SERIE A REVIEW: Juve top of the class, Milan need to re-sit their exams…
JUVENTUS 10 – Some might say they do not deserve such a high score after a disastrous start to the season. However, after the loss at Sassuolo in round 10, the Bianconeri put together an astonishing run of results to claim a historic fifth straight title. Had they started the season as they ended it, Max Allegri’s men would have earned 10 out of 10 with distinction. In fact, we would have gladly said 11…
NAPOLI 9 – They faded towards the end, and in our view, had their confidence knocked by the loss at Juventus courtesy of Simone Zaza’s late strike. But Napoli played fabulous football, the best throughout the season, only Fiorentina matched them in the first half of the campaign and Roma in the second. Not to mention, the super Maurizio Sarri, in his first season at a big club, and who got the best out of Higuain: the Argentine broke the 66 year record for goals scored in a single Serie A season, firing in 36 in 35 appearances.
SASSUOLO 9 – They climbed all the way to sixth place ahead of more illustrious rivals such as Milan and Lazio, and are full of promising talents, even if the leading light Berardi could have done more. A well run, organised club, who are leading the way and deserve nothing but admiration and praise.
FIORENTINA 7,5 – A fifth place finish is a step back compared to last season’s fourth spot, but we feel the Viola were better this time around. While last season they clinched fourth place on the final day of the season, for long spells this campaign they played the most attractive brand of football (along with Napoli). Further, Sousa has proved himself to be a great coach, full of ideas and character.
CHIEVO 7,5 – Maybe they haven’t caught the eye for their style of play, but they finished in the slipstream of a number of big teams, and top of the ‘other sides’ not fighting for the title or European spots. 9th place is an immense achievement because no one expected it.
EMPOLI 7 – Despite losing a number of key figures from the playing and coaching staff, the Tuscan club have revealed again that they are a solid unit with clear ideas. They often produced a number of good displays on the pitch, especially in the first half of the campaign, and Giampaolo didn't struggle to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Sarri.
ATALANTA 6,5 – They secured their Serie A status without too many problems and – as is often the case – launched a number of promising young players led by the experienced Edy Reja.
BOLOGNA 6,5 – They made a dreadful start but the arrival of Roberto Donadoni salvaged the situation. With the former Italy coach in charge, they never appeared in danger of the drop.
ROMA 6 – This season started with the aim of fighting for the title after back to back second place finishes, but ended in third place (and so they also have to go through a play-off to book a place in the Champions League next season). The arrival of Spalletti has ensured a positive end however with the Giallorossi at real risk of falling apart under Garcia.
INTER 6 – They end the season in fourth, behind three teams much better than the others, but in front of a number of clubs – including Milan – that spent big in the summer. With that in mind, the Nerazzurri can be happy with fourth spot. The problem is Inter still lack an identity and well defined playing style, even if a few impressive displays in the end of season run-in leave fans optimistic for next season… providing the club strengthens the squad.
GENOA 6 - Gasperini has steered his way through all the controversies behind the scenes by taking it all in his stride and, once again, found balance in a team ripped apart in the January transfer window by club president Enrico Preziosi.
TORINO 6 – Too much criticism has been thrown towards towards Ventura in our view, who ensured Torino enjoyed another decent season.
CARPI 6 – They took the relegation fight down to the wire, and who knows, if Castori hadn’t been dismissed early on only to be reappointed, the Biancorossi may have avoided the drop.
FROSINONE 5,5 – They battled for as long as they could but in the end the gap to the others was there to see. But they leave after a single season in Serie A with their heads held high.
UDINESE 5 – Every now and again even the club in Friuli gets things wrong. This year a lot of mistakes were committed and they struggled to secure their Serie A status: a strange scenario we are simply not used to seeing.
SAMPDORIA 4 – Bad under Zenga, worse under Montella. And to think the arrival of Montella was supposed to lead to a bright new chapter. The opposite has occurred.
VERONA 4 – Despite appearing better than a number of rivals, they spent the season at the foot of the table where they ended it. A real disappointment.
LAZIO 4 – After third place last season, a total collapse. The fault being with a club and president that cannot seem to build on positive results. Why? Because they don’t invest, even when they are presented with the chance. And yet they boast a host of top players: Biglia, Candreva, Felipe Anderson, Keita… all of which are hindered because of Lotito’s ways.
MILAN 3 – Another nightmare season. So much for 88 million euros spent in the summer… The club are to blame after spending badly (Roma are still sniggering after earning 20 million euros for Bertolacci…) and who went through another coach. After Allegri, Seedorf and Inzaghi, Mihajlovic was ousted in favour of Brocchi. Who would have imagined Berlusconi’s Milan so low down…
PALERMO 3 – a woeful season in terms of results and decisions. 9 coaches in a season is unheard of, but luckily the Sicilians escaped the drop.
Article by Stefano Agresti, adapted and translated by Thomas Lawrence
