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PREVIEW Week 25: Twenty Fifth Round Serie A Tuesday, February 26 and Wednesday, February 27
By Anna Italia
Hello my friends...
Is this Serie A flying fast or what? The Twenty fourth Round just finished yesterday and playing again tomorrow the next round?
Wow, I don't think I will have enough time to prepare my PREVIEW. Yet, I will include my predictions to see how we do. Make sure you include your predictions too.
Boy, things are boiling !!!!! Referees are making too many mistakes... irreversibles....
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - Week 25 Twenty Fifth Round Serie A Matchday 25
FC JUVENTUS - TORINO (Famous derby della Mole)
Olimpico di Torino Stadium
Serie A Standing: Juventus 3rd position, 47 points
Torino 12th position, 26 points
Help, I need somebody help... not just anybody help! Recognize this song? Hello... the BEATLES! That's what Juventus must be singing after being penalized by an "irreversible result" after a terrible refereeing. Reggina 2 - 1 Juventus
Let's put it this way. Juventus can go all motivated to this derby to beat TORINO and show that JUVENTUS is not dead!
Torino is coming from a superb 4-4 draw against Parma. So, this will be a tough one!
Juventus simply cannot lose this match. It is risking big time! If losing and Milan beating Catania there will be only 4 points difference. Sure, for MILAN fans (including myself) it will be great. Though, right now, for this Derby della Molle, my bet is for Juventus. Are you kidding me? How to put behind the great STYLE JUVENTUS with the brave flag of Alessandro Del Piero!!!!
I don't think Toro has what it takes to beat Juventus right now. Actually, a draw will be unthinkable for Juventus. Though for Torino Coach Walter Novellino it will be his 15th draw in this season! So, a victory is what we need here. Hopefully, a Juve victory? Challenge for Novellino is to beat Juventus to break his "chain of draws." Can he do it, that's the question! I hope not, at least not against JUVE!
Advantage for Juventus is the return of SAINT GOALKEEPER GIGI BUFFON after recovering from injury as well as the return of striker Vincenzo Iaquinta.
The one not making it on time is striker David Trezeguet still with flu. Sad, because it was Trezeguet who scored the winning goal in Week 5 when beating Torino. Still the duo Iaquinta-Del Piero can score winning goals.
Advantage for Torino is the optimism of Striker Davide di Michele who scored the equalizing match against Parma in the 81st minute!
COME ON JUVE!!!!!! Chi non salta nero azzurro e' , e'!!!!
These stats include all matches played in the national Leagues (A, B, C), since the single-group tournament was set up (1929/30) and all Italian Cups since 1922.
My prediction: JUVENTUS
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - Week 25 Twenty Fifth Round Serie A Matchday 25
FC INTER - AS ROMA
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium
Serie A Standing: FC Inter 1st position, 60 points
AS Roma 2nd position, 51 points
Here is a DIE OR DIE for ROMA!
Although Roma already beat Inter in the Coppa Italia. So, chances of beating Inter again is quite strong. Challenge is for Roma Coach Luciano Spalletti to transmit his strategy to the team. Also, for Captain Francesco Totti to be fit and be the great Roman gladiator in the field with all his men to conquer the Meazza!!!!!
I only hope the Referee won't favor Inter, as they have been favored in 4 matches already!
INTER - ROMA met on 18 previous occasions, winning 9, drawing 4 and losing 5. Spalletti's teams have scored in all 10 away games against Inter, netting a total of 17 goals.
Problem for Inter is the absence of Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for injury as well as Defenders Walter Samuel and Ivan Cordoba.
Advantage for Inter is the effective midfielder Esteban Cambiasso and goalkeeper Julio Cesar.
Problem for Roma the absence of striker Amantino Mancini. Now, this is really a blow for the rossoneri. Defender Juan also missing the match. Advantage is Captain Totti.
Inter Coach Roberto Mancini might rest some of his key men for the UEFA Champions League match at the Meazza against Liverpool.
