ROME – AS Roma president did not hold back his emotions after his side’s performance away at Bologna this Sunday. Pallotta was left almost speechless as Roma suffered another defeat in the Serie A, leaving them 14th in the table, with just one win in their first five matches. Many Italian sports columns, including Gazzetta dello Sport, are already branding this as a “crisis” for the club.

 This loss was particularly frustrating as the away team had 72.3% and 26 shots but could not find a goal. Meanwhile, Bologna only recorded two shots on target and scored both – their first goals of the season.

 The president’s scathing comments cast doubt over the future of manager Di Francesco at the club. His next week in charge are incredibly important; with games against struggling Frosinone and bitter rivals Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico to come, two wins could grant Di Francesco a lifeline, while yet more disappointing performances would surely spell disaster. Lazio especially will prove to be a challenge. They strolled to a 4-1 win over Genoa on Sunday, their fourth win in four after a difficult start to the Serie A.

 Elsewhere, Ronaldo put his mid-week sending off behind him with the all-important goal against Frosinone 9 minutes from the end of normal time, as Bernadeschi made sure of the 3 points with an injury time strike. That makes three goals in two league games for Ronaldo, who endured a slow start to the season. Juventus will be encouraged to see his return to form with a top-of-the-table clash against Napoli on the horizon. Insigne starred again to keep the pressure on the Old Lady, Napoli’s bright start confirming their role as primary challengers to Juventus for the Scudetto.

 Inter confirmed their status as masters of the last-gasp winner at Sampdoria. Following their unlikely comeback against Tottenham in the Champions League with two goals in the last 10 minutes, Marcelo Brozovic fired home in the 94th minute to give his team a confidence-boosting 1-0 victory. It was by no means undeserved, as Inter had the lion’s share of the chances. Goals either side of halftime were ruled out by VAR, one a wonderful strike by Nainggolan, who put in a much-improved performance in response to his manager’s slight criticism after the Tottenham match.

 VAR was also busy in the other Milan fixture, as Giacomo Bonaventura had a goal disallowed against his old club Atalanta in a 2-2 draw. He did still get on the scoresheet, but had his 21st minute strike stood, it could have given the hosts a 2-0 lead after Higuain’s early goal and wrapped the game up early. As it was, Atalanta clawed their way back into the game, grabbing an equaliser just after half-time. They came back again after Bonaventura’s goal made it 2-1, Rigoni stealing a point in added time.

 Fiorentina continued their promising start with a 3-0 win against SPAL. The win keeps in them in 3rd place, ahead of Sassuolo, who won on Friday, on goal difference. At the other end of the table, Chievo still sit on -1 points after their deduction, losing 2-0 at home to Udinese. Parma also beat Cagliari by the same score line on Saturday.