# What to Watch in Serie A Matchday 7
Serie A returns after a difficult week in Europe for Italy’s Champions League clubs. Inter, AS Roma, Como and Napoli all lost in their second league-phase matches, making Matchday 7 an opportunity to respond and regain momentum.
Inter suffered a 4-0 defeat to Club Brugge at San Siro. AS Roma let a 3-1 lead slip in the closing minutes before losing 4-3 to Real Madrid, while Napoli and Como also fell. Juventus, AC Milan and Atalanta were the only Italian teams to win in European competition this week, doing so in the Europa League and Conference League.
## Game to Watch: Juventus vs. Lazio
Lazio have been one of the early surprises in the Serie A season. Gennaro Gattuso’s side has collected 16 points from five wins and a draw, putting it level with Inter at the top of the table.
The challenge now is a visit to Juventus at the Allianz Stadium. Luciano Spalletti’s team has had a less convincing start, with three wins, two draws and one defeat from its opening six matches. Juventus will be looking to respond after drawing with Cagliari last weekend.
Lazio, meanwhile, have continued to perform consistently despite an ongoing boycott of home matches by supporters amid their dispute with club owner Claudio Lotito. Sunday’s match will test whether the visitors can maintain their strong start against a Juventus side seeking to build momentum.
## Player to Watch: Marcus Thuram
Inter need a response when they travel to Bologna on Saturday, but they will be without captain Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine striker is expected to miss at least three weeks after suffering a muscular injury following the Champions League match.
Martinez is also set to miss the Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan on October 31. His absence puts added responsibility on Inter’s available forwards: Marcus Thuram, Ange-Yoan Bonny and Francesco Pio Esposito.
Thuram is the key player to watch as Inter adjust their attack. The French international will need to help provide the goals and attacking presence the team loses without its captain.
## Storyline of the Weekend: Italian Clubs Seek a Reset
For the first time, all four Italian teams lost on the same Champions League matchday. Their domestic fixtures now offer a chance to recover from a bruising week in Europe.
Inter face a difficult away trip to Bologna, while Como travel to Fiorentina. Napoli host Venezia, who recently appointed Davide Nicola to replace Giovanni Stroppa. AS Roma welcome Genoa, coached by former Roma captain and manager Daniele De Rossi.
How these teams respond could shape the mood around their Serie A campaigns as the season continues.
## Serie A Matchday 7 Schedule
All times are Eastern. Matches are available on Paramount+.
### Friday, October 16
– Frosinone vs. Sassuolo — 2:45 p.m.
### Saturday, October 17
– Venezia vs. Napoli — 9 a.m.
– Bologna vs. Inter — 12 p.m.
– AS Roma vs. Genoa — 2:45 p.m.
### Sunday, October 18
– Udinese vs. Lecce — 6:30 a.m.
– Fiorentina vs. Como — 9 a.m.
– AC Milan vs. Atalanta — 12 p.m.
– Juventus vs. Lazio — 2:45 p.m.
### Monday, October 19
– Monza vs. Cagliari — 12:30 p.m.
– Parma vs. Torino — 2:45 p.m.