For once let’s put aside the top of the class. Let’s leave aside the victories of Juventus against Milan, of Inter against Torino, the 3 points of Roma against Monza and the 3 crisis-busting goals of Napoli. Let’s forget about Lautaro Martinez and Kvaratskhelia, Felipe Anderson and Szczesny. Let’s look at the last ones, the most mistreated ones, always put aside. Let’s look at the criticized, the boiled, the condemned. This shift, in fact, marks their small comeback.
Empoli’s victory against the Fiorentinawhich takes the Tuscans out of the relegation zone for the first time, i goal in Diaall in the final minutes, saving the Salernitana and Inzaghi, the saves of Rui Patricio, finally decisive for a victory for Roma. The last round brings their stories as a gift. And signs of recovery that cannot go unnoticed.
Rui Patricio’s signature
A difficult start, with merciless statistics in the ratio between shots on target and goals conceded. A physical form that appeared very late, an ability to lead the defense and read situations that seemed to have disappeared. The start of Rui Patricio it wasn’t easy, as was that of the rest of the team Jose Mourinho. And, as often happens in these cases, the hunt for the culprit immediately begins. The Portuguese is actually at the end of his experience in the capital, which will surely end in June but his experience could not have magically disappeared. Here then is the match against the Monza it can represent a new beginning: confident, decisive, present when called into question. With 3 points that also came thanks to him. And after so much criticism it is worth underlining it.
Great performance against Monza for Rui Patricio. Photo source: TuttoCalcioWeb.info
Empoli’s victory and Caputo’s dedication
The best version of one versus the worst of the other. The best summary for Monday night’s match between Fiorentina ed Empoli it is made by the Gazzetta dello Sport. The best match so far for a team that already seemed condemned to relegation. The worst match, so far, of a team that was in full swing in the Champions League. With a beautiful and particular story, that of the goal of Ciccio Caputowho opened the ball yesterday in Empoli’s dry 0-2: “I wanted to make a dedication to my daughter Sofia, who is turning 14 – has explained – After the May match against Juventus we had a bad period, she was hospitalized for 50 days for a fairly serious problem. Luckily she made it. I thought about quitting, but he’s fine now”. In short, an important goal, not only for the Tuscan team.
Goal by Caputo. Photo source: Calciomercato.com
Dia’s rescue
All in ten minutes. From the fear of defeat to the joy of scoring. At the 80th la Salernitana is one goal down against the Cagliari, in what is the most traditional of salvation clashes. Then the equalizer of Yes, followed 2 minutes later by what appears to be a knockout blow, that of Viola. It seems. Because the Senegalese had another of his shots in store, fired at the end, in the 95th minute. Filippo Inzaghi he saves himself. And for now Salernitana does it too. Which still remains second to last, but tries to stay afloat. Whether he succeeds or not will also be revealed by the goals scored by his striker.
Dia, the Salernitana striker. Photo source: Tuttosport