Inter @ Barca (3-1) CL Semi Leg 2

http://sport.sky.it/sport/champions_league/2010/04/27/campagna_barcellona_video_giocatori_remontada.html

Internazionale @ Barcelona (3-1 aggregate) Wed 2:45 EST Live on FSC

Leg 1 Recap:

Can't emphasize how big of a match this is. For Inter, it's been a 38 year drought since they've reached the final. A 3-1 lead really should be enough to show them past Barcelona. I look at their round of 16 Leg 2 trip to Chelsea triumph to support my claim that Inter should win this semi final.

What this means for Italy and Serie A, it restores credibility for the league in terms of perception and UEFA coefficient. With Bayern Munich propping up the German Bundesliga, they're hot on Serie A's 4th qualifying spot. A champion from Serie A should fend off a threat for this remaining season at least.
(My Prediction: 3-2 Inter)

Giornata 35 Review

Inter Go Top

If you're a fan of *5-peat champions, you might've gotten your wish this week. Inter take back first after 2 weeks as Gianpaolo Pazzini becomes Roman enemy #1. Livorno is also officially relegated.

(I'm sorry for waiting until the last 3 weeks of the season to figure out to embed highlights in my posts. I'll perfect it in time for the World Cup.)

Match of the Week:
Sampdoria @ Roma 2-1: Totti 14 (R), Pazzini 52, 85 (S)

You couldn't have expected Roma to finish out the season will all wins. They were going to get tripped up sometime between now and the end. The race is definitely not over yet, but it's obviously advantage Inter. Sampdoria strengthens their grasp at the last CL spot.
(My Prediction: 2-3 Roma)


The Table...

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/)

Atalanta @ Inter 1-2: Tiribocchi 5 (A), Milito 24 (I), Mariga 35 (I), Chivu 78 (I)

Atalanta might've cursed themselves by scoring too early. But you had to think Inter wasn't going to drop this one. They're now looking good for a *5th straight scudetto.
(My Prediction: 0-2 Inter)


Milan @ Palermo 1-3: Bovo 9 (P), Abel Hernandez 19 (P), Seedorf 55 (M), Miccoli 69 (P)

I want to say Milan players just have their minds on the world cup already however only hand full of them will be going. 3rd place is just good enough for some teams. Palermo meanwhile are digging it out, trying to get back 4th spot from Sampdoria which is making for a great finish.
(My Prediction: 1-3 Palermo)


Cagliari @ Napoli 0-0

Just about puts the nail in the coffin for Napoli's CL hopes. I do expect them to get a Europa League spot though which would be deserved. I havn't had anything to say about Cagliari in a long time. I guess props to them for not being in the relegation race.
(My Prediction: 0-3 Napoli)


Catania @ Livorno 1-3: Lucarelli pen 50 (L), Bellucci 60 (L), Bergvold 65 (L), Maxi Lopez 86 (C)

Good fight, but no dice for Livorno as its a one and done stay in Serie A. At least they sent themselves off with a solid win against one of the better teams in the league right now.
(My Prediction: 4-1 Catania)


Chievo @ Fiorentina 2-0: Pellissier 54 (C), Sardo 75 (C)

I don't know if anyone wants to end the season any more badly than Fiorentina. You gotta wonder if they run in the CL was worth the distraction.
(My Prediction: 2-3 Fiorentina)


Lazio @ Genoa 2-1: Palacio 7 (G), Dias 25 (L), Floccari 32 (L)

Lazio just about put any dreams of relegation to sleep. Big win to go to Genoa and get it done. Genos is ready for summer vacation.
(My Prediction: 1-4 Genoa)


Bari @ Juventus 0-3: Iaquinta 53, 86 (J), Del Piero pen 69 (J)

Juve returns Bari's earlier 3-0 beating. I like seeing Iaquinta scoring goals for Azzurri purposes. It'd be great to see him take the lead striking role this summer.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Juventus)


Parma @ Bologna 1-2: Biabiany 23 (P), Di Vaio 39, 50 (B)

