Serie A Week 36: Lazio Continue Domination, Europa League Race Continues

Dzeko scored two goals to power Roma past Milan in an exciting game. Image: Getty

The race for the final Europa League spot continued as all three contenders failed to produce a win. Here’s a recap of the week’s events.

Lazio Batter Sampdoria

Lazio continued their dominating run by absolutely demolishing Sampdoria by a score of 7-3. Skriniar was sent off early for Sampdoria, and Lazio took full advantage — Keita, Immobile, Hoedt, Anderson, Lulic, and de Vrij all scoring for the Biancocelesti. Lazio has scored 15 goals in their last three games, and it looks as though there’s no stopping them.

Milan Clobbered by Giallorossi

Milan suffered defeat at home against Roma, another poor result for the Rossoneri. Two goals from Dzeko got the visitors off to a great start. Pasalic gave the hosts some hope late in the second half, but goals from ex-Milan player, El Shaarawy, and De Rossi extinguished that hope just moments after it began. Milan needs to get some points in their next matches if they wish to qualify for the Europa League.

Inter Stunned By Genoa

Inter were shocked by Genoa when former Inter player, Goran Pandev, scored the winner for Il Grifone. Matters were made worse when Kondogbia was sent off in the dying moments of the match. Inter, along with Fiorentina and Milan, have struggled in this late stretch, and it looks like no one will claim that last Europa League spot anytime soon.

Fiorentina Salvage Crucial Point

Fiorentina got themselves a late point against Sassuolo to put themselves within a match’s distance from Milan. Chiesa opened the scoring for the Viola before Iemello and Politano put Sassuolo ahead. Bernardeschi was the hero, however, as his 94th-minute goal rescued Fiorentina from the edge of defeat.

Juve Tie With Torino

Ljajic got I Granata into the lead, but a late goal from Higuain ensured that the hosts would not lose their first match at home in 49 games. Juventus don’t have much to worry about concerning the league, and they’ll need to focus all their efforts on the Champions League, where they’ll look to hoist the trophy again.

Mertens Leads Napoli

Mertens was instrumental in Napoli’s win, scoring a brace and assisting in Napoli’s third goal by Lorenzo Insigne. Diego Farias pulled one back for Cagliari in stoppage time, but it was nothing but a consolation goal. Napoli is still in the race with Roma for that last direct qualification spot into the Champions League, and it’ll be interesting to follow that as the season nears an end.

Cristante Not Enough

Cristante’s goal wasn’t enough to get Atalanta past Udinese as Perica got a goal of his own to ensure that the two clubs shared the spoils. Atalanta has just about secured their spot in the Europa League, and they have to be happy with that result, considering the relatively low expectations they had for the season.

Crotone Continue the Fight

Crotone is still four points behind Empoli thanks to Tonev’s winner in the second half. They don’t seem to be giving up, and it would be a fairy tale if they are able to escape relegation. Of course, Empoli will have a big say in that.

Empoli Won’t Be Outdone

Goals from Croce, Pasqual, and Costa were enough to get past Verdi’s goal as Empoli retained their four-point lead over Crotone. Empoli has performed well lately, and they’ll need to continue that way if they want to stay in the league.

Palermo Rescue Late Point

A late response from Goldaniga to Pellissier’s penalty goal got struggling Palermo a point. Of course, it’s over for Palermo in the league, but they can still play for pride.

All Serie A Results, Week 36

Napoli vs Cagliari 3-1

Juventus vs Torino 1-1

Udinese vs Atalanta 1-1

Chievo vs Palermo 1-1

Empoli vs Bologna 3-1

Genoa vs Inter 0-1

Lazio vs Sampdoria 7-3

Pescara vs Crotone 0-1

Sassuolo vs Fiorentina 2-2

Milan vs Roma 1-4