ROME: The battle for the Serie A title, Champions League qualification, and relegation survival will all be decided on the final matchday after an action-packed penultimate round.
Napoli, looking to secure their second league crown in three years, were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by relegation-threatened Parma. Inter Milan, who had the chance to capitalize, also failed to win — drawing 2-2 with Lazio in a tense encounter.
The results mean Napoli stay top, one point ahead of Inter. Napoli will host Cagliari in the final game of the season, needing only to match Inter’s result at Como to seal the Scudetto. If both teams finish level on points, a playoff will be required to determine the champion.
At Parma’s Ennio Tardini Stadium, Napoli struck the woodwork three times through Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Matteo Politano, and a free-kick from Scott McTominay. The visitors thought they had earned a penalty in stoppage time when David Neres was fouled, but a VAR check reversed the decision due to an earlier foul by Giovanni Simeone.
Tensions boiled over late in the match, resulting in red cards for both Napoli coach Antonio Conte and Parma’s Cristian Chivu after a heated argument on the touchline. Despite the setback, Conte remained optimistic: “We’ve led the table most of the season. Now it’s just one more step in front of our fans.”
Meanwhile, Inter were left devastated at the San Siro. Yann Bisseck gave them a halftime lead and Denzel Dumfries appeared to have sealed the win after Pedro’s equalizer. But Bisseck’s handball gave Lazio a last-minute penalty, which Pedro converted.
Marko Arnautovic had a stoppage-time goal disallowed for offside, and Inter coach Simone Inzaghi was sent off for his furious reaction to the penalty decision. In protest, no Inter player or official spoke to the media post-match.
The draw also kept Lazio in the race for a Champions League spot. They sit sixth, two points behind fourth-placed Juventus. Juve defeated Udinese 2-0 with goals from Nicolas Gonzalez and Dusan Vlahovic, assisted both times by Kenan Yildiz.
Roma remain in the hunt as well, sitting just one point behind Juve after a 3-1 win over 10-man AC Milan. Gianluca Mancini opened the scoring, and although Joao Felix equalized, goals from Leandro Paredes and Bryan Cristante sealed victory.
Milan’s loss, compounded by Santiago Gimenez’s red card, confirms they won’t play European football next season, finishing a disappointing ninth.
Bologna’s Champions League hopes ended after a 3-2 defeat to Fiorentina. However, Fiorentina will play in the Europa League next season after lifting the Italian Cup.
At the bottom, Cagliari are now safe following a 3-0 win over Venezia. But the relegation fight is tight, with Parma (33 pts), Lecce and Empoli (31), and Venezia (29) all in danger.
Empoli boosted their survival hopes with a 3-1 comeback win at Monza, while Lecce edged Torino 1-0 thanks to Ylber Ramadani. Verona (34 pts) remain at risk too, after drawing 1-1 with Como.
The final day could also feature a relegation playoff if teams finish level on points. With everything still to play for — the title, Europe, and survival — Serie A promises a thrilling finale.
