Rossoneri hopeful that January arrivals will help boost their season.
Despite the pre-game controversy and doubts over the appeal and quality of the Derby della Madonnina, AC Milan were undoubtedly dealt another huge blow on Sunday night.
The Rossoneri have endured a disastrous campaign so far this year, languishing in the bottom half of the table heading into the winter break and just five points clear of the relegation zone.
Furthermore, they sit 17 points adrift of a top three finish, and as a result it looks highly unlikely that they will be representing Serie A in the Champions League next season.
“There’s a lot of bitterness. I’ve been here a long time and when we lose a derby then I suffer a lot,” goalkeeper Christian Abbiati told reporters after the game.
In contrast, their city rivals, Inter, secured a significant boost for their own ambition of clinching a place at Europe’s top table, despite question marks over the quality and depth in their squad.
Walter Mazzarri has reinvigorated the club since his arrival, albeit with signs of weaknesses and a dip in form along the way, but they will be relatively content with where they are after the first half of the season.
Rodrigo Palacio’s deft backheel late on Sunday night ensured they took all three points in the Derby, which leave Massimiliano Allegri with plenty to think about moving forward.
Keisuke Honda and Adil Rami are available for selection from January onwards, but there are so many fundamental problems with this squad that it is unlikely that they will be able to lead a miraculous turnaround.
Elsewhere, both Juventus and Roma secured wins to end the year but it’s the former who end as winter champions ahead of the clash between the two immediately when the season resumes in January.
While Napoli were held again at the weekend, it appears as though the fight for the Scudetto will be a two-horse race as the unbeaten Giallorossi welcome back Francesco Totti at a vital time and look to be over their slump of consecutive draws.
The reigning champions appear to have found their stride at just the right time to open up a five-point gap, and they will hope to continue the momentum after the break as they look as formidable as ever and will now contest the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina and Giuseppe Rossi will be a team to look out for in the New Year as they moved to within three points of third place, while Hellas Verona have proven that their promising start was no fluke.
However, similarly to Milan, the problems show no signs of easing at Lazio, with coach Vladimir Petkovic expected to be replaced before the season resumes.
Serie A results:
Atalanta 1-4 Juventus
Bologna 1-0 Genoa
Cagliari 1-1 Napoli
Inter 1-0 Milan
Livorno 1-2 Udinese
Roma 4-0 Catania
Sampdoria 1-1 Parma
Sassuolo 0-1 Fiorentina
Torino 4-1 Chievo
Verona 4-1 Lazio
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