Top Match Round-up: Juventus to Tighten Title Grasp vs Milan?

In what could be a decisive week in Serie A’s title race, and indeed the clamber for European places, we look at the five top matches in Italy in gameweek 32.

AC Milan vs Juventus - Saturday, 19:45 KO

This may be a big game in terms of tradition between two powerhouses of Italian football but the gap between Milan and Juventus right now is stark. At present 24 points separate the sides, with Mihaijlovic’s men missing the chance to bridge the gap to fierce rivals Inter in the race for European action last time out. The Rossoneri are now without a win in four, while a 21st win in 22 league matches could all but secure Max Allegri's men a fifth consecutive Serie A title.

Empoli vs Fiorentina - Sunday, 11:30 KO

While a glance at the league table may show that both of these sides have enjoyed an impressive season, a worrying run of form promises to leave a bitter taste in the mouth for both come May. Empoli’s run of 12 matches without a win is the longest in Serie A right now, while Fiorentina haven’t secured victory in 5 to all but surrender in their bid for a Champions League return. Paulo Sosa’s men are instead looking over their shoulder to the two Milan giants hoping they continue to falter as the Viola have in recent weeks.

Napoli vs Verona - Sunday, 14:00 KO

This time last week this fixture may have only looked important for one side but Verona’s unexpected win over Bologna - their first on the road all season - has given them real hope of an unlikely survival bid, with the three sides above them all losing last time out. For Napoli, failure to match or better Juve’s result from Saturday would likely hand the Old Lady the title, and a four-match ban for top scorer Gonzalo Higuain (30 goals) now has them looking nervously in their rear view mirror at a rampant Roma, who could yet steal what seemed a certain automatic Champions League spot.

Palermo vs Lazio - Sunday, 19:45 KO

Sunday’s late kick-off sees former Lazio player Simone Inzaghi take charge of his first senior match in management having coached the club’s youth team for a number of years. The 40-year old replaces Stefano Pioli, who was sacked following last week’s derby defeat to Roma. In the opposing dugout, a record of just one point from three games may leave Palermo manager Walter Novellino fearing for his job already given the owner’s propensity to wield the axe, with the club currently on a 10-game winless run, preparing to face a Lazio side that has drawn each of its last 6 away games.

Roma vs Bologna - Monday, 19:45 KO

Rounding off the action in gameweek 32, Bologna make the trip to Roma in their worst form since Roberto Donadoni took charge. The former Italy boss will likely steer the club clear of relegation but a run of 3 successive defeats is a worry, particularly given the last came at home against a Verona side that hadn’t won away all season. Roma, meanwhile, are in sensational form since Luciano Spalletti’s return, dropping just two points from the last 30 available to apply real pressure to Napoli in second. The two teams meet at the end of the month!