This week could be last time to use the "still settling in" excuse. None of the title contenders have overly difficult games, although Inter's trip to Palermo certainly is not to be overlooked. A fun fact to point out is that as you'll notice below, 8 of the week's matches will be broadcasted live. I certainly don't think I've seen as many as 8 before.
Match of the Week: Napoli @ Sampdoria: SUN 2:45PM Live on FSC, ESPN3.com, and RAI Great Euro-contender match early on. Samp need to show up after getting shown up at their house last week. Napoli meanwhile have hopefully learned that games go 90 full minutes after watching their gamewinner get nullified in a matter of seconds to Bari. (My Prediction: 1-0 Napoli)
Standings...
(http://sport.sky.it/sport/)
Lazio @ Fiorentina: SAT 12:00PM Live on ESPN3.com, RAI, and FS+ (My Prediction: 2-0 Lazio)
Catania @ Milan: SAT 2:45PM Live on FSC, ESPN3.com, and RAI (My Prediction: 0-2 Milan)
Cagliari @ Bari: SUN 6:30AM Live on FS+ (My Prediction: 1-1)
Lecce @ Cesena: SUN 9:00AM (My Prediction: 0-0)
Brescia @ Chievo: SUN 9:00AM Live on ESPN3.com (My Prediction: 0-1 Chievo)
Inter @ Palermo: SUN 9:00AM Live on FSC and RAI (My Prediction: 2-1 Inter)
Genoa @ Parma: SUN 9:00AM (My Prediction: 3-0 Genoa)
Bologna @ Roma: SUN 9:00AM Live on ESPN3.com (My Prediction: 0-0)
Juentus @ Udinese: SUN 9:00AM Live on ESPN3.com (My Prediction: 2-1 Juventus)
Incredible round of results after just the second week. Milan's new additions absolutely busted in their debuts, getting thoroughly handled by Cesena. Cagliari, Brescia, Chievo, and Lecce also pulled out big wins to the dismay of some big names.
Standings...
(http://sport.sky.it/sport/)
Match of the Week: Milan @ Cesena 0-2: Bogdani 31 (C), Giaccherini 44 (C)
As mentioned, Cesena fully deserved the win. Milan just weren't there. It was the same old problems up top where final goal just wouldn't come. Granted, they had some close calls nullified by offsides. Nonetheless, the better team won. (My Prediction: 3-0 Milan)
Udinese @ Inter 1-2: Lucio 7 (I), Floro Flores 31 (U), Eto'o 66 (I)
Good result for Inter. 3 points is 3 points. You can tell that they're still lacking a bit and are understandably not at the form they were in in May. As long as they're getting their points, they shouldn't have much to worry about. (My Prediction: 0-2 Inter)
Roma @ Cagliari 1-5: Conti 8 (C), De Rossi 18 (R), Matri pen 20, 47 (C), Acquafresca 38 (C), Lazzari 88 (C)
Shocking result. Cagliari certainly isn't a bad team and Roma are usually atrotious in the beginning, but still. Roma rarely gets pounded and likewise, Cagliari rarely crushes teams. As is for all teams, its still early to judge but I'm sure Roma won't forget this result any time soon. (My Prediction: 1-1)
Three big, big points for Brescia. When you're considered early favorites as a relegation contender, points against Euro-contenders will come in handly in April and May. (My Prediction: 1-0 Palermo)
Its nice to see that maybe Catania is picking up from where they left off last season. But Giovinco's free kick has got to make you excited for his future. Why the hell would Juventus get rid of him? (My Prediction: 3-1 Parma)
For Chievo to go to one of the fortresses of Serie A and pull out three unanswered goals after going down one is a heck of a statement. I don't know what the long-term possibilities are of this team are but early on, they're not a team you want to face. (My Prediction: 1-3 Genoa)
The true Match of the Week, Cassano made sure this one came down to the wire. Not totally surprised by this result: Juve letting points slip and Sampdoria fighting to the end. (My Prediction: 2-1 Sampdoria)
Finally, we can get the season started. Saturday's line up is excellent with Inter, Roma, and Milan all in action.
