Matchday 3: Results

Week 3 marks the rise of the underdogs. Despite the losses, Man United and Milan put forth great efforts and Inter continued their impressive play with a win over Juventus.

AC Milan 2 vs AS Roma 3
(San Siro)

The much anticipated Big Brother Derby in Milan did not disappoint Monday night in an entertaining, back-and-forth, spectacle. The away side struck first on a clinical finish from Julio Baptista but Milan answered shortly after on a Cicinho own goal. The two teams then traded goals in a series of chances that ended with Totti's late winner in the second half. The result keeps Roma top of the table, but the match was not without controversy. Ronaldinho, who scored Milan's second, appeared to be fouled in the box when he was hauled down by Phillipe Mexes late in the second half on a play that looked like a sure-fire penalty. Milan continued to apply heavy pressure but could not find the elusive late equalizer. Despite the loss, Milan's strong performance marks the arrival of a new force in this year's campaign

Juventus 1 vs Internazionale 2
(Stadio Olimpico di Torino)

Del Sole's Review: Juve came into the fixture looking to rebound after a tough loss to Fiorentina the week before whereas Inter was looking to cause havoc with the more experienced side and leave with at least a point.

The match got underway on a clear day at Stadio Olimpico di Torino. Juve established themselves from the get go carrying play for the first 20 minutes as Inter held back in a very defensive 5-3-1-1. The strong early play resulted in a superb goal for the away team as a strong low shot reached the back of the net. 1-0 Juve.

In an effort to change the momentum and create some chances, Inter changed their formation and the results paid off. Shortly after Juve's tally, Eto'o was sprung clear from center and made no mistake, cheekly chipping the ball over the charging goal keeper. 1-1.

Inter kept up the pressure, generating chances, and shortly before half-time, Milito came in from the wing and as the keeper ran out, once again chipped the ball over for an easy goal.

Both sides were settled in the second half with Inter simply sitting back waiting to counter-attack. The strategy was almost successful as Eto'o and Milito both hit posts in the second half. Juve was able to muster a couple chances in the half but were unable to capitalize.

Manchester United 2 vs Fiorentina 5
(Old Trafford)

Rob's Review: Manchester United hosted Fiorentina at Old Trafford as heavy underdogs in a rainy Monday night fixture. Fiorentina's bursted out of the gates expecting to run up the score on an inexperienced United side but were surprised to be matched chance-for-chance in the opening 25 minutes. Murgu opened the scoring for Fiorentina while Rooney soon tied it. United had several opportunities to take the lead and surprise the road team, however a tactical adjustment propelled Fiorentina to score two unanswered goals and go into the break 3-1. After the break, Fiorentina scored another goal and continued to pressure the United side trying to match Roma's 7-goal drubbing of United in the opening week. Fiorentina were surprised to be scored on once again but they quickly answered by scoring a 5th goal to make the final Fiorentina 5- Manchester United -2. After the game United boss Sir Alex Sirianni answered reporters by saying "I didn't join this league expecting to win, I just joined so I can play". If United continue to show improvement, this humbled attitude might help catch other clubs napping and at some point surprisingly influence the Maple FIFA league table! Fiorentina on the other hand are now playing with arrogance and class and expect nothing less than a positive result against rival Roma in the clash of the season next week, boss Garisto stated: "We will take all three points. Guaranteed".