If you think that Inter need to score 3 goals against Liverpool, then, chances for a turnover are highly.
Anyway, Inter can afford to lose a match in the Serie A, they will still be the leaders. Here will be an advantage for Roma.
However, Roma also will have a Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Difference is that Roma beat Real Madrid and has that advantage.
If I were Coach Spalletti, I will push for the Serie A. Beating Inter will be the "BEST MOTIVATION for ROMA."
Come on ROMA, it's now or never!!!!
My Prediction: AS ROMA
LAZIO - REGGINA
Olimpico di Roma Stadium
Serie A Standing: Lazio 13th positin, 26 points
Torino
Hey guys, I don't want to be in the place of Lazio Coach Delio Rossi. Lazio already contested at the airport when they returned from Cagliari after losing the match. Gosh, I am still waiting for the sacking of Coach De Rossi. Lazio already touching the relegation zone... what else are they waiting for? Strikers Tommaso Rocchi and Goran Pandev cannot do miracles all the time, not even mentioning goalkeeper Ballotta who has been a fundamental piece for Lazio not being already at the bottom of the Serie A Standing.
Wonder how are they going to calm their fans. Something is not clicking in Lazio, period.
Imagine, Lazio fans went this morning to the TRAINING SESSION and according to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, fans contested strongly Tommaso Rocchi, Mauri, and Ledesma. Some of the fans called them even "mercenaries."
Tension was so high that Lazio Coach De Rossi interrupted the training to calm down the fans. Unbelievable. Though I agree with De Rossi's words towards the fans "Don't blame the team, blame me." You bet I blame you De Rossi!
My Prediction: Lazio
AC SIENA - CAGLIARI (Survival match)
Olimpico di Torino Stadium
Serie A Standing: AC Siena 17th position, 22 points
Cagliari 20th position, 18 points
Can Cagliari go even down than what it is? NO. No way Jose! Cagliari already in the last position is resisting to accept the relegation to the Serie B. Since the signing of Goalkeeper Marco Storari in January, there has been a ray of hope for Cagliari.
On Sunday, Cagliari beat Lazio. This was a great incentive for Cagliari, maybe the beginning to salvation! Even if they beat Siena, which I doubt because Siena Coach Berretta is a tough technician, I want to believe in "CAGLIARI's MIRACLE"
Both teams are struggling to survive in the Serie A.
My Prediction: Cagliari
CATANIA - AC MILAN
Angelo Massimino Stadium
Serie A Standing: Catania 15th position, 23 points
AC Milan 4th position, 41 points
A tough situation for Milan who just reached the 4th position after beating Palermo and Fiorentina losing to Roma. Problem for Milan is that KAKA might be out for a month. Possible Kaka's knee problem worsened when he clashed on Sunday's match against Palermo with Roberto Guana. His absence was also felt by the rossoneri who struggled to win..
Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti has to plan carefully his tactics, using turnovers to give proper resting time to key players, such as midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo did not seem sharp during the match with Palermo. So, here is a chance for Catania Coach Silvio Baldini to beat the rossoneri if Ancelotti keeps his main starting line up for the return of the UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal.
Why not giving the chance to the young Primavera player Alberto Paloschi in the next Serie A matches? Gilardino, Inzaghi, and even Pato not looking sharp but in need of resting time. Maybe Ancelotti can prepare a Gilardino - Paloschi, or a PATO - PALOSCHI in the next match?
Advantage for Milan right now is the second goalkeeper "Zeljko Kalac," who seems now like the main goalkeeper. Hopefully, the young Brazilian PATO will be an asset for Ancelotti for the match against Catania and save Inzaghi for the Champions League.
Problem is for Catania because a defeat can take them all the way down to the RELEGATION ZONE depending on the results of Livorno, Siena, Parma, and Reggina. Will it be the "Time to Say Goodbye from Coach Baldini,?"
