2002 was crazy, probably the most memorable end to a Serie A title race. 2018 was incredible as well, probably the most memorable end to a race for fourth anywhere across Europe. What will 2020 bring? Amongst the myriad of big games in Italy, Lazio hosting Inter has a history of drama unlike any other. Their meeting on Sunday won’t be as defining as the aforementioned games — after all, they’ll still be another 14 games left in the season. But boy is it a big game! The hosts are just a point behind their visitors at the top of the table. Lazio are unbeaten in 18 games, Inter are unbeaten in 16. The last team to beat Lazio in the league? Inter, of course. Under Antonio Conte, Inter were expected to challenge. Under Simone Inzaghi, Lazio have surprised, in the process showing the value of how a team can develop if their best players aren't sold every season. Considering their resources, the Biancocelesti could make a case for being the best team in the league this season. They have scored more than everyone bar Atalanta, and have conceded the fewest goals along with Inter. Lazio have less to lose, but will they get stage fright as the chance of unlikely glory increases? Inter come into the game with momentum after a comeback for the ages in the Milan derby last weekend. They aren’t convincing for 90 minutes, but Conte has inserted trademark resilience and intensity into the Nerazzurri. Will anything give on Sunday? I just hope the game lives up to expectations.
I didn’t really want to write about anything else, but there is also a big game in the race for fourth. On Saturday, can Atalanta deal a decisive blow to Roma? Paulo Fonseca’s promising debut season is threatening to fall apart at the seams due to some unfortunate injuries and the defence having a collective meltdown since the Rome derby. One gets the sense it is a game that the Giallorossi can’t afford to lose. Atalanta on the other hand are flying. There is a growing sense of excitement as they prepare for their first Champions League knockout game against Valencia. More pertinently, they are in an excellent position to qualify again, which will enable the club to keep growing in the organic manner that has won so many hearts. Win and take a six-point lead over Roma and its hard to see them lose their grip on fourth. Another high stakes game. What a weekend!
Lecce 3 SPAL 0
Bologna 2 Genoa 1
Atalanta 3 Roma 2
Udinese 1 Verona 1
Sampdoria 2 Fiorentina 2
Sassuolo 2 Parma 1
Juve 3 Brescia 1
Cagliari 1 Napoli 2
Lazio 2 Inter 1
Milan 2 Torino 0
Season Score - 22/60