Matchday 34 As It Was: The Table is Taking Shape

In a weekend where Bari were officially relegated, Milan took a massive step towards the title, and Sampdoria , the race for fourth truly stood out as one area of Serie A which is somehow, improbably, still open.

Three talking points about the matchday, which did much to shape the table in some areas and completely opened it in others:

1. The title is all but Milan’s. A late winner over Brescia- in which Robinho actually scored a one-on-one (!)- combined with a Napoli loss sent AC Milan 8 points clear at the top. With only 12 points left to play for, Milan just need to avoid a losing streak in order to win their first title since 2004.

Results from the weekend

2. The race for fourth just won’t end. Unbelievably, somehow, there are still three teams within four points of fourth. Lazio, currently in the slot, lost to Inter; Udinese, a mere one point behind, lost to Parma; and Roma, now four points off the spot, won at home to Chievo. Amauri somehow stopped Francesco Guidolin’s side, again scoring in a big game. Roma were by no means guarantees to win against Chievo and missed several chances throughout as the curse of the former goalkeeper returned to haunt the side once again; yet, Simone Perrotta slotted home in the fourth minute, and the capital side were able to gain ground. Now all three teams have a realistic shot at the spot, which will likely go down to the wire. Their run-ins are as follows:

• Lazio: Juventus, away vs Udinese, Genoa, away vs Lecce
• Udinese: away vs Fiorentina, Lazio, away vs Chievo, Milan
• Roma: away vs Bari, Milan, away vs Catania, Sampdoria

Clearly there are a few matches left which will prove massive. Lazio-Udinese will be one that Romanisti look forward to, as it will be the day that Roma are certain to gain at least some points on the teams as long as they win. However, on that day, Roma do have to face Milan, whom Udinese also must face later in the season- and thus a win is by no means guaranteed. Lazio still have to play Juventus and Roma must face eternal thorn in the side Sampdoria, whom they might be able to relegate with a win. Udinese will have to get past a resurgent Fiorentina as well, which means that all sides have very tough tests ahead of them. Absolutely top stuff.

3. Relegation is heating up as well. Bari are officially down after having lost to Sampdoria, who finally get a win after what seems like an eternity. Nicola Pozzi tucked away a penalty in the second half to send the side down to Serie B officially. Lecce and Brescia lost as well, to Genoa and Milan respectively, which puts both sides in the final two relegation spots for now. The bottom of the table looks like this:

Brescia are now five points off of safety and a nice bet to go down along with Bari. However, there are six sides all within four points of 18th, which means that none of the above teams are truly safe yet from relegation.

Matchday 34 truly re-opened some races whilst closing others.

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Category: Serie A