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#2A: Improved - Lazio
2019-20 Serie A Standing - 4th (78 points).
2018-19 Serie A Standing - 8th (59 points).
It was a classic case of a break in momentum derailing their title challenge for Lazio. The Roman club went into the COVID-19 lockdown just a single point behind leaders Juventus, yet the break proved detrimental to their Serie A title aspirations as they finished fourth to qualify for the Champions League.
There would be very few Lazio supporters disappointed after a tremendous season, especially since their goal was always to qualify for the Champions League. The club also broke a few records on the way: Ciro Immobile scoring 36 goals – a joint Serie A record for most goals in a season and the club amassing 78 points – their highest ever season-tally in Serie A.
Last season, Lazio finished eighth and took the last qualifying spot for the Europa League. This year, the club went four places and 19 points better to qualify for Europe’s biggest club competition, which is truly a wonderful achievement.
#2B: Declined – Torino
2019-20 Serie A Standing - 16th (40 points).
2018-19 Serie A Standing - 7th (63 points).
One of Italy’s most historic clubs and Juventus’ cross-town rivals, Torino had a disappointing Serie A campaign in 2019-20.
After qualifying for Europe last season, hopes were high for the Turin side to continue their development on the same path this season. However, their season hit a bump right at the start when they were eliminated by Wolves in the Europa League play-offs.
Since then, Walter Mazzari and his side have failed to recapture last season’s form, shipping goals for fun. Their watertight defence which conceded just 37 goals last season leaked a staggering 68 this campaign.
It was a season of two halves for the Granata; they picked up 27 points from their first 19 games followed by just 13 points in the subsequent 19. Thus the team which was comfortably placed for European qualification, ended the season just five points above the drop zone.
Their only shining light were the goals from Andrea Belotti’s boots, who finished the campaign with 16 goals - the eighth highest in the 2019-20 Serie A.