Talk about gettin' your head out of your ass at the right time. Bologna now have 5 points between them and Atalanta. They could seal up the relegation battle two weeks early with a win and Siena&Atalanta losses.
(My Prediction: 1-1)


Siena @ Udinese 1-4: Pepe 19, 43 (U), Calaio' 40 (S), Sanchez 61 (U), Di Natale pen 80 (U)

Similar to the above match, Udinese, who were never really in danger of relegation, ended any possibility while Siena just about need to resign to their fate unless Bologna and simply explode.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Siena)

Giornata 35 Preview//Inter-Barca Review

Diego Milito
(http://www.gazzetta.it//gallery/Calcio/04-2010/inter/trionfo-nerazzurro-603717021278.shtml#17)

Barcelona @ Inter 1-3: Pedro 19 (B), Sneijder 30 (I), Maicon 48 (I), Milito 61 (I)
Phenomenal result for Inter against Barca who have been incredible this year. I would imagine it's been a very long time since they've lost by at least 2 goals, so that alone is something to be proud of, let alone it being a semi-final. Leg 2 is this Wednesday in Barcelona


In Serie A...
It's down to Roma and Inter in a dead sprint for the scudetto, which is a beautiful thing. Roma definitely have a tougher match up this weekend with #4 Sampdoria while Inter has relegation strugglers #18 Atalanta. Their final 3 matches after this weekend are pretty even though:

Roma... 36:@ Parma, 37:vs Cagliari, 38:@ Chievo
Inter: 36:@ Lazio, 37:vs Chievo, 38:@ Siena



Match of the Week:

#4 Sampdoria @ #1 Roma SUN 2:45PM EST Live on FSC and RAI
Roma's saving grace is that they're playing at home. If they had to go to Sampdoria, I'd be doubtful.
(My Prediction: 2-3 Roma)

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/)

#18 Atalanta @ #2 Inter SAT 12:00PM EST Live on FS+ and RAI
If Atalanta didn't have the opportunity to jump out of the relegation zone, I'd give this hands down to Inter, but I'm very weary of the strength a team shows when they're up against the drop. There's also the thought of going to Barcelona midweek to finally get their shot at conquering Europe.
(My Prediction: 0-2 Inter)

#3 Milan @ #5 Palermo SAT 2:45PM EST Live on FSC, ESPN3.com, and RAI
I really haven't paid too much attention to Milan since Seedorf's ridiculous goal to beat Chievo. It shouldn't have taken that to beat Chievo and was just proof that they weren't up for the Scudetto race. Luckily Palermo seem to have lost a bit off the top so perhaps they have a shot at coming away with something from Palermo.
(My Prediction: 1-2 Palermo)

#12 Cagliari @ #6 Napoli SUN 9:00AM EST
Last chance for Napoli to get back into the CL race. Both Palermo and Sampdoria have tougher match ups so maybe they can pull it off.
(My Prediction: 0-3 Napoli)

#14 Catania @ #20 Livorno SUN 9:00AM EST
Don't beat a dead horse.
(My Prediction: 4-1 Catania)

#13 Chievo @ #9 Fiorentina SUN 9:00AM EST Live on ESPN3.com
Officially a disappointing season for Fiorentina, domestically at least. Makes you think what couldn't been if they didn't get screwed against Bayern, who very likely could be in the CL final next week.
(My Prediciton: 2-3 Fiorentina)

#16 Lazio @ #8 Genoa SUN 9:00AM EST Live on ESPN3.com
Lazio not exactly safe yet. Tough loss in the derby last week and very difficult trip to Genoa could see them back in the fold. I'll be shocked if they end up going down though.
(My Prediction: 1-4 Genoa)

#11 Bari @ #7 Juventus SUN 9:00AM EST Live on FSC, ESPN3.com, and RAI
Not a whole lot to say here. I do wonder, however, how three different stations will be broadcasting this game (see above). Goes to show how much people watch for names, not quality.
(My Prediction: 1-2 Juventus)

#10 Parma @ #17 Bologna SUN 9:00AM EST
Bologna workin' hard to get down to Serie B, cuttin in front of Lazio and everything. They're lookin good for it.
(My Prediction: 1-1)

