La Giornata Finale Preview

(5* in a row?)

Its always a nice thing when the final day of the season arrives and there's still much to be played for. All eyes obviously will be on Inter-Siena and Roma-Chievo. With a 2-point lead, Inter can take the scudetto outright with a win. A draw will do if Roma fail to win. However, Roma has the tie-breaker advantage, having the better head-to-head record against Inter (win, draw).

There were date/time changes to two of the matches. Milan-Juve and Lazio-Udinese will be SATURDAY 2:45PM EST.

As for TV coverage, RAI is the place to be. They'll be between all the big matches on Sunday morning so you'll be able to keep on every goal as they happen. Fox Soccer's current listings for Sunday do not say exactly which matches will be broadcasted, but both FSC and FS+ will definitely have matches.


Matches of the Week:
#1 Internazionale @ #19 Siena SUN 9:00AM EST Live on RAI, likely on either FSC or FS+
#2 Roma @ #13 Chievo SUN 9:00AM EST Live on RAI, likely on either FSC or FS+
What other matches would there be? Its all still left to play for. With both teams on the road, there's always a chance to slip up. I definitely do not think it is over until the final whistle blows. At the same time, with all the momentum that Inter has going, it would be absolutely shocking to see them lose out on the title.
(My Predictions: 2-0 Inter, 2-2 Roma-Chievo)

Standings...

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

#7 Juventus @ #3 Milan SAT 2:45PM EST Live on ESPN3.com and RAI
What an oxymoronic match under these circumstances. I remember when the schedule was release, this was touted as a possible scudetto championship match. Now, only Milan's hope to seal up third is the only thing up for grabs. Also worth noting, Leonardo will be stepping down after the match, leaving the head coaching job at Milan up for grabs for a second consecutive summer.
(My Prediction: 0-0)

#12 Udinese @ #15 Lazio SAT 2:45PM EST
Lazio is one of a hand full of teams who have endured a dreadful season. They will be very much looking forward to the final whistle. Udinese will be looking forward to Antonio Di Natale securing the Capocannoniere title.
(My Prediction: 2-2)

#17 Bologna @ #14 Cagliari SUN 9:00AM EST
Nothing left in this one. Bologna seem lucky to be staying up. Cagliari was never able to get back up to their great form that almost saw them in 4th place.
(My Prediction: 1-1)

#10 Fiorentina @ #11 Bari SUN 9:00AM EST
Disappointing end for Fiorentina, with a lot of transfers and such to make in the summer. Great return season for Bari. Glad they get to end it at home.
(My Prediction: 0-3 Bari)

#8 Genoa @ #16 Catania SUN 9:00AM EST
I'm not sure how to judge Genoa's season. Although they lost last season's core of Thiago Motta and Diego Milito, they still had their fair share of wins and good performances. Catania, little too late for their revival. I'm excited to see how they'll do next season.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Genoa)

#20 Livorno @ #9 Parma SUN 9:00AM EST
Highly contrasting performances for these two promoted clubs. Great return for Parma, right back where they started for Livorno.
(My Prediction: 1-3 Parma)

#6 Napoli @ #4 Sampdoria SUN 9:00AM EST
One of four meaningful matches remaining. Very well could be candidate for match of the week had it not been for the scudetto race. These have been two of the more impressive clubs this season, as Napoli were in the running for a CL spot until only a month ago. A Sampdoria win guarentees 4th place and the Champions League.
(My Prediction: 2-3 Sampdoria)

#5 Palermo @ #18 Atalanta SUN 9:00AM EST
Because Palermo failed to beat Sampdoria at home and take back 4th, I don't feel like they deserve it anymore. It's not that they haven't had a great season, its just that Sampdoria seems to have gotten hot at the right time.
(My Prediction: 1-0 Palemro)