By Andrea Caropreso
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Yesterday, we experienced in Serie A 90 heart-pounding minutes with 9 simultaneous matches, all crucial for various objectives—from the title race to the battle for survival, passing through the fight for European spots. And as if that weren’t enough, nothing is decided yet, as the final day will deliver the definitive verdicts. We haven’t seen a Serie A like this in a long time.
Title Duel
The title race provided the most intense emotions. On one side, Napoli faced a tough match in Parma against Chivu’s team, which needed points to avoid relegation. On the other, Inter played against a Lazio team determined to fight hard, still clinging to a hope for fourth place, which would mean Champions League qualification.
In the first half, both teams appeared tense, perhaps afraid to compromise a match that had to remain under their control. Napoli allowed Parma’s well-organized play to dominate, creating only one chance when Anguissa’s fine play resulted in a shot that hit the post. Meanwhile, at the Meazza, time passed without any decisive action. Then came the breakthrough: Bisseck fired under the crossbar, beyond Mandas’s reach, and Inter led at halftime.
In the second half, nothing seemed to change until Pedro scored. Initially, there was suspense as the linesman called offside, but after a VAR review, the goal was awarded: 1-1, back to square one. In Emilia, Napoli learned of the equalizer but couldn’t capitalize. Instead, Dumfries struck six minutes later from yet another successful set piece, putting Inter back in the lead both in the match and the standings.
Conte’s team nearly extended the lead with a McTominay free-kick, but Suzuki made a remarkable save. Then, the script took another twist: Yan Bisseck, who had opened the scoring, committed a handball. Chiffi was called to review the incident, and both coaches were sent off: penalty. Sommer is known for saving penalties, but Pedro, a world-class player with numerous titles, converted it, sealing Inter’s fate.
Lazio proved decisive once again, just like 23 years ago. Meanwhile, in Parma, both coaches were also sent off, but Conte accepted the outcome. On the day Alcaraz won the Internazionali di Roma, the former Juve coach now has the chance to serve for the title against Cagliari. Serie A’s finale is still unwritten.
European Zone
The rollercoaster of emotions wasn’t limited to the title race. The battle for European spots was equally thrilling. Roma briefly reclaimed fourth place, which they could have secured by beating Atalanta last Sunday. However, Juventus did their part by defeating a solid Udinese and now have a match point away at Venezia. But beware of surprises. The Venetians are eager to remain in Serie A next year and must win to do so.
The two Roman teams face different challenges. Lazio will play at home against a Lecce side hopeful of securing safety, while Roma travels to Turin for a match that seems less challenging, given Torino’s lack of objectives. Notably, Fiorentina achieved a significant victory, boosting their chances for at least a Conference League spot after defeating a Bologna side still elated from their Coppa Italia win.
Relegation Battle
The relegation battle has always captivated many, and this year, everything is still at stake, except for Monza, already condemned. In the last 90 minutes, Lecce and Empoli did their duty by defeating manageable opponents, but everything will be decided in the next round. The Tuscans will host a well-positioned Verona side not yet certain of their status. Giampaolo’s men, as mentioned, will head to the Olimpico.
Perhaps the most challenging match awaits Venezia, who not only find themselves two points behind their rivals but also must defeat Juventus, who are vying for fourth place. Then there’s Parma, a team transformed under Chivu, capable of earning points against Inter, Juventus, and Napoli, yet paradoxically not yet certain of Serie A survival. To maintain their status, they need at least a point in Bergamo against Gasperini’s Atalanta.
By Andrea Caropreso
