The international break makes for an ideal opportunity to look at one of the biggest early-season stories in Serie A, Frosinone.
The Ciociari came up from Serie B with a second-place finish, but while last seasonโs second-tier champions Venezia have begun their latest top-flight campaign with another baptism of fire (theyโve lost all of their five games), Frosinone are flying high, having lost just once, and are three points off the top.
Itโs massive statement of intent from Massimiliano Alvini, as well as a proof of concept that his style of play can very well be sustained in the top flight. He has spoken of not having the courage to stick to his principles when he was dismissed in the middle of Cremoneseโs relegation campaign three years ago. He brought up Frosinone playing his way, though, and he has made sure that remains the case in Serie A as well.
Deployed in a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3, Alviniโs men thrive on making things chaotic for their opponents, pressing them high in their own third and looking to move the ball quickly forward soon as they retain it. For a league where games tend to be more cerebral, teams have found it hard to deal with Frosinoneโs breathtaking approach.
Thatโs not to say it makes things work universally in their favour. The same in-your-face intensity that is enabling Frosinone to create chances is also opening them at the back. Theyโre leading the league in shots conceded, while ranking fifth in terms of chances created.
A lot of credit ought to go to Lorenzo Palmisani for their early-season exploits. The 22-year-old got his opportunity to become Frosinoneโs numero uno last season, and he took his chances so comprehensively that he has retained his spot between the sticks and has bailing his team out with key saves.
Youngsters are thriving on the other end of the pitch as well. Antonio Raimondo looks set for his breakthrough season in the Italian top flight, while Giorgi Kvernadze has scored in each of his last three outings and looks keen to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. In Romano Schmid, meanwhile, the club have found an astute all-round playmaker who can operate deep in midfield as well as a creative attacking midfielder. Having arrived this summer, it wouldnโt be a surprise if Frosinone struggle to keep hold of him for more than a season.
Majority-owned by Clara Vista Investment Partners since July, Frosinone are the latest US-backed Italian club onto the scene looking to punch above their weight and establish themselves as an attractive prospect in Serie A. As the season progresses, they will undoubtedly have hard phases where Alviniโs high-intensity approach will be tried and tested, but if the early-season performances are anything to go by, he may at least be able to comfortably ensure his teamโs safety in the top flight before building on for next season.
Anshuman Joshi | GIFN
