For a 5th straight season, Inter will grace the scudetto. This also marks their 18th* scudetto all time, bringing them to 2nd (Juventus has 27 while Milan is stuck at 17). Not to rain on anyone's parade, but don't be shocked to see their controversial 05/06 scudetto revoked after the recently reopened Calciopoli trail, where new evidence has shown Inter to be as guilty as Juventus, the club who won the title on the field.
As for Roma and Ranieri, yet another case of coming in 2nd. However their effort was certainly worthy of much praise. It should be interesting to see if they can push for the title next season as well. As for the exciting Champions League race we've had, Sampdoria locked it with Gianpaolo Pazzini appropriately capping off a career year.
Finally, while this post will only highlight the final week of matches, I'll be posting a full review of each club's season. More importantly, I intend to preview and review EVERY match of this upcoming World Cup. Only 23 days away!!!
Matches of the Week:
Inter @ Siena 1-0: Milito 57 (I)
You always knew they were going to win. There was too much momentum and too much quality for this team to stumble. And so after my third full season as a legitimate calcio enthusiast, I still know no other champion than Inter.
(My Prediction: 2-0 Inter)
Roma @ Chievo 2-0: Vucinic 39 (R), De Rossi 45
I want to say that Roma had a great season, but considering just how close they came really hurts. It's becoming harder and harder for provincial clubs to compete with the big ones and so when you're at the top of the table with only four matches left, there's little consolation.
(My Prediction: 2-2)
The Final Standings...
Juventus @ Milan 0-3:
Antonini 14 (M), Ronaldinho 29, 68 (M)
While Milan would definitely say that they had a disappointing season, beating Juventus 3-0 both times in the season has to feel pretty good. Smile Juve fans, your season has ended!
(My Prediction: 0-0)
Udinese @ Lazio 1-3: Hitzlsperger 16 (L), Di Natale 30 (U), Floccari 44 (L), Brocchi 52 (L)
Lazio cap off their season with a solid win while Di Natale adds one more goal to cap off his league high 29 goals. Obviously a disappointing year for both clubs but you would have to expect both of them to rebound next season.
(My Prediction: 2-2)
Bologna @ Cagliari 1-1: Adailton 3 (B), Ragatzu 64 (C)
Not a whole lot in this match. Both teams basically just riding out the end of the season and will remain in Serie A next year.
(My Prediction: 1-1)
Fiorentina @ Bari 0-2: Stellini 36 (B), Rivas 95 (B)
Viola fans are also happy to have their season come to a close. Bari though cap off their return to Serie A in style. It should be great to watch them for another season.
(My Prediction: 0-3 Bari)
Genoa @ Catania 0-1: Maxi Lopez 65 (C)
Maxi Lopez leaves his mark on a phenominal Serie A debut season. I believe his goal tally finished at 11 through 17 matches. Keep an eye out for him.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Genoa)
Livorno @ Parma 1-4: Lanzafame 45, 46 (P), Morrone 49 (P), Danilevicius 71 (L), Crespo 91 (P)
Parma also close out their return season in style. Granted, it was against #20 Livorno, they still had an excellent season.
(My Prediction: 1-3 Parma)
Napoli @ Sampdoria 0-1: Pazzini 51 (S)
I wonder how many people had Sampdoria qualifying for the Champions League at the beginning of the season. There's so much to say about them and how big of a roller coaster season they had. Napoli should also keep their heads up as they too had a great season and have plenty to look forward to in September.
(My Prediction: 2-3 Sampdoria)
Palermo @ Atalanta 2-1: Cavani 12, pen 94 (P), Ceravolo 48 (A)
Similar to Roma, Palermo simply took the lead a bit too early and couldn't hang on. Nonetheless, they still have plenty to be proud of.
(My Prediction: 1-0 Palermo)
No comments:
Post a Comment