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)