Ok, let’s all take a little breather to let it all sink after a crazy weekend that witnessed an astonishing number of 41 goals all around the Italian peninsula. From top to bottom, every club showed up and put up a battle as the season is about to reach it’s ending. So here are the Top 5 Stories from Serie A Round 31.
Battle of the Doomed for Serie A Survival
With both of their backs against the wall, Cagliari and Parma put up a fight for the ages. The Isolani managed to pull off a fairytale comeback from 1-3 to win the match 4-3, after scoring twice in injury time.
Whilst this result could be the final nail in the Ducali’s coffin, the Sardians are still in deep trouble, laying five points away from the safety zone.
Even if Cagliari doesn’t make it, at least they’ll have a Serie A clash to remember thanks to their ecstatic win in round 31.
#Cagliari Come Out on Top of Seven-Goal Epic Against Parma https://t.co/kZ59Y7Ke6O
— The Cult of Calcio (@cultofcalcio) April 18, 2021
Champions League Race Taking Shape
Whilst the Scudetto race is arguably a past memory by now, things are still quite uncertain in terms of the European spots, and Atalanta’s win over Juventus might have complicated matters further.
Milan’s important victory over Genoa gave them a small breathing room, whilst Roma’s shocking defeat at the hands of Torino rules them out of the Champions League race.
Nonetheless, Lazio kept pace with the teams in front of them with their 5-3 win over Benevento, so it seems that the Biancocelesti will be heading for a battle against Milan, Juventus, Atalanta and Napoli for the three spots behind the league leaders.
Matchday 31 has come to an end! ?♂️
These are all the results. ??#SerieATIM #WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/mIFPKlWaMV— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) April 18, 2021
Special Serie A Talents
In a match between a mid-table club with nothing to play for and an almost relegated side, Udinese’s encounter against Crotone was probably the afterthought of the weekend.
And yet, two of the best talents in Serie A once again delivered in round 31. Rodrigo De Paul – who was eventually dismissed – scored two brilliant goals, displaying his incredible abilities on the ball.
On the other hand, Simy scored for the seven match in a row – albeit from the spot – and this is undoubtedly a great achievement for a relatively unknown player from a bottom of the table side.
The last time Rodrigo #DePaul scored a brace in #SerieATIM was during 18/19 season, in the home match against Empoli. The #Zebrette won by 3-2.#CrotoneUdinese #Football pic.twitter.com/xw51ySDmuN
— The Counter Attack (@TheCounterAtta3) April 17, 2021
Inexplicable Failure
Some of you won’t believe it, but changing managers back-and-forth sometimes ends up backfiring.
Giuseppe Iachini’s second stint at Fiorentina isn’t turning out to be any better than Cesare Prandelli’s – or even his own previous spell at the beginning of the season.
La Viola have now fallen to a shameful 16th position – with relegation no longer being an improbable scenario – and someone from above must eventually pay the price for this major inexplicable failure.
Two penalties in 3 minutes for Sassuolo, two Berardi goals! ?⚫
Fiorentina with a nightmare few minutes ? pic.twitter.com/snHAw94a7X
— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) April 17, 2021
Happy Ending to the Streak
The worst thing about positive streaks is that they eventually reach a disappointing and yet definitive end – just ask any Juventus fan.
Nonetheless, Inter seemed to be pretty much pleased with the way their 11-match winning run ended on Sunday.
The Nerazzurri came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Napoli at the Maradona Stadium in round 31, as both sides looked satisfied with the final result – especially the Serie A leaders, who are getting closer and closer to their long-awaited Scudetto title.
Napoli bring Inter's 11-game winning streak to an end ? pic.twitter.com/Q406w9OwHC
— International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) April 18, 2021