Serie A Weekend Preview

Inter Milan's Cameroonian international Samuel Eto’o © Photo: MTNfootball.com

September 17, 2009

Renowned as one of the toughest and probably most eloquent football leagues in the world, the Italian Serie A is a tough place for any player to make his mark.

One man, however, who has quickly established himself amongst the best in the league, is none other than Cameroonian international Samuel Eto’o.

The former Barcelona striker who joined Inter Milan at the start of season is arguably the best African footballer playing in Italy and was in fine form this past weekend scoring the winning goal for his side against Parma.

That goal was the 28-year-old's second of the season. Eto’o will certainly be hoping to add to that tally on Sunday when the Nerazsurri (presently in fourth spot on seven points) take on Cagliari.

Currently, Cagliari are sitting two places from the bottom of the Italian Serie A and are without a win to their name; they should be no match for a highly talented Inter side. One African who will be hoping to make a greater impact in that game is Sulley Muntari.

 The Ghanaian international also featured in the match against Parma but only as a substitute coming on in the 70th minute for Patrick Vieira.

Mariga influence crucial

Although Parma were on the losing side this past weekend, McDonald Mariga can feel a little hard done by considering he was the stand out player of the match. The 22-year-old Kenyan international was sensational for the large majority of the game, but simply could not inspire his side to victory.

Things will not get any easier for Mariga and his side when they take part in a titanic mid-table clash against Palermo on Sunday. Palermo, currently in ninth spot on four points, are one place above Parma who have registered the same amount of points.

Only goal difference separates the two teams and if Parma are to jump above them on the log, Mariga will have to prove influential once more.

Tough task ahead for Ghezzal

Genoa and Moroccan midfielder, Houssine Kharja is lookng for more game time © Photo: MTNfootball.com

Abdelkader Ghezzal was another noticeable African performer in Serie A this past weekend despite ending up on the losing side. Siena, in a drastic second half collapse, conceded two late goals to Roma which saw them walk away without any points.

Ghezzal, however, was certainly not to blame for the loss. In fact, the Algerian attacking midfielder looked threatening when ever he picked up the ball, often providing defence splitting passes that his teammates failed to capitalise on.

Siena’s next match sees them take on a formidable Sampdoria on Sunday. Sampdoria are currently in third position on the log and have yet to lose a match which is a lot more than Ghezzal can say for his side who only have three points from their first three matches.

Kharja looking for more game time

Genoa and Moroccan midfielder, Houssine Kharja, only played 13 minutes of football this past weekend in his sides 4-1 grubbing of Napoli. Although he only played a small part in the victory he was extremely impressive in his time on the field.

The 26-year-old creative midfielder will certainly be hoping his short, but quality performance was enough to get him a start this weekend when his side take on Chievo. Kharja’s side, who have won all three of their league games, are at the top of the Italian Serie A and should not struggled to get a win over a 12th placed Chievo who have only registered one win.

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