Serie A Week 9 schedule: Things change, things stay the same

Pescara have scored just six goals in nine matches thus far in Serie A. The point lifts them out of the relegation zone, but just barely. Atalanta are just a point above, in 15th.

What more can be said about such a dreary game of football?

Klose then played a neat one-two with Hernanes and side-footed wide when it was easier to score.

The visitors then lost their discipline and self destructed. With 15 minutes to go, Ledesma picked up a second caution for a foul on Cuadrado. Despite a lengthy protest, the dismissal stood.

The granata orchestrated their own demise in the second half. Sansone, already on a yellow, found himself sent off after picking up a second yellow for diving. Torino managed to keep their composure for 20 minutes, however, determined to hang on for a draw.

But, despite what some might think, points cannot be awarded based on who is favored, nor on the basis of which side looked better throughout the match. And so the game is played, and we see some lovely goals and are treated to the sight of wet players slipping along the pitch.

Shortly after the Bologna goal, chaos erupted on the sidelines. Although it’s uncertain exactly what happened to cause an altercation between the benches, the result is clear enough: Beppe Baresi, Inter’s assistant manager, and Stefano Pioli, coach of Bologna, were both sent off.

Napoli Injuries and Suspensions

Chievo Injuries and Suspensions

It seems like it’s been so long since Torino defeated Atalanta 5-1 in Bergamo. And really, it has been almost a month, and the granata have nothing to show for it -- unless you count a point against Palermo. They haven’t scored in their last two matches and, quite frankly, have rarely looked inclined to do so. Are Torino seeking safety point by precious point, or are they simply absent creativity?

Parma aren’t quite as bad as their 10 points show, but they really aren’t very good, either. Their losses have come to Juventus, Napoli, and Catania; their draws to AC Milan, Fiorentina and Genoa. All perfectly respectable and probably exactly as to be expected. Parma aren’t the sort to apply any pressure to their opponents, particularly when they’re visiting, so if Torino could just find a way to score a goal, this one should go to the Bulls.

Sampdoria Injuries and Suspensions:

Forget the injuries, Samp are missing their first choice keeper and one of their starting center-backs. Time for Cagliari to improve on their goal tally?