Atalanta And Roma Boost Their Champions League Hopes With Big Home Wins
Atalanta thrash Verona to return to winning ways
Atalanta returned to winning ways in Serie A with a 6-1 thrashing of Hellas Verona at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday. The victory moved Atalanta up to fourth place in the standings, level on points with third-placed Roma. Verona, meanwhile, remained in 19th place, just one point above the relegation zone.
Atalanta dominated the match from the start and took the lead in the 12th minute through Teun Koopmeiners. The Netherlands international midfielder curled a superb free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards out.
Atalanta doubled their lead in the 26th minute through Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian forward latched onto a through ball from Ederson and fired a low shot past Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipò.
Roma beat Fiorentina to move into third place
Roma boosted their hopes of a top-four finish in Serie A with a 2-0 victory over Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. The win moved Roma up to third place in the standings, two points behind second-placed Inter Milan and six points behind leaders Napoli.
Roma took the lead in the 25th minute through Paulo Dybala. The Argentina forward curled a free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards out.
Roma doubled their lead in the 65th minute through Tammy Abraham. The England international striker headed home from close range after a cross from Leonardo Spinazzola.
Milan held by Cremonese
AC Milan dropped points in the Serie A title race as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Cremonese at the Stadio Giovanni Zini on Sunday. The result left Milan in second place in the standings, three points behind leaders Napoli.
Milan dominated the match but failed to find a way past Cremonese goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi. The Italian goalkeeper made a number of saves to deny Milan, including a brilliant stop from a Zlatan Ibrahimovic header in the second half.
The draw was a blow to Milan's hopes of winning their first Serie A title since 2011. However, they remain in contention for the title and will be hoping to bounce back with a victory in their next match against Sassuolo.
Juve beat Inter 2-0 To Keep Title Hopes Alive, Napoli Beat Lazio 2-1
Juventus revived their fading Serie A title hopes with a 2-0 win over Inter Milan on Sunday night. The victory moved Juve up to seventh place in the standings, 10 points behind leaders Napoli.
Inter took the lead in the seventh minute through Lautaro Martinez. The Argentina international forward converted a penalty after Gleison Bremer was adjudged to have fouled him in the box.
However, Juve fought back and equalised in the 34th minute through Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbia international striker slotted home from close range after a cross from Filip Kostic.
Juve then took the lead in the 52nd minute through Nicolo Fagioli. The Italian midfielder curled a superb shot into the top corner from 25 yards out.
What Next For The Title Contenders?
The Serie A title race is now wide open with Napoli, Inter, Juve, and Roma all in contention. Napoli remain the favourites but Inter, Juve, and Roma will all be hoping to take advantage of any slip-ups from the leaders. Next matchday, Napoli will face Salernitana, Inter will face Bologna, and Juve will play Fiorentina.
