Serie A: Juve chasing a top-four spot while Roma and Lazio prepare for derby clash
Inter Milan may have already clinched the Serie A title, but there are still other issues to be decided, namely the top four spots. We are gearing up for another busy weekend of top-flight Italian football. In this preview, we will look ahead to Saturday’s fixtures, which sees Juventus host Inter Milan, and then the Rome derby between Roma and Lazio.
Juve must ‘restore pride’ after AC Milan battering
Juventus feel a little bruised following last weekend. After previously stringing together a sequence of results, the deposed Serie A champions came crashing back down to earth with a 3-0 defeat at home to AC Milan. Andrea Pirlo’s side was very ordinary. Although Milan missed a penalty during the game, the goals the visitors scored were sensational.
Ante Rebic’s strike was sublime. He scored the Rossoneri’s second when he caressed a right-footed shot into the top corner of the net. The result saw Juve drop into the Europa League spots, and Andrea Pirlo couldn’t hide his disgust after the final whistle. He said: “There must always be pride in wearing this shirt and certain performances must not be there.”
Cristiano Ronaldo still the man to catch in goalscoring charts
From a team perspective, it has been a season to forget for Juventus. But Cristiano Ronaldo could end up getting his hands on the Golden Boot. At the time of writing, he had netted 27 times in 31 Serie A outings this season. He is currently six strikes ahead of nearest challenger Romelu Lukaku, who will hope to add to his tally on Saturday.
Serie A champions Inter Milan closing the season out in style
After wrestling the title away from Juventus, newly crowned Serie A champions, Inter Milan aren’t done yet. At the time of writing, they had amassed 85 points from 35 games, and so they could reach 94 points if they win their remaining three games. Last Sunday, Inter swatted aside Sampdoria 5-1 to record their 14th consecutive home victory — a club record!
Alexis Sanchez ends goalscoring drought for Inter Milan
Alexis Sanchez is back in the groove. While Inter have hit fewer goals (79) than second-placed Atalanta (84), they boast a strong front line. And Sanchez, who had a barren run in front of goal, ended it with a brace against Sampdoria. In 21 starts, Sanchez has had 20 goal involvements (nine goals, 11 assists). Sanchez is a slippery customer and he could hurt Juve.
Roma put Europa League misery to one side after thrashing Crotone
Roma overcame a difficult week. After being dumped out of the Europa League by Manchester United in the semi-finals, they thrashed Crotone 5-0. Borja Mayoral and Lorenzo Pellegrini both hit a double, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan also got on the scoresheet to give Roma an outside chance of a top-six finish.
On Saturday, Roma welcome cross-town rivals Lazio to the Stadio Olimpico. Although there is only one place separating the two sides in the table, Lazio have the upper hand. Lazio currently have a game in hand over Roma, and they are six points clear in the sixth spot. This is a must-win game for Roma if they are going to play European football next season.
Meanwhile, Roma are preparing the handover of power in the dugout to Jose Mourinho. Last week, the Portuguese tactician, who was sacked by Tottenham, put pen to paper on a three-year contract. Mourinho, who lifted the Treble while in charge of Inter Milan will be eager to land a first Serie A title for Roma since 2001.
Roma v Lazio: A tale of past Serie A encounters
While form goes out of the window when it comes to derbies, a look at the head-to-head record makes for good reading for Roma. In 61 Serie A clashes, Roma have come out on top 21 times, while Lazio have 16 victories to their name. There have also been 24 draws to date. And Lazio will be relishing the clash.
When the two sides last met in January, Lazio cruised to a 3-0 victory. Ciro Immobile — who has currently notched up 19 goals in Italy’s top flight this term — netted the opener in the 14th minute. A Luis Alberto double then put the game to bed. In the 2019/20 campaign, both games finished a draw (1-1). Lazio’s last victory away to Roma came in 2017.
We’re excited for this one and only wish this derby had a full chorus of die hard fans behind it!
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