Another game, another controversy. It is now so predictable that Milan-Juventus games end with cries of scandal that the photo of “Il Gol Di Muntari” on Galliani’s phone will soon become part of an extensive gallery on the Rossoneri directors phone. Nine months on from the Scudetto clash in February it was Milan who were the benefactors from a refereeing error, the decision to give a penalty to Milan after the ball hit Mauricio Isla on the rib will certainly be yet another one of those decisions that opposition fans point to when accusing each other of corruption, which as it turns out – happens quite a lot in Italy.
Controversy aside, Milan played the best football they’ve played all year. Riccardo Montolivo led the side by example in Christian Abbiati’s stead with the armband strapped to his bicep seeming to grant him superpowers – for the first time since his years under Cesare Prandelli, the Andrea Pirlo comparisons appeared justified. Speaking of Andrea Pirlo, the veteran did not enjoy his usually dominating presence in midfield, Max Allegri choosing to employ a rota of sorts with Kevin Prince Boateng, Antonio Nocerino and Nigel De Jong taking it in turns to pressurize the Italy maestro. As a result, Milan dominated a midfield battle that many thought they’d have no chance of competing in and managed to reduce the Bianconeri to just two shots on target, despite having 61% possession. Juventus sit atop of Serie A still, but the battle for the Scudetto looks more interesting than it has been all year.
Meanwhile, Inter once again failed to take advantage of the Champions dropping points after losing 1-0 to Parma on Monday evening. After the post Juventus happiness that surrounded Appiano Gentile three weeks ago, the Nerazzurri haven’t won in three games, losing two. Manager Andrea Stramaccioni admits there has been a “drop in performance”, but his words will not mask the fact that if Inter had won the last three, very winnable games – they would be top of Serie A on 34 points. Along with the Wesley Sneijder conundrum that yet again has reared its ugly head – Esteban Cambiasso urging the club to “find a resolution” to the Dutchman’s contractual negotiations. From paradise to pressure in just a few games, Inter sit fourth and now face another series of must win games if they are to put together a Scudetto challenge.
Another side that is mounting a challenge to Juventus is Napoli, who overcame Cagliari 1-0 to move up to second position, just two points behind the league leaders. Thanks to a goal from Marek Hamsik, who now has six goals to compliment his five assists so far this season, Napoli are now closer to Juve than any point this season. Just one loss in five Serie A games, Napoli are arguably second to only Fiorentina in terms of consistency in recent weeks. Talking of a possible Scudetto, Edinson Cavani said “it’s not such an impossible dream”. He’s got a point.
Roma grabbed another win and amazingly a another clean sheet, beaten Pescara in a very un-Zemanlike 1-0 win. Despite not being as exciting as previous wins under the Czech tactician – to see a solid win and a zero in the goals conceded column will do no end of good for Romanisti hearts. Zdnek Zeman even took off two forwards for two midfielders in the second half, to the general astonishment of all those aware of the former Pescara manager’s style. Roma went momentarily fifth, and are starting put together the type of consistency needed to maintain a positive position in Serie A.
Speaking of Fiorentina, the Viola surprisingly slumped to a 2-2 draw to Torino, with only Mounir El Hamdaoui’s last minute effort saving Montella’s side blushes. Fiorentina sit third and have lost just two games all season, but they got away with a point against Il Toro, who looked the better side for a large portion of the game, Alessio Cerci in particular looking fired up playing against his former side and grabbing a goal to boot.
There was a shock as Palermo beat Catania in the Sicilian derby, thanks to a Josep Illicic double and Fabrizio Miccoli’s 100th Serie A goal. Before the game Catania were in 7th and Palermo were two points above bottom. The win lifted Palermo into 15th, and maybe even gave Gasperini a few more weeks in his job, although with Gasperini you can never be certain.
In the final Serie A game of the week, Lazio cruised past fellow Europa League representative Udinese 3-0 with surprising ease thanks to goals from Alvaro Gonzalez, Miroslav and then a gorgeous free kick from Hernanes to seal the win. The Biancocelesti now sit in 5th, just two points shy of Fiorentina and Inter. For Udinese, fans of the Friuliani will be wondering what happened to the side that lit up the peninsula with 4th and 3rd place finishes in consecutive years – Francesco Guidolin’s ability to find cheap replacements to players sold by the business-centered approach of owner Giampaolo Pozzo appears to have waned after two years of success. It appears the miracle of Udine is finally coming to an end.
Other Results:
Atalanta 0 – 1 Genoa
Chievo 0 – 0 Siena
Sampdoria 1 – 0 Bologna