Match of the Week: Milan @ Cesena SAT 2:45PM EST Live on FSC, ESPN3.com, and RAI Without disrespect to Juve-Samp, we'll find out just how real Milan's threat to the scudetto really is. Again, they're up against a promoted side, but results against the lower clubs are where league titles are won and lost. Cesena certainly isn't a gimmie either, after drawing with Roma last week. Plus they're home. This is a can't miss game. (My Prediction: 3-0 Milan)
Il Tavolo Dopo La Prima Giornata
(http://sport.sky.it/sport/)
Udinese @ Inter SAT 12:00PM EST Live on ESPN3.com and RAI. 2:30pm Replay on FS+ (My Prediction: 0-2 Inter)
Roma @ Cagliari SAT 2:45PM EST (My Prediction: 1-1)
Palermo @ Brescia SUN 6:30AM EST Live on ESPN3.com, RAI, and FS+ (My Prediction: 1-0 Palermo)
Parma @ Catania SUN 9:00AM EST Live on ESPN3.com (My Prediction: 3-1 Parma)
Chievo @ Genoa SUN 9:00AM EST (My Prediction: 1-3 Genoa)
Sampdoria @ Juventus SUN 9:00AM EST Live on FSC, ESPN3.com, and RAI (My Prediction: 2-1 Sampdoria)
Bologna @ Lazio SUN 9:00AM EST (My Prediction: 0-0)
Fiorentina @ Lecce SUN 9:00AM EST (My Prediction: 3-2 Fiorentina)
Bari @ Napoli SUN 2:45PM EST Live on FSC, ESPN3.com, and RAI
Yes, its the Faroe Islands, but quite frankly, its just nice to see our boys put up a big number. A 1-0 or 2-0 result would certainly be a cause for concern but great teams should win these games by 5, 6, or 7. Personally, I'm glad that Giuseppe Rossi saw about 60 minutes on the field and Cassano and Quagliarella got on the scoresheet. Its a good result that gives condifence looking forward. But quite frankly, I CANNOT WAIT TO RETURN TO SERIE A!! (My Prediction: 3-1 Italy)
It was a bit of an ugly one, almost too poor to watch. It seemed as if maybe Lippi was on to something, that his selections were the best possible options. However Cassano put an end to that as he headed one and wonderfully set up the winner to take all three points. As I said in the preview, getting off to a winning start is so crucial for this team and its what they got. Today they try to make it 2 wins in 2 against the lowly Faroe Islands (My Prediction: 4-0 Italy)
Faroe Islands @ Italy: Stadio Comunale Artemio Franchi di Firenze TUE 2:50PM EST
Not a bad time to show off a video from my time in Firenze. The Azzurri will be playing hosts at this magnificent stadium and I can only dream of what it would be like to watch la nazionale in a packed house. I had imagined that the converted stadium wouldn't be a very nice venue, but up close, its undeniable. I still can't believe I wasn't able to catch one game during six weeks in Italy.
As for the match itself, same story, different chapter. There's no excuse to walk away with anything less than all three points. Rumor has it that Rossi will get his chance in the attack today along with Gilardino. After a poor start in the last game, I can't disagree with switching things up a bit. The fact that Gilardino will be in front of his home Fiorentina fans doesn't hurt at all either. (My Prediction: 3-1 Italy)
Fresh off the World Cup, UEFA wastes no time getting into Euro 2012 qualifiers. The first for La Nazionale is this Friday at 2:30PM.
Italy @ Estonia FRI 2:30PM EST Live on ESPN3.com
(Most Recent Match)
The new-look Italy squad will have it good starting off against Estonia and then the Faroe Islands. However after these two matches, there are no rollovers. The rest of the group consists of Serbia, Northern Ireland, and Slovena (2 of those 3 were at the World Cup). Starting off with 6 points will be crucial.
Keep an eye out for Italy's defense, as that is where Prandelli is really reshaping the team. Hopefully Chiellini will find a consistent partner in the center while wing left and right backs try to state their claim. I'm also a little disappointed Luca Antonini didn't get another call up. I know he didn't see playing time in the last friendly, but he gets better every game with Milan so I'd like to see him get a chance at the national level.
The attack should be exciting to watch because of how much their capable of achieving. Pirlo, Cassano, and Pazzini will surely start and I hope they'll be accompanied by Giuseppe Rossi and either Quagliarella or Gilardino.
Anything short of a win would be a disappointment. Let's hope their only previous friend has been enough for them to compete when it matters. (My Prediction: 4-1 Italy)
