It might have been delayed for a few days but the party has now begun in Naples. Giancarlo Rinaldi looks at the other celebrations and commiserations from the latest round of games in Italy.
There was only one story in town, and Luciano Spalletti and his team made history on a Thursday night in Udine. The Scudetto is heading back to Napoli for the first time since the days of Diego Maradona. But there were other sides and players with reasons to be happy – and sad – after this midweek set of matches.
Winners
It goes without saying, but let’s say it anyway, it was a big night for Napoli at the Dacia Arena. They teased their fans for a little while by going behind to Udinese but it was ultimately – and seemingly inevitably – Victor Osimhen who got the goal that delivered the point they needed. It might have been nicer to seal the deal in front of their own fans but they have been streets ahead of everyone else this season. The celebrations – quite rightly – might last another 33 years.
Not content with putting the title celebrations on hold at the weekend, that man Boulaye Dia was in stunning form once again for Salernitana with a hat-trick against Fiorentina. Although the Viola’s defence was far from perfect, he found the net every time he shot in a sublime display. It takes him clear at the top of his club’s all-time scorers’ list in Serie A and his only regret will be that it did not secure a victory. If they don’t exercise their right to buy on his loan deal from Villareal there will be a lot of explaining to do to fans at the Stadio Arechi.
When you are all about is goals then a league drought of nearly three months can never be a good thing. So there was a lot of relief and pent-up frustration in the celebrations of Dusan Vlahovic as he helped his team to victory over little Lecce. His side has to carry some of the blame for his struggles of late as they don’t provide him with a lot of service but to get the Serbian back in-form could be vital for Juve’s hopes of second place in the league and European success.
Losers
Sampdoria’s fate has pretty much been sealed but there was no need to rub their noses in their situation like Pietro Pellegri did in Torino’s 2-0 win. A Genoa youth product – which the Blucerchiati fans have not forgotten – he took the opportunity to celebrate his late goal in front of the home support. It earned him a stern rebuke from his Coach Ivan Juric who apologised for his actions and suggested that a little more respect for their opponents’ plight might have been a nice thing.
They might yet save themselves but it was a night to forget for Hellas Verona as they ran into an Inter team in a hurry to secure its top four status. The unfortunate Adolfo Gaich opened the floodgates with a calamitous own goal at the Stadio Bentegodi; after that, it was one-way traffic. In fairness, Serie A safety was unlikely to come through this particular clash but the scale of the defeat was a significant blow to a side which had been one of the more in-form outfits trying to dodge the drop.
We have got used to his outbursts but José Mourinho scaled new heights after the Monza match in which he dubbed referee Daniele Chiffi the worst he had ever encountered. It has prompted an investigation into the incident which could lead to a touchline ban. The Portuguese coach has been increasingly irate of late but you have to wonder if there is some ulterior motive to all his constant complaining as there usually is.
And finally, a quick bonus mention for the VAR decision on Ciro Immobile’s “goal” against Sassuolo. It is the first time we have seen a goal ruled out for offside, given by the video assistant referee – and celebrated – and then disallowed again. Thankfully it had no great impact on the outcome of the game, but still, a comedy moment where even cutting-edge technology was found to be wanting when placed in human hands.
Giancarlo Rinaldi is the author of a number of books on Italian football. He is also half of the Rigore! Podcast team. You can follow him on Twitter @ginkers.