Serie A Title Race and Survival Battle Go to Final Day as Napoli and Inter Stumble

The Serie A title race will go down to the final day after both Napoli and Inter Milan were held to frustrating draws on a dramatic penultimate round of action on Sunday. Napoli had the chance to secure a second league title in three seasons but could only manage a 0-0 stalemate at relegation-threatened Parma, while Inter drew 2-2 at home against Lazio.

Title Tension Builds

Heading into the weekend, Napoli sat one point ahead of defending champions Inter and knew a win combined with an Inter slip would crown them champions. Inter, playing under immense pressure, saw their title hopes dangle by a thread as Yann Bisseck opened the scoring just before halftime at San Siro but then conceded a controversial late penalty.

Pedro equalized for Lazio in the 72nd minute before Denzel Dumfries restored Inter’s lead. However, a VAR review ruled Bisseck had handled a Taty Castellanos volley inside the box. Pedro stepped up to convert in the final minute, snatching a crucial point for Lazio and keeping the title race alive.

Inter thought they had stolen it deep into stoppage time, but Marko Arnautovic’s header was ruled out for offside. The draw means Napoli remains one point ahead heading into the final round, where they’ll host Cagliari while Inter visits Como. If the sides finish level on points, Serie A’s title would be decided by a playoff — a rarity in Italian football.

Tempers Flare as Coaches See Red

The high-stakes tension was evident in both matches as Napoli’s Antonio Conte and Inter’s manager were sent off during VAR checks in their respective games. Napoli was awarded a late penalty in stoppage time against Parma for a foul on David Neres, only for it to be overturned after video review. The league leaders also struck the woodwork three times in a frustrating afternoon.

Elsewhere, Milan boss Sérgio Conceição was also shown a red card and is expected to miss his team’s final match from the stands. A staggering quarter of Serie A managers could be suspended for the decisive final round.

Champions League Battle Tightens

The fight for fourth place and the final Champions League spot remains just as intense. Juventus moved up to fourth with a 2-0 win over Udinese, overtaking Roma, who defeated 10-man AC Milan 3-1. Lazio, despite their point at Inter, are now two points behind Juventus.

On the final day, Juventus will visit relegation-threatened Venezia, Roma travels to Torino, and Lazio hosts Lecce — who themselves are fighting to stay up.

Relegation Fight Wide Open

At the bottom, while Cagliari confirmed their safety with a 3-0 win over Venezia, five other clubs remain in danger. Venezia is second from bottom with 29 points, just two adrift of Lecce and Empoli (31 points each). Lecce boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win over Torino, while Empoli staged a 3-1 comeback at already-relegated Monza.

Parma, after holding Napoli, now sits on 33 points, only two clear of the drop zone, with Hellas Verona slightly better off on 34 after a 1-1 draw against Como. Like the title race, the relegation battle could also require a playoff if teams finish level on points in critical positions.

Final Day Drama Awaits

With the Serie A title, Champions League places, and relegation spots still to be decided, the final round promises high drama. Napoli remains in pole position, but Inter’s relentless push and the looming threat of a title playoff add a rare twist to a season already filled with unpredictable moments. At the other end, several clubs face a nervy 90 minutes as they fight to preserve their top-flight status.

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