Tops and Flops of Serie A Round 36: Juventus Limp to UCL, Bologna Make History

With only a few remaining weeks before we wrap up the season, we’re witnessing a paradoxical situation, as some clubs still have everything to play for, while others have already figured out their fates. Yet, this contrast yielded compelling action this weekend, with every single match delivering at least two goals. At the end of the round, Bologna and Juventus have both booked their spots in the Champions League, albeit in contradicting fashions. We’ll talk about this and more while revealing the Tops and Flops of Serie A Round 36.

Top (Player): Charles De Ketelaere

Fresh from their glorious Europa League victory over Marseille, Atalanta delivered yet another show of grandeur at Roma’s expense. The 2-1 victory certainly doesn’t reflect La Dea’s strong grasp over the action.

But the best part about Gian Piero Gasperini’s war machine is how a different hero emerges with every new occasion. This time, it was Charles De Ketelaere’s turn to hug the limelights by scoring the brace that decided this crucial direct showdown for a Champions League spot.

Gianluca Scamacca and Teun Koopmeiners did the cooking, but it was the young Belgian who wielded the axe on the Romans.

The 23-year-old has now registered 13 goals and nine assists in all competitions. Not bad for a player who was labeled as last season’s ultimate Serie A flop.

Flop (Player): Dusan Vlahovic

Dusan Vlahovic’s never-ending rollercoaster continues, with the Serbian now enduring a torrid period after having started the year on a high note.

Admittedly, luck hasn’t been on his side, with the post denying him a goal against Salernitana, and we don’t even have to mention his team’s abysmal form. However, you’d still expect the Juventus striker to bury the chances that came in his direction in the second half.

He will certainly have to be much more clinical on Wednesday if the Bianconeri were to stand a chance against the radiating Atalanta in the Coppa Italia final.

Top (Coach): Fabio Cannavaro

When Fabio Cannavaro accepted to take over the free-falling Udinese, many considered it a suicidal career move on the World Cup hero’s part. But after picking up two draws against Bologna and Napoli, he managed to earn his first career Serie A victory by beating Lecce 2-0 away from home to lift the club up to the 14th spot.

With only two points separating five clubs, the stage is set for an epic finale for the relegation battle. However, Udinese have momentum in their favor, as the legendary Italian defender appears to be gradually steering them out of the danger zone.

Flop (Coach): Massimiliano Allegri

At this point, Juve’s hollow form is beyond explanation. It just feels as if the end of the campaign cannot come soon enough for Massimiliano Allegri and his men.

The Livorno native has been unable to inject any sort of enthusiasm into the souls of his players who look both uninspired and resigned to mediocrity.

In the 91st minute, Adrien Rabiot’s teammates saved the Bianconeri from what would have been a humiliating defeat at the hands of Salernitana who are already relegated, yet showed much more hunger and desire than the lifeless Bianconeri, especially in the first half.

But thanks to Roma’s defeat to Atalanta, this point proved just enough to book Juve’s place in the Champions League next season, albeit in the most feeble way possible.

The Juventus faithful will be hoping to have the right person in charge to lead the club in Europe by next season.

Top (Team): Bologna

While Juventus limped toward the Champions League, Bologna certainly earned their maiden qualification to the tournament in a much more memorable fashion. The Rossoblu stunned the Maradona Stadium with two early goals from Dan Ndoye and Stefan Posch, and then maintained their two-goal cushion for the rest of the match.

Thiago Motta’s men remain a joy to watch, even after losing their most talismanic star, Joshua Zirkzee, to injury in the first half.

Now the main challenge for Gianluca Sartori and Marco Di Vaio would be maintaining this formidable squad as well as their majestic young coach, even though it appears to be a daunting task.

Flop (Team): Napoli

Napoli’s campaign continues to descend towards the worse with every passing week. When Matteo Politano can’t convert a spot kick, Victor Osimhen is unable to find the back of the net, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is hardly noticeable on the pitch, you just know it’s not your year.

Top (Goalkeeper): Christos Mandas

Despite Ivan Provedel’s return from injury, Lazio manager Igor Tudor is finding it hard to drop Christos Mandas as he continues to deliver such superb displays between the posts.

The Greek custodian pulled off two jaw-dropping saves during his team’s 2-0 win over Empoli. He denied Ciccio Caputo from close range with a stunning reflex stop, and then flew to meet Matteo Cancellieri’s freekick.