on the pitch at the kick-off. The substitutions therefore paid off. The rest, however, is best forgotten. Anyone expecting a sign of things to come from these two (former?) giants was left disappointed. Juve were slightly better, and also more active in front of goal. Milan were even more disappointing, lacking drive and never really incisive. Rabiot’s return was lacklustre, whilst new centre-forward Ramos failed to make an impact, his presence evident only on the team sheet.

It’s now a given that a Juve v Milan match will end in a draw. The only improvement on last season’s goalless draw is that this time it finished 1–1. Both teams are still a work in progress, with no sign yet that the work is even nearing completion. Inter can rest easy: threats from Juve and Milan are off the cards for the time being. As for Roma and Como, however, it’s best to remain on your guard.

Let’s finish with Fabio Grosso. The Fiorentina manager has already been sacked following the team’s third consecutive defeat. The merry-go-round has begun.

RESULTS

Genoa v Como 1–4

Fiorentina v Torino 1–2

Inter v Napoli 3–2

Roma v Atalanta 2–1

Frosinone 3–2 Venezia

Parma v Monza 1–1

Bologna v Sassuolo 2–2

Juventus v Milan 1–1

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TODAY

Cagliari v Lecce 6.30 pm

Udinese v Lazio 8.45 pm