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Napoli delay Juve's party, while Fiorentina aim to have last laugh over Milan


Juventus moved one step closer to title glory with their derby win

Napoli may have put Juventusâ title celebrations on hold for a week, but the Old Lady wonâÂÂt be too concerned. Now she can get down to preparing a scudetto homecoming at Juventus Stadium next Sunday.

Tellingly, both goals came from the Juve engine room that has been the difference between Antonio ConteâÂÂs side and the rest of the league. On that midfield battleground it was Paul Pogba who strode through scything challenges and body-checks to emerge head and shoulders above everyone else on the rain-sodden pitch.

The FrenchmanâÂÂs performance summed up the BianconeriâÂÂs approach throughout the domestic campaign - efficient, commanding and never once on the back foot.


Ljajic made his point to former boss Delio Rossi in Fiorentina's 3-0 win

An affirmative end to this poisonous environment was required. This being Italy, out went nearly the whole first-team squad in the summer, while in the opposite direction arrived experienced transfer operator, Daniele Pradè, alongside Montella.

Sniffing around Europe for talented players who would fit into MontellaâÂÂs attacking approach, the club targeted Villarreal, newly relegated from la Liga. Gonzalo Rodriguez arrived in defence, while Borja Valero was snared to dovetail with David Pizarro and Alberto Aquilani in midfield.

However, it has been one of those associated with that toxic environment, Ljajic, who has thrived with a second opportunity. Another of last seasonâÂÂs overpaid and spoilt underachievers, Alessio Cerci, meanwhile, has dazzled with Torino.

LjajicâÂÂs latest strike, which took his total to eight for the season, must have been the sweetest, given it came against his old nemesis Rossi, now in charge at Sampdoria.

It was the perfect riposte to last seasonâÂÂs plight but more importantly came with a smile and genuine happiness, something that has swept through Fiorentina under Montella.

Fiorentina have become the leagueâÂÂs real crowd pleasers and even though Milan regained third after their 4-2 win over Catania, it could be the rejuvenated Viola that have the last laugh.