Serie A is all set to resume from 20th June, following the COVID-19-enforced break. Italy’s sports minister, Vincenzo Spadafora has given the green light to restart the league, which has been on hold since 9th March.Â
Juventus are currently atop the standings, with Lazio and Inter Milan occupying the second and third spots on respectively. While the Bianconeri have 63 points, Filippo Inzaghi’s men have exceeded all expectations and are only one point behind the leaders.
Unlike the title race, it seemed like this season’s fight for the Serie A Golden Boot will remain uncontested, with Lazio’s Ciro Immobile taking a commendable lead in the goalscorers’ list before the winter break.
However, the scenario has changed somewhat in the last few months as Cristiano Ronaldo made a late dash into the prestigious Capocannoniere race, thereby adding an extra dimension to an already fascinating Serie A season.
So, without wasting any time, let us take a look at the top five contenders for the Serie A Golden Boot at the first week of June.
#1 Ciro Immobile (Lazio, 27 goals)
Lazio forward Ciro Immobile has torn apart defences for fun in the Serie A this season. The 30-year-old, who has managed to score 27 times in just 26 league appearances, has an impressive average of finding the back of the net every 81 minutes of Serie A football.
The Italian international has been the main reason behind Lazio’s title push and has been involved directly in more than 50% of their total goals scored in Serie A this season. In addition, he has taken a total of 83 shots, out of which 60% have been on target.
Known for his quick thinking and offensive movements off the ball, Immobile is a complete striker who has an eye for goal. In his last 10 matches in Serie A, the Italian has netted 10 times.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus, 21 goals):
Despite starting the campaign slowly, Cristiano Ronaldo is more than making up for it through his explosive performances since the turn of the year. The 35-year-old has scored 21 goals in just 22 Serie A appearances at an incredible 93 minutes per goal average this season.
Since the beginning of January, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has found the back of the net 16 times with a goal-to-game ratio of 1.46!
Capable of playing on either flank as well as through the middle, the former Real Madrid superstar has made subtle changes to his game in the last few years, thereby increasing his potency in front of goal. The Portuguese ace is currently just six goals behind Ciro Immobile in the race for the Serie A Golden Boot.
#3 Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan, 17 goals)
In at number three is Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku, who has found a new life under Antonio Conte’s management. So far this season, the Belgian striker has scored 17 times in the Serie A and formed a formidable partnership with Lautaro Martinez upfront.
The 27-year-old former Manchester United man has taken Serie A by storm with his exploits in front of goal and has kept Inter in the title race.
Lukaku has been the main target man for Inter and has already scored some clutch goals to earn valuable points for his new employers.
#4 Joao Pedro (Cagliari, 16 goals)
Despite playing as a second striker for most of the season, Joao Pedro of Cagliari is currently sitting fourth in the Serie A Golden Boot race with 16 goals to his name. The 28-year-old has surprised a lot of people with his regular goalscoring ability this season, with Pedro having an impressive 141 minutes to per goal ratio.
After managing to score just thrice in the first nine matches, the Brazilian has picked up the pace, netting 13 times in the last 16 matches. Although it is highly unlikely that Pedro will be able to overtake the likes of Ciro Immobile and Cristiano Ronaldo, his recent performances have earned him a spot amongst the top five contenders for the Serie A Golden Boot this season.
#5 Josip Ilicic (Atalanta, 15 goals)
Atalanta midfielder Josep Ilicic has scored 15 goals in 21 Serie A matches and has proved to be an integral part of his side’s quest for a top-four finish this season. The Slovenian international has contributed immensely to Atalanta’s attacking brand of football, with the 32-year-old directly being involved in 35% of their total goals in Serie A in the present campaign.
Ilicic might have very little chance of winning the Serie A Golden Boot, but the potency he has shown in front of goal this season earns him a spot on this list.
Also Read: Serie A 2019-20: Team of the Season