#19 Siena @ #15 Udinese SUN 9:00AM EST
If Siena can claw out every game from here on out and see to it that just two of either Bologna, Lazio, or Atalanta can lay eggs, they'll be good to stay up. I think they can do it.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Siena)

Giornata 34 Review / Inter's CL Semi-Finals Leg 1 Preview

(http://cm-dl.calciomercato.com/public/parser_image/save/abc69a0ed53c4ee1cabe93a438a2b1b8.jpg)

Unfortunately I have to rain on the exciting parade that is Serie A and call out the stupidity of the tifosi. The rioting at the Roma derby is the act of pure stupidity. It is why Serie A is drifting away from the best of Europe, more so the cause than the affects of Calciopoli. It is a shame.

Nonetheless, Roma retain top spot in quality fashion. You know Mirko is fired up when he doesn't even take his shorts off.

Real quick before the review...

Barcelona @ Internazionale: TUE 2:45 EST 5:00 Delay on FSC, or pay money and watch live online
I don't even know what to say in reaction to Fox Soccer's failure to show this match live aside from, we didn't have this problem with ESPN...
As for the match itself, I think Inter has a decent shot at pulling away with a win tomorrow night. This is simply because they won't be coming away with anything from Nou Camp. I'm hearing a lot of 1-0 scorelines in favor of Inter and I think I like that too. You just don't know though. This could just finally be Inter's year.


Back to Serie A...

Matches of the Week:
Juventus @ Inter 0-2: Maicon 76 (I), Eto'o 92 (I)
Ridiculous goal from Maicon that not only won them the match, but may have also set the tone for the rest of Inter's season. Embarrassing fun fact for Juve, they were the only team this week, aside from last place Livorno, to fail to score.

Lazio vs Roma 1-2: Rocchi 14 (L), Vucinic pen 53, 63 (R)
What a match. Roma have been so much like Inter in that they find ways to pull massive wins out of their asses. With that said, they also look like champions. As for Lazio, this is one of the few times teams regret earning a PK, as it sparked Roma's comeback, as well as the BALLSY move by Claudio Ranieri to sub out both captain and vice-captain Totti and Danielle De Rossi.

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

Livorno @ Chievo 0-2: Pellissier 28 (C), Abbruscato 88 (C)
It should be interesting to see how Chievo will fare next year. Will they enhance the squad or will they be content with simply staying up in the top flight? A Livorno loss plus either an Atalanta or Bologna win sees them mathmatically relegated, the final nail in the coffin.

Bologna @ Udinese 1-1: Zapata og 3 (B), Di Natale 91 (U)
Bologna's tryin hard to get relegated. By the way, if Di Natale is getting called up to La Nazionale, why isn't Fabrizio Miccoli? Both scoring goals like crazy and neither play for one of the big three. I sure as hell hope the Azzurri will be scoring goals in South Africa or else it'll be a real disappointment leaving players like Miccoli and Cassano home.

Fiorentina @ Atalanta 1-2: Ferreira Pinto 6 (A), Tiribocchi 69 (A), Montolivo 75 (F)
Atalanta's been lookin good lately. If they can avoid losing for the last four matches, I would not be surprised to see Bologna replace them in the drop zone.


Genoa @ Parma 3-2: Palacio 33, 52 (G), Zaccardo 60 (P), Bocchetti og 62 (P), Fatic 72 (G)
Genoa is so fun to watch because you can always expect a lot of goals from their matches. Palacio also has to be the most solid signing of the season, in terms of filling in their role. I'd also like to point out that Bocchetti's own goal is something out of FIFA (the video game), where you can't cancel a command quick enough and so your player does something you totally didn't intend, not that some own goals are intended but this one was way off.


Milan @ Sampdoria 1-2: Borriello 20 (M), Cassano pen 59 (S), Pazzini 92 (S)
Having followed Milan very closely for the past three seasons, I knew hands down that they would lose this match. Samp has been on too good of form and their home field advantage was always too much. What is nice though is that Mancini still makes me think I might still have a future playing in Serie A.

