It finally happened. For the first time in nine years we have an Italian champion that isn’t called “Juventus.” As expected, Antonio Conte safely led his Inter towards the finish line, as what was once considered to be a thrilling Scudetto battle, ended up being a relatively easy triumph for the Nerazzurri, who sealed their first league title since 2010 with four fixtures to spare. So let’s check out our Top 5 stories from Serie A Round 34.
Long Live the King!
Although Inter initially struggled to break the deadlock against Crotone (who are at the very bottom of the Serie A table), the Beneamata logically ended up sealing the victory in Round 34, thus ensuring that Juventus are officially no longer the champions.
Nonetheless, Conte’s men were yet to mathematically secure the title themselves. But less than 24 hours later, Atalanta’s draw against Sassuolo did the the trick, and the Nerazzurri were officially crowned as Campioni d’Italia.
It wasn’t the most dramatic of coronations, but after eleven years of drought, they’ll happily take it.
Antonio #Conte Heaps Praise on Inter Players Following Crotone Win #Inter #Scudetto https://t.co/myyPYgdPTq via @cultofcalcio
— The Cult of Calcio (@cultofcalcio) May 1, 2021
Exciting Genoa
After several years of underachievement and last minute escapes from relegation, Davide Ballardini’s return to Genoa has sparked a certain revival at the Marassi stadium.
Besides lifting the side from the bottom of table spots into a respectable mid-table position, the returning coach has added a stronger character to the team, as well as the ability to play some fun football.
Despite their 3-4 loss at hands of Lazio in Round 34, the Grifone kept fighting until the end, and almost sealed an unlikely comeback, as they are becoming one of the teams to watch to Serie A.
Before today's match, #Lazio striker Joaquin #Correa didn't score a single goal in his previous 6 encounters against #Genoa#LazioGenoa #SerieATIM #Football pic.twitter.com/xDhKnd6RU7
— The Counter Attack (@TheCounterAtta3) May 2, 2021
Hattrick for the Serie A History Books
When Dusan Vlahovic gave Fiorentina the lead against Bologna with his second goal of the match, the Serbian surely thought that he stole the headlines.
Nonetheless, a 39-year-old Rodrigo Palacio then secured a 3-3 draw for the Rossoblu with shocking a hat-trick.
The veteran Argentine has been playing a supporting role for his teammates throughout the campaign, but, in Round 34, he proved that he still owns a great finishing touch as he became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in Serie A.
39 & 86 – Rodrigo #Palacio (39 years and 86 days) is the oldest player to score an hat-trick in Serie A's history. Endless.#BolognaFiorentina #SerieA pic.twitter.com/LZU0E4UNwL
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) May 2, 2021
Bittersweet Comeback
On Sunday afternoon, Juventus played the diplomatic card by congratulating their successors for their Scudetto triumph.
Nonetheless, their friendly demeanor seemed to translate to their performance on the pitch against Udinese.
Although the Bianconeri eventually sealed a late comeback victory thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace, the display was far from convincing, and they must do better if they hope to seal a Top 4 finish, with matches against Milan and Inter around the corner.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored this gem of a goal against Udinese.
He scored twice in the last ten minutes to secure all three points for Juventus.
He now has 28 goals in 30 games this season. #CR7 pic.twitter.com/Fnf10zG1LR— ThruPass (@thrupass1) May 2, 2021
Dead Man Walking
Paulo Fonseca’s under-par domestic campaign could have been forgiven by Roma fans if the team manages to seal a historic European triumph.
But after their latest humiliation at the Old Trafford, such prospect seems to be highly unlikely at this point, and the Giallorossi’s latest Serie A defeat at the hands of Sampdoria in Round 34 is a further proof that the Portuguese’s days in the eternal city are certainly numbered.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk coach will go down in history as yet another manager who tried to deploy some exciting football at the Stadio Olimpico but eventually failed to deliver the right result.
Roma 'want Maurizio Sarri to replace Paulo Fonseca as their manager next season' https://t.co/tlIcAJoRqZ
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) April 26, 2021