Christian Vieri was back in the spotlight last night, when the world's costliest footballer scored one and made three in Inter Milan's 5-1 demolition of Parma.
Vieri, who scored a hat-trick on his debut in Milan, followed up with another inspired performance in his second match at San Siro, overshadowing the absence of unfit Ronaldo, who watched from the VIP seats.
Ivan Zamorano scored twice, winger Francesco Moriero bagged another and the fifth came from an own goal by World Cup winner Lilian Thuram. Argentina's Hernan Crespo replied for Parma.
Parma's defeat would have been heavier but for a string of saves by goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon; his defence having long run up the white flag and the midfield having been eaten alive by the home side.
Gabriel Batistuta made up for firing blanks against Arsenal in the Champions League last Tuesday by bagging a hat-trick yesterday as Fiorentina thrashed Verona 4-1. Juventus and Lazio also rattled up big wins - Juventus beat Udinese 4-1 and Lazio trounced Torino 3-0.
Two penalties in as many minutes set the tone for Juventus' match in Turin. Alessandro Del Piero converted the first in the 20th minute after being tripped by the Udinese goalkeeper, while Filippo Inzaghi notched the second after Martin Jorgensen barged down Juventus skipper Antonio Conte.
In Spain, Real Vallecano clearly haven't read the script. Normally the team from an obscure Madrid suburb would be hard-pressed to take the limelight in the capital never mind nationwide, but after four matches, the first division new boys are sitting top of the pile.
Nobody gave Juande Ramos' men much hope of making an impression among the elite but yesterday they won 1-0 at Celta Vigo to keep up their 100 per cent record.
Vallecano are three points clear of Barcelona and Alaves after Alaves handed Barca their first defeat, 2-1, on Saturday.
If Vallecano fans were elated with their side's showing, the fortunes of the other Madrid clubs, Real and Atletico, leaves something to be desired. Real are only fifth, four points adrift, after Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Deportivo La Coruna.
And Atletico finally got their first point - at Real Zaragoza - thanks to a goal by former Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
