For the third time in four match-days, there was action in all Serie A fixtures. There were 32 goals scored in the Italian top-flight domestic competition, one better than the next.
Both Milanese giants crashed and burned in Round 16 but retained their positions in the table. Stefano Pioli’s men had continued unencumbered in Serie A this season. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of contention, they had a challenging task on their hands. However, with Inter slipping against Sampdoria, they were assured in keeping their pole position as they took on Juventus.
Roma and Juventus continued their march in the points race. Jeremie Boga and Sassuolo put their barren run in the rear view mirror, while Benevento secured their third win in four games. Spezia’s win over Napoli was welcomed as they moved out of relegation slots, Parma taking their place.
Borja Mayoral and Federico Chiesa shined in their respective side’s victories. The mid-week fixtures were rough on Lautaro Martinez and Lorenzo Insigne, who could not hit the back of the net despite numerous chances.
With Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku firing blanks, Ciro Immobile continued his impressive goal scoring form. The Italian forward does not make our list but deserves mention on his ruled out goal alone. Here are the top five goals from Serie A Round 16 action.
Federico Chiesa vs. Milan
Andrea Pirlo’s men gave a good account of their abilities at the San Siro. They returned to Turin with a 1-3 win thanks to Paulo Dybala and Federico Chiesa’s impeccable understanding. The acquisition from Fiorentina was on top form and finished the game with two goals thanks to La Joya’s vision. The goal from their first combination included a calculated back heel from Dybala followed by a force of nature shot by Chiesa on Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Federico Dimarco vs. Torino
Mattia Zaccagni was the hero for Verona in Round 15 and found himself in the center of proceedings this week. With both Verona and Torino cancelling out each other, a special goal was required to break the deadlock. Zaccagni did just that, sending a lofted ball to Dimarco, who received it inside the box and tried his luck with a first time effort. It was a perfect connection, and Salvatore Sirigu in Torino goal had no chance.
Marco Sau vs. Cagliari
Cagliari’s slip towards relegation slots continued with Benevento adding misery to their cause. It was the Sorcerers’ third win in four games, making them knock on the top half of the table. Filippo Inzaghi will be pleased with his players who completed the comeback after going down. It was Marco Sau’s equalizer against his former club that got the Benevento on their way. Pasquale Schiattarella’s excellent long pass dissected the Islanders’ defense and Sau’s first-time effort hit was equally brilliant.
Mattias Svanberg vs. Udinese
Bologna played with ten men for the duration of the second half, allowing Udinese to come back into the game. Mattias Svanberg earned his marching orders in the 47th minute, but not before the Swedish midfielder had done the damage. The 22-year-old put the finishing touches for a Bologna attack that saw Rodrigo Palacio plough away from his marker before Musa Barrow put the ball in his path for the goal.
Borja Mayoral vs. Crotone
Paulo Fonseca’s Roma seem to be hitting their stride. Crotone were unfortunate to see them as the Romans compounded their Serie A woes. Borja Mayoral was the star of the show as he finished the match with a brace against his name. His first was a regulation tap in but his second was a scorcher from distance. After dispossessing Simy, Bryan Cristante freed the Real Madrid loanee in acres of space. Mayoral tried his luck from 35-yards out and his scorcher rifled into the top right corner.