Christian Abbiati’s goalkeeping left much to be desired and Alexandre Pato was denied twice by the referee on two questionable offside calls. But it was promoted club Cesena making waves as Erjon Bogdani headed home the first goal and then minutes later Bogdani fed the speeding Emanuele Giaccherini whose angled shot beat Abbiati and came off the far post for the second goal.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not enhance his reputation by missing a penalty. So far the overrated Swedish striker has yet to score. Newly acquired Robinho made an appearance as a substitute but failed to make an impact.
The Serie’s leader is Chievo, a team that flirted with relegation last season finishing 14th. They are followed by Sicilian club Cagliari who fought off Atalanta, Livorno,and Siena to escape relegation. Sampdoria who battled Juventus to a 3-3 draw are in third and Cesena with their famous victory over Milan round off the top four. Last year’s champion Inter are in 6th position, one above Milan.
Early days but this year could be a roller coaster as the smaller club show they are not overawed by the heavy hitters.