Serie A this week could well lend itself to some drama. Juventus and Roma need to overcome their disappointment of their midweek Champions League matches. Inter and Napoli need to turn themselves around, pronto, or their managers will be on the unemployment lines. Udinese and Lazio will want to prove they're worthy of being back at the top. And Fiorentina's visit to Milan, the match that closes the week, has become something of a grudge game.
Schedule, Round 8
*Note: Europe "falls back" on Sunday morning, while North America waits another week. Remember that if you're watching from across the Atlantic
Saturday, October 25
Empoli vs. Cagliari
3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, Empoli
Well, the opening game could do worse than to feature a recently-promoted team that's already causing waves, playing host to a side led by Zdeněk Zeman. Both sides drew last week, both sides are at least averaging more than one goal per match.
Take note: Lorenzo Tonelli has already scored three goals in six matches for Empoli. He's a central defender. Yeah.
Parma vs. Sassuolo
6 p.m. local, 12 noon ET at the Tardini, Parma
Sassuolo have yet to win a match this season, but because they've drawn four and Parma have drawn exactly zero, they're actually ahead of the hosts in the standings. They're having a hard time finding the back of the net, however, which should be a bit of a relief for Parma, who've already conceded 17.
Take note: Parma actually finished inside the European positions last season. No, we have no idea what's gone wrong, either.
Sampdoria vs. AS Roma
8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET at the Marassi, Genoa
This week's one-to-watch. Sampdoria have yet to lose, while Roma have only dropped points in that controversial loss at Juventus. Plus, Roma are coming off that 7-0 thumping at the feet of Bayern Munich, which should make them eager to avenge themselves by continuing to challenge in the league.
Take note: Last time Sampdoria qualified for Champions League, they failed to make it past the playoff round and were relegated to Serie B. Maybe it's time to fall on the sword.
Sunday, October 26
Chievo Verona vs. Genoa
3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET at the Bentegodi, Verona
Once again, Gian Piero Gasperini's famed all-out-attack formation is failing to bring in bunches of goals. Once again, Chievo are struggling to stay in Serie A. This week's one-to-miss
Take note: Chievo fired Eugenio Corini last week - the manager they brought back last season to keep them from relegation. They've replaced him with Rolando Maran, the manager brought back by Catania to keep them from relegation. Catania are now tied for last in Serie B.
Juventus vs. Palermo
3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET at Juventus Stadium, Turin
Well, Palermo finally won a game, but that's unlikely to mean much as they travel to Turin. After his side drew with Sassuolo then lost to Olympiakos, Max Allegri is going to have some serious face to save. Anything less than a beating (that's a 2-0 win for Allegri, of course) would be a surprise.
Take note: They're still Juventus.
Udinese vs. Atalanta
3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET at the Stadio Friuli, Udine
Under the gaze of Andrea Stramaccioni, Udinese might not be pretty to watch, but at least they're back in the top five. Ok, that likely only comforts Udinese fans. The rest of us might not find much to love in a game between a side that can barely score and a team that has remembered how to lock out attackers.
Take note: In case you were curious, it's Atalanta that's bad at scoring. Their last-minute goal against Parma last weekend was their first in five matches.
Cesena vs. Inter Milan
6 p.m. local, 1 p.m. ET at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi, Cesena
Seems like Walter Mazzarri's been on the chopping block for ages, but surely a loss to newly-promoted Cesena would mean a sacking. It's one point in three matches for Inter, who currently sit ninth. No way that's good enough for Erick Thohir, who firmly believe his side need to recapture their reputation as one of the best in the world
Take note: Cesena love a scrappy draw. Don't be surprised if the Seahorses manage another one.
Lazio vs. Torino
6 p.m. local, 1 p.m. ET at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Lazio are pushing for a return to Europe. Torino are pushing for progress in Europe. But the latter aren't doing so hot in the league, sitting 12th to Lazio's 6th. The hosts have momentum on their side as well, with three wins in a row, scoring nine along the way.
Take note: Toro have actually managed to score a goal in each of their last four games. The need to point this out demonstrates just how much this team have struggled to get the ball in the net.
Napoli vs. Hellas Verona
6 p.m. local, 1 p.m. ET at the San Paolo, Naples
The two sides enter this match even on points, which is just fine to Verona's standards and mighty depressing to Napoli's. A team that's meant to challenge for the title is eight points off the 74888888888, and they just managed to lose a Europa League game to Young Boys. This may be Verona's for the taking.
Take note: Rafa Benítez is teetering on the edge. Another loss and it could be time for the Spaniard to pack his bags.
AC Milan vs. Fiorentina
8:45 p.m. local, 3:45 p.m. ET at the San Siro, Milan
Fiorentina are having a tough time of it, with just two wins and five goals scored. Their defense is surprisingly solid, but the 2-0 loss to Lazio last week shows they can't really cope with a decent attack. Milan, with 15 goals scored and plenty who can knock them in this season, have that decent attack.
Take note: Keisuke Honda is on fire. He has six goals from seven starts and scored two in last week's 3-1 win over Verona.