Serie A pauses for the November international break after 11 matchdays that have delivered early surprises, with Lazio leading the table while Juventus and Napoli have struggled. CBS Sports offers three hot takes on the season so far.
AC Milan's new star emerges
Under manager Ruben Amorim, AC Milan have rebounded with league wins over Inter and Genoa. The Rossoneri's standout performer is no longer Christian Pulisic but 20-year-old Italian striker Alphadjo Cisse, who has scored eight goals in 13 appearances across Serie A and the UEFA Europa League. Cisse, who turned 20 last month, has earned a call-up from Italy coach Roberto Mancini for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Napoli's Allegri under pressure
Napoli sit 10th with just 15 points from 11 games, 14 points adrift of leaders Lazio. A 1-1 draw against Lazio at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona extended their poor run. In the Champions League, Napoli have lost three of four league-phase matches, beating only Bodo/Glimt while falling to Arsenal, Villarreal, and Porto. Questions persist over Massimiliano Allegri's future, though he is likely to be given more time.
Inter coping without Lautaro Martinez
Captain Lautaro Martinez missed key matches through injury, including the 3-1 Derby della Madonnina defeat. However, Marcus Thuram has netted six goals in his first 10 matches, and Francesco Pio Esposito has added three, including the winner against Como. Djed Spence provided the assist for Esposito's goal. Martinez is expected to return after the break for the crucial months ahead in both domestic and Champions League campaigns.
