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The 2015/2016 Serie A season so far has been one of the most interesting Scudetto races in recent times, and this weekend certainly did not disappoint. Calcio fans worldwide were treated to four out of the top five teams in action on Sunday and after the dust had settled, there were some slight changes in the rankings.
So, what did round 16 of fixtures reveal to us? Let’s have a look…
1. Some call them “boring” but clearly Inter Milan appear to have found the winning formula…for now
This season has been a good one for Roberto Mancini’s men, who will head into the halfway point crowned as winter champions. And naturally, when one is doing well, the critics love to come out in full force and one charge they have leveled against this team is the fact that they play “boring” football.
How so? Well, a look at Inter’s record shows that out of their 11 wins, a whopping nine have been the result of a margin of +1 goal. Whilst that in itself is not anything too surprising, a closer look at their offensive output reveals a different story: with the exception of 4-0 wins over Frosinone and recently, Udinese, the rest of Inter’s victories have been 1-0 results.
Still, whether one wins 1-0 or 8-0, the result is the same: three points. And despite not exactly setting alight with the least-prolific attack out of the top five sides, they can boast to not just have the best defense in Italy, but across Europe’s big 5 leagues, with 11 clean sheets (only Ligue 1 side Angers has fared better).
2. Roma is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde…you never know which one you’ll get
Two seasons, two runners-up finishes for the Giallorossi. In their third under Rudi Garcia, the capital club have shown moments of brilliance, followed by moments of utter disaster. This past weekend saw them hold Napoli to a 0-0 draw meaning that they still have not won a game since Lazio in the Derby della Capitale. And whilst some may say a “draw is better than a loss”, it cost the Lupi dearly, as now they have slipped down into fifth.
Fans will surely hope that the Christmas break will help to re-energize the troops and the “good” Roma will be the one on show starting in 2016.
3. It’s never over until the fat lady – or in this case, the old lady – sings
With their impressive 3-1 win over Fiorentina, Juventus have now won six matches on the trot. It’s shocking to even think at the start of this season that la Vecchia Signora were closer to the relegation zone than competing for even a Europa League football berth, but my, have they turned things around, and one can certainly bet that Inter, Napoli, and the Viola will be looking over their shoulders if they make it seven wins in seven to cap off 2015.
To further illustrate this point – in round 10, Juventus were 11 points behind the Giallorossi. Six rounds later, they are now one point ahead in fourth place. And with basement boys Carpi coming up, one really won’t bet against the Bianconeri from making it seven wins in seven to finish 2015.
4. Three bottom teams = nine straightforward points? Not so much if you’re AC Milan
When Rossoneri fans got a glance at Milan’s remaining fixtures for this year, one could not fault them for smiling a bit. Up were Carpi, Hellas Verona, and Frosinone – three teams that just so happen to be in the relegation spots and three teams that seemed like a easy nine points to propel them into a European football spot.
The first blow was somehow having to settle for a draw with Carpi – a dull 0-0 result on the road. And despite actually scoring against Hellas Verona – a team yet to win a game all season – the Diavolo were unable to hang on and had to share the spoils with the Gialloblu. So, now instead of nine points, the most they can earn is a total of five – provided that they don’t drop the ball against Frosinone this Sunday.
With Round 17 set to begin this Saturday, we could be set for some more changes in the table. Which teams will head into the Christmas holiday with plenty to smile about?
Very awesome, roundup. Some good points. I think that Juve can do it, to win the Scudetto, but it will be close race with them and Inter. The Nerazzurri have no European competitions to make them tired and they have done well. It very funny, earlier some writers at ESPN say in September Juve have no chance…back in September after Juve bad start! Season run till May, so a lot can happen.
Roma are so unpredictable it is so odd. Good showing 1-1 with Barcelona. Same team, they lose 6-1.
On AC Milan – I see other very good piece from you at Proven Quality and agree with your points here as well. They are very frustrate this season, but there is so much coach can do. Berlusconi is in fantasy world, demanding Champions League spot when there is no way they could even compete in Europa League. Milan has long way to go.