Serie A: The story so far

Serie A is one of the most tactical leagues in the world, known for its interesting team selections, strategies and close games.

One-third of the season has passed and 14 rounds have been played. Only Genoa and Fiorentina have played a game less because the match on September 11 was abandoned due to a hailstorm.

Juventus currently occupy top spot with 33 points, having won 11 games.

It is not a surprise that they are leading once again, but having said that, they have looked more vulnerable than in recent seasons.

In the 2014-15 season, Juventus lost just three games across the whole season. Last season, they lost five.

Yet as of now, they have already suffered three defeats out of 14 matches.

Additionally, defeats against both Milan giants have given others hope of ending Juventus’ domination.

Big money signing Gonzalo Higuain has been pivotal, leading the team’s goal tally with seven strikes. Meanwhile, at the other end, Juventus continue to boast the best defence in the league. With a line-up including Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, they have conceded just 12 goals.

Sitting in second place, AS Roma is just four points behind. The Giallorossi are the leading scorers in Serie A with 33 goals scored in 14 games.

Bosnian forward Edin Dzeko, who has been under pressure throughout his Roma career, is finally delivering and is the leading goalscorer with 12 strikes. Mohamed Salah is also having a great season, with the former Chelsea man hitting the back of the net eight times already.

Finally, AC Milan look to be back in Serie A.

The Rossoneri currently have the final Champions League qualifying spot of the league and are level on points with Roma.

Manager Vincenzo Montella is doing a fine job and results against teams like Juventus are showing that.

Goals have been spread throughout the team. Carlos Bacca leads their scoring charts with six, closely followed by the in-form Suso with five, while youngster Manuel Locatelli has enjoyed a breakthrough season, having scored two goals already.

Other teams that can be considered in the title race are Lazio, Atalanta who have both collected 28 points, and also Torino and Napoli who have collected 25 points each.

While one Milan giant has improved, the other is still not able to match its past.

Inter Milan is currently eighth, with 21 points.

Dutchman Frank de Boer was the boss when the season started but his sacking has seen Stefano Pioli handed the reins. A shambolic performance in the Europa League group stages means the side’s European season is over, and it will also be a challenge to qualify for any European competition next season.

Pescara, Crotone and Palermo are in the relegation zone, but Empoli and Sassuolo could also be dragged down if results don’t improve.

When it comes to individual players, Dzeko and Mauro Icardi are having brilliant seasons, leading the goal tally together having struck 12 goals each.

Andrea Belotti of Torino has hit some superb form, scoring ten goals already. This is the breakthrough season for 22-year-old and he has also become a regular for Italy’s national team.

As for the title race, Juventus looks to be the best of the lot, but there’s surely a few challengers who can pose a serious threat.