This weekend was a crazy one for football fans around the world, and Serie A certainly was no exception. There were two major games played on Sunday, with two derbies in store: the Derby del Sole featuring Roma and Napoli and of course, the Derby d'Italia starring Inter and Juventus.
Here's all you need to know following this weekend's Serie A action.
Top five teams in Serie A up to October 25
Here's how the table looks after last round's matches
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Edin Dzeko is among the early challengers for the Capocannoniere, along with three-time winner Ciro Immobile
Top Serie A headlines, stats, and other facts
Zlatan scores twice...but not how you'd imagine: It was a very eventful day for the 40-year-old Swedish superstar, as he grabbed two goals during Milan's 4-2 win over Bologna. Unfortunately, one of those goals was actually into his own net, but he made up for it by scoring Milan's fourth goal in injury time to secure a vital three points for Stefano Pioli's side. And in doing so, he becomes the fourth-oldest goal-scorer in Serie A history (40 years, 23 days).
Milan truly off to a flying start: Unlike Inter, Juventus, Roma, and Napoli - who all drew their games - Milan were the only big team to pick up a win last round (as Lazio suffered a shock loss to Hellas Verona). With eight wins from their first nine games, the Rossoneri are again determined to challenge for the Scudetto, and they've matched a very impressive feat. The last time Milan won eight of their first nine games was back during the 1954/1955 season. Along with Napoli, they're also yet to lose a match and will be looking to make it nine wins in ten games when they take on Torino mid-week.
Derby del Sole ends up being a damp squib: Many had expected fireworks when league leaders Napoli locked horns with Roma in the first installment of the Derby del Sole. Unfortunately, neither side were able to find a way past each other, and the match ultimately finished as a scoreless draw. This is the first time since February 1980 that these two teams have recorded a 0-0 result at the Stadio Olimpico.
Salernitana vs Empoli also makes history: The match between the two minnows wasn't exactly the sort of thing people set in their mobile calendars, but there were plenty of goals, nonetheless. Six were scored as Empoli recorded a 4-2 victory and in doing so, history was made. Three of those goals were scored in the first 15 minutes - the first time Empoli have achieved this - while newly promoted Salernitana ended up conceding three goals in 15 minutes for the first time in their nascent top flight career.
Top Serie A matches: October 26-28 and October 30 - November 1
It's a packed fixture schedule over the next week or so, as Serie A actually has a midweek round. That means plenty of games to keep calcio fans on the edge of their seats. Here are some of the games you won't want to miss:
Midweek round:
Milan vs Torino: As things stand, the Rossoneri are joint-tied on points with Napoli, as the Partenopei dropped points for the first time all season. Milan will now take on a Torino side who finally ended their four game winless streak, but given the form the Diavolo are in right now - with eight wins from their first nine games - one certainly wouldn't bet at them picking up another three points.
Juventus vs Sassuolo: Juve's winning streak unfortunately came to an end as they were held to a one-all draw against Inter in the Derby d'Italia. Next up for them is Sassuolo, a team who've built their reputation on becoming a thorn in the side of Italy's bigger teams, and the Neroverdi have caused their share of problems for La Vecchia Signora in the past. Just four points separate these two sides, meaning that Massimiliano Allegri's men really won't want to have any slip-ups when they welcome Sassuolo on Wednesday evening.
Empoli vs Inter: The Nerazzurri have climbed back into third spot after drawing Juventus, but still have Roma breathing down their necks. Will they be able to secure a vital win against an Empoli side who have been on a kick recently, with three wins from their last five games?
Napoli vs Bologna: After dropping points for the first time all season, Napoli will now need to get back to winning ways fast if they don't want to be overtaken by Milan in the league table.
And here are some crunch clashes you won't want to miss in the weekend round.
Hellas Verona vs Juventus: On paper, this seems like a straightforward match, but given that Hellas Verona have managed to beat both Roma and Lazio this season, Juventus would perhaps be wise not to take the Gialloblu lightly.
Roma vs Milan: Another big match will be in store as the Giallorossi welcome Milan. Fresh off holding league leaders Napoli to a draw, will Jose Mourinho's side be able to become the first team to beat the high-flying Diavolo this season?
Make sure you don't miss out on these key games and stay on top of all the action by checking out our bespoke Serie A matchday page.
