Juventus captures 4th consecutive Serie A title

Lazio, Roma and even Parma, most surprisingly, delayed the inevitable as long as possible. It was an admirable endeavor. 

All the while, Juventus's champagne sat on ice, waiting patiently.

Saturday, the Bianconeri were finally able to pop it open and enjoy the sweetest taste sport has to offer: victory.

Juventus secured their fourth consecutive Serie A title by virtue of a 1-0 victory over Sampdoria at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, with a first-half goal from midfield warrior Arturo Vidal enough to ensure that the club's iron grip on Italian football continues to grow tighter.

Massimiliano Allegri and Co. went into the contest knowing that a draw would be enough to claim the league crown for a fourth straight year, and though Sampdoria provided stern opposition – particularly early in the contest when the hosts threatened on multiple occasions – the newly minted champions were able to procure a result which renders the final four matches of their season unnecessary.

The Scudetto, either the club's 31st or 33rd, depending on where your allegiances lie, sees Juventus become just the third team in league history to win at least four straight titles, joining Torino and Inter – Juventus also accomplished the impressive feat in the 1930s.

With Inter and their city rivals Milan sitting on 18 Serie A titles apiece, but both in the midst of an extended period of anguish, Juventus's advantage in the trophy case looks set to grow larger in the coming years before it trends in the other direction.

And to think, this season started with the club watching as their manager and leader, Antonio Conte, stepped down almost entirely out of thin air.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.