The last Serie A matchday ahead of March’s international break delivered some breathtaking moments and new heroes but also disappointments. Buckle up as we walk you through the most captivating stories of Gameweek 29.
Immobile’s Successor Sets Social Media on Fire
Lazio came from behind to claim a precious 3-2 win at relegation-threatened Frosinone on Saturday thanks to Ciro Immobile’s heir. Taty Castellanos replaced his senior colleague early in the second half and needed just five minutes to register his first Serie A double.
Castellanos’ match-winning performance kept Lazio’s European hopes alive and prompted wild reactions on social media. Amid fans’ rallies against Immobile, the 25-year-old has emerged as the Biancocelesti faithful’s new hero.
While the Olimpico supporters nailed the aging striker to a cross, Castellanos has gained substantial plaudits for his mesmerizing display at Stadio Benito Stirpe. It’s now up to Maurizio Sarri to show strength and bench his long-serving talisman for the rising idol.
Toothless Heavyweights Jeered Off Again
No matter how high Juventus will finish come May, the Allianz Stadium crowd will never appreciate Massimiliano Allegri’s style of play. Sunday’s tepid 0-0 home draw against newly-promoted Genoa perhaps best testifies to Bianconeri fans’ stance on the Italian’s overly cautious approach.
Despite creating several openings, Juventus failed to get on the scoresheet again, extending their woeful run in Serie A to one win in their last eight matches. Frustration boiled over inside second-half stoppages as out-of-sorts Dusan Vlahovic picked up two bookings in a minute, resulting in his second ban this month.
Vlahovic wasn’t the only frustrated figure in Turin. Around 40,000 attendees refused to hide their disappointment at the final whistle, jeering their manager and home players while leaving the field. Maybe it’s time for a managerial shift.
Sheer Firepower Makes Bentegodi Crumble
Stefano Pioli’s infamous tactical experiment at Monza last month had put him at the mercy of Milan fans’ rage, with the Brianteo outfit picking his side apart in a 4-2 demolition. However, the Italian’s latest gamble paid off as Rossoneri brushed Hellas Verona aside with a 3-1 victory on Sunday.
For the first time in a while, Milan started the game without Olivier Giroud or Luka Jovic in the starting XI. Pioli trusted Noah Okafor to lead the line. And although the Austrian failed to score, the visitors seemed capable of scoring at will, as evidenced by 18 total shots, including six on target.
Chances were flying in front of Lorenzo Montipo’s goal. But only Theo Hernandez, Christian Pulisic, and Samuel Chukwueze got on the scoreboard. For the latter, this game could be a turning point after an underwhelming start to life in Serie A.
Lorenzo is The Son of Rome
Roma have made their supporters accustomed to high-scoring victories under Daniele De Rossi. However, an action-packed contest wasn’t on the table against defensive-minded veteran Davide Ballardini and his relegation-battling Sassuolo side. On top of that, Paulo Dybala wasn’t available.
Fatigue was another problem after a long trip to Brighton on Thursday, increasing the likelihood of a dramatic fixture. After neither side managed a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, it became increasingly likely that a moment of brilliance could separate the teams at full-time.
Luckily for Roma, they had a hero in their midst. From an outgoing underachiever to the Stadio Olimpico’s favorite, Lorenzo Pellegrini has crossed a long way from flop to top in only two months. That’s how long it took the midfielder to win back Giallorossi fans’ hearts.
And if you didn’t see his masterpiece against Sassuolo, please go to YouTube.
No Winner in Clash of Serie A Titans
Sunday’s titanic clash between runaway Serie A leaders and soon-to-be-former champions did not live up to the billing. Inter and Napoli came into proceedings liking their wounds after crashing out of the Champions League knockout stages in midweek.
Therefore, a lethargic derby was looming before the kick-off.
With scoring chances at a premium, it seemed like the scoreline wouldn’t change before halftime. Yet, Matteo Darmian slipped Francesco Calzona’s defensive net to give Inter the lead minutes before the break. And just like that, Nerazzurri’s attacking ambitions vanished in thin air.
Pressured to take something from this blockbuster, Napoli straightened up in the second half and grabbed a well-deserved equalizer beyond the 80th minute through former Inter associate, Juan Jesus.
The Brazilian’s strike sparked a late drama at Giuseppe Meazza, but it was already too late for another goal as the game ended 1-1.
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