Napoli @ Bari 2-1: Lavezzi 28, 57 (N), Almiron 75 (B)
Imagine if Lavezzi could score like this consistently. Great stuff overall for Napoli to go to Bari and come away with a win.

Palermo @ Cagliari 2-2: Cossu 28 (C), Jeda 87 (C), Miccoli 89 (P), Hernandez 95 (P)
What an embarrassing showing from Cagliari in the final minutes, especially after putting in a great performance against a strong Palermo side. At least the race for 4th just got even more interesting.

Siena @ Catania 2-2: Maxi Lopez 11 (C), Maccarone 49 (S), Biagianti 50 (C), Vergassola 69 (S)
Some great goals scored in this one. Siena seem to believe that they still have a shot at staying up. At -6, it's difficult, but not impossible. This is why we watch.

Giornata 34 Preview

I Derbi di Italia

That's right, plural. Not just Inter-Juve, but also the Roma-Lazio this week. So much drama in these match ups. First, with the re-opening of the Calciopoli scandal, Juve look to be clearing their name and possibly taking back their revoked scudetti. Down in Roma, Lazio will be trying to crash Roma's scudetto hopes. Keep in mind of the irregular scheduling of both these matches. Juve-Inter is FRIDAY at 2:45 EST and Roma Derby is Sunday at 12:45, for security reasons.

MatchES of the Week:
#6 Juventus @ #2 Internazionale FRI 2:45PM EST Live on FSC and RAI
Round 15: 2-1 Juve
Juve coming off one of their more respectable wins of the season last week so they could be up for it against Inter.
(My Prediction: 2-2 draw)

#1 Roma vs #16 Lazio SUN 12:45PM EST Live on FS+, 2:30 on FSC
Round 15: 1-0 Roma
Derbys are always a toss up. But if there is an edge, its obviously with Roma. They've been too good lately.
(My Prediction: 3-1 Roma)

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

#20 Livorno @ #14 Chievo SAT 12:00PM EST Live on ESPN3 and RAI
Round 15: 2-0 Chievo
Hopefully I'll be looking for an early afternoon nap Saturday, quite frankly. This game should put me over the edge and into happy land.
(My Prediction: 1-0 Livorno)

#17 Bologna @ #15 Udinese SUN 9:00AM EST
Round 15: 2-1 Bologna
Both teams have been trying to keep the relegation battle interesting. If Bologna loses, they may succeed.
(My Prediction: 2-0 Udinese)

#8 Fiorentina @ #18 Atlanta SUN 9:00AM EST
Round 15: 2-0 Fiorentina
I wonder if Fiorentina really even want the Europa League spot? It seems like most CL contenders usually don't. Nonetheless, they could do some good damage for Serie A's sake if they make it.
(My Prediction: 1-2 Atalanta)

#10 Genoa @ #9 Parma SUN 9:00AM EST
Round 15: 2-2 draw
Derby losses are always painful. We'll see if Genoa let's it hang over.
(My Prediction: 1-1 draw)

#3 Milan @ #5 Sampdoria SUN 9:00AM EST Live on FSC and ESPN3
Round 15: 3-0 Milan
I called Milan out of the scudetto race a while ago, and of course counted them in again after they were within 1 point of Inter recently. But now with Inter not even their first worry, and a trip to CL hungry Sampdoria, it's lookin bleak.
(My Prediction: 0-2 Sampdoria)

#7 Napoli @ #11 Bari SUN 9:00AM EST
Round 15: 3-2 Napoli
Napoli are like Milan except on the scale of the Champions League. They've had their chances to take control, but they've fallen short too many times. They also have an ugly away match to deal with themselves. On a personal note, my boy Fabio Quagliarella talked himself into a 3-match ban, which helps nobody.
(My Prediction: 1-1 Bari)

#4 Palermo @ #12 Cagliari SUN 9:00AM EST
Round 15: 2-1 Palermo
I don't know how much longer Palermo can hold out for 4th. However, I do think they would perform better in the CL next season then Sampdoria would.
(My Prediction: 3-1 Palermo)

