The Italian Weekend Review: Episode 21

Week 21 in Serie A saw many twists and turns as there were quite a few perplexing results which have taken it’s toll on the league table. We start at the top where league leaders A.C. Milan comfortably overcame relegation struggles Cesena 2-0. Manuel Pellegrino managed to get on the score-sheet again for all the wrong reasons after he put the ball through his own goal for the second time in three games after good work by Antonio Cassano. Zlatan Ibrahimovic killed off the Seahorses with a sublime finish, the Swede just cannot stop scoring at the moment.

The Rossoneri are now four points clear of Napoli who brushed aside Bari at the San Nicola 0-2. The Partenopei took the lead through a marvellous Ezequiel Lavezzi backheel and Edinson Cavani, who maintained his goal scoring form with a simple tap-in. The Galletti are almost certainly going to get relegated at the end of the season barring a ridiculous miracle while Napoli confirmed themselves as genuine challengers for the scudetto.

Defending Champions Inter Milan suffered their first loss under Leonardo in an enticing game. The Nerazzurri were stunned by Udinese 3-1 who continued their good form under coach Francesco Guidolin. Meanwhile, Juventus played out a goalless stalemate against Sampdoria in Genoa. In what was a pretty drab game, that involved more physicality then elegance, the Bianconeri’s title challenge took a hit and they slipped down to 6th place 9 points adrift of A.C. Milan.

Roma managed to extract revenge on Cagliari at the Olimpico after cruising to a 3-0 victory. The Sardinians beat the Giallorossi 5-1 earlier in the season but were helpless in this encounter in Rome. Simone Perrotta put the home side ahead after a howler by Cagliari goalkeeper Michel Agazzi which left the former Chievo man with the easiest of finishes. Captain Francesco Totti extended their lead as he banged in a penalty after De Rossi was fouled in the area. Jeremy Menez put the game beyond any doubt with a cool finish after calmly rounding off Agazzi. Roma now move upto the 3rd place above city rivals Lazio, who lost to a Marco Di Vaio inspired Bologna 3-0. Mauro Zarate could face a lengthy ban after he was involved in a brawl at the end of the game which saw him slap a linesman.

The fans at the Friuli were treated to an exciting game as Udinese  came from behind to triumph over champions Internazionale. It was a scintillating game in Udine with both teams in terrific form. The visitors drew the first blood through Dejan Stankovic after good build up play by Thiago Motta. The Serbian showed all his experience as he finished past a helpless Samir Handanovic in the 16th minute. Udinese, however, came up with a quick reply through defender Cristian Zapata. The Colombian unleashed a powerful drive past a diving Luca Castellazzi to level the scoreline in the 21st minute.

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The Bianconeri made the most of their momentum. They took the lead four minutes later through Antonio Di Natale, who curled in an outstanding free-kick to take his tally to 15 goals in Serie A this season. The diminutive striker continues to lead the race for the Capocannoniere award, given to the top goal scorer in Serie A. Udinese’s dominance in the second half paid off as they extended their lead through centre back Maurizio Domizzi. The centre back managed to beat the offside trap and slot past Luca Castellazzi in the 69th minute to effectively end Leonardo’s 100% run.

Two excellent goals and an all round brilliant performance sees Bologna captain Marco Di Vaio as our ‘player of the week’ in round 21. The former Lazio youth product conjured up two clinical finishes against his former side to give the Rossoblu a 3-1 win over the Biancoclesti. His first goal came in the 39th minute through an amazing solo effort. He displayed great composure in front of goal to beat Lazio keeper Muslera at his near post. The second goal came in the 90th minute as Di Vaio latched on to a lose ball in the penalty area and calmly finished past Muslera. The former Juve hitman now has 13 goals in Serie A and will be vital in Bologna’s bid for survival.

El Pocho’s goal against Bari was simply stunning. A Cavani free-kick which was straying away from goal was beautifully turned in by Lavezzi with a sublime back-heel which left Bari goalkeeper Gillet bewildered.

Amauri is no more than a liability now at Juventus. He has yet to open his account this season which is quite astonishing for a Juventus striker and against Samp, he was once again awful. The much maligned Italo-Brazilian in no way contributed to the Bianconeri attack against Sampdoria. With Luca Toni out injured, he was expected to deliver the goods but has flattered to deceive yet again this season. Amauri could soon leave the Turin based outfit either in Jan or in the summer but the fans are fed up with his lackluster performances. Del Neri too has reportedly run out of patience with the former Palermo hitman.