Serie A isn’t over yet. Here’s why Roma or Napoli could win title
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Three weeks ago, Juventus were cruising towards a sixth successive Serie A title. But while they’re still hot favourites in the betting, the Old Lady’s recent form – combined with that of Roma and Napoli means it isn’t over yet.
Juve have a four-point gap with two games remaining, which might sound insurmountable. But based on their recent results, it may not be.
Max Allegri’s men have taken just one point from their last three league games, drawing with Atalanta and mid-table Torino, before a resounding 3-1 loss at the hands of Roma.
While two points from three games is a poor return, Juventus are fortunate to have managed even that.
Only a 92nd-minute equaliser rescued a point in the Turin derby, while Atalanta missed chances before they eventually took the lead in the pair’s 2-2 draw. Had they gone two up at home…
They’d be hoping for two straightforward games to try and get that all-important win to close out the title, but that’s not what Allegri’s side are getting.
First up are a Crotone side who are not only battling for their Serie A status, but also head into this clash in fine form – having taken 17 points from their last seven games.
That’s followed by a trip to Stadio Renato Dall’Ara to face Bologna – a team who have taken points off the Old Lady in two of their past three visits here.
And with the Champions League final less than a week after that game, there’s a real chance that complacency and a lack of focus on the league campaign could affect Juve in Bologna.
Although Roma are four points behind Juve, the capital club boast a superior goal difference. So too Napoli, who sit a point behind I Giallorossi.
So, could they take advantage of a potential slip up from the Turin giants?
Well, the Stadio Olimpico club have won nine of their last 11 games in all competitions, and neither of their remaining challengers are likely to pose too many problems.
Chievo are comfortably located in lower mid-table, and have little left to play for. Oh, and Roma have won the last two meetings with them by an aggregate score of 6-1.
Meanwhile, final-day visitors Genoa are, to be frank, dire on their travels, losing 13 of their last 16 away games.
So, could the 14/1 shots of Roma clinch their first title since 2001?
Or is there a chance of Napoli incredibly pipping both to the post at 100/1?
Well, there’s little doubt the Campania club will do their bit.
They’ve won eight and drawn two of their last 10 matches, netting 27 goals along the way – including a 5-0 trouncing of Torino last time out. Yep, the same Torino who almost won away at Juve a few weeks back.
Maurizio Sarri’s men face a hugely inconsistent Fiorentina, before a final-day clash with a Sampdoria side who’ve won just once in eight games.
We’re not saying Juve will continue their winless streak, but far stranger things have happened. And the teams behind them will be ready to pounce if they do.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
