That is summarized what happened last weekend in the upper reaches of the Serie A classification. As it looks now: Napoli are on 77 points, Inter 74, Atalanta 68, followed by Juventus, Roma and Lazio all on 63, Bologna on 62 and Fiorentina on 59. From Atalanta Down (although Gian Piero Gasperini is almost mathematically), everyone still fights for fourth place. It is one of the tightest races we have seen in years in the Serie A.
Juventus strengthens the top four opportunities
Apart from Atalanta, who will organize the Claudio Ranieri Roma next weekend, the current favorites are clearly Juventus. Under Igor Tudor, the Bianconeri has rediscovered the form, and although the qualification is not yet mathematically, a victory in their next game against Lazio can seal anything but their return to the Champions League.
Of the three remaining fixtures, the collision with Lazio is undoubtedly the most difficult. Then Juventus confronted with Udinese and Venezia, two games that should be more manageable.
Roma, in the meantime, champions League places has returned to the capital since Claudio Ranieri. After their astonishing victory in San Siro against Inter, the Giallorossi also defeated Palladino's Fiorentina, a side that still competes in Europe and difficult for everyone to beat.
Dovbyk proves itself
This time the winning goal did not come from Matias Soulé, but from Artem Dovbyk, who talked a lot in the capital. The Ukrainian attacker may not contribute much to the construction game of the team, it is not one of his strengths, but with only his goals he has secured 17 competition points for Roma. Not bad for a debut season, especially one that has seen him work under three very different coaches.
Nevertheless, he is often criticized in Rome. A classic case in the capital. Next to Roma is Atalanta, probably the most difficult test is left this season. Monday will be a decisive day, followed by matches against Milan and Torino.
Lazio scraped a 1-0 victory over Empoli thanks to a goal from Boulaye Dia in less than a minute. After that it was all about defending and sharpening, even with Empoli to ten men early. At this stage only matters when the time has gone. The next three matches of Lazio are against Juventus, Inter and Lecce, each difficult in his own way. Even Lecce is a challenge, especially given that Juventus is confronted with Venezia.
Bologna's split focus
The last part of Bologna is not easier: Milan, Fiorentina and Genoa. The Genoa -Match is clearly the least difficult, but if Bologna slipping away in the next two, it may not even matter. In addition, Bologna's attention can completely shift to the Coppa Italia final against Milan on 14 May, a completely reasonable move, since it is a potentially historic moment for Orsolini and his teammates. Bologna remains on paper in the top-four race, but their true focus can be the cup.
As far as Milan is concerned, with 57 points, a fourth place would limit a miracle. We call them out of respect for the fans, but realistically, the Rossoneri has to channel their efforts in the Coppa Italia -final, secure a trophy and save a disappointing competition campaign.
In short, there are still three games left. Together with the crowning of the new champions of Italy (Napoli seem to be under control) we will soon know who will take the last Champions League spots. Juventus is located in pole position, Roma haunts hope, and so many hinges of that important match between Juventus and Lazio. It is a dramatic finish of the season and everything is still for the taking.