Serie A Week 30: Napoli Unlucky, Inter and Milan Struggle

Donnarumma made a horrible mistake against Pescara that cost his team the win. Image: Getty

It was an exciting week in the Serie A, one that caused the race for the final Europa League spot to get even tighter. Here’s a rundown of this week in the league.

Napoli Unlucky Against Bianconeri

Napoli absolutely dominated Juventus, outshooting the Bianconeri 17-4, but they were unable to convert their chances when it mattered most, leaving with a sole point. Khedira was the first goalscorer, scoring in just the sixth minute, but Hamsik pulled one back for the Partenopei. Mertens had a couple of good chances, including one that clanked off the woodwork. It was an impressive performance from Napoli, who will face Juventus again this Wednesday in the Coppa Italia.

Inter Stunned by Sampdoria

Quagliarella was the hero for Sampdoria when his 85th minute penalty won them the game. Inter opened the scoring with D’Ambrosio, but Schick was quick to equalize, and the last gasp penalty sealed the fate for the Nerazzuri. It was a costly loss for Inter, who now fall behind Atalanta and stand just one point ahead of rivals, Milan.

Donnarumma Gaffe Costs Rossoneri

Milan must be upset about their performance after they emerged with only a point against lowest-ranked Pescara. A Donnarumma gaffe off a Paletta pass meant that the Rossoneri fell behind early. Pasalic pulled one back, but good defense from Pescara meant that they would escape with an unlikely point. Luckily for Milan, Inter lost, which means they still have a good chance at getting that last European spot.

Papu Gomez Strikes Again

Alejandro Gomez continued his stunning season by scoring a hat trick against struggling Genoa. Conti scored the first and Caldara also contributed in a dominating 5-0 rout. It was a great performance from Atalanta, who weren’t expected to be anywhere near European qualification at the beginning of the season, but they have found a way to consistently win, opening up their lead to four points on 7th place.

Lazio Mount Late Comeback

Lazio fell behind early due to a Berardi penalty, but a goal from Ciro Immobile and an own goal from Consigli meant they would return home with all three points. They seem like he most stable of the teams from 4-8, and they should secure a Europa League sot in the coming weeks.

Empoli? No Problem

Roma eased past Empoli thanks to a brace from forward and top goalscorer, Edin Dzeko. Dzeko has been great for Roma his year, making up for an underwhelming last season. Roma need to be worried about Napoli, who looked impressive in their draw against Juventus.

Fiorentina Scrape By

In what seems like a tradition this season, Fiorentina escaped by a narrow margin against Bologna thanks to a second half goal from Babacar. They hold the joint lowest goal difference of the top 8 teams in the league, but they have gotten the results they’ve wanted nonetheless.

Il Gallo Strikes

Not to be entirely outdone by Dzeko, Belotti scored a late equalizer against Udinese. Jankto and Perica scored to put Udinese up by two, but goals from Moretti and Belotti meant it would end in a stalemate. Torino have been great in attack, but they need to be more solid in defense if they wish to truly compete in the league.

Crotone Will Die Fighting

Crotone won’t be relegated without a fight as they emerged victorious due to goals from Ferrari and Falcineli. Pellissier scored for Chievo, but Crotone got all three points at the end. They sit five points behind Empoli, and they’ll need to play much better if they wish to escape relegation.

Palermo’s Struggles Continue

Palermo all but sealed their fate with a defeat at home to Cagliari. The hosts got on the board first thanks to Gonzalez, but a brace from Ionita and a goal from Borriello meant Cagliari would win quite comfortably. Palermo have not performed well this season, and they will most likely find themselves in Serie B next season.

All Serie A Results, Week 30

Sassuolo vs Lazio 1-2

Roma vs Empoli 2-0

Torino vs Udinese 2-2

Chievo vs Crotone 1-2

Fiorentina vs Bologna 1-0

Genoa vs Atalanta 0-5

Palermo vs Cagliari 1-3

Pescara vs Milan 1-1

Napoli vs Juventus 1-1

Inter vs Sampdoria 1-2