The clock stood still and the noise/energy level inside the Allianz Stadium went from party mode to sober when Kalidou Koulibaly powered home his bullet header in the 90th minute from a Jose Callejon corner to put visitors in front. Something strange and unexpected had happened in the home of the champions and league leaders. Their closest rival just scored at a time when recovery was almost impossible and so it happened. Juventus lost 1-0 to Napoli, an experience alien to the Old Lady since her move to the new stadium. Their lead at the top cut down to one point with four games to go. It was a deserved win for the Partenopei whose performance on the night was worthy of all three points. They defended so well that the Biaconeris failed to register a single shot on target.
Since the 2009-10 season when Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan won the league title on the final day pipping AS Roma, we haven’t had a close Scudetto race like this one. Juventus are still on top with a point advantage but have it all to do if they are to retain the title. Napoli, their main challenger with others will surely have a say in where the title resides at the end of the season.
Juventus have a tricky run-in fixtures. They travel to Milan for the Derby d’Italia game against Inter Milan in arguably one of the biggest clash in the Serie A calendar. Inter have everything to play for as they chase Roma and Lazio who are a point better in the race for a Champions League spot. Juventus have a good record at the San Siro against Inter Milan losing just once in their last seven league visits but that defeat came last season. This is a pivotal game for Juventus who cannot afford to drop more points. Their next game after Inter is at home to Bologna. We would expect them to take care of business before travelling to Rome to play AS Roma in another complicated game. The Olimpico has not been a good hunting ground for Juventus, they have managed one victory in their last five away league matches to Roma. The league leaders end the season with a home game to Verona. It remains to be seen if they would still be top come Sunday 20th May.
On the other side, Napoli have work to do as they bid to secure their first Serie A title since 1990. The Naples club travel to Fiorentina in the first of their last four league games. It is worth pointing out that Napoli haven’t lost in the league in their five visit to Fiorentina’s Stadio Artemio Franchi. Juventus will hope for favor from a sworn enemy in a bid to keep top spot on the log. Torino will be the next visitor at Stadio San Paolo (Napoli home ground) in week 35. Napoli have won their last five league meetings against Juventus city rivals Torino. The Partenopei travel to Sampdoria in the penultimate game of the season. Sampdroria’s Luigi Ferraris is another away stadium Napoli haven’t lost in their last five league visits. On the final day, they host Crotone at home.
It looks like a quite easy on paper for Maurizio Sarri and his team but football has provided us with so many twists and turns. As we look forward to this keenly contested race which could possibly go down to the wire, we are excited at the prospect of a new champion emerging in Italy or the possibility of a record breaking Juventus team winning the title in seven consecutive seasons.
On Saturday evening at 19.45hrs, Inter Milan host Juventus at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, San Siro. Predict and win big by visiting Babaijebu.ng while on Sunday at 17.00hrs, Fiorentina entertain Napoli at Stadio Artemio Franchi. Predict and win big by visiting Babaijebu.ng
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