5 Things About Serie A That We Learned from Week 23 in Italy

Jack Alexandros RathbornJun 7, 2018

Last weekend was a pivotal moment in the race for the Scudetto as Milan claimed a crucial win at Udinese.

Juventus were unfortunate enough that their evening game with Bologna was postponed, as was their midweek game with Parma, so they find themselves two points behind the Rossoneri.

Juve have two games in hand though, beginning with the rearranged midweek clash with Parma.

Novara clawed back three points in their efforts to escape the relegation zone with a second win of the season against Inter Milan.

The Biancoazzurri now have 16 points with six of those coming against the Nerazzurri.

The first win signalled the end of the road for Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri, after picking up one point thus far, will be hoping Massimo Moratti does not pull the trigger once more.

As well as Udinese and Inter tumbling, Roma slipped up at Siena Monday night to hand Lazio the advantage in the race for that illusive third place.

Here are five moments from the weekend that merit a closer look.

Cagliari: Mauricio Pinilla Haunts Palermo in Battle of the Islands

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Mauricio Pinilla exacted some revenge on his parent club Palermo this weekend. The Rosanero discarded the Chilean in January by sending him on loan to Cagliari. Pinilla has relished the opportunity to get regular minutes and is proving his worth in Sardinia.

Pinilla scored one goal and his powerful free kick led to another goal in a 2-1 victory over the Aquile.

Cagliari have moved up to tenth place and are just one point behind Palermo in eighth place.

There is excitement around the club, as the Rossoblu have genuine competition for places in attack.

Cagliari have always been a difficult side to beat against the better teams, but were crying out for some cutting edge in their attack.

Pinilla is providing some a dependable presence in the penalty area who can occupy opposing central defenders. His partner is yet to be decided, but Victor Ibarbo appears to be the favourite. The Colombian is a real force of nature with pace, power and great work rate.

Other options available are Thiago Ribeiro, Moestafa El Khabir, Joaquin Larrivey and Nene.

Daniele Dossena is adding a new dimension to the midfield by offering something between tough-tackling holding midfielder Radja Nainggolan and trequartista Andrea Cossu. Dossena offers athleticism and presses the ball throughout the game while also joining up in attack with some well timed runs in to the box.

Cagliari have no worry about relegation now and will need to continue this encouraging run to satisfy hard-to-please president Massimo Cellino.

Inter Milan: Ranieri Close to the Sack as Dismal Run Continues

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Inter Milan's fortunes have drastically changed in recent weeks.

Claudio Ranieri steadied a sinking ship by leading the Nerazzurri to seven straight wins and back in to contention for the Scudetto. Inter have picked up one point in the last four games including two defeats against Novara and Lecce, sides that seem destined for relegation.

Ranieri's job is on the line right now, given the baffling decisions he continues to make.

Christian Chivu operating at left-back is uncomfortable viewing, due tohis lack of pace and athleticism.

Inter fans are not pleased that only one striker is deployed, especially when the Nerazzurri continuously fail to break down opposition.

Another problem that has maligned both Ranieri and Gian Piero Gasperini is how Wesley Sneijder is utilised.

Ranieri has struggled to fit the talented Dutchman into his formation and it seems likely that without Sneijder firing on all cylinders, Massimo Moratti will turn to a new manager in the summer.

Napoli: Zuniga Inspires Vital Win as Partenopei Set Sights on Third

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Napoli secured a superb win on Monday night to stay in the battle for third spot.

The Partenopei have put in some shambolic displays in recent weeks which have seen them slip out of contention for that illusive third place position that will secure the club Champions League football next season.

This weekend provided the perfect opportunity for them to gain ground on the sides above them. As Udinese, Inter and Roma all suffered defeats, Napoli secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chievo to cut the gap on third to eight points.

Walter Mazzarri's men have suffered from fatigue lately due to the Champions League fixtures earlier in the season that have put a strain on the squad.

Juan Camilo Zúñiga, in particular, is leading a reaction from the side with a string of fine displays. The Colombian is vital to the side as he injects pace from the wide ares from either flank. Zúñiga's end product has improved drastically which is crucial for Mazzarri's formation.

With so many players in the centre of midfield, Napoli tend to assume the majority of possession.

The problem in recent weeks has been that Serie A sides tend to set up deep and ask Napoli to break them down.

Napoli's wide men have failed to beat the full backs and deliver decent service to the Edinson Cavani et al.

Zúñiga is finally adding this to Napoli's game, which will be critical against Chelsea where Jose Bosingwa seems to be the weak link.

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Catania: Argentine Brilliance Inspiring Montella's Men

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Catania have been inspired by an Argentine contingent this season.

Vincenzo Montella has inspired the Elefanti to mid-table currently and are seemingly in no danger of relegation this season. The Argentine trident of Gonzalo Bergessio, Alejandro Gomez and Pablo Barrientos are a real handful. The trio provide wonderful movement and alternate their positions throughout the match in order to confuse their opponents.

Catania are one of the most attractive sides in Italy to watch given that they set up without any defensive minded midfielders.

Francesco Lodi is the deepest midfielder but the Italian is able to distribute a wonderful array of passes as well as provide a potent threat from free-kicks.

Montella is one of the best young managers in Europe and he has found one of the country's best presidents in Antonio Pulvirenti in order to begin his managerial career.

The atmosphere in the side is superb with the Argentines finding it easy to settle at the club with their fellow countrymen. Pablo Barrientos, Gonzalo Bergessio and Sergio Almirón joined last summer and have all adapted wonderfully to their new team and the new manager.

If Catania were keen to limit their scouting networks to one country, then Argentina was a brilliant choice.

AC Milan: El Shaarawy Proving to Be the Real Deal

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Stephan El Shaarawy has delighted Massimo Allegri in recent weeks with a string of superb performances. The Italian has grasped the chance handed to him with a crucial goal away to Udinese last weekend.

It could prove to be the most important moment of Milan Scudetto's defence.

The Azzurrini international possesses great movement and clinical finishing that is comparable to Javier Hernandez.

There is more to his game thoughclose dribbling skills in the wide areas and fierce shot from distance make him a complete striker.

Having made huge strides with Padova last season, where he earned the Serie B Player of the Season award, some may have thought it would have taken plenty of time to contribute to Milan.

The Rossoneri paid €10 million for 50% of his rights from Genoa last summer which is an enormous fee for a club financially constrained in recent years .

The signs are good though and a potential partnership with Mario Balotelli for Italy in a few years is mouthwatering.