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3 things we learned in Serie A this weekend: Roma is losing its way

Reuters

With another weekend of Serie A action in the books, we take a look back at some of what we learned from the latest slate of matches.

Roma shows no response against Atalanta

A 2-0 loss to Atalanta on Sunday ended a miserable week for Roma. It was a feeble response from a side that limped out of Camp Nou five days earlier. The Giallorossi once again wasted chances in front of Atalanta's goal - they attempted 17 shots and not one of them went in - and made crucial mistakes in front of their own. When Lucas Digne gave away possession, the defence also parted ways and allowed Alejandro Gomez to open the scoring for the visitors.

Streamable - simple video sharing

The defeat heaped more pressure on manager Rudi Garcia, whom is starting to run out of time. But he's not giving up.

"I'm disappointed and angry but I'm not used to giving up," Garcia said after the match. "We're all responsible, me above all. It's been an ugly week but I'm sure that behind the clouds the sky is blue."

It's hard to see that far. Garcia has failed on several occasions over the past two seasons to strike a permanent balance in both the league and Europe. Roma can score goals, but it leaks almost as many. That's on the manager, and fans are already calling for his head.

Milan yields results after switching formation

AC Milan manager Sinisa Mihajlovic tried out the 4-4-2 formation on Saturday, the oldest and truest in the game, and it worked. The Rossoneri, which hadn't used that system in 10 months, pulled off its greatest win of the season thus far against Sampdoria and could yield more results with a similar style of playing going forward.

The club has two natural wingers in Alessio Cerci and Giacomo Bonaventura, so it makes sense to use them in their rightful spots. Cerci contributed an assist in the victory, and Bonaventura added a goal to an already impressive start.

M'Baye Niang also thrived in a more central position, scoring his first two Serie A goals for Milan since joining the club in 2012. Everything came together - even the defence.

Mandzukic gaining confidence with Juventus

Juventus has won all six matches in which Mario Mandzukic has scored this season. That is nothing to dismiss. He is emerging as the first-choice striker under Massimiliano Allegri, ahead of Alvaro Morata, and that trend should continue if he gets the same kind of service he received in Sunday's match against Palermo.

Mandzukic header vs. Palermo - Streamable

(Courtesy: beIN Sports)

Juventus has also found its form, pulling off a fourth consecutive league win while limiting the opposition to a grand total of zero shots on target for the third time this campaign. That is a Serie A record. No way this team is done yet.

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