As champions Napoli continue their triumphant tour of Bologna on Sunday, the rest of the important business in Serie A can be wrapped up in the final weekend of the Serie A season.
When Juventus, who started Monday in second place, were dealt a double blow in the evening with a 10-point penalty for illegal transfer activity that dropped them to seventh and then a disappointing 4-1 defeat at Empoli, Lazio inherited and guaranteed second place. Top four finish.
The points deduction also put the two Milan clubs on the brink of securing Champions League spots. They can help themselves and each other this weekend if they beat the two teams that can catch them.
Inter, who won the Coppa Italia on Wednesday and are eyeing next month’s Champions League final, are third, with Saturday’s hosts Atalanta in fifth.
Inter have a five-point lead over Atalanta, with Roma a further adrift in sixth, so while victory against Manchester City in Istanbul would qualify them for next season’s competition, they are in the top four. Can make sure. A draw on Sunday will suffice.
“We have two league games and then the final in Istanbul for a great end to the season,” Inter coach Filippo Inzaghi said after his side beat Fiorentina in the Italian Cup final on Wednesday.
AC Milan, who dropped to fourth when Juventus were penalized, are two points behind Inter.
Milan could be caught not only by Atalanta and Roma but also by an injured side when they visit Juventus on Sunday evening.
If Inter don’t lose, AC Milan know that a win will be enough despite going into the round.
At the bottom, Cremona and Sampdoria are already down.
Hellas Verona are in the second relegation spot but just one point behind Lecce and two behind Spezia.
All three face mid-table clubs with little to play for.
If Verona lose to in-form Empoli early on Sunday and Spezia travel to Torino on Saturday and Lacy win at Monza later on Sunday, the Heels will be doomed.
Key stats
52 – AC Milan have more league wins against Juventus than any other Serie A club but their record against the Turin giants still stands at just 52 wins, 56 draws and 67 losses in 175 league meetings. .
23 – Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has 23 goals and is three behind Inter’s Lautaro Martinez in the race for the title of Capocannonier, or Serie A’s top scorer.
Fixtures (GMT)
Friday
Sampdoria v Sassuolo (1845)
Saturday
Salerno vs Udinese (1300), Spezia vs Torino (1300), Fiorentina vs Roma (1600), Inter Milan vs Atalanta (1845)
Sunday
Hellas Verona v Empoli (1030), Bologna v Napoli (1300), Monza v Lexi (1300), Lazio v Cremona (1800) Juventus v AC Milan (1845)
