t’s a great Serie A matchday that began yesterday in Bologna, with Italiano’s team securing a last-minute victory over Torino: an own goal by Biraghi decided the match, allowing the Rossoblù to temporarily go three points ahead of Milan and one point behind Fiorentina, which will play at home against Como on Sunday at lunchtime. Milan plays on Saturday evening at San Siro against Verona, who are coming off a heavy 0-5 home defeat to Atalanta. On paper, the outcome seems predictable, but the Rossoneri have shown this season that they are their own worst enemies and are coming from a grueling and unsuccessful European away match in the Netherlands. Just days before the return match against Feyenoord, which could grant them passage to the Champions League Round of 16, but only if they overturn the 0-1 first-leg defeat, Conceicao’s team will need to find the physical and mental energy and focus to give their all against Verona as well.
In terms of the Champions League race and the Scudetto fight, Lazio-Napoli, scheduled for Saturday at 6 PM at the Stadio Olimpico, represents a crucial fixture. Baroni’s team is undoubtedly Napoli’s nemesis, having defeated them twice this season between Serie A and Coppa Italia. Moreover, the form of both teams suggests maximum alert for the league leaders, who are coming off two consecutive draws, whereas Lazio has won their last two matches. If Napoli wins away, they would significantly boost their Scudetto hopes and force Inter to take the field on Sunday evening at the Stadium against Juve with immense pressure.
Juventus-Inter is by far the most important match of the 25th round: a historically intense fixture, known as the “Derby d’Italia,” it represents a decisive turning point in the season for both teams. Juventus faced the Champions League playoff against PSV and awaits a fiery return leg in the Netherlands, where they must defend a slim one-goal lead to reach the Round of 16. Inter is the only Italian team to have qualified among the top eight in the Champions League group stage and did not have to exert additional effort this week.
Between the two contenders, Atalanta hopes to benefit, hosting Cagliari at home on Saturday at 3 PM. The European fatigue of La Dea could play a role, especially following the surprising midweek defeat at Bruges, which was, it must be said, heavily influenced by a controversial penalty awarded to the Belgians in stoppage time. The same argument applies as with Milan: Atalanta is stronger than Cagliari and plays at home, making the forecast seem straightforward on paper, but they must remain focused, or they risk encountering multiple difficulties.
On Sunday at 6 PM, Roma, coming off an energy-draining and controversial European away match at Porto, visits Parma. In Porto, Ranieri lashed out in the post-match, fiercely criticizing the referee and UEFA referee designator Rosetti, accusing him of appointing a referee who was too “home-biased.” In the post-match press conference, the Giallorossi coach further intensified his stance compared to his initial TV comments, pointing out that Rosetti had also sent Taylor to Budapest… For Roma fans, it was déjà vu… The news is that this time, the Friedkins fully backed the coach (unlike after the Budapest final, when Mourinho was left completely alone): the ownership sent a formal letter of protest to UEFA. Could this signal a break in the not-so-lucky relationship with Ceferin? Meanwhile, in Parma, Ranieri’s team must shake off the European aftermath and focus on securing their third consecutive away victory of the season.
