Following a bizarre midweek, things returned to normality in the weekend with the majority of the big boys collecting wins. So let’s recap the most significant action and recognize the best and worst performers from the Calcio weekend in out Tops and Flops of Serie A round 35.
Top (Player): Leonardo Bonucci
During this round, few players truly caught the eye. Andrea Belotti scored a hattrick, but we’ll get to that in just a second. The Napoli bunch were all magnificent, but it seems unfair to pick one over the others.
Therefore, let’s just give it up Leonardo Bonucci who celebrated his birthday by scoring a decisive brace for Juventus against Venezia, which ultimately sealed the Bianconeri’s qualification to the next edition of the Champions League.
For the veteran defender, it’s all about the grit and the determination.
Flop: Soft Hand-Balls
On Saturday, Empoli were on the right path towards securing a win over their visitors Torino. However, it all went sour following a red card and two particularly soft hand-balls that resulted in two penalty kicks for the Granata.
Kudos for Belloti who succeeded in converting twice from the spot and then added his personal third, but perhaps it’s time to review the rules in order to limit the ever-so-increasing number of soft penalties.
Top (Goalkeeper): Emil Audero
It has been a complicated campaign for Emil Audero. The Juventus youth product sustained an injury earlier this season, and subsequently lost his starting role in favor of Wladimiro Falcone.
But with the situation becoming critical for Sampdoria, Marco Giampaolo resorted to the original first choice, and the latter repaid his trust by pulling off the single most important save of the Blucerchiati’s campaign, denying a late spot kick from Genoa captain Domenico Criscito in the Derby della Lanterna.
Hence, La Doria have secured three extremely important points which should be enough to secure survival, while hitting their crosstown rivals with an almost-dooming blow.
Top (Manager): Luciano Spalletti
The obvious choice.
The Tuscan finally decided to unleash an exciting frontline, with Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and Hirving Lozano all supporting Victor Osimhen, and the result was simply spectacular, as Napoli put six past Sassuolo.
After dropping out of the Scudetto race, the Partenopei looked relieved and were once again enjoying their football.
Flop (Manager): Vincenzo Italiano
This season, Fiorentina have been enjoying one of their best campaigns in recent memory, and Vincenzo Italiano must be considered as the main protagonist behind it.
But unfortunately for the Tuscans, the team appears to have pressed the self-destruct button recently, and could be set to ruin what was a highly-promising season.
While the defeat to Milan at the San Siro is nothing to be ashamed of, the former Spezia manager has lost the plot in the last outings, and needs to rebound as soon as possible if he still wishes to end the campaign in a European spot.
Top (Team): Napoli
When a team scores four goals in the first 20 minutes, it simply proves that its players were operating on a whole different level.
This was the case for Napoli, with the likes of Insigne, Mertens, Osimhen, Kalidou Koulibaly and Fabian Ruiz completely wrecking the opposition.
Flop (Team): Sassuolo
Despite being one of the most reputable midtable clubs in Europe, Alessio Dionisi’s men allowed the southerners to penetrate past their defenses like a knife through butter.
Flop (Race): Top Four
Remember when then top four race went to the wire last season, with Juventus and Milan having to earn their spots on the back of a dramatic season finale?
Well, none of it was on display this term, as Roma’s draw against Bologna marked the official end of the race, with Milan, Inter, Napoli and Juventus earning their Champions League with three rounds to spare.
Boring.
Top (Race): Scudetto
But then again, who needs a top four race when we’re being treated to an epic Scudetto battle that could go all the way to the final matchday.
Milan maintained their lead with a late victory over Fiorentina, but a few hours later, Inter maintained their striking distance by overcoming Udinese away from home.
You better tighten your seatbelts, because is turning into a wild rollercoaster.
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