Tops and Flops of Serie A Round 24: Mourinho Chaos in Cremona

Following a thrilling weekend in Italian football, Napoli took advantage of Inter’s defeat in Bologna to open an 18-point gap with the chasing pack. So while the Partenopei already have one hand on the coveted Scudetto trophy, the rest of the table remains intriguing. Therefore, we’ll recap the action from an exciting matchday that featured a breathtaking Derby, a couple of shocking results, and a plethora of fabulous goals. So here are our tops and flops from Serie A Round 24.

Top (Player): Antonio Candreva

Reminiscently of every other week, our pre-round predictions didn’t all hit home. Yet, we got the Salernitana-Monza match right. Paulo Sousa’s appointment did the trick by lifting the southerners’ spirit, as they produced their finest display of the season.

But the 3-0 victory wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for one magical veteran. Of course, we’re talking about Antonio Candreva who continues to produce stellar displays at the age of 36, contributing with a goal and an assist.

Flop (Player): Mario Rui

Who doesn’t like Mario Rui? The underrated left-back who always seems to defy the odds. But this weekend, the Portuguese committed a NASTY howler that marred Napoli’s otherwise perfect evening in Tuscany.

During the Partenopei’s 2-0 win victory over Empoli, Francesco Caputo made a challenge on Rui, and the latter decided to retaliate with a kick to the crotch, earning himself a possibly-lengthy suspension.

Not cool, Mario. Not cool.

Top (Manager): Stefano Pioli

After joining the three-man defense club, Milan have found a new lease on life. So give it up for Stefano Pioli who pulled off a masterful escape just in time to avoid the axe. In their latest outing, the Rossoneri absolutely dominated Atalanta. In fact, the 2-0 result doesn’t do the team justice.

The days when La Dea acted as Milan’s ultimate boogeyman are long gone.

Flop (Manager): José Mourinho

Following Inter’s miserable collapse in Bologna, a spectacularly chaotic managerial display was the only thing that could spare Simone Inzaghi from the “honor”… a Special performance one would say.

Enter José Mourinho.

In Round 24, the Roma manager didn’t just succumb to defeat at the hands of a team that was yet to taste victory in Serie A this season, but also received his marching orders following an ugly row with the fourth official and later went out to suggest that this was all a Juventus conspiracy.

All in all, it was just another ordinary day in the life of one of football’s least ordinary men.

Top (Team): Bologna

Although this weekend witnessed more impressive final results, the 1-0 victory over an in-form Inter was enough for Bologna to earn the spot.

Thiago Motta’s men were unlucky not to take the lead at a much earlier stage, but eventually, Riccardo Orsolini’s solitary strike sealed another stunning victory over the Nerazzurri.

Flop (Team): Atalanta

Atalanta’s defeat at the San Siro was arguably the worst performance ever in Gian Piero Gasperini’s era. But don’t take our word for it, just take a look at the some of the match’s stats.

The Orobici – a team renowned for its all-attacking approach – failed to create a single dangerous chance throughout the match, with an xG of 0.11 goals.

Kudos to Milan who sabotaged Gasperini’s well-oiled machine, however, this hollow display remains unjustifiable.

Top (Goalkeeper): Guillermo Ochoa

As we mentioned above, Antonio Candreva produced a wonderful performance that led Salernitana towards a great victory over Monza.

Nonetheless, Guillermo Ochoa’s heroics were still required, and the Mexican answered the call by pulling off a couple of fantastic saves to earn his clean sheet.

Top (Goal): Cristiano Biraghi

A left-back who enters the pitch in the 74th minute is hardly expected to score a goal-of-the-season contender. Yet, Cristiano Biraghi didn’t even need to cross the halfway line to achieve this feat.

What a strike!

Top (Own-Goal): Theo Hernandez

When Theo Hernandez is playing against Atalanta, you’re always in for something special. Sadly for the Frenchman, this one went down as an own goal for Juan Musso.

Yet, his jaw-dropping volley remains one of the most fascinating highlights from Serie A Round 24.

Flop (Celebration): Theo and Brahim

Call us old-fashioned if you will, but we’re not exactly into the “Stanky Leg” or whatever you kids call it.

Nothing personal though.

Top (Match): Juventus vs Torino

Historically speaking, the Derby plays Mole usually plays out as a cagey affair that features more rough challenges than quality plays. Nonetheless, Juventus and Torino decided to throw caution out of the window and deliver one of the most entertaining contests in the current campaign.

This one had it all: An early goal, two equalizers, back-and-forth action, Paul Pogba’s return, Bremer scoring against his former employers, Bremer celebrating scoring against his former employers…

Not even Max Allegri’s rigid tactics could ruin this one!

Top (Comeback): Pogba and Ibrahimovic

In the same weekend, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic made their season debuts never minding the fact that Serie A has already reached Round 24.

Nevertheless, the fanbases of Juventus and Milan were both thrilled, giving their returning heroes a warm welcome.

Let’s hope for Calcio’s sake that the two former Man United teammates remain fit for a while.

Top (Debut): Enzo Barrenechea

In a surprising twist, Allegri decided to replace the suspended Manuel Locatelli with the young Enzo Barrenechea while giving the cold shoulder to the older and more experienced Argentine Leandro Paredes.

Well, the manager’s bet paid off, as the 21-year-old made the most out of his Serie A debut. Although it wasn’t a spectacular display by any means, the youngster overcame the nerves in a rough Derby atmosphere to put up a solid and composed performance in the middle of the park.

We should see more of him in the coming weeks.

Honorable Mention: Cremonese

Finally, it would be blasphemy to pass by without honoring Cremonese who registered their first Serie A victory since their return to the top flight.

Yes, it took them a while, but the Tigers never lost faith. Instead, they kept producing courageous displays week in week out and the hard work ultimately paid off, hunting a prestigious maiden victim in the form of Roma.

So well done, fellas!

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