#19 Siena @ #13 Catania SUN 9:00AM EST
Round 15: 3-2 Siena
It's a shame Catania are finding their feet so late in the season. Their manager, Siniša Mihajlović, has been getting a lot of credit for the revival. Maxi Lopez is quickly rising as my new favorite player to watch in Serie A.
(My Prediction: 0-1 Catania)

Giornata 33 Review

(http://www.asroma-calcio.com/as-roma-sfondi/scudetto.gif)

A look into the future?? You gotta love Roma's ascent to the top. Now the question is if they can keep it up for 5 more matches. The derby looms and as far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter how good or bad you've been. You might as well flip a coin when it comes to heated rivalries. Likewise with Inter-Juve, taking place on FRIDAY, not Satuday.

Match of the Week:
Genoa vs Sampdoria 0-1: Cassano 22 (S)

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

Inter @ Fiorentina 2-2: Keirrison 10 (F), Milito 74 (I), Eto'o 81 (I), Kroldrup 82

Parma @ Napoli 3-2: Quagliarella 3 (N), Antonelli 63 (P), A Lucarelli 68 (P), Hamsik 78 (N), Jimenez 87 (P)

Atalanta @ Roma 1-2: Vucinic 12 (R), Cassetti 27 (R), Tiribocchi 53 (A)

Bari @ Siena 2-3: Rivas 13 (B), Ghezzal 17, 62 (S), Castillo 22 (B), Rosi 67 (S)

Cagliari @ Juventus 0-1: Chiellini 35 (J)

Catania @ Milan 2-2: Maxi Lopez 12 (C), Ricchiuti 43 (C), Borriello 48, 80 (M)

Chievo @ Palermo 1-3: De Paula 18 (C), Pastore 28 (P), Miccoli pen 39, 53 (P)

Lazio @ Bologna 3-2: Guana 12 (B), Portanova 16 (B), Mauri 44 (L), Dias 63 (L), Rocchi 67 (L)

Udinese @ Livorno 2-0: Sanchez 8 (U), Di Natale 35 (U)

Giornata 33 Preview

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

Just a few quick comments, ESPN360.com is now ESPN3.com. Nothing different, just a new name. Second, one of my favorite match ups is my match of the week, Genoa-Sampdoria. They both share the same beautiful stadium in Genoa and the match is always excellent. Genoa has been owning this derby since Sampdoria were promoted back in 2007, with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. If there's only one match you watch this weekend, this is it. Inter-Fiorentina is a close 2nd, btw. Enjoy.

Match of the Week:
#9 Genoa vs #5 Samporia SUN 2:45PM EST Live on FSC, ESPN3, and RAI
(My Prediction: 3-0 Genoa)

#11 Parma @ #6 Napoli SAT 12:00PM EST Live on ESPN3 and RAI
(My Prediction: 2-0 Napoli)

#1 Inter @ #8 Fiorentina SAT 2:45PM EST Live on FSC and RAI
(My Prediction: 3-1 Inter)

#18 Atalanta @ #2 Roma SUN 9:00AM EST
(My Prediction: 0-3 Roma)

#10 Bari @ #19 Siena SUN 9:00AM EST
(My Prediction: 0-2 Siena)

#12 Cagliari @ #7 Juventus SUN 9:00AM EST
(My Prediction: 1-1 draw)

#13 Catania @ #3 Milan SUN 9:00AM EST Live on FSC and RAI
(My Prediction: 2-0 Catania)

#14 Chievo @ #4 Palermo SUN 9:00AM EST
(My Prediction: 0-2 Palermo)

#17 Lazio @ #16 Bologna SUN 9:00AM EST
(My Prediction: 1-0 Lazio)

#15 Udinese @ #20 Livorno SUN 9:00AM EST
(My Prediction: 3-1 Udinese)

Champions League Recap

(http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=47884&L=it)

For the first time in 3 seasons, since Milan won their 7th title, Serie A is represented in the Champions League semi-finals. Inter comfortably beat CSKA Moskov 2-0 on aggregate this week and will face the mountain of a task that is Barcelona.

