Another month, another Serie A Goal of the Month award that has the timeline split like a bad defensive wall. September's winner? Hakan Çalhanoğlu vs Monza. A proper thumper from the edge of the box that nearly took the net off its hinges. But was it actually the best goal of the month, or did the voters just love a good thwack?
That Çalhanoğlu strike: a screamer or just a screamer?
Let's be real: Çalhanoğlu's goal was filthy. The ball sat up nicely, he leaned back, and absolutely leathered it into the top corner. The goalkeeper didn't move. The net rippled. The crowd did that collective oooh that only a true thunderbastard can produce. But here's the thing – we've seen this exact goal from him before. It's his signature move: cut inside from the left, shift onto that wand of a right foot, and bang. Monza's defenders knew it was coming and still couldn't stop it. That's the mark of a world-class strike.
Still, I can't help but feel like Serie A voters have a short memory. September had some ridiculous goals. Remember that backheel flick from... actually, no, let's not pretend. Çalhanoğlu's was the most satisfying to watch. There's something primal about a ball hitting the sweet spot and flying in. It's why we watch.
The case for the underdog: who else deserved a shout?
Look, I'm not saying the award is rigged. But when a big club's midfielder scores a banger, it tends to go viral in a way that a scrappy winner for a mid-table side doesn't. September had a few low-key beauties. There was a volley from a tight angle that deserved more love, and a solo run that ended with a cool finish – but those don't get the same replay treatment. The Goal of the Month award often feels like a popularity contest, and Inter's social media team is relentless. I'd love to see the voting breakdown, but we all know it's a combination of fan votes and pundit picks. Çalhanoğlu probably won on both.
That said, I'm not mad at it. If we're giving awards to pure vibes, that strike was pure dopamine. Sometimes the obvious choice is obvious for a reason.
Why Serie A's Goal of the Month is actually a big deal
Serie A has been pushing its awards hard in recent years, and it's working. The league's social channels pump out these highlight reels, and the Goal of the Month gets decent engagement. It's a smart way to keep fans talking during international breaks. Plus, it gives us a reason to argue about something other than refereeing decisions. The award itself might not carry the weight of a Scudetto, but for a player like Çalhanoğlu, it's a nice feather in the cap. And for fans, it's a reminder that Italian football still produces moments of pure magic.
Also, can we talk about the production value? The Serie A graphics are clean, the replays are crisp, and they don't overdo the slow-mo. Compare that to some other leagues that drown you in dramatic music. Serie A keeps it classy. That's a win in my book.
My totally unbiased (okay, slightly biased) top three for September
- Çalhanoğlu vs Monza – The winner, and yeah, it's a worthy one. The technique is flawless.
- That volley I mentioned – I'm not naming names because I don't want to fact-check, but you know the one. It was acrobatic and deserved more hype.
- A random solo goal – Sometimes a mazy run beats a thunderbastard. Sue me.
Feel free to roast my list in the comments. That's what we're here for.
