With only two weeks remaining until the final fixtures, the Serie A campaign is heading towards a dramatic ending. Whilst Inter have already been crowned as champions, the battle for the Champions League spots is taking some unexpected turns, with the battle of the giants ending in a shocking fashion. So here are our Top 5 Stories from Serie A Round 35.
Osimhen Shows Up Right on Time
Even before kicking a ball in Italian football, lots of expectations were laid on the shoulders of Napoli’s big signing. We even named Victor Osimhen among the Top 10 players to watch this season.
Nonetheless, between injuries, Covid-19, breaking restriction rules, the Nigerian was either nowhere to be seen on the pitch, or failing to deliver the goods during the first half of the season.
Luckily for the Partenopei fans, the former Lille striker managed to put his early troubles behind him and has been putting up some solid displays right when his side needs him the most – during the crucial fight for the Champions League spots.
In round 35, Osimhen scored his first brace in Serie A as Napoli shrugged Spezia aside in a 4-1 win, and could have went for the hattrick but preferred to assist his teammate Hirving Lozano for the fourth goal.
10 – Only Haaland is younger than Victor #Osimhen among the top-5 European Leagues players with 10+ goals scored in both the last 2 campaigns (2019/20 and 2020/21). Jaguar.#SpeziaNapoli pic.twitter.com/goRz4pOuzF
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) May 8, 2021
Inter Flexing Muscles
After securing their first Scudetto title in eleven years, Inter hosted Sampdoria at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Antonio Conte decided to hand starting berths for those who haven’t featured a lot this season, including Matias Vecino, Roberto Gagliardini, Andrea Ranocchia and Alexis Sanchez.
Whilst it was expected that the Nerazzurri find some trouble in the absence of some of their biggest stars, it tuned out to be the complete opposite, as they hammered Claudio Ranieri’s men in a 5-1 victory, and even the forgotten Andrea Pinamonti got his first Serie A goal of the season in round 35.
The champions’ incredible depth makes them a terrifying team, even for next season.
20 – Alexis Sánchez has been involved in 20 goals in his 21 Serie A starts with Inter (nine goals, 11 assists). Maravilla.#InterSampdoria #SerieA
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) May 8, 2021
All Over for Lazio?
Although Lazio still have a postponed match to play against Torino, their loss to Fiorentina puts them in a tough situation in terms of qualifying to next season’s edition of the Champions League.
Dusan Vlahovic was once again the decisive figure for the Viola, whilst the Biancocelsti looked far from the side that tore down Milan a couple of weeks ago.
Even though it’s not mathematically over, but Simone Inzaghi’s men will probably have to do with a Europa League spot.
'Too much disappointment going into the HT break a goal down got into the players' heads, but it was always going to be tough. 4 games left, we'll see. But we're going into Europe for the 5th consecutive season.'
– Simone Inzaghi ? #FiorentinaLazio pic.twitter.com/5fh2It30eZ
— LazioLand (@Lazio_Land) May 8, 2021
Controversy Reigns Supreme
When Benevento hosted Cagliari in a crucial relegation dogfight, we all knew that we’re in for a dramatic finish. Nonetheless, in the VAR era, one would think that controversial refereeing decisions would be limited.
But when the Sorcerers were awarded a penalty kick for what seemed to be a legitimate decision, the men behind the screen called the official to review his decision.
Although Alfred Duncan did indeed clip Nicolas Viola’s foot, the ref eventually changed his decision, and Cagliari were able to maintain their lead, before adding a third goal in added time.
This result from round 35 leaves Benevento in tough a spot, as their chances of remaining in Serie A is now hanging by a thread, and it is hard to see them recover from such heartbreak.
.@CagliariCalcio gains 3 very important points against @bncalcio#BeneventoCagliari 1-3 #SerieATIM #WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/Covl1xH9Ui
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 9, 2021
Milan Deliver Shocking Blow for Juventus
Before their meeting at the Allianz stadium, both Juventus and Milan were in suffering mode. However, the Rossoneri were able to breath a huge sigh of relief following their major victory over their old rivals.
The Bianconeri now find themselves outside of the Top 4 spots, and with a tough schedule remaining, a disaster is looming around Turin.
Will Andrea Pirlo (or a potential replacement) be able pull off a great escape? Or could a storm end up blowing the once-impregnable black and white castle and those inside of it?
2nd—Atalanta—72 points
3rd—Milan—72 points
4th—Napoli—70 points
5th—Juventus—69 pointsThree games to go. Juventus need a rival to slip or they’re going to the Europa League ? pic.twitter.com/VUdYq8AgYN
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 9, 2021