Serie A

Italian Serie A – January 2018-19 Round Up

Italian Serie A – January 2018-19 Round Up

Juventus look unstoppable

The Italian Serie A had a familiar look to it going into January with Juventus who are looking to make it eight titles in a row undefeated and nine points clear of nearest rivals Napoli. They only played two games in the month thanks to their involvement in the Coppa Italia, but ended January 11 points clear and still undefeated thanks to a hard fought victory at Lazio. They had to come from behind in this one and snatched the victory with an 88th-minute penalty by record signing Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo Playing for Juventus

Juventus record signing Christian Ronaldo cristiano barni/Shutterstock

Napoli consolidated their second place position by picking up four points in the month to extend their lead over third placed Inter Milan to 8 points. Inter didn’t score a solitary league goal in January and this allowed neighbours AC Milan close the gap in the race for Champions League places. Those four teams currently hold the coveted champions league slots, with Roma & Sampdoria currently controlling the two Europa League places.

On the outside looking in

Lazio who began the month in fourth place have slumped to 8th just behind Atalanta, thanks to losing both January games, however they were against Juventus and Napoli saw not altogether unexpected. Both these teams ended January only three points outside of a champions league spot. Outside of the top three it is quite tight down as far as Parma in 12th who are only seven points behind fourth placed AC Milan but thereafter it is effectively a relegation battle for the rest.

Relegation Battle

Chievo even at this stage look doomed, with only one win and eight points, Thanks to being deducted three points for incorrect accountancy practices. Frosinone similarly look to have an uphill struggle but showed signs of life with an impressive four nil win away at fellow strugglers Bologna. They ended the month only a point behind them and four points away from safety.
Bologna sacked their coach due to their poor form despite them only being three points away from safety.
Empoli ended the month fourth bottom a point behind Udinese and is starting to look like relegation will be three of these five.

 

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