Serie A Week 34: Race for Europe Continues

Milan, Inter, and Fiorentina struggled as the race for the Europa League got even tighter.

The race for the Europa League continued as Fiorentina, Inter, and Milan all suffered disappointing results in an exciting week of Italian football.

Inter Falls to Napoli

Callejon’s goal was enough to power Napoli past Inter in a blockbuster showing. The win means that Napoli are within a point of Roma for the last direct qualification spot into the Champions League while Inter will have to continue fighting if they wish to surpass Milan and gain that last Europa League spot. The race for Europe is intensifying.

Milan Can’t Beat Crotone

Milan suffered their third disappointing result in a row, gaining just two points in games against Pescara, Empoli, and Crotone. Trotta put Crotone ahead early, and Milan was only able to equalize thanks to Paletta. This is not what Montella was envisioning for his side, and they’ll need to get their act together if they wish to retain that Europa League spot.

Palermo Stun Fiorentina

Palermo shocked Fiorentina as goals from Diamanti and Aleesami meant that the Viola would suffer defeat. It’s become a race for who doesn’t want the Europa League spot, all three contending sides wasting valuable opportunities that could see them through to Europe.

Lazio Win Derby

Lazio produced a dominating display of football when they defeated Roma 3-1, thanks to a brace from Keita and a goal from Basta. De Rossi scored from Roma off a controversial penalty that was awarded when Strootman fell in the area without being touched. Matters got even worse for Roma when Rudiger was sent off late in stoppage time. Roma’s defeat means Juventus have practically hoisted the trophy, and they’ll need to be wary of Napoli.

Atalanta Rescue Point

Atalanta got a point from a tough matchup against Juventus when Freuler scored in the 89th minute. Conti put Atalanta ahead early before Rafael Marques and Dani Alves responded for the Bianconeri. Freuler was able to capitalize on a Buffon mistake and earn his side a valuable point. Atalanta should be safe in the Europa League barring a resurgence from the two Milan sides.

B0logna Rout Udinese

Bologna demolished Udinese thanks to goals from Destro, Taider, and an own goal from Danilo. Udinese were unable to mount much resistance as Bologna cruised to a pretty unimportant win in the grand scheme of things.

Pescara Suffer Defeat

Pescara lost yet again after Joao Pedro converted from the spot for Cagliari. Perhaps more importantly, Muntari was sent off after leaving the pitch amidst racial slurs and abuse coming from the fans of Cagliari. It is still to be seen the actions that will be taken.

All Even in Turin

Schick and Iturbe’s goals canceled each other out as Torino drew with Sampdoria. Torino’s lackluster defense continued to struggle, and Mihajlovic will need to look for some defensive reinforcements over the summer to add to their deadly attack.

Chievo Defeat Genoa

Goran Pandev put Genoa ahead before goals from Bastien and Birsa were enough to get Chievo past Genoa. Genoa actually played better for the majority of the match, but they were unable to convert their chances and ended up paying the price.

Possession Doesn’t Matter

Empoli held possession for 63% of the time, but they were still unable to get past a clinical Sassuolo side. Peluso and Pucciarelli exchanged goals for Sassuolo and Empoli respectively before Matri and Duncan closed out the deal for the Neroverdi. Empoli have reason to be worried as Crotone look hungry to stay in the league.

All Serie A Results, Week 34

Atalanta vs Juventus 2-2

Torino vs Sampdoria 1-1

Roma vs Lazio 1-3

Bologna vs Udinese 4-0

Cagliari vs Pescara 1-0

Crotone vs Milan 1-1

Empoli vs Sassuolo 1-3

Genoa vs Chievo 1-2

Palermo vs Fiorentina 2-0

Inter vs Napoli 0-1