Italian Serie A, Week 3: Edinson Cavani Leads Napoli To 3-1 Lead Over AC Milan

But that goal wasn’t nearly enough for El Matador, who grabbed his second before the whistle blew for the end of the second half. Midfielder Walter Gargano took the ball from the Napoli area all the way up to the opposing goal before cutting inside. Rather than pass to the center, Gargano smartly went left, to his compatriot Cavani. The forward’s right-footed shot easily sailed past Abbiati.

Alberto Aquilaini tried to find himself a second goal as well, just two minutes after El Matador’s, but the Holy Goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis managed to stick out a foot and nudge it away. The San Paolo is roaring its appreciation, but you can’t help thinking there are more goals in this one.

Siena may be organized, but it’s doubtful Antonio Conte will accept a second-match draw against this recently promoted side. Expect some sort of change shortly after the break -- Juventus have a super strong bench sitting by, ready to take all three points.

Both defenses were awful in Week 1 of the Serie A season, but these problems appeared to have been fixed by both Luis Enrique and Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma and Inter both defended very well on the night, which was a mild surprise.

For coverage and opinion on both teams, head over to Inter Milan Offside and Roma Offside. For coverage of all of this week’s Serie A matches, including this one and Napoli-AC Milan, check out our Serie A Week 2 StoryStream. For more on all of world football, bookmark SB Nation Soccer.

For coverage and opinion on both teams, head over to Inter Milan Offside and Roma Offside. For coverage of all of this week’s Serie A matches, including this one and Napoli-AC Milan, check out our Serie A Week 2 StoryStream. For more on all of world football, bookmark SB Nation Soccer.

The injury occurred when Lucio, surging forward on an uncharacteristic run, was kicked by Lucio on what appeared like it could have been a 50-50 ball. However, Stekelenburg actually beat him to the ball by some distance, and Lucio’s kick was unnecessary. He appeared to hit both the shoulder and head of Stekelenburg, and was shown a yellow card for his troubles.

For coverage and opinion on both teams, head over to Inter Milan Offside and Roma Offside. For coverage of all of this week’s Serie A matches, including this one and Napoli-AC Milan, check out our Serie A Week 2 StoryStream. For more on all of world football, bookmark SB Nation Soccer.

Inter Milan lineup (3-4-1-2): Julio Cesar; Lucio, Samuel, Ranocchia; Nagatomo, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Obi; Sneijder; Forlan, Milito

Subs from: Castellazzi, Jonathan, Bianchetti, Muntari, Pazzini, Zarate, Castaignos

Roma lineup (4-3-3): Stekelenburg; Taddei, Kjaer, Burdisso, Perrotta; De Rossi, Pizarro, Pjanic; Borini, Totti, Osvaldo

Subs From: Lobont, Heinze, Bojan, Gago, Borriello, Cassetti, Rosi

These teams aren’t built for the new systems, the new signings have not yet gelled, and the fans aren’t buying what their new managers are selling. If either team is able to score a convincing win, it would buy that team’s manager some slack with the fans and the board. But, more than that, it would absolutely cripple the faith of the powers that be in the losing man. This is as close to a must-win match as you’re ever going to see in Week 2, and both teams are in the exact same situation.

Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro), Milan, Italy

18:00 CET, 12 noon ET

20:45 CET, 14:45 ET