The Part I of the series went into exploring the run to the Scudetto between AC Milan and Juventus. The two clubs form the leading pack, which has given rest of the teams a convincing lead in the Serie A marathon.
In the second part, we will look at the competitive teams that lurch just behind the two leaders, and are fighting their way with each other in the quest for the crucial third-spot in the UEFA Champions League.
The battle for the final Champions League spot is arguably the most ferocious of them all. Lazio currently hold the coveted third position, but only just. They may smile upon the three-point lead over fourth and fifth placed Udinese
and AS http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lazio-c39775 may have looked strong and resolute at the third position, but recent
turn of events suggest that their camping at the crucial third-spot could soon be over.
Their finest striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Miroslav-Klose-c26049 has suffered a blow, and is expected to stay out for the rest of the season. Compounding their troubles are the indications that the matters are not peaceful between manager Edy Reja and the
club authorities. The manager has already threatened to resign from the club in the past, and recent reports suggest that the Biancazzurri are already on the lookout for a new manager, and are considering Gianfranco Zola as a possible replacement.
The turmoil could not have arrived at a worse time for the Biancocelesti, as they have not enjoyed the best of forms of late, and are set to face a test of fire. Their next two fixtures will bring them face to face with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Napoli-c40003
and Juventus. The result of the two matches could very well announce the verdict of qualification or disqualification for the capital club.
A defeat at the hands of Napoli will mean the two teams get tied for the third-spot. The recent defeat at the hands of Juventus has provided a big setback for the capital side’s hopes of retaining their third-spot.
On the other hand, Napoli have been yearning to get back to the big stage after their dramatic collapse against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 in the round of 16 tie. Now, every game that the London side wins at the European stage, fills the Partenopei
with agony and repentance of their massive slip up against the team that they let through, despite attaining a commanding position.
Club members insist that although they are in the Coppa Italia final, yet nothing surpasses their priority of getting back into the big European stage. They do not just support the biggest hunger for the spot, but also have the
best goal difference in the league behind the two Scudetto racers.
Napoli support one of the most feared attacking line-up in the league, and with some in-form counter-attackers, they might brace themselves for a late charge for the final push.
However, it will be the biggest mistake of the Azzurri and the Aquile to believe that the race to the final qualification spot is a two-horse race. Udinese and AS Roma are very close behind and have also shown a lot of promise.
Then there is http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 Milan, the cornered tiger, who will be looking to use the abundance of talent and experience in their squad, to launch a dashing finish to their dismal season under the new coach.
Stay tuned for a detailed analysis of the remaining teams chasing the third spot.
To be continued...............
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