Sunday’s fixtures were broadcasted in England on TNT Sports. Viewers were treated to some great games of football and a few screamers during the day. This article will analyse these fixtures.

The Games

Bologna kicked off the day with a convincing 3-0 win vs Salernitana. A wonder strike from Orsolini in the 14th minute, a bending strike into the far corner from the right side of the box- Orsolini cutting onto his left and striking has been a trademark of the Italian’s game all season.

Bologna’s next two goals came at the end of both halves, in the 44th and 92nd minute. Saelemaekers’ strike in the 44th came as the Belgian picked up the ball on the left wing before cutting in and delivering a ferocious knuckleball strike, which left the keeper wrong-footed. Then, to seal the win, Greek defender Lykogiannis popped up with an unlikely goal, striking in off the post from the center of the box.

These goals mean that Bologna is still in 4th place, with Roma, who dropped points against Lecce, now three points behind. However, Bologna could be looking for a late overtake of 3rd place Juventus, as they sit four points behind with a game in hand. Juventus lost this weekend and is in poor form, and Thiago Motta’s side will be looking to capitalize on the teams around them stuttering.

The result means they are floating even further from safety; the side is on 14 points in 20th place, nine points off 19th. Having lost four of their last five matches, it’s clear that Salernitana is destined for the drop.

Roma, who are chasing Bologna, failed to walk away with a win against 13th-placed Lecce. The sides ended the 90 minutes in a 0-0 stalemate; however, Lecce will feel hard done by as they deserved to walk away with all three points. Roma never got going and looked toothless going forward, as well as conceding easy chances to Lecce. While the scoreboard suggested a dull affair, quality finishing was the only thing missing as both sides recorded xG of over 1.2 goals. Lecce recorded 27 shots and Roma recorded 10 in what was an end-to-end affair. Lecce, while unlucky not to win, will be happy to take any points at all against what was a weakened Roma side.

Roma had some bright sparks in an overall disappointing display; youngsters Baldanzi and Zalewski looked promising at times and clearly have the ability to make it in Rome. Bove was running tirelessly, and ex-Manchester City full-back Angeliño looked dangerous offensively, a good strike grazing the post, he also looked solid in defence as he made only his 8th appearance for Giallorossi. Lecce offensively looked promising despite only scoring 2 goals in their last 7. Strikers Piccoli and Krstović linked up well and looked dangerous, despite some poor finishing.

Inter Milan cruised to a 2-0 win against Empoli with goals from Dimarco and Alexis Sánchez. Dimarco’s goal came from a cross by Bastoni, similar to Darmian’s finish I mentioned in my article here. A good volley from Dimarco contributed to Inter’s strong performance for the rest of the game. Empoli had chances but failed to capitalize, recording an xG of 0.49. Inter’s second goal didn’t come until the 81st minute when Dumfries’ low cross across the box was converted by former Arsenal and Manchester United star Alexis Sanchez.

Inter have now won four of their last five matches and are aiming for their 20th Italian title. Empoli remains in the relegation zone, sitting in 18th place, level on points with the 17th-placed team and two points away from 16th place. They will be looking to gather points to secure another season in Italy’s top flight.

Sassuolo faced Udinese in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Thauvin and Defrel. Both sides, positioned 19th and 14th respectively, have only managed to win one match each in their last five outings. With Udinese just three points above the relegation zone, both teams are at risk. Defrel opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a well-taken and composed finish, only for Thauvin to equalise just two minutes later as the ball flashed across the box which he smashed into an almost empty net.

Sassuolo’s Laurienté proved to be the most dangerous player on the pitch and was unlucky not to find the net. A stalemate benefits Udinese more as they strive to avoid further descent down the league, especially with eight teams in Serie A currently facing the threat of relegation.

Finally, Cagliari drew 1-1 against Hellas Verona. Both sides are also in the relegation chase, sitting in 16th and 15th place respectively. Verona’s Bonazzoli opened the scoring with a lovely flick from a cross. Verona then had a second goal disallowed for a tight offside. Then, in the 74th minute, Sulemana seized a loose ball just outside the box and smashed it into Verona’s net to share the points.

Both teams are at serious risk of dropping down to Serie B, with only two points separating them from the relegation zone. Verona will be disappointed not to walk away with all three points, given their better chances and the disallowed goal. Both sides will be aiming to secure points in the coming weeks.

It was a weekend of interesting and tight results. The relegation battle is heating up, and with some big games scheduled over the next couple of weeks, both at the top and bottom of the table, the conclusion to the Serie A season promises to be a blockbuster.