The incredible Mauro Icardi ended a goal drought that stretched back to January 5 in style, notching four times in a 5-0 win for Internazionale at Sampdoria.
Yet, there were also interesting developments at their city rivals and at the bottom of the table. Here, are the talking points.
ICARDI SHOULD BE IN DEMAND
If anyone had any serious doubts about Icardi following his return from injury, they were emphatically dismissed in Genoa.
He truly is the complete predator, his quartet including a header, penalty, sharp finish and volley.
What a way to become the sixth-youngest player to zoom past the 100-goal mark in Serie A throughout his career, plus make it 100 strikes in 172 games for Inter in all competitions.
With a contract extension yet to be signed and release clause reported to be an affordable €100 million (Dh451.7m), any giant club looking to buy a new No9 should shop at San Siro.
Icardi carries off-field baggage, yet his displays on the pitch cannot be denied. Real Madrid keep being linked with Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, but Icardi is four-years his junior and still has much room to grow.
100 - Mauro #Icardi has now become the sixth-youngest player to score 100 goals in Serie A. King. #SampdoriaInter pic.twitter.com/ifxJWe4Oea
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) March 18, 2018
GATTUSO LAYS DOWN THE LAW
Gennaro Gattuso’s warrior reputation was unmatched during his lengthy service for AC Milan and Italy.
It looks like he’s lost none of his bite in the dugout. The Rossoneri edged past Chievo 3-2 as they forgot their European travails against Arsenal.
But the main talking point was Croatia striker Nikola Kalinic’s exclusion for poor commitment in training.
With so much drama surrounding the club off the field, he’s right to crack down on it.
Such stern leadership has been lacking at one of Europe’s leading clubs for far too long.
Gennaro Gattuso embraces Patrick Cutrone at the end of the match between AC Milan and Chievo.
BATTLE AT BOTTOM HEATS UP
The rat race to stay out of the relegation places continued to twist and turn during this latest round of matches.
Things are not looking promising for second-bottom Hellas Verona, for whom boss Fabio Pecchia played a dangerous game by lamenting his players’ attitude during a 5-0 thrashing by Atalanta.
Walter Zenga’s Crotone stay in the drop zone courtesy of their 2-0 loss at Roma, plus SPAL’s shock goalless draw with leaders Juventus and Sassuolo’s 2-1 win at Udinese – their first since December 23.
Benevento now need a miracle after Cagliari gained a healthy buffer courtesy of a 2-1 victory, with three of their goals against them this season coming after the 86th minute.
On current form, it is hard to look past the current bottom three when it comes to the dreaded drop down to Serie B.
3 - Cagliari have scored 3 goals after the 86th minute in the current Serie A: all against Benevento (1 at Cagliari and 2 today). Final. #BeneventoCagliari
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) March 18, 2018
