This weekend witnessed yet another action-packed round of Italian football, with two major clashes taking the spotlights. In the first, Juventus completed an entertaining come-from-behind win against Lazio. The second encounter was a little less dramatic, but Milan Skriniar’s lone goal against Atalanta was enough to seal an important victory for Inter. So let’s take a look at the Top 3 stories from Serie A round 26.
Timely Morata Comeback
Since the beginning of the campaign, Juventus have been largely dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo and his goals.
Therefore, when it was announced that the Portuguese star won’t start the Serie A round 26 fixture against Lazio on Saturday night, the Old Lady’s supporters feared the worst.
Nonetheless, the Bianconeri found an alternative savior in the form of the returning Alvaro Morata.
The Spaniard was dealing with some health issues in the previous weeks, but returned to Andrea Pirlo’s starting lineup right on time, as he lead Juventus to victory with two goals and an assist.
The Italian champions will now be hoping that the combination of Morata and Ronaldo – in addition to the exciting Federico Chiesa – can prove to be the difference in the crucial Champions League meeting against Porto on Tuesday night.
⚪️⚫️ Who are you backing to inspire Juventus to last 8?#UCL pic.twitter.com/Je6it2ruiG
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 8, 2021
Tough Round for the Shot-Stoppers
From Samir Handanovic and Wojciech Szczesny, to Gianluigi Donnarumma and even the aging Gianluigi Buffon, Italian football proudly possess a great host of goalkeepers.
However, Round 26 proved to be a tough one for several of men between the posts in Serie A.
Lazio’s Pepe Reina and Cagliari’s Alessio Cragno were both beaten twice at the near post, whilst Lukasz Skorupski was tormented by Lorenzo Insigne on two occasions.
The worst episode was definitely the one involving Luigi Sepe and a Parma fan who asked him and Gervinho to leave the club after the 3-3 draw with Fiorentina.
Wins, draws & defeats. ? ? ?
That's the story of #SerieATIM Matchday 26 – and these are the results! ✅#WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/ZVcIEiO3RW— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 8, 2021
Gigantic Step Towards Serie A Glory
At a certain point during the campaign, you realize that a certain team is well-ahead of everyone else and therefore is in prime position to finish the season on top of the table.
Whilst Manchester City has already proven to be that team in England in the last few months – despite their latest Derby loss – we arguably have our own (less wealthy) version in Serie A after round 26.
Inter have been on a fine form, and their victories over Juventus and Milan between January and February showcased the strength they possess at the moment.
A meeting against the terrifying Atalanta seemed to be the perfect occasion for the chasing pack to get closer to the top of the table.
Nonetheless, Antonio Conte’s men grit their teeth and earned a hard-fought victory against the dangerous La Dea.
Besides the three points, Inter’s win on Monday night was in fact a cruel blow for the hopes of their Scudetto challengers – namely Milan and Juventus – who must be wondering what would it take at the moment to derail the Nerazzurri’s momentum?
2 – For the second time in the three points for a win era #Inter have picked up 62+ points in their first 26 seasonal Serie A matches, after 2006/07 (70 in that case). Battleship.#InterAtalanta #SerieA pic.twitter.com/Kx3r4EMncQ
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) March 8, 2021