My Prediction: AC Milan
ATALANTA - SAMPDORIA
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium
Serie A Standing: Atalanta 9th position, 31 points
Sampdoria 7th postion, 35 points
My Prediction: Sampdoria
FIORENTINA - AS LIVORNO
Aretmio Franchi Stadium
Serie A Standing: Fiorentina 5th position, 41 points
AS Livorno 16th position 23 points
In the battle for the fourth position between AC Milan and Fiorentina, injured players will affect both teams performance. However, the one really to experience a big blow is Fiorentina now that striker Adrian Mutu is confirmed to be out for about a month after a collision with Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni. The relevance of Mutu was clearly seen after he abandoned the match in the first half and Fiorentina ending up losing the match.. Tests indicated that Mutu has a second-degree reupture of his medial ligament.
Mutu's absesnce is really a problem for Fiorentina not much against Livorno, but when facing Juventus and the UEFA Cup match against Everton. Oh well.... If you doubt about Mutu's effectiveness for Fiorentina, just think about his 14 goals! He is among the top 5 scorers right now along with Ibrahimovic, both having 14 goals.
I think Livorno has a chance to get at least a draw.
My Prediction: DRAW
GENOA - NAPOLI
Serie A Standing: Genoa 8th position, 32 points
Napoli 11th position, 30 points
My Prediction: GENOA
PALERMO - EMPOLI
Renzo Barbera Stadium
Serie A Standing: Palermo 10th position, 31 points
Empoli 14th position, 25 points
My Prediction: Palermo
PARMA - UDINESE
Ennio Tardini Stadium
Serie A Standing: Parma 18th position, 22 points
Udinese 6th position, 32 points
Though Parma came from a terrific match Torino 4 - 4 Parma and Udinese losing terribly against Genoawith a superb goleada, I think Udinese, technically speaking, can beat Parma.
My Prediction: UDINESE
|
Position |
Team |
Points |
|
1 |
FC Inter |
60 |
|
2 |
AS Roma |
51 |
|
3 |
FC Juventus |
47 |
|
4 |
AC Milan |
41 |
|
5 |
Palermo |
41 |
|
6 |
Udinese |
36 |
|
7 |
Sampdoria |
35 |
|
8 |
Genoa |
32 |
|
9 |
Atalanta |
31 |
|
10 |
Palermo |
31 |
|
11 |
Napoli |
30 |
|
12 |
Torino |
26 |
|
13 |
Lazio |
26 |
|
14 |
Empoli |
25 |
|
15 |
Catania |
23 |
|
16 |
AS Livorno |
23 |
|
17 |
AC Siena |
22 |
|
18 |
Parma |
22 |
|
19 |
Reggina |
21 |
|
20 |
Cagliari |
18 |
Hello my friends...
Is this Serie A flying fast or what? The Twenty fourth Round just finished yesterday and playing again tomorrow the next round?
Wow, I don't think I will have enough time to prepare my PREVIEW. Yet, I will include my predictions to see how we do. Make sure you include your predictions too.
Boy, things are boiling !!!!! Referees are making too many mistakes... irreversibles....
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - Week 25 Twenty Fifth Round Serie A Matchday 25
FC JUVENTUS - TORINO (Famous derby della Mole)
Olimpico di Torino Stadium
Serie A Standing: Juventus 3rd position, 47 points
Torino 12th position, 26 points
Help, I need somebody help... not just anybody help! Recognize this song? Hello... the BEATLES! That's what Juventus must be singing after being penalized by an "irreversible result" after a terrible refereeing. Reggina 2 - 1 Juventus
Let's put it this way. Juventus can go all motivated to this derby to beat TORINO and show that JUVENTUS is not dead!
Torino is coming from a superb 4-4 draw against Parma. So, this will be a tough one!
