Serie A Game Reviews - March 9, 2010
Distress signals?

Serie A: Post-Match Comments
Inter wasted a match-point after Roma and Milan drew on Saturday. Giancarlo Rinaldi on the Week 27 that was

Anyone who thought Milan and Roma had handed the title to Inter with their goalless draw will have to think again – at least for another week or two. It appeared the chasing duo had played right into Jose Mourinho’s hands by sharing the spoils in the Stadio Olimpico. The Nerazzurri, however, were not good enough to capitalise.

The fact that the reigning champions gathered their third goalless draw in their last four League outings may or may not be significant. At present it is a minor ailment but it could yet develop into a crippling affliction. Teams have learned how to stifle Inter. Or, if you flip it on its head, the boys in blue and black are struggling to impose themselves on a game.

That, in itself, is nothing new. The League leaders seem to enjoy being stung into action and often drift through matches where they are required to take the initiative. However, a few more lacklustre displays like the one against Genoa and they might yet throw away a title which seemed there for the taking.

There were mixed messages from the game in Rome. Milan emerged as the moral victors of the match but failed to come away with the three points they needed to bolster their title challenge. Nonetheless, they appeared more likely to trouble Inter than the Giallorossi.

The problem for Leonardo is that his side can not yet sustain their excellent play. They can look like world-beaters for about an hour but not for a full match. If they could add a little more stamina and energy to their locker they could yet give their city cousins a scare.

That Scudetto mission looks just beyond Claudio Ranieri’s side. They have had an excellent season but their form seems to be flattening out. However, a favourable fixture list, the lack of European distractions and the fact that they still have Inter to visit the Olimpico means they cannot be ruled out entirely – at least for the time being.

It all leaves the fight for the final Champions League slot as one of the most exciting in recent times. Palermo, Juventus and Sampdoria all recorded narrow wins which give them the edge over a Napoli side struggling for form at present. It is not easy to interpret which of the trio might ultimately seize the final spot in Europe’s biggest competition.

For pedigree, of course, the Bianconeri are streets ahead but they were far from convincing in their victory in Florence. Fiorentina dominated for long spells without being able to find the net. However, Alberto Zaccheroni’s men showed a coolness in front of goal which must have pleased their Coach.

The Sicilians have the best recent form of the contenders and could also benefit from the fact that Juve and Samp go head to head in a couple of weeks. The outcome of that clash will have a big say in which side finishes fourth. Although we may yet need a last-day decider to deliver the final verdict.