Serie A weekend round-up: Milan back on track as race for Europe heats up

The Milan clubs both got back on track as they look to end the title conversation in next weekend's derby, but below them, it's the Champions League places that will be the thing to watch as we head into spring. 

Here's a round-up of the big talking points from Serie A's matchday 27, with two games still to play on Monday evening. 

The Champions League chase 

The main focus for the remainder of the Serie A season will be the race to finish in the top four, with Italy unlikely to receive a fifth spot after their exploits in Europe. 

Chief among the sides who are in that conversation are Roma and Juventus, who put on one of the games of the season on Sunday night as they looked to take advantage in the Champions League placings. 

Three times Roma took the lead in the game as they looked to draw level on points with third-placed Napoli, but on each occasion they were pegged back by a dogged Juventus, who needed to bounce back after their European exit last week. 

Federico Gatti struck the final blow, equalising in the 93rd minute to earn Luciano Spalletti's side a crucial point and prevent the home side from finally beating a top-six rival this season. 

Milan bounce back 

The gap at the top between the two Milan clubs remains at 10 points as we head into the derby this weekend, with both teams bouncing back from a frustrating week. 

Inter's Champions League embarrassment at the hands of Bodo/Glimt had the makings of a result that could derail their season, but the league leaders pulled off a business-like performance in a 2-0 victory over Genoa, even without talisman Lautaro Martinez. 

Their city rivals also got back to winning ways, as they heaped more misery on Cremonese with a 2-0 win in Cremona. Gaining some revenge on the promoted side for their win at the San Siro on the opening day of the campaign. 

It meant the Rossoneri kept up any remaining hopes of catching Inter, with Sunday's meeting of the two feeling like the last chance saloon if there is to be any other result than Cristian Chivu's men taking the Scudetto. 

 

Rom returns 

Napoli's title defence may well be over, but there's still their own top four finish to play for, and after an injury-hit season for the club, they got a timely boost in the win over Hellas Verona. 

Robbed of his services since pre-season with a calf injury, Romelu Lukaku has made a string of substitute appearances in recent months, but on Saturday made his first real impact of the season. 

Coming up with a 96th-minute winner for his first goal of the season and spared Antonio Conte's blushes as his team struggled to break down Serie A's bottom club. 

If Napoli can get the Belgian back to match sharpness and firing, then they may be able to salvage something from a frustrating league campaign. 

Results From Matchday 27 in Serie A  

Friday, February 27

Parma 1-1 Cagliari

Saturday, February 28

Como 3-1 Lecce 
Hellas Verona 1-2 Napoli 
Inter 2-0 Genoa 

Sunday, March 1 

Cremonese 0-2 AC Milan 
Sassuolo 2-1 Atalanta 
Torino 2-0 Lazio 
Roma 3-3 Juventus 

Monday, March 2 

Pisa vs Bologna (5.30pm GMT) 
Udinese vs Fiorentina (7.45pm GMT) 

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