The gap at the top of the table tightened up in Week 30 of the Serie A with league leaders AC Milan still on top by 2 points. The Rossoneri travelled to Sicily to take on Catania Calcio which ended in a 1-1 draw. There was also a bit of controversy in this game where Milan had another “phantom goal” disallowed. The ball may have crossed the line, but even video replay deems the play illegible. Is it time for Instant Replay to be implemented? Should a Referee be placed behind the net as a Goal Judge? Something needs to be done.
Second place Juventus put in a 5-star performance against Napoli in Turin. The Bianconeri smashed 3 past Napoli bagging the 3 points which included an Arturo Vidal spectacular solo finish. This result pulled the Old Lady back within 2 points back of current champions Milan.
Inter new boss Andrea Stramaccioni’s first game was a success, defeating Genoa 5-4 at the San Siro. It was an eventful match which had three penalties! An applause to the Ref as all the PK calls were correct. Diego Milito scored a tripletta (hat trick) against his former club and did not celebrate.
Fiorentina’s crisis continued as the Viola handed Chievo the game with defensive howlers. The Flying Donkeys won 2-1. Roma edged closer to third place with a convincing win against Novara. The Stadio Olimpico in Rome was jumping. The Giallorossi scored early and often as they ran out winners with a sounding 5-2 result. Lazio is blowing their chances for finishing in third spot with a 3-1 loss in Parma. The Gialloblù are pulling out into the safe zone from relegation.
Other results are: Bologna 1-3 Palermo; Lecce 0-0 Cesena; Siena 1-0 Udinese; Cagliari 2-0 Atalanta.
Week 31 Preview
Serie A Week 31 comes a day early due to the Easter break. Let’s start off with Cagliari vs Inter. This game should be about the teams, but instead it’s about the venue. It is Cagliari’s home game but it’s being played in Trieste. The reason for this is Cagliari stadium is not safe and the Mayor doesn’t want to do anything about this. It’s all political.
Lecce welcomes Roma at the Stadio Via del Mare in Puglia. Roma is in contention for third place, but they will have to deal without Francesco Totti. The Giallorossi have been playing well recently under Coach Luis Enrique. Lecce will be aiming to win the 3 points to secure safety.
The match of the day will be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome where Lazio welcomes Napoli in a head-to-head battle for 3rd place. Both teams are coming off very poor performances losing to Parma and Juventus respectively.
Juventus is looking to keep pace with Milan when they travel to the Renzo Barbera Stadium to take on Palermo. The Rosanero is a hard venue to play in as Palermo boasts a respectful home record this season with 10 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses. Can the Sicilian side end the Old Lady’s undefeated streak?
A very angry Milan will host a team in crisis Fiorentina. Milan is upset with the soft penalty that was called against them in the Champions League against Barcelona at the Camp Nou that eliminated the Rossoneri from the prestigious competition. Milan now will have to fully concentrate on winning, what could be, their 19th Scudetto. Reports in Milan suggest Antonio Cassano could be back in this game. He has given the green light to continue his career after his heart surgery. Cassano has been training since January. This is a big confidence booster for Milan and the Italian National team. Bentornato Antonio Cassano!!!!!!
Other games: Udinese v Parma; Novara v Genoa; Atalanta v Siena; Chievo v Catania; Cesena v Bologna
…and that’s the last word!
