The Tuesday Calcio Wrap-Up #2: Ultras protests, Danish ecstasy and a Roman resurgence
Welcome to this week's wrap-up, where I give my thoughts on all the ups, downs and round and rounds from a weekend of Calcio fun.
This week was the week we saw (probably) the biggest game of the season as Inter travelled to the Maradona, Milan face a must win test against a good Lazio side and a top-of-the-table clash in Serie B that has made huge steps to confirming the outcome of that league. Not only that, though, we’ve seen impatient ultras, penalty drama (again) and calls for managers’ sacking (again). Welcome back to The Tuesday Calcio Wrap-Up. Strap yourselves in.
A Danish Delivery
Philip Billing was front and centre post-match after Napoli drew with Inter at home. The big Dane scored an 86th-minute equaliser to rescue a point in what was a colossal moment for Napoli’s Scudetto bid. Antonio Conte opted for Billy Gilmour in midfield over Billing, which proved a great choice given how well Scotsman worked with counterpart Stanislav Lobotka. He brought on Billing in the 79th minute to add some more physicality to their midfield for the latter stages and he delivered, latching onto a rebound from his own initial shot with a first-time finish. Cue ecstasy. The bench emptied, the Ultras exploded and the atmosphere in the Maradona was phenomenal after the goal. Fans, players and coaches knew how much that goal meant and you could feel it run through every ounce of the stadium.
Sassuolo win the Serie B
Okay, there’s nothing official yet. But Sassuolo currently sit eight points clear after they beat second-placed Pisa. Sassuolo’s form is fantastic, too, having only lost three games all season (one of which was the reverse fixture away to Pisa). Their form this season will give them incredible confidence to keep going right until the end leading to them lifting the championship. Pisa can still be confident of automatic promotion, though, as the work Pippo Inzaghi does continues to be fantastic. Led by Fabio Grosso, Sassuolo fans can be excited about a return to Serie A this season and it’s only a matter of time before they’re confirmed as going up. However, this is Calcio and anything can happen and things can change…
Juventus ultras are not happy with Thiago Motta
A video emerged on Sunday evening of Juventus ultras calling Thiago Motta ‘a piece of shit’, which seems harsh. Whilst they sit in 4th place, they’ve lost one game all season and find themselves very much an outsider for the title race. If they continue to win games (which they have done the last five), and results go their way (aka Napoli, Inter and Atalanta keep dropping points as they are), there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider them in the running. However, on the flip side, they crashed out of the Champions League and the Coppa Italia meaning a trophyless season is the most likely. Qualification for Champions League via the league this year is a non-negotiable, too. Have the Ultras jumped the gun, here? I do see both sides, although seems a bit of an overreaction to personally attack the manager like that. It’ll be interesting to see what the club does next. Do they stick by the project or cut their losses and find someone new? For me, clubs are often too early in abandoning the project but with Juventus’ financial predicament, maybe they don’t have time to wait for success.
A Roman Resurgence under Ranieri
Since Claudio Ranieri returned to Roma as manager this season, they have got 30 points from 15 games. Only Inter and Napoli have won more, with Atalanta equaling Roma’s tally. Ranieri has them as one of the best-performing teams in Europe right now, giving them a real resurgence and hope for the future. They still sit in 8th place, one above Milan, but are only four points off a European spot which, for me, has to be the goal. If Ranieri can provide European football for Roma this season, then that is an incredible piece of work from the man who took Leicester to a Premier League title. Dilly, dilly - right? Post-Ranieri will be key for Roma, and i Giallorossi fans have to hope the Friedkins pick the right man to take over. Maurizio Sarri, Max Allegri or someone else? Who knows. For now, Roma fans are just enjoying the ride under Ranieri and co.
Milan want Cesc Fabregas, but is it too early?
I ask ‘is it too early?’ for both the club and manager. Whilst Sergio Coenciciao has not been the revelation many had hoped for post-Supercoppa win, is it too early to sack him given he came in midway through the season? Noise from the club is that they will sack him and turn their attention to Cesc Fabregas. This open flirting from the club seems disrespectful to their current manager but I’m not sure many expected less from the ownership of the club. If Fabregas were to leave Como for Milan, I’d think he’s made the wrong decision. Why leave the project where you’re so heavily invested in for a club run like a circus where the pressure is sky high and will ultimately break your career? It doesn’t make sense to me. Regardless, the situation in Milan is bleak. Ultras entered their loss to Lazio 15 minutes after kick-off in protest against Redbird, Cardinale and co. They want the ownership out. Chaos rains down on Milan right now and desperation is setting in because there’s a chance they don’t qualify for Europe. Don’t worry Rossoneri fans, I won’t even start on the sacking of Paolo Maldini.