Serie A roundup: The team, player, youngster and signing of the season

At the midway point in the Serie A campaign it’s the same old story at the top of the table. In fact, Juventus have only strengthened their stranglehold of the Scudetto this season, with a nine-point gap to Napoli - once again the Old Lady’s closest competition - in second.

Indeed, a total of 53 points, dropping just four at this stage of the season, is a new record after as many matches. Genoa and, more recently, Atalanta are the only two sides to have denied the champions three points to now, though that’s not to say Max Allegri’s side haven’t had more than the odd close shave.

Juventus have only won won game all season by more than two goals - a 3-0 win over rivals Fiorentina - again relying on a superb defensive record to this point, along with their marquee summer signing.

Player of the season so far: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) - 7.73

As far as the player ratings are concerned, it isn’t a close run thing at the halfway stage in Serie A, with Cristiano Ronaldo still scoring at a superb rate at the age of 33. The Portuguese has taken to the Italian top-flight immediately, scoring 14 goals and registering a further five assists in his 19 league appearances to date. The former Real Madrid star has had a direct hand in at least one goal in all but four of said outings and has been decisive to say the least to Juve’s dominant start.

2nd: Alejandro Gomez (Atalanta) - 7.50, 3rd: Joao Cancelo (Juventus) - 7.49

Young player of the season so far: Christian Kouame (Genoa) - 7.14

While strike partner Krzysztof Piatek has stolen the headlines with his goals this season, Kouame has proven to be the perfect foyle for the Poland international. The 21-year-old may only have three goals to his name this season, he has a further three assists and his work rate and aerial prowess has allowed Piatek to focus on getting into goalscoring positions. The Ivorian has won the third most aerial duels per 90 minutes in the division (6) and if he can improve his finishing the youngster will have a bright future in the game.

2nd: Federico Chiesa (Fiorentina) - 7.08, 3rd: Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina) - 7.03

Signing of the season so far: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)

2nd: Joao Cancelo (Juventus) - 7.49

While fellow summer signing Ronaldo is the outright leader in the player ratings, new clubmate Cancelo has made a big impression at the J Stadium. Having enjoyed an excellent season on loan at Inter last time out, Juve flexed their financial matters to get their man and the 24-year-old has not disappointed. The Portugal international is injured at present but has registered two assists in his 12 league appearances, an impressive 2.2 tackles per 90 minutes and the most successful dribbles per game (2.9) in the league.

3rd: Krzysztof Piatek (Genoa) - 7.20

Surprise package of the season so far: Parma Calcio 1913

Following on from their promotion to the top-flight, Parma have made relatively light work of their return to the grand stage. They sit comfortably in mid-table at the midway stage and while goals have proven hard to come by all season, a total of seven wins from 19 is an impressive tally for any promoted side. Roberto D’Aversa’s side won’t be counting their chickens just yet but a 12-point gap to the drop zone is a significant amount of breathing space.

2nd: Sampdoria, 3rd: Torino

Underachievers of the season so far: Roma

Having finished in the top three for the last five seasons running the Gialorossi will have a tough task to maintain that streak this season. Eusebio Di Francesco has been clinging onto his job for some time, and indeed a spot in the top six. Three wins from four have eased the pressure of late but Roma remain just five points ahead of Sassuolo in 12th, which is four closer than they are to Inter in third. Fourth place would secure another Champions League finish, which is ultimately the aim for the club heading into the season, but that seems likely to be their best possible standing after a disappointing first half of the campaign.

2nd: Cheivo, 3rd: Fiorentina