In the penultimate round of the season, the majority of the Serie A clubs allowed themselves to enjoy their time on the pitch, resulting in a flurry of goals all around the Italian peninsula. Following their Coppa Italia triumph, Inter secured their Champions League spot for next season, and their crosstown rivals followed suit with a dim win over Juventus. So let’s recap the action while identifying the Tops and Flops from Serie A Round 37.
Top (Player): Lautaro Martinez
As if his week wasn’t thrilling enough after leading Inter towards Coppa Italia glory with a spectacular brace, Lautaro Martinez delivered another stunning display when his side hosted Atalanta in their last home fixture of the season.
It only took the Argentine less than a minute to provide a scintillating assist for his favorite partner-in-crime Romelu Lukaku. His brilliant work then culminated in second early goal, before scoring the third himself with a clinical finish that sealed a 3-2 win over La Dea.
With 25-year-old on song, the Nerazzurri have all the right in the world to dream big ahead of the Champions League final against Manchester City.
Flop (Player): Marvin Zeegelaar
Sadly for Marvin Zeegelaar, his Serie A campaign ended prematurely after receiving his marching orders in Udinese’s 2-3 defeat against Salernitana in Round 37.
The Dutchman’s dismissal ensued when the result was still 2-2 and very much up for grabs. Moreover, he allowed Grigoris Kastanos more than enough space to score the fascinating goal that kickstarted the Southern uprise.
Top (Manager): Vincenzo Italiano
At the Artemio Franchi Stadium, Fiorentina needed a morale-boosting win following the disappointment of the Coppa Italia final. While Stephan El-Shaarawy gave Roma an early lead, the Viola managed to pull off a remarkable come-from-behind victory.
So kudos to Vincenzo Italian for his excellent man-management. The coach insisted on deploying Luka Jovic who endured a torrid finale against Inter. The Serbian started the match instead of Arthur Cabral and eventually snatched the all-important equalizer.
Italiano recognized the importance of restoring his striker’s confidence ahead of the Conference League final and was rewarded for his trust.
Flop (Manager): Gian Piero Gasperini
From the very start of the match, it was obvious that Gian Piero Gasperini has decided to adopt an adventurous approach against Inter. Nonetheless, applying a high-defensive line against Lukaku and Lautaro was ill-advised, as it only took the celebrated duo 44 seconds to combine for the opener.
The same tactical folly then played to the Nerazzurri’s advantage on other occasions, most notably the third goal.
Surely Pep Guardiola was sitting home taking some valuable notes on what NOT to do against the Inter striking pair.
Top (Team): Torino
This season, Torino could have enjoyed a better campaign if it wasn’t for their strugglers in front of goal. However, Ivan Juric’s men lashed out on their hosts Spezia with four unanswered goals while displaying the type of enchanting football that this side should have produced more often.
After Round 37, Torino currently sit 8th, leading the “rest” of the Serie A table. With another point deduction for their rivals Juventus on the cards, the Granata’s current spot could be worth European football next season.
Flop (Team): Spezia
On the contrary, Spezia endured an abysmal outing in their final appearance in front of their home supporters. Luckily for the Aquilotti, Verona settled for a draw against Empoli which kept their salvation hopes alive.
However, one would expect slightly more from a club that should be fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation.
Top (Veteran): Antonio Candreva
This was another superb display from the aging veteran who continues to defy all odds. The former Lazio and Inter man led the Salernitana comeback first by picking up Kastanos with a sublime assist and then scoring a fabulous freekick.
Top (Youngster): Lorenzo Colombo
While Antonio Candreva is enjoying the last chapter of his illustrious career, Lorenzo Colombo is making his bones in what has been a debut Serie A campaign to remember.
The Milan-owned striker had the nerves to step up and convert a spot-kick on the 101st minute and clinch the win that mathematically secured Lecce’s survival.
Flop (Luck): Christian Gytkjaer
On the other hand, Christian Gytkjaer found less fortune in from 11 yards. The Monza striker saw his penalty kick saved by Wladimiro Falcone although it was heading toward the bottom corner. Moreover, the Dane ended up giving away a last-gasp spot-kick to Lecce in the final minutes due to a handball.
Lady Luck just wasn’t on his side.
Top (Goalkeeper): Wladimiro Falcone
Speaking of Gytkjaer’s wasted penalty kick, all credits must go to Falcone who pulled off a sensational save. The Italian custodian had to earn his clean sheet in the hard way.
Flop (Goalkeeper): Pierluigi Gollini
On Sunday, Luciano Spalletti gave Pierluigi Gollini a rare opportunity to showcase his prowess between the sticks. Nonetheless, the second-fiddle Napoli goalkeeper failed to inspire confidence between in his outing at the Renato Dall’Ara.
The custodian’s weak save allowed Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson to pounce on the rebound, while on the second goal, he seemed reluctant to leave his line and make his presence felt, allowing Lorenzo Di Silvestri to nod the ball home from inside the six yards.
Top (Match): Salernitana vs Udinese
For one reason or another, the Arechi Stadium often delivers thrilling encounters, so surely it wasn’t going to disappoint on Round 37 in what was Salernitana’s last home fixture in the Serie A campaign.
While Udinese thought they had the match wrapped up after scoring two impressive goals, the Granata roared back by pulling off a remarkable comeback from 0-2 to 3-2 which included a couple of stupendous strikes.
Flop (Match): Juventus vs Milan
On the contrary, what was supposed to be a big clash between Juventus and Milan turned out to be a major letdown. The Rossoneri won the match thanks to Olivier Giroud’s towering header, but created very little during the encounter, while the Old Lady’s toned down reaction rendered the whole encounter a forgettable affair.
Top (Goal): Grigoris Kastanos
This weekend, Serie A witnessed 34 goals, but the superb strike from Kastanos towards the far corner gets the nod for the best goal of Round 37.
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