5 key stats from Serie A week 29
Carlos Tevez
Serie A has edged a step closer to conclusion with week 29 now on the books, the top two consolidating their positions as the chasing pack duked it out below.
Juventus and Roma each nudged nearer to fulfilling their respective objectives with victories away from home, whilst Fiorentina scored a crucial win over Napoli and a youngster reignited his Capocannoniere charge.
Following are the five most intriguing facts and figures from the last bout of action in the Italian topflight.
1. Tweaking the sights in Sicily
Juventus had a quick turnaround this week in making the trip to Sicily to take on bottom side Catania after having eliminated arch rivals Fiorentina from the Europa League on Thursday.
The Bianconeri’s extra wear combined with the hosts’ overall lack of precision this term to create the conditions to make for a rough encounter at the Stadio Angelo Massimino – particularly in front of goal.
Catania failed to hit the target from eight shots, whilst Juventus found the inside of the frame only twice on 13 attempts, of which only one squirmed past Mariano Andujar via the foot of Carlos Tevez for the winner.
The result adequately sums up the fortunes of either club on the term – the Old Lady overcoming nearly every obstacle in the pursuit of three points, and the Sicilians never getting out of first gear to their detriment.
2. Roma get help from an old friend
Kevin Strootman’s lengthy injury lay-off could have hardly arrived at a worse time for Roma, Daniele De Rossi already serving an extended ban for violent conduct.
The Giallorossi vice-captain saw out the final game of his suspension on Saturday as his beloved club brushed aside Chievo 2-0, watching a longtime teammate deputise once more.
Rodrigo Taddei entered the first team for the second straight week with the absences at hand, and proved a crucial performer against the Flying Donkeys, having made five tackles from six attempts as well as having completed 88% of his passes.
The 34-year-old Brazilian played the dangerous long ball that led to Gervinho’s opener and served up a scything assist for Mattia Destro’s insurance strike – turning in a shift worthy of a man in his ninth year of service for the capital outfit.