Como, Juventus and Atalanta: Easter Monday results ignite the Champions race
Como did not go beyond a 0-0 draw at Udinese, then Atalanta strolled through Lecce winning 3-0, and finally Juventus got rid of Genoa closing the books at Allianz Stadium before even the 20′ minute mark. A day after Roma’s Easter meltdown at San Siro against Inter, the other pretenders for fourth place all took the field over Easter Monday. And, also in view of the clashes scheduled for next weekend, it is really the case to say that the race toward the fourth place in Serie A is more open and interesting than ever.
In fact, the draw with untouched goals by Como, which interrupts its streak of five consecutive league victories by failing to solve the Udinese rebus in the lunchtime challenge, is likely to have an important weight. On the contrary: in the first half to try were Atta and Kamara for the hosts, who were also dangerous in the end of the match with Zaniolo (providential Kempf). For the Larians only a flick by Douvikas neutralized by Okoye. Quite different was the performance of Atalanta, who took the lead in Lecce as early as 29′ thanks to a great right-footed insertion in the box by Scalvini and the doubling in 59′ signed by the dismayed former Krstovic. Then, at 73′, a lightning-quick left-footer by Raspadori to close the score.
Everything was easy for Juventus, too, which surprised Genoa at 4′ with a thunderous action ended by Kelly’s assist for Bremer and at 17′ put the three points on ice when McKennie sealed a three-touch Bianconeri counterattack by receiving from Conceiçao and beating Bijlow impeccably. Numerous chances to triple, but in the second half it was Di Gregorio who made the Stadium rejoice. Succeeding Perin early in the second half due to an injury to his colleague, the Bianconeri goalkeeper partially redeemed a season so far to forget by saving a penalty to Martin at 75′.
By virtue of all these results, Como remains fourth but with only one point lead (58 to 57) over Juventus. At -3 from the Bianconeri resists at 54, however, Roma now finds Atalanta just one point behind (53) just as the breath seems to be getting shorter.
And watch out, because on Saturday the Old Lady will play precisely in Bergamo against an Atalanta that has become a little black beast in recent times. But that’s not enough, because the next day Cesc Fabregas’ Como will receive Inter Milan, with the risk of losing its momentum again. All this knowing already the result of Roma, who will already face Pisa at the Olimpico on Friday. And all Champions talk could again change face.
