Top 5 Stories from Serie A Round 21: A World Class Hakimi Display

AC Milan, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Top 5 Stories

As we’re approaching the most crucial part of the season, the pressure is rising all over the Italian peninsula. In yet another exciting weekend, Juventus maintained their positive run with a home win against Roma in the round’s most awaited clash. Elsewhere, Inter and Milan easily shrugged aside Fiorentina and Crotone respectively as they remained on top of league, while Genoa provided the upset with a shocking win over Napoli. So let’s find out what were the top 5 stories of Serie A round 21.

Hakimi Might Just Be the Best Wing-Back in the World

Calcio fans got to enjoy some Serie A action on Friday night, as Round 21 opened with an encounter between Fiorentina and Inter. Although Antonio Conte was only watching from the stands – as he’s still still serving a ban – his men completely dominated the action.

The final 2-0 victory doesn’t tell the full story, as the Nerazzurri could have added some more, while Cesare Prandelli’s side only threatened on few occasions.

Despite Nicolò Barella’s spectacular goal, the main star of the show was Achraf Hakimi.

The Moroccan International was an absolute thorn in the Viola’s backs, as the home side would enter panic-mode every time he made a run on the right flank, and Julio Igor’s fall to the ground as he was trying to chase the wing-back on Inter’s second goal is the perfect highlight of his performance.

The Beneamata star is only 22-years-old, but he already has a strong and convincing case for being the best in the world in his position.

Davide Nicola Proving To be the Right Man for Torino

Two weeks ago, we mentioned how Davide Nicola managed to fix one main issue within Torino – the team’s knack to waste early leads – as his men mounted a comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against Benevento.

In Round 21, the Granata proved beyond doubt that they are now fully healed, as they performed an almost miraculous comeback against one of the scariest teams in Serie A.

When Atalanta were running away with an early 3-0 lead, Torino fans probably began to get horrific flashbacks from last season’s 7-0 humiliation.

Nevertheless, an unexpected twist was in store for the fans, and the away side suddenly rose and managed to eventually seal a 3-3 draw against the confused Atalanta players.

Torino’s new found solid character under their new manager proves that he’s the right man to save the club from a disastrous relegation.

Ballardini Revolution Could Spell the Beginning of the End for Gattuso

Speaking of relegation contenders who are doing much better with a new manager in charge, Davide Ballardini’s return to Genoa has so far proven to be a triumphant one.

On Saturday night, the Grifone provided the weekend’s most surprising result, when Goran Pandev’s brace brought down his former club Napoli in a 2-1 victory.

The Ligurians have now gathered 17 points in 8 matches since the arrival of their new coach.

But on the other side, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis must be contemplating whether a change on the deck would be beneficial for his side as well.

The patron’s relationship with Gennaro Gatuso has apparently deteriorated in the past few weeks after a run of negative results.

The Partenopei will take on Atalanta in the second leg of the Coppa Italia Semi Finals before hosting Juventus next weekend.

It goes without saying that these two upcoming clashes could prove to be fatal for the former Milan manager if he fails to deliver the awaited results.

Juventus Find Their Lost Solidity with Chiellini’s Return

Juventus produced a vintage performance to seal a 2-0 victory against Roma is Serie A Round 21. Although Cristiano Ronaldo naturally stole the highlights with another goal, another veteran should earn some credits as well.

Giorgio Chiellini has failed to remain fit for a long spell in the last couple of seasons. However, the captain has thankfully been injury-free for the last few weeks or so, and his impact on the team hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The Bianconeri haven’t conceded a goal in the last four matches that the Italian defender has started in all competitions, and the Old Lady has now found the solidity that she was renowned for.

Although the performances haven’t always been spectacular, watching Juventus successfully defending slim leads make for a familiar sight for calcio fans.

The Race for the Top Scorer Title is Heating Up

In one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory, the excitement is thankfully present on all fronts. The Scudetto battle is getting more and more intense with every passing week, and the competition for the European spots is a tight one.

In addition to all that, the race for the league’s top scorer award – otherwise known as capocannoniere – is witnessing an epic battle that includes some of the biggest names in the sport.

Cristiano Ronaldo managed to add his 16th Serie A goal in round 21, as he took advantage of Romelu Lukaku’s failure to score to extend his lead. However, another legend is fast approaching.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored yet another brace against Crotone and is now only two goals away from the top.

Ciro Immobile will not abdicate his crown easily, as the European Golden Shoe winner was on the score-sheet against Cagliari, while the likes of Luis Muriel and Andrea Belotti – who are on the outside looking in – have also added to their tallies.

Yet another epic race to keep an eye on!

Related posts:

  1. Top 5 Stories from Serie A Round 15: Ronaldo and Lukaku Shows
  2. Top 5 Stories of Serie A Round 16: Juve Lit-Up the Race
  3. Top 5 Stories from Serie A Round 19: Milan Crowned in Defeat
  4. Top 5 Stories from Serie A Round 20: Golden Inter Duo Strikes Back!