Juventus simply cannot lose this match. It is risking big time! If losing and Milan beating Catania there will be only 4 points difference. Sure, for MILAN fans (including myself) it will be great. Though, right now, for this Derby della Molle, my bet is for Juventus. Are you kidding me? How to put behind the great STYLE JUVENTUS with the brave flag of Alessandro Del Piero!!!!
I don't think Toro has what it takes to beat Juventus right now. Actually, a draw will be unthinkable for Juventus. Though for Torino Coach Walter Novellino it will be his 15th draw in this season! So, a victory is what we need here. Hopefully, a Juve victory? Challenge for Novellino is to beat Juventus to break his "chain of draws." Can he do it, that's the question! I hope not, at least not against JUVE!
Advantage for Juventus is the return of SAINT GOALKEEPER GIGI BUFFON after recovering from injury as well as the return of striker Vincenzo Iaquinta. The one not making it on time is striker David Trezeguet still with flu. Sad, because it was Trezeguet who scored the winning goal in Week 5 when beating Torino. Still the duo Iaquinta-Del Piero can score winning goals.
Advantage for Torino is the optimism of Striker Davide di Michele who scored the equalizing match against Parma in the 81st minute!
COME ON JUVE!!!!!! Chi non salta nero azzurro e' , e'!!!!
Juventus-Torino, all previous encounters
|
TOTAL GAMES |
JUVENTUS |
DRAWS |
TORINO | |
|
League matches home |
65 |
32 |
17 |
16 |
|
League matches away |
66 |
25 |
23 |
18 |
|
Italian Cup |
16 |
7 |
5 |
4 |
|
Uefa Cup play off |
1 |
-- |
1 |
-- |
|
TOTAL |
148 |
64 |
46 |
38 |
These stats include all matches played in the national Leagues (A, B, C), since the single-group tournament was set up (1929/30) and all Italian Cups since 1922.
My prediction: JUVENTUS
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - Week 25 Twenty Fifth Round Serie A Matchday 25
FC INTER - AS ROMA
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium
Serie A Standing: FC Inter 1st position, 60 points
AS Roma 2nd position, 51 points
Here is a DIE OR DIE for ROMA!
Although Roma already beat Inter in the Coppa Italia. So, chances of beating Inter again is quite strong. Challenge is for Roma Coach Luciano Spalletti to transmit his strategy to the team. Also, for Captain Francesco Totti to be fit and be the great Roman gladiator in the field with all his men to conquer the Meazza!!!!!I only hope the Referee won't favor Inter, as they have been favored in 4 matches already!
INTER - ROMA met on 18 previous occasions, winning 9, drawing 4 and losing 5. Spalletti's teams have scored in all 10 away games against Inter, netting a total of 17 goals.
Problem for Inter is the absence of Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for injury as well as Defenders Walter Samuel and Ivan Cordoba.
Advantage for Inter is the effective midfielder Esteban Cambiasso and goalkeeper Julio Cesar.
Problem for Roma the absence of striker Amantino Mancini. Now, this is really a blow for the rossoneri. Defender Juan also missing the match. Advantage is Captain Totti.
Inter Coach Roberto Mancini might rest some of his key men for the UEFA Champions League match at the Meazza against Liverpool.
If you think that Inter need to score 3 goals against Liverpool, then, chances for a turnover are highly.
Anyway, Inter can afford to lose a match in the Serie A, they will still be the leaders. Here will be an advantage for Roma.
However, Roma also will have a Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Difference is that Roma beat Real Madrid and has that advantage.
If I were Coach Spalletti, I will push for the Serie A. Beating Inter will be the "BEST MOTIVATION for ROMA."
Come on ROMA, it's now or never!!!!
My Prediction: AS ROMA
LAZIO - REGGINA
Olimpico di Roma Stadium
Serie A Standing: Lazio 13th positin, 26 points
Torino
Hey guys, I don't want to be in the place of Lazio Coach Delio Rossi. Lazio already contested at the airport when they returned from Cagliari after losing the match. Gosh, I am still waiting for the sacking of Coach De Rossi. Lazio already touching the relegation zone... what else are they waiting for? Strikers Tommaso Rocchi and Goran Pandev cannot do miracles all the time, not even mentioning goalkeeper Ballotta who has been a fundamental piece for Lazio not being already at the bottom of the Serie A Standing.