Internazionale Milano @ CSKA Moskov 1-0 (2-0 aggregate): Sneider 6 (I)
Inter seemed to have control throughout. The early goal was clutch as Sneider continues his phenomenal season. CSKA had a man sent off early in the 2nd half which just about sealed. Gotta say they got lucky to draw the Russians but they got it done convincingly.

Arsenal @ Barcelona 1-4: Bendtner 19 (A), Messi 21, 37, 42, 88 (B)
I'm sure you've heard by now that Messi truly dismantled Arsenal. I don't think Inter will struggle this poorly but I really can't expect beautiful calcio from them either. To throw it out there, Bendtner's goal is way overshadowed, understandably though. Great touch to put it away before the defender could get there.


The other two of the remaining four will be Lyon-Bayern. Both teams impressing to get this far. I do like Lyon but I think the edge has to be given to Bayern after going to Old Trafford and getting it done, unlike Milan who rolled over and played dead.

As it stands now, no doubt Barca are the favorites over Inter. However, I do think they have a legitimate chance. They've really gotten over the hump in the CL this year so who knows what can happen.


Semi's begin Tuesday April 20 in Milan

Barca @ Inter Tue April 20
Inter @ Barca Wed April 28

Lyon @ Bayern Wed April 21
Bayern @ Lyon Tue April 27

Giornata 32 Review

(http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=47855&L=it&CAT=2)

Apologies for the late post/lack of commentary.

Match of the Week:
Roma @ Bari 1-0: Vucinic 19 (R)
Going to Bari and getting the win was massive for Roma. Unfortunately for them, Inter begin looking like the dominant club we know them to be. Bari had their chances though, but Roma's defense isn't getting nearly as much attention as it deserves.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Roma... Knew it would be close, and it was.)

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

Bologna @ Inter 0-3: Thiago Motta 29, 85 (I), Balotelli 52 (I)
(My Prediction: 0-2 Inter...)

Fiorentina @ Parma 1-1: De Silvestri 22 (F), Bojinov 68 (P)
A solid match between the two. Many chances but for one reason or another, neither could convert. Looking at the table, Fiorentina might be kicking themselves for not picking up the extra 2 points, as 4th place seems to be floating between Sampdoria and Palermo, now tied on points.
(My Prediction: 2-2 draw... Two teams who are too even matched.)

Livorno @ Genoa 1-1: Boakye 51 (G), Tavano 87 (L)
Just like Fiorentina, Genoa will be kicking themselves for not taking all 3 points from the bottom team in the league. I will say
(My Prediction: 1-3 Genoa...)

Milan @ Cagliari 3-2: Borriello 7 (M), Ragatzu 17 (C), Huntelaar 19 (M), Matri 32 (C), Astori og 37 (M)
(My Prediction: 1-1 draw...)

Napoli @ Lazio 1-1: Floccari 4 (L), Hamsik 38 (N)
(My Prediction: 2-2 draw...)

Sampdoria @ Chievo 2-1: Cassano 1 (S), Pazzini 55 (S), Mantovani 75 (C)
(My Prediction: 3-1 Sampdoria...)

Siena @ Atalanta 0-2: Valdes 16 (A), Ferreira Pinto 70 (A)
(My Prediction: 2-3 Atalanta...)

Palermo @ Catania 0-2: Maxi Lopez 14, 32 (C)
(My Prediction: 2-3 Catania...)

Juventus @ Udinese 0-3: Sanchez 9 (U), Pepe 65 (U), Di Natale 76 (U)
(My Prediction: 2-1 Juventus...)

Giornata 32 Preview

Same story at the top with another team within a point of Inter while the door at the bottom is beginning to shut on Atalanta, Siena, and Livorno. Also worth noting, all matches are on Saturday, assumed to be in observation of Easter Sunday.

