Serie A, Round 24: Juve, Napoli win on Sunday, but the big surprise comes from Catania

Toni’s opener came at the end of an exciting first half, despite relatively little goalmouth action. The success of both of these sides this season has been a solid defensive foundation, and the result was a game with much probing but little penetration; both sides alternately applying pressure without ever really having a clear look at goal.

The opening goal too resulted from a set-piece, with the referee awarding a harsh penalty after spotting some Toro tugging on a Verona corner. Veteran Luca Toni stepped up to convert the ensuing spot-kick, as his seasonal tally notched up to a not-too-shabby 12.

Hellas Verona injuries and suspensions

Out: Domenico Maietta (injured). In doubt: None.

Three minutes later and it was 3-0, Destro getting his second as Gervinho squared for him in the box and his expert touch took him away from Daniele Gastaldello before crashing a shot beyond Da Costa from eight yards.

Roma: De Sanctis; Maicon (Romagnoli 55’), Benatia (De Rossi 73’), Leandro Castan, Torosidis; Nainggolan, Strootman, Pjanić; Florenzi, Destro (Michel Bastos 82’), Gervinho

Last week, Juventus went to Hellas Verona, grabbed a 2-0 lead and proceeded to watch (almost literally) as Verona grabbed a late equalizer, re-establishing their dominance at the Bentegodi.

This match may feature another side with “Verona” in their name, but that’s where the resemblance ends. Chievo Verona, the lesser team in town, are currently 17th, just a point above the relegation zone. While their counterparts Hellas are willing to go all out in pursuit of points, the Flying Donkeys will celebrate should they hold Juventus to a goalless draw. While Chievo had shown a few flickers of attacking football this season, the name of the game is survival. Smart, perhaps, but it makes for some rather dull football.

If it’s this easy to score from 35 yards, why did Mario Balotelli wait so long to score?

The game was being played early due to Milan’s upcoming Champions League game against Atletico Madrid in midweek. Kaka returned from a bout of flu to form part of the attacking trident which supported Balotelli.

Curci tipped another Montolivo drive wide and Lazaros Christodoulopoulos wasted a free kick for the away side in the final action of the half.