Wonder how are they going to calm their fans. Something is not clicking in Lazio, period. Imagine, Lazio fans went this morning to the TRAINING SESSION and according to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, fans contested strongly Tommaso Rocchi, Mauri, and Ledesma. Some of the fans called them even "mercenaries."
Tension was so high that Lazio Coach De Rossi interrupted the training to calm down the fans. Unbelievable. Though I agree with De Rossi's words towards the fans "Don't blame the team, blame me." You bet I blame you De Rossi!
My Prediction: Lazio
AC SIENA - CAGLIARI (Survival match)
Olimpico di Torino Stadium
Serie A Standing: AC Siena 17th position, 22 points
Cagliari 20th position, 18 points
Can Cagliari go even down than what it is? NO. No way Jose! Cagliari already in the last position is resisting to accept the relegation to the Serie B. Since the signing of Goalkeeper Marco Storari in January, there has been a ray of hope for Cagliari. On Sunday, Cagliari beat Lazio. This was a great incentive for Cagliari, maybe the beginning to salvation! Even if they beat Siena, which I doubt because Siena Coach Berretta is a tough technician, I want to believe in "CAGLIARI's MIRACLE"
Both teams are struggling to survive in the Serie A.
My Prediction: Cagliari
CATANIA - AC MILAN
Angelo Massimino Stadium
Serie A Standing: Catania 15th position, 23 points
AC Milan 4th position, 41 points
A tough situation for Milan who just reached the 4th position after beating Palermo and Fiorentina losing to Roma. Problem for Milan is that KAKA might be out for a month. Possible Kaka's knee problem worsened when he clashed on Sunday's match against Palermo with Roberto Guana. His absence was also felt by the rossoneri who struggled to win..
Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti has to plan carefully his tactics, using turnovers to give proper resting time to key players, such as midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo did not seem sharp during the match with Palermo. So, here is a chance for Catania Coach Silvio Baldini to beat the rossoneri if Ancelotti keeps his main starting line up for the return of the UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal.Why not giving the chance to the young Primavera player Alberto Paloschi in the next Serie A matches? Gilardino, Inzaghi, and even Pato not looking sharp but in need of resting time. Maybe Ancelotti can prepare a Gilardino - Paloschi, or a PATO - PALOSCHI in the next match?
Advantage for Milan right now is the second goalkeeper "Zeljko Kalac," who seems now like the main goalkeeper. Hopefully, the young Brazilian PATO will be an asset for Ancelotti for the match against Catania and save Inzaghi for the Champions League.
Problem is for Catania because a defeat can take them all the way down to the RELEGATION ZONE depending on the results of Livorno, Siena, Parma, and Reggina. Will it be the "Time to Say Goodbye from Coach Baldini,?"
My Prediction: AC Milan
ATALANTA - SAMPDORIA
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium
Serie A Standing: Atalanta 9th position, 31 points
Sampdoria 7th postion, 35 points
My Prediction: Sampdoria
FIORENTINA - AS LIVORNO
Aretmio Franchi Stadium
Serie A Standing: Fiorentina 5th position, 41 points
AS Livorno 16th position 23 points
In the battle for the fourth position between AC Milan and Fiorentina, injured players will affect both teams performance. However, the one really to experience a big blow is Fiorentina now that striker Adrian Mutu is confirmed to be out for about a month after a collision with Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni. The relevance of Mutu was clearly seen after he abandoned the match in the first half and Fiorentina ending up losing the match.. Tests indicated that Mutu has a second-degree reupture of his medial ligament.