Match of the Week:
#2 Roma @ #10 Bari SAT 9:00AM EST Live on ESPN360 and RAI
Round 13: 3-1 Roma
Although Bari is only 10th right now, I've noted several times that at home, they're as good as anyone (9w-2l-4d at home). Tough time for Roma to traveling there but that's what it takes to be champions.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Roma)

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

#15 Bologna @ #1 Inter SAT 9:00AM EST
Round 13: 3-1 Inter
Bologna seems to be content with a 7 point gap between themselves and the drop. Dropping the past 3 matches, Inter couldn't be more happy to see them.
(My Prediction: 2-0 Inter)

#8 Fiorentina @ #11 Parma SAT 9:00AM EST
Round 13: 3-2 Parma
Neither teams with a whole lot left to play for. Fiorentina can grab a Europa spot but do they really even want it?
(My Prediciton: 2-2 draw)

#20 Livorno @ #9 Genoa SAT 9:00AM EST
Round 13: 2-1 Livorno
It would be a very great escape for any of the bottom three teams to save themselves, let alone the sorriest of them all.
(My Prediction: 1-3 Genoa)

#3 Milan @ #12 Cagliari SAT 9:00AM EST
Round 13: 4-3 Milan
With Ronaldinho and Abbiati back in the lineup, I would think Milan are capable of going on the road for a win. There's also the fact that they're still only -3, despite their embarrassing form lately.
(My Prediction: 1-1 draw)

#5 Napoli @ #16 Lazio SAT 9:00AM EST
Round 13: 0-0 draw
I'm not too sure what to think about Napoli right now. Their season has been up and down without much consistency. I want to say they can give Palermo a run for their money but I'm just to too sure. Lazio meanwhile has been very confident as of late, with the threat of relegation all but gone.
(My Prediction: 2-2 draw)

#7 Sampdoria @ #13 Chievo SAT 9:00AM EST
Round 13: 2-1 Sampdoria
Sampdoria back in the race for 4th. Chievo has to be the most boring team in Serie A this year. Perfectly mid-table. Advantage Sampdoria based on the fact that they have something to play for.
(My Prediction: 3-1 Sampdoria)

#19 Siena @ #18 Atalanta SAT 9:00AM EST
Round 13: 2-0 Atalanta
This is probably the last hope if it is meant to be that one of the current bottom three is to be relegated. Atalanta currently sits 2 points above Siena and 4 behind #17 Udinese so you would think Atalanta is the only team with realistic hopes. Although I was pulling for Siena to make it out, I think it's just too far out of their hands.
(My Prediction: 3-2 Atalanta)

#4 Palermo @ #14 Catania SAT 1:00PM EST Live on ESPN360 and RAI
Round 13: 1-1 draw
The Sicilian Derby. Catania will definitely be playing the spoiler role for Palermo's CL spot. Keep in mind, the 1-1 draw back in November cost former Palermo manager Walter Zenga his job. In hindsight, I think Palermo owes Catania a thank you.
(My Prediction: 2-3 Catania)

#6 Juventus @ #17 Udinese SAT 3:00PM EST Live on FSC and RAI
Round 13: 1-0 Juventus
Why is this the highlighted night match? Even an under-achieving Juve is still appealing, apparently. Remarkably, they are still only 3 points behind Palermo and I think would be disappointing for the league if they ended up getting 4th. Not that I'm hating on the Old Lady, it's just I'd rather see one of the big boys get taken out by the little guy.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Juventus)

Champions League Quarters-Leg 1

(http://www.football-italia.net/gallery/92-5.html)

CSKA Moskov @ Internazionale: 0-1 Milito 65 (I)
Mourinho is right when he says Inter could have won 3-0 at least. I haven't watched Pandev a whole lot so I can't say if his performance was just a choke act or if he was just plain unlucky with all of his opportunities. Nonetheless, Milito's goal was a beauty, considering how Inter kept pushing, and pushing, and pushing, eventually breaking through. Not giving up that away goal is huge as well. I'm also wondering if Sneider has ever been as good as he is now. He's a pain in the ass for any team that plays him, no matter who knocked up he got during this match. Looking to next week's return leg, I only hope that only a 1-0 win will hold. I would think getting an early away goal should do the trick, but at this stage in the competition, you can't take too much for granted. Finally, a reminder that the winner of this QF will play the winner of Barca/Arsenal, who drew 2-2 in London.
(My Prediction: 2-2 draw)