Rasmus' return, Vardy's party and an awkward San Siro reunion - What to look for in Serie A this weekend

 Serie A returns this weekend following a pause for the international break, and after last week's transfer deadline day, there are several big narratives heading into matchday three. 

At the top of the league, there are still four teams are maximum points, while over half the league is still waiting for their first win of 2025-26. 

DAZN News' Ash Rose outlines the things to watch out for in Italy's top flight this weekend. 

 

World Cup wonders 

The international break proved to be a welcome one for Italy's national team, as they boosted their World Cup qualifying hopes with two much-needed victories. 

It was Gennaro Gattuso's first games in charge of his country, and he oversaw a 5-0 thrashing of Estonia and then a ridiculous 5-4 win over Israel to see them close to within six points of group leaders Norway. 

The two wins mean they've put themselves right back in the frame as they try and avoid missing out on a finals for the third time in a row. 

Fiorentina's Moise Kean was on target in both games, and there were also notable performances from Matteo Politano and Andrea Cambiaso across the ties.(C)Getty images

They will be looking to take that momentum with them into the next round of Serie A games. 

 

Rasmus' Return 

Napoli have already taken maximum points from their opening two games of the season, but have done it without first-choice frontman Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian is currently sidelined after injuring himself in pre-season, and so to help bolster their attack, the club completed the signing of Rasmus Hojlund on deadline day. 

The striker arrived on loan from Manchester United,  with an obligation to buy next summer, as the Dane looks to kickstart his career following a frustrating season at Old Trafford, where he only netted four league goals. 

The move marks a return to Serie A for the 22-year-old, who enjoyed a fruitful season at Atalanta in 2022-23, where he scored 10 goals in 34 games.

With a supply line that now includes Kevin de Bruyne and away from the drama in Manchester, Hojlund could have a big part to play in Napoli's title defence. 
 

First big clash 

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The first two rounds of the season have got the niceties out of the way, and the campaign has been nicely warmed up ahead of what is the first 'big' showdown of 2025-26. 

Both Juventus and Inter Milan are expected to be among the challengers for the title this season, and they'll get to show off their credentials as they meet on Saturday evening. 

Juve have made a better start to the season, having won both their opening games without conceding a goal, with Dusan Vlahovic netting in two in two. 

Inter and new head coach Christian Chivu also won their opening fixture but were then surprisingly beaten at the San Siro by Udinese on matchday two, showing there's clearly work still to be done for last year's runners-up. 

We'll see who earns some early title momentum in Turin this weekend. 

San Siro showdown 

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Milan are back at home looking to make up for their opening game at the San Siro, when they suffered a shock defeat to Cremonese.

However, they entertain Bologna on Sunday, where much talk will be about the unique and awkward situation between former teammates on opposing sides.

Jonathan Rowe and Adrien Rabiot left Marseille this summer after the pair were put on the transfer list following a physical altercation between them in the French side's dressing room.

Described as a 'bar fight' by boss Roberto Di Zerbi, the scenes were so ugly that it led to 17-year-old academy star Darryl Bakola reportedly fainting from the stress of the situation. 

After both players involved were bombed out, Rowe moved to Bologna and Rabiot to Milan on deadline day, they are now in line to make their debuts against each other at the San Siro. 

Vardy's new party 

@USCremonese

Probably the most eyebrow-raising transfer of the Serie A window was Jamie Vardy's move to Cremonese on deadline day as the former England striker looks to take on one more challenge in his fairytale career. 

Vardy reportedly spurned offers from Celtic and a slew of Championship clubs to make the move to Italy and brings a whole new set of eyes to the newly-promoted club. 

Having left Leicester in the summer, the 38-year-old hasn't had much of a pre-season, but will give Davide Nicola's side a frightening new element once he's in full flow - especially given the way Cremomese have already started the season. 
 

How to watch Serie A on DAZN

You can watch Serie A via the DAZN App, available on smart TV's, phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.

If you do not have the App already then just follow these instructions....

• Download the free DAZN App from your normal App store on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device
• On a laptop or PC  visit www.DAZN.com/home
• Select 'Get started' or 'log in'
• Enter your email address, or sign up via the Apple, Google or Facebook options
• You then have access to all of DAZN's free content, including the Matchroom boxing channel and FIFA+
• Then find the Serie A page and click 'buy now' to see subscription options.