Serie A review week 37: Juventus Tame Roma, Milan Slips & Napoli Is Irresistible

Hello everyone welcome to the Serie A review, week 37

Juventus defeated Roma 1-0 to climb to 99 points on the season. With 1 game left all Roma need is 1 point to reach 100 for the season, and it would be a great achievement for La Grande Signora.

The game was tight contested although as expected Roma enjoyed more possession.

The match seemed like it was headed for a draw. Suddenly with seconds left, Juventus storm down in a counter attack and scored with a goal from Argentinian/Italian international Pablo Osvaldo in the 94^th minute.

Although the match was meaningless with respect to the standings, both coaches fielded their best team and it made for a great match in spite of the low score.

Juventus and Roma were the class of the league this year and it was evident, a draw would have been just. Alas, it was not meant to be. This game was a testament to the character Juve displayed all year long.

The good news for Roma is that they will sign and keep Miralem Pjanic for at least 6 years.

He has been a revelation this year and he personifies Romas’ play the best. 

AC Milan lost an opportunity to take a serious option on the last Europa League spot by going down 2-1 in Bergamo against Atalanta.

The goals all came from the Atalanta players. Gianpaolo Bellini (own goal) in the 52^nd minute, Germain Denis tied it in the 68^th minute (penalty) and Franco Brienza won it for the Bergamasci in the 90^th minute.

Although the Rossoneri enjoyed more possession, the game was very evenly matched.

There were many opportunities to score on both sides and the result was in doubt until the final whistle.

With this victory, Atalanta confirms their good season. With some luck they could have made Europe, but they will learn from this season and hopefully grow as a club.

In spite of the loss, Milan still has a chance for the Europa League if they win their last game.  Milan must regroup and focus if they want to save their season.

Napoli defeated Sampadoria 5-2 in a wild and meaningless game. Napoli got goals from Duvan Zapata in the 19^th minute, Lorenzo Insigne in the 27^th minute, Jose Maria Callejon (him again) in the 32^nd minute and Marek Hamsik in the 47^th minute, with an own goal from Mustafi in the 61^st minute.

Sampadoria’s goals came from Citadin Martins Eder in the 30^th minute and Pawel Wszolek. There is a lot of talent on both teams, and their fluid styles are effective and fun to watch. This was a good game to watch in spite of the score line.

Both teams played to win. However, Sampadoria cannot trade chances with Napoli because Sampdoria will lose every time. The Partenopei should be very proud of their season; I’m sure their fans are.

Sampadoria has a good team but they need more quality players to compete for the top spots.  

Fiorentina defeated Livorno 1-0 in a must win match for Livorno.

Colombian International Juan Quadrato got the goal for the Viola on a beautiful set up from Giuseppe Rossi in the 57^th minute. Livorno needed a win in order to keep their dim hopes alive for salvation.

Although they played well they couldn’t stay afloat. They are officially going back to Serie B after a difficult season in Serie A. Fiorentina just had too much quality and with Rossi back for the Viola, it made it that much more difficult for the Livornese.

With this win the Viola confirm their 4^th spot. Fiorentina should be very proud of their season. After Rossi went down, not much was expected as far as European spots were concerned.

But against all odds they climbed the standings and locked 4^th spot. Great season.

The race for the bottom was decided this week with Sassuolo defeating Genoa 4-2 and Chievo Verona defeating Cagliari 1-0. Joining Livorno in Serie B are Bologna and (in spite of defeating Bologna 2-1) Catania.

With Torino and Parma playing to a 1-1 draw, Inter Milan defeating Lazio 4-1 and Hellas Verona drawing 2-2 against Udinese, the race for a Europa League spot will not be decided until the last game. No less than 6 teams are still in the hunt, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Torino, Parma, Lazio and Hellas Verona

This is Serie A exciting till the last game..stay tuned.