The end of the season is quickly approaching in Serie A and this is the moment in the season where every point truly matters the most. There were no “marquee” matchups this weekend, but every game played a big part, not so much in the title race. Juventus has basically wrapped up their second straight Scudetto. They are 12 points clear of second place Napoli. The games from here on out will determine which team gets the coveted 3rd Champions League spot. Napoli, Milan, Lazio, Fiorentina, Inter, and Roma are all in the running and not much separates these teams. The remaining weeks in Serie A will determine the fate of these teams on their road to European glory.
Let’s take a step back here. With teams fighting for a shot at European football, there are teams at the bottom of the league who are just hoping to remain in Italy’s top division. US Pescara, Palermo, Siena, Genoa, and even Atalanta are all relegation candidates. Pescara and Palermo are 19th and 20th respectively and their fates have been determined. These two teams will be playing in Serie B next season. It seems so long ago that Palermo was playing in the Europa League. It’s amazing how quickly things can change. Siena and Genoa will be battling until the last weekend of the season. Genoa currently sit in 17th place and are ahead of Siena by 1 point. Not to mention Siena started the season with -9 points after a match fixing scandal dating back to last season. Atalanta are in 16th place with 33 points. It will take a monumental collapse for Atalanta to be relegated and I just don’t see that happening. I believe Siena will pull off the miracle and stay in Serie A. Pescara, Palermo, and Genoa, enjoy Serie B!!
Now for the top of the table; Juventus. The MVP midfield of Marchisio, Pirlo, and Vidal, along with Lichtsteiner, and Asamoah is one of the best in the world. To go along with their world class defense of Chiellini, Barzagli, and Bonucci, Juventus have nearly everything. The only thing they need is a proper striker. Vucinic is hot and cold and Giovinco and Matri have been let downs. It may effect them in Europe but not domestically. Juventus will finish the season in 1st and reclaim the Scudetto.
Napoli is one of the oldest teams in Serie A with an average age of 28.7. They have a world class striker in Edinson Cavani who is the major goal-scoring threat on the team. Partnered with attacking midfielder Marek Hamsik they make a great duo up front. The backline is Napoli’s weakness. There is no depth in the squad, especially at center back. Napoli are in a free fall at the moment. They have just 3 points in their last 5 games. Napoli’s age and lack of depth will hurt them dramatically and their big visit to the San Siro to face Milan will make or break their season. My prediction, Napoli will finish in 3rd place and reach the Champions League.
Milan are on fire at the moment. Besides Barcelona’s 4-0 thumping in the Champions League, Milan have gotten 12 out of a possible 15 points in their last 5 games. The addition of Mario Balotelli to the Rossoneri has paid dividends so far as he has 7 goals in 6 games. El Shaarawy is having a dip in form after his red hot start to the season. This will show how mentally tough El Shaarawy is. Giampaolo Pazzini has been fantastic for Milan. He has 13 goals on the season, 4th best in Serie A. The next 5 games for Milan can show if they are the real deal. This week they are away at 14th place Chievo Verona. Then it gets interesting. April 7th away at Fiorentina, April 14th home against Napoli, April 21 away at Juventus. This is about as tough as it gets. Milan need as many points as possible and the way they’ve performed I think it’s possible that Milan will finish the season in 2nd place.
Fiorentina have been a pleasant surprise this season. After a 13th place finish last year they have been fantastic this season. Stevan Jovetic has emerged as a superstar and is carrying the team. The additions of veterans Emiliano Viviano and Alberto Aquiliani have been a tremendous help. Not to mention they recently acquired Jersey native Giuseppe Rossi to play upfront with Jovetic which could lead to a deadly pairing. Consistency has been the problem for The Viola. Their lack of consistency hurts them as they will just miss out on the Champions League and will finish in 4th place.
Rounding out the top 5 will be Inter. Inter were red hot at the beginning of the season but have fallen off. Antonio Cassano has been inconsistent of late and an injury to Diego Milito hurts their attack. Rodrigo Palacio is more than capable, however Milito is smarter on the ball and much quicker. The Inter defense is in shambles and manager Andrea Stramaccioni’s only style of offense is on the counter attack. Relying on the counter attack won’t work for a team of Inter’s caliber. The Nerazzurri have been through 7 coaches in 5 years and it seems as though a rebuilding stage is around the corner for Inter. I see them finishing 5th and returning to the Europa League.
1.) Juventus
2.) Milan
3.) Napoli
4.) Fiorentina
5.) Inter
That’s my top 5 teams, what are yours?
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