Serie A, Round 12: Juve topple Napoli, Sassuolo snatch last minute draw, Milan still can’t win

Despite holding just a two goal lead, for the majority of the second half, Fiorentina simply toyed with the visitors. Because the viola refused to score an insurance goal, they found themselves in danger in the final fifteen minutes. Manolo Gabbiadini scored after a quick counter attack, and from then on, Sampdoria were in the match. The hosts found themselves under plenty of pressure in the final minutes, but somehow managed to hang on, grabbing the win and moving into fifth place.

Fiorentina: Neto; Pasqual, Savic, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Matias Fernandez (Vecino 85’), Borja Valero, Aquilani; Cuadrado (Rebic 79’), Rossi, Joaquin (Vargas 69’)

In the second half, Napoli did their best to try to get back in the match, but ultimately just could not find the goal. Early on it was Insigne once again, winning a free kick in a dangerous position and then stepping up to take it himself. The shot was lovely, bending around the Juve wall, but Buffon just managed to get a finger on it.

Goals: Llorente 2’; Pirlo 74’; Pogba 80’

The Sassuolo wall did its job to block Pjanic’s free kick, before their defence assisted Roma in taking the lead on 19 minutes. Pegolo did well to repel Alessandro Florenzi’s shot, but Longhi unwittingly poked the rebound into his own net.

Eight minutes after the restart, Ljajic was denied a penalty after falling theatrically under Luca Marrone’s challenge. Pjanic left his shooting boots in the dressing room, volleying Castan’s cross into the ground and well wide of the target.

No matter how the sides line up, it’s not going to be a pretty match. Both teams absolutely must win it and both of coaches are at risk of getting the boot. Which means it will likely finish in an inspiring 0-0 draw.

Chievo Verona injuries and suspensions

Juventus injuries and suspensions

Napoli injuries and suspensions

Inter dominated the game right from the outset, though it played in front of the Livorno defence; struggling to break through the determined amaranto ranks. Unfortunately that was the case for pretty much the entire first half, with only the odd cross whipped in from deep causing the visitors any problems.

In stoppage time they did actually have a second goal to cheer, with Nagatomo capitalizing on some great work from young substitute Mateo Kovačić to double Inter’s advantage. Of course, Zanetti was involved in the build-up. It capped a routine victory for the in-form nerazzurri, but one made much more special by El Tractor firing up once again.

Inter Milan injuries and suspensions

Out: Cristian Chivu, Mauro Icardi, Diego Milito (injured); Juan Jesus (suspended). In doubt: Jonathan, Walter Samuel, Hugo Campagnaro.

Let’s face it: nine out of ten matches this week are only placeholders. Until Napoli face off against Juventus on Sunday night, no one really cares.

Sorry: It’s damn near impossible to be optimistic about this match up.