This weekend result in Serie A pretty much strengthen the impression that Scudetto battle will only concern Ac Milan and Juventus at the moment since third place position, which currently owned by Lazio are being targeted by many teams.
The Biancocelesti’s defeat this weekend simply opened the door for several top teams behind them to lurk in the chance in taking that final Champions League spot for next season.
Lazio who around two weeks ago still believe they have an outside shot in chasing for Scudetto must start paying more attention in holding their fourth spot since Napoli, Udinese, Roma or even Inter Milan can still steal that post. Obviously the first two names above have more chances in doing so since they are only one point behind Edy Reja’s team, and if the Biancocelesti can’t get their act going in the next few matches, there’s a big chance that the third seat will eventually goes to another team soon.
This weekend, Lazio once again disappointed their fans as Reja’s side got beaten 1-0 by Catania with Nicolas Leggrotaglie scoring the only goal in the match after hammering in Lodi’s corner kick in the second half. Luckily for the capital club, their third place spot remain safe after their two closest rivals, Napoli and Udinese, who met each other only managed a draw as the Friulani wasted a two goals lead in that game.
Udinese actually had the chance to grab the third place position especially after going two goals up with Giampiero Pinzi and Antonio Di Natale’s goals, but it all got canceled away in the last five minutes after Edinson Cavani grabbed a brace in the final 10 minutes. However, the home team might felt a little bit hard done by the refereeing decision as they were forced to play with 10 men soon after taking a two goals lead, which could be considered as the reason they finally failed to hold out for the victory.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan missed out on the chance to at least closing in on the third place race after only picking up a 0-0 draw at home against Atalanta, a condition which could be avoided should Diego Milito converted his spot kick. Nerazzurri’s draw will definitely lower their expectation in competing for Champions League spot but they obviously must not give things up easily considering there’s still a chance and is not like they have any other achievable target this season anyway.
Serie A weekend results:
Parma v Ac Milan 0-2; Fiorentina v Juventus 0-5; Bologna v Chievo 2-2; Cagliari v Cesena 3-0; Catania v Lazio 1-0; Inter v Atalanta 0-0; Lecce v Palermo 1-1; Siena v Novara 0-2; Udinese v Napoli 2-2; Roma v Genoa (to be played on Monday)
photo credit: Catatan Bola Photo Gallery
