Week 27: Still in the balance

Scudetto Race
Many thought this a decisive week in the Scudetto campaign, but it turned out only to maintain the status quo in Serie A as Inter's four point gap at the top of the table remained in tact. Milan headed to Rome on Saturday night stepping into the caldron of the Stadio Olimpico to take on a Roma side in fine form, in Serie A at least, unbeaten in the league since October. The hosts started the brighter but it will be Milan shaking their heads all week long for not picking up the three points as Ronaldinho, Marco Boriello and Klass Jan Huntelaar all had great chances for the Rossoneri in the second half, although in the case of Huntelaar credit must go to Roma defender Burdisso for a fantastic intervention. Roma, of course, were not without chances of their own as Baptista and Riise both tested Abbiati from distance while Mirko Vucinic's headed effort went fractionally wide. 0-0 it finished, and gave Inter all the impetus they would have needed to see of Genoa and gain an additional two point advantage. But they could not, and were subjected to a defensive master class by one of the worst defensive sides in the league. Credit to Genoa, they made Inter chase the game and were patient in their attacks. Another 0-0, another week where the gap is maintained though. But, should Inter be worried. Well, I think they should. With back to back away games to Catania and Palermo next, with the latter side unbeaten at home, further points could well be dropped before the mamoth week 31 clash between Roma and Inter at the Stadio Olimpico. Milan will be the likely benefactors of all this and this should make for a pulsating finish to the season.

Battle for fourth place
Juventus responded from their dismal showing against Palermo the week before by beating Fiorentina away from home 2-1 thanks to goals from Diego and a excellent Fabio Grosso effort. A defensive howler let Fiorentina back in the game, who perhaps were already thinking ahead to their Champions League tie with Bayern. Palermo kept up their fine form, although only thanks to a late Miccoli winner. Napoli continued to stutter this time loosing away to Bologna, who have in fairness been in very good form of late as they ran out 2-1 winners with all the goals in the first 15 minutes although they remain in my eyes the best team in the race for the fourth place. Sampdoria, also firmly in the fight for a place in the Champions League, came from behind to beat Lazio thanks to a brilliantly taken winner from Giampaolo Pazzini. Antonio Cassano also returned and will boast their challenge for a European place.

Elsewhere
Bari returned to winning ways with a vital 1-0 win over Chievo while Cagliari came from behind with a man down to draw 2-2 at home to Catania, reborn under Sinisa Mihajlovic. Siena continued their unbeaten run with a 1-1 draw at home to Parma coming from behind in that one. Finally, Atalanta were held at home to Udinese in a vital battle for points in the relegation battle.