With only ten days remaining before the conclusion of the Serie A campaign, the midweek round delivered the goods. Juventus succeeded in a must-win trip to Sassuolo, but their hopes of reaching the Champions League next season are getting slimmer, with their competitors absolutely smashing their foes. So let’s take a look at the Top 5 Stories from Serie A Round 36.
Great Team, Horrible Kit
Ok let’s just get this out of the way first before we move to actual football. Inter launched their 4th kit of the season, and what an incredibly hideous one it turned out to be!
Unfortunately, the jersey-designing industry has been generally producing some poor work recently, but it must be said, that the one sponsored by the newly crowned champions on Wednesday is a particularly horrendous one. Words can’t simply describe how awful it is (even though we’re trying our best as you can see).
Now surely there could be some carefully-written statement that can be found somewhere on the internet trying to explain the deep meanings behind this “masterpiece”, but let’s spare ourselves the excuses.
Oh and by the way, Inter won again, for those who still care about these little details.
Inter debut their brand new fourth kit against Roma ? pic.twitter.com/vjJmGOHNYd
— Goal (@goal) May 12, 2021
Transfer Bargain
After a forgettable time in London followed by an injury-ridden season at Roma, almost no side was too eager on signing Davide Zappacosta last summer.
Luckily for Genoa, they ended up sealing a loan move for the Chelsea-owned wingback, who was supposed to be out of their league.
The Italian has been on a thrilling form, acting as a menacing presence for the Grifone whether on the right or the left flank.
In round 36, Zappacosta led his side towards a victory over Bologna with his 4th goal of the Serie A campaign.
This player would prove to be a bargain for any top side looking to bolster its ranks for next season.
Davide #Zappacosta scored his 4th goal of season which proved to be the winner for #Genoa and Mattia #Perin picked up his 8th clean sheet of the season as #Genoa took down #Bologna 2-0#BolognaGenoa #SerieA #SerieATIM #Italy #Italia #Nazionale #VivoAzzurro #Azzurri ?? pic.twitter.com/S7fzGfnadI
— Team Azzurri ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@TeamAzzurri) May 13, 2021
Too Little Too Late?
Whilst Juventus were putting their best efforts to overcome Sassuolo on Wednesday night, Milan were enjoying themselves in Turin, and Atalanta were comfortably shrugging Benevento aside.
Moreover, Napoli had crushed Udinese 24 hours earlier in the opening fixture of round 36, which means that time is running out, and the Bianconeri still find themselves outside of the Top 4 Serie A spots.
Even though the Old Lady’s performance at the Mapei was an encouraging one, but it could prove to be too little too late for Andrea Pirlo and his men, as their hopes in securing a Champions League spot is getting slimmer.
A day after announcing he's leaving Juventus at the end of the season, 43-year-old Gigi Buffon saves a penalty against Sassuolo ? pic.twitter.com/wjMGcrd4Xj
— Goal (@goal) May 12, 2021
Delight in Turin
Speaking of the Diavolo, 72 hours after their incredible victory at the Allianz stadium, Milan completely thrashed Torino inside the city’s other venue with seven goals.
In the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Rossoneri’s play seemed to be more fluid than ever, scoring seven goals against the hapless Granata.
After witnessing an exciting side earlier this season, followed by an uninspiring one since January, we’re currently seeing the ”Milan on steroids” version.
#Milan Play "Settebello" and Bulldoze Embarrassing Torino Side https://t.co/4lKs7R3WBq via @cultofcalcio
— The Cult of Calcio (@cultofcalcio) May 13, 2021
Three and Out
After the official relegation of Crotone and Parma, a third side is fast falling towards Serie B. The writing has been on the wall for Benevento, with the southerners gradually slipping in standings throughout the last few months.
After their defeat to Atalanta in round 36, the Sorcerers are now 4 points adrift from the Serie A safety zone.
Filippo Inzaghi’s men have produced some entertaining matches during the season, but their inability to gather the points when mostly needed will be their fatal weakness.