News Focus
- AC Milan host Cagliari knowing victory will secure their place in next season’s Champions League
- Juventus face Torino in the derby but need other results to go their way to qualify for Europe
- AS Roma and Como remain in contention with only two points separating the four competing clubs
- Napoli prepare to bid farewell to manager Antonio Conte amid fresh speculation about the club’s ownership
- All five decisive matches kick off simultaneously at 20:45 local time on Sunday
The Italian Serie A season reaches its final day this Sunday with huge drama expected. Several big clubs fight for the remaining places in next season’s Champions League.
AC Milan stand close to securing their spot in Europe’s top competition. They play Cagliari at the San Siro stadium, and three points will confirm their qualification. Manager Massimiliano Allegri is counting on Nkunku to deliver a strong performance. Club owner Gerry Cardinale plans to speak to the players before kick-off to give them extra motivation.
However, Milan cannot feel completely safe. AS Roma travel to face Verona and can still overtake them. Como also remain in the hunt for a Champions League place. Just two points separate these three teams, making the race impossible to predict.
Juventus face a much harder task. They play city rivals Torino in the derby match. Even if they win at the Allianz Stadium, this result might not be enough. They need other teams to drop points in order to climb into the top four. Juventus also have injury worries, as Yildiz is ruled out and Vlahovic is a doubt for the clash.
Torino have not beaten their neighbours in eleven years. Their coach D’Aversa has promised to change this record and make history.
In other weekend action, Inter Milan drew 3-3 away at Bologna. Defender Dimarco scored a hat-trick, while captain Lautaro Martinez finishes the campaign as the league’s top scorer.
At Napoli, the focus is on big changes rather than the match against Udinese. Manager Antonio Conte will take charge of his final game at a sold-out Stadio Maradona. There are also reports that a group of investors wants to buy the club, after current owner Aurelio De Laurentiis rejected a €2 billion offer.
Meanwhile, Lazio lost 2-1 to Pisa, with veteran striker Pedro scoring their only goal. Bologna manager Italiano will meet with club leaders this week to decide his future, and Cesc Fabregas has spoken strongly about Inter’s interest in midfielder Nico Paz.