Mutu's absesnce is really a problem for Fiorentina not much against Livorno, but when facing Juventus and the UEFA Cup match against Everton. Oh well.... If you doubt about Mutu's effectiveness for Fiorentina, just think about his 14 goals! He is among the top 5 scorers right now along with Ibrahimovic, both having 14 goals.
I think Livorno has a chance to get at least a draw.
My Prediction: DRAW
GENOA - NAPOLI
Serie A Standing: Genoa 8th position, 32 points
Napoli 11th position, 30 points
My Prediction: GENOA
PALERMO - EMPOLI
Renzo Barbera Stadium
Serie A Standing: Palermo 10th position, 31 points
Empoli 14th position, 25 points
My Prediction: Palermo
PARMA - UDINESE
Ennio Tardini Stadium
Serie A Standing: Parma 18th position, 22 points
Udinese 6th position, 32 points
Though Parma came from a terrific match Torino 4 - 4 Parma and Udinese losing terribly against Genoawith a superb goleada, I think Udinese, technically speaking, can beat Parma.
My Prediction: UDINESE
Posted by Anna Italia at 2/25/2008 1:42 PM 
Categories: AC Milan, Torino FC, Atalanta BC, AS Roma, Udinese, Parma, Inter Milan, Serie A Preview, A.S. Livorno, Juventus, Palermo, Reggina, SSC Napoli, Catania, Empoli FC, Cagliari, Sampdoria
Categories: AC Milan, Torino FC, Atalanta BC, AS Roma, Udinese, Parma, Inter Milan, Serie A Preview, A.S. Livorno, Juventus, Palermo, Reggina, SSC Napoli, Catania, Empoli FC, Cagliari, Sampdoria
Anna I hope i do better this time with my predictions. I only got 4 good ones yesterday. I will not miss your sugested matches, i am all for Roma. Only hope referees won't be the attraction of the round with all their mistakes like they did against Juve and Milan.
Here are my predictions:
FC Juventus - Torino = JUVENTUS
Atalanta - Sampdoria = DRAW
Catania - AC Milan = MILAN
Fiorentina - AS Livorno = DRAW
Genoa - Napoli = DRAW
FC Inter - AS Roma = ROMA
Lazio - Reggina = LAZIO
Palermo - Empoli = DRAW
Parma - Udinese = UDINESE
AC Siena - Cagliari = DRAW
Reply to this
Way to go Pietro! I hear you brother with your wish about "referees" not being the "protagonisti." Let's see how we do this time. I've got 6 right ones last round.
Reply to this
hi, guys! What's new from all of you?
I wanna Juv and Inter to loose so much!
FC Juventus - Torino = DRAW for 2-2
Atalanta - Sampdoria = Atalanta for 3-2
Catania - AC Milan = DRAW for 1-1
Fiorentina - AS Livorno = Fiorentina for 2-1
Genoa - Napoli = DRAW for 2-2
FC Inter - AS Roma = ROMA for 2-3
Lazio - Reggina = LAZIO for 2-1
Palermo - Empoli = Palermo for 1-0
Parma - Udinese = DRAW for 1-1
AC Siena - Cagliari = DCagliari for 1-2
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Girl i can't believe you got this one, though not the result but it was a draw
Reply to this
Suri, like Pietro mentioned, you got the DRAW ok not the score. But, hey, you got it right. I was not happy with this draw. However, if we think as a Roma and Milan fans, then, it was a good result for all of us. Right?
Now, up to ROMA to get at least a draw with Inter.
Reply to this
Yes, it is! it's pretty damn good, girl! I never think of Juventus, but Fiorentina! I wanna see them in the Champions League next year instead of your lovely Juv! I wanna Roma, Inter, Milan and Fiorentina to include CL!
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Girl am i reading that you don't want Juventus to be in the CL? This time i think you are not thinking straight because Fiorentina cannot be compared to the tradition of Juve in the Chammpions league. Roma yes.
Let's see what happens.
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Pietro, SURI must be in another orbit
SURI.... we need you explanation on this topic.....
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