Serie A

All quiet on the Scudetto front

By Ravin Sampat ⋅ April 18, 2008 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

A weekend of significance did not change the situation in the Serie A title race.

Billed as the most important thus far, as both Inter and Roma would face stern tests, the latter went down 1-0 to Udinese, came back and stormed the Stadio Frulli with three second half goals to close the gap within one point of rivals Inter. However, Sunday evening saw Inter face an excellent Fiorentina side and they ran out comfortable winners, with an impressive performance from youngester Mario Balotelli.

Every time one of the two title contenders could have slipped up, either both have done so or have avoided the banana skin. Inter have led Serie A since November, and despite certain slip-ups in between, Roma have not been able to maximise on this.

Last weekend, however, unfolded with the type of explosive form that title contenders need at this crucial time.

Roma did not demonstrate any signs of a hangover after an impressive second leg performance at Old Trafford, whilst Inter showed that they may be getting that Scudetto pedigree back again. Every weekend from now on will be crucial in the title race. The story continues as it started, Inter must fail somewhere and Roma must seize the advantage.

Juventus grabbed the headlines as they beat Milan 3-2 in a thoroughly entertaining game that was a good advert for Serie A. Five goals in a league deemed boring is a good way to quieten the critics. Claudio Ranieri has done a fine job at Juve this season and it will be a shame if he is asked to leave in the summer. However, you can see where Juve want to be, and they must be shrewd to get there again. No doubt Marcello Lippi is keeping a close eye.

Briefs

Alex the great?

Alex Del Piero is pushing strongly for a place in Italy’s Euro 2008 squad. The little maestro performed wonderfully as Juventus beat rivals AC Milan 3-2 on the weekend. However, he faces strong competition from Fillippo Inzaghi.

Amauri Arsenal bound?

Palermo’s Brazilian/Italian striker Amauri was all set to join Juve but his signature is also being chased by Liverpool, Real Madrid and AC Milan. However, Arsenal have emerged as favourites after it was announced that the Gunners would be willing to pay Amauri’s €3.2 million wages.

Milan giants in Ronaldinho claim reminiscent of Suazo transfer

Last season, David Suazo arrived at Millanno and practically signed a contract with AC Milan before Moratti stepped in and sneaked the Honduran superstar to Inter. 12 months on, and we may see a deju vu situation occuring.

Adriano Galliani, Milan’s transfer guru, has claimed Ronnie will be a Rosseonerri player next season. However, Moratti has claimed that this move all depends on Inter’s actions. Expect a battle of the Milan giants to take place over the next few months.

The top weekend games

Milan entertain Reggina (live on Five @ 1.30pm). Inter travel to struggling Torino, whilst Roma face Livorno.

Tags: AC Milan, Alessandro Del Piero, Amauri, AS Roma, Inter Milan, Juventus, Serie A

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