Scudetto, Champions League, salvation: April is the month of truth

After the break for the first matches of the national teams in view of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, Serie A is back and, coinciding with the beginning of April, in the next few days, from the Napoli scudetto to the Champions area up to the fight for salvation, important verdicts can come. Both the direct clashes and the European commitments of all the teams involved will play a decisive role, with the exception of Lazio and Atalanta.

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Napoli prepares the party

Starting from the absolute ruler of the championship, the Naples now it has only one opponent in the run-up to the third championship in its history: arithmetic. Currently, 11 days from the end, the points lead over second-placed Lazio are even 19. Virtually behind Spalletti’s boys would be Juventus, which without the 15 penalty points would be at 56 against the leaders’ 71. But now the party is ready and even in the Campania capital most of the fans have also abandoned the traditional superstition, a sign of how the dream is now very close. Many then dream of the double in the Champions League, where there will be an all-Italian match against Milan in the quarterfinals.

Lazio is waiting for Immobile

Behind Napoli as mentioned there is the Lazio by Sarri, the only Italian eliminated in the last round of European cups, but who largely redeemed herself by winning the derby before the break. The absence of midweek commitments could be a real joker for the biancocelesti (as for Atalanta), who hope to get back a Ciro Immobile finally without physical problems which in 2023 limited his use.

Inter and Milan are looking for continuity

The Milanese alternate great single matches, especially in the Champions League, with dangerous slip-ups in the league. The Nerazzurri are currently third on 50 points, two more than their cousins. Inzaghi And Pegs they know they have a great opportunity in Europe, a perfect path so far that could sweep away the shadows of the various Conte (just released from Tottenham), Luis Enrique and so on. But at the same time a lack of access to the Europe that matters could be fatal for their fate in the shadow of the Cathedral. During the break, no great news arrived from the infirmary: Calhanoglu and Dzeko on one side and Ibrahimovic and Kalulu on the other stopped.

Rome and Atalanta pursue

To dress the role of the pursuers are Rome And Atalanta. The Giallorossi, who had a good draw in the Europa League (Feyenoord and one between Leverkusen and Saint-Gilloise the obstacles to reach the final), are one point away from fourth place despite three defeats in the last four league days. Mourinho, who will return to the bench after the controversial disqualification for the expulsion of Cremona, will have to be good at putting aside the controversies (not least the poisonous declarations of the former Zaniolo) and concentrate on the final rush. Similar speech for Atalanta, without European commitments and with less frenzy to reach a place in the Champions League, but ready to give battle to the end, especially after the recent explosion of Hojlund.

Juve hopes in Coni

And then there’s the Juventus. Paradoxically, the Bianconeri changed gears after the 15-point penalty by the Federal Court which seemed to have ousted them from any European placement. Instead the team compacted, Merry he found a Of Maria finally in great shape (waiting for the real Vlahovic and for Chiesa and Pogba to reach top form) and the ranking now says -7 from Milan and -4 from Atalanta. Then there is the wildcard Europa League where the Old Lady is considered the big favorite together with Manchester United. However, Juventus fans are waiting for important news not only from the field, but also from the College of Guarantee of Cones, called to issue the sentence on the club’s appeal against -15. In the event of the sentence being annulled, a scenario unthinkable only a month ago would open up. Without forgetting the Coppa Italia where on 4 and 26 April there will be the double challenge in the Italian derby against Inter.

The fight for salvation

Strong emotions even in the lower part of the standings. There Cremona (13 points) now seems doomed and everything will be played in the semi-final of the Italian Cup against Florentine (in turn also involved in the Conference quarterfinals). Before the stop the Sampdoria (penultimate at 15) has finally found the first home success, but the points of detachment from Spice (24) fourth from last are nine. He has some more hopeHellas Verona (19) who, however, has slowed down the run-up lately with no wins in the last five races. But Salernitana’s feat last year teaches us that everything is possible until the last round of the championship.