The race for the Serie A title is the closest it’s been in the past decade. It’s also the closest title race across Europe this season. Only one point separates the top three, and the top two are tied for points. The next couple of weeks will be the most entertaining of the season with number one playing number two and number three. These might be the deciding games of the season. Here are predictions and things to think about before entering this vital point in the season.
All You Need to Know About the Serie A Title Race
Juventus
After this weekend’s results, Inter Milan have leapfrogged Juventus to go to the top of the Serie A table. Lazio are hot on their heels, with only one point separating the top three. Juventus have looked inconsistent and unconvincing all season long, and many fans think that their reign might finally end.
Juventus have failed to adapt to Maurizio Sarri‘s style of play and look the way they did under Max Allegri, only worse. The Bianconeri have only managed to stay in the race by relying on sporadic moments of individual brilliance, and have not yet truly looked strong as a team.
They do not have a true identity and it doesn’t look like Sarri will be able to give them one. After yet another unconvincing performance against Hellas Verona, Juventus look far from the best team in Italy. This is horrible timing for this bad run of form, because they play Inter on March 1, and it might decide the title. Juventus are known for showing up in big games though, so don’t count them out.
Inter Milan
On the other hand, Antonio Conte has sparked life into a re-imagined Inter side. Conte’s transfer work has been absolutely astounding, signing many big Premier League names.
Even more impressively, Conte seems to be able to spark an inspiring performance out of any player. This was demonstrated more than ever in the latest Milan Derby. Inter were down by two goals at half-time thanks to a goal and an assist from former player Zlatan Ibrahimovic. AC Milan looked dominant, and it seemed inevitable that Inter would drop points.
However, once the second half began, it was clear that Inter were the favourites, regardless of the scoreline. They had been completely reborn at the break. Conte has brought players out of slumps, brought youngsters into the limelight, and can create squad depth with any players.
Conte is the driving force behind this team and has created a powerhouse. Inter have been able to be a bit more consistent than Juventus over the course of the season, but they did lose in their first meeting, so they need to be able to face the big tests if they want the Serie A title.
Lazio
Lazio are the least talked about in the Serie A title race. Since the beginning of the season, fans and reports alike have been raving about how Inter have the chance to dethrone Juventus, and Lazio have gone unnoticed.
The Eagles are only one point behind Juventus and Inter but are just starting to get recognition. Lazio are focusing all of their firepower on the Scudetto this season after shock exits from the Europa League and the Coppa Italia. This gives them a massive advantage, as Inter and Juve have to juggle the responsibilities of other competitions.
Lazio’s biggest weakness is their squad depth, so these exits may be a blessing in disguise. The Eagles shouldn’t be thought of as a team who have only made it this far because it’s their sole focus, as they are a team to be reckoned with. Lazio have already picked up silverware this season after beating Juventus in the Suppercoppa Italiana. They also have multiple in-form players such as Ciro Immobile and Luis Alberto. Immobile has 25 goals in the Serie A this season and is in the lead for the golden boot, but Lazio don’t overly rely on him for goals like Juventus do for Cristiano Ronaldo.
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