- Click here for the complete
PREVIEW Serie A Week 30 - Italian Serie A Thirty Round Match Saturday March 22 "The Scudetto Race is Still OPEN"
By Anna Italia
Hello my friends,
After the unexpected results from Week 29, challenge now is for Roma, Milan, and Juventus to win their matches. The match not to miss is the Derby D'Italia "FC INTER - FC JUVENTUS."
With only 9 more matches the battle is ON not only for the first four positions, but also for the relegation zone where 6 teams are in real danger. No time to make mistakes but going to the field with a winning mentality.
Question is: Who do you think will win the 2007-2008 Italian Soccer Serie A Scudetto?
Here is my PREVIEW of Week 30th - Italian Soccer Serie A Thirty Round scheduled on Saturday, March 22, 2008.
So, my friends, get ready for this weekend countdown for the 2007-2008 Scudetto is closer. Only 9 more matches, meaning 27 more points
Complete Italian Soccer Results Serie A Standings/ Italian Football League Standings / Serie A Classifica / Serie A Top Scorers / Serie A Table
TORINO - AC MILAN
Olimpico di Torino Stadium
Serie A Standing: Torino 15th position, 31 points
AC Milan 5th position 50 points
After the disaster match on Wednesday AC Milan 1 - 2 Sampdoria, Milan cannot longer make mistakes. Losing again will definitely send their dreams to the Champions League to the "forgotten zone."
Point is that neither Torino can lose. That's the problem. Torino lost against Udinese on Wednesday. Another defeat can send them closer to the relegation zone depending on the results of Parma, Catania, and Livorno.
In week 11, the match ended AC Milan 0 - 0 Torino.
If Milan win and Fiorentina beat Lazio, position remain the same for both. Milan will want Fiorentina to lose to shorten the distance to 1 point. If Fiorentina - Lazio ends with a draw and Milan beat Torino, then there will be 2 points difference. The problem for Milan losing will be if Sampdoria beat Cagliari, then Sampdoria will take the 5th place and Milan go down to the 6th position. Ouch! That will be a final blow for Milan.
So, expect a good match on Saturday because Milan will fight with all they have as well as Torino.
Milan has no suspended players. They have only 3 players one booking away from suspension: defenders Giuseppe Favalli, Alessandro Nesta, and Kakha Kaladze.
Torino has one suspended player, Nikola Lazetic and 4 players a booking away from suspension: Davide Bottone, Vincenzo Grella, Alvaro Recoba and Roberto Stellone.
Challenge for Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is to transmit the "winning mentality" to the team.
From 64 games, the Rossoneri have been defeated 20 times in Turin.
Interesting is that both coaches may use the same formation know as the Christmas tree "4-3-2-1." Ancelotti might go with Pato as the lone striker while Torino might go with Roberto Stellone.
Statistics between both coaches, Carlo Ancelotti and Walter Novellino include meeting 13 times in
official games.
Ancelotti has 7 victories, 5 draws, and 1 defeat; 13 confrontations between Novellino and Milan: 8 victories for the Rossoneri, 4 draws and 1 defeat.
For Carlo Ancelotti, there are 8 precedents against Torino with 5 victories, 3 draws and no defeats. I am sure, Ancelotti want to increase his victories and not adding a defeat.
Problem for Torino are the absence of Paolo Zanetti and Marco Pisano for injury. YEt, he can rely on midfielder Aimo Diana, Alessandro Rosina and David Di Michele.
Problem for Ancelotti is not having strong strikers with the absence of Inzaghi and Ronaldo for injuries. Clearly, Alberto Gilardino has not given indication of consistency. To this point, Ancelotti rather has the young duo strikers hungry to show their talent PATO and PALOSCHI.
The main problem for Milan is the absence of Musica and Magia KAKA! Now, my friends, here is a real problem for the rossoneri. Unless, players are confident that they can win with or without Kaka, Milan risk to lose this match or get a draw.
Good thing is that Clarence Seedorf seems fit enough to play as well as goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac. My concern is with midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso seeming a bit out of focus. Maybe too tired? Well, time to wake up and smell the coffee.
My Prediction: AC MILAN
AS ROMA - EMPOLI
Olimpico di Roma Stadium
Serie A Standing: AS Roma 2nd position, 61 points
Empoli 19th position, 26 points
Not only Roma lost the derby on Wednesday, Lazio 3 - 2 Roma, but also lost points to shorten the distance with Inter.
The points difference are now 7 points. The problem for Roma is that Juventus is following closely! If Roma lose and Juventus beat Inter, there will be 3 points difference between Roma and Juventus! It means that Roma can even go down to the 3rd position if losing 2 matches!
One thing is certain, most in the Serie A don't want to see this image again of a defeated Totti. But a victorious ROMA to keep the race for the Scudetto alive.
Empoli also cannot afford another defeat. If Cagliari beat Sampdoria and Reggina beat Napoli, Empoli can go doan to the very bottom of the Serie A Standings! That's how bad their situation!
On paper, Roma looks the stronger team and have an easy victory. Not so fast. Roma cannot risk their main players in this match when they must be fit to play against Manchester United.
Empoli has the moral advantage of having obtained a Draw with Juventus on Wednesday. They might get a draw against Roma too. Why Not? They already did in Week 11 when they were losing against Roma by 2 goals, ending in EMPOLI 2 - 2 AS ROMA. However, that will be devastated for the Roman gladiators!
Key player for Empoli is the young midfielder Sebastian Giovinco who scored the equalizing goal in the 90th minute in Week 11.
Boy, it will be really an upset if Empoli beat Roma like they did in February 2007!!! Can you believe it? Wow, this time, I won't prepare my "Pasta alla Carbonara," until the match is over.
Problem for Roma is the suspension of defender Philippe Mexes and midfielder Alberto Aquilani.
Question is whether Coach Luciano Spalletti will use Chrisitan Panucci since the beggining or save him for the Man U., match. It's a tough decision because Roma needs to win this match. Cicinho is doing well, so he might be among the starting lineup.
Problem for Empoli coach Alberto Malesani is the suspension of striker Luca Saudati and defender Francesco Pratli. Injured players are also increasing, Andrea Raggi is out, so Nicola Pozzi.
Regarding captain Totti, if I were Spalletti, I will not make him play the entire 90 minutes.
Totti is running out of gas and losing concentration as seen during the derby with Lazio. Rather have a fresh Totti for the big appointment with Manchester United.
This is the image ROMA needs to have "Go GET IT."
My Prediction: AS ROMA
FC INTER - FC JUVENTUS
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium
Serie A Standing: FC Inter 1st position, 67 points
FC Juventus 3rd position, 55 points
Amid a divided dressing room and constant rumors of problems between Coach Roberto Mancini and striker Ibrahimovic, Inter must put their internal problems behind or risk being beaten by Juventus.
If Juventus beat Inter and Roma beat Empoli, the difference between Inter and Roma will be 3 points. If Lazio beat Fiorentina and Juve beat Inter, the difference between Juventus and Fiorentina will be 8 points!
Both are coming from a draw in Week 29. Empoli 0 - 0 Juventus, and Genoa 1 - 1 FC Inter.
So, here it's a chance for JUVENTUS to set the records straight on WHO IS WHO! The teams have played 178 matches in general and Juve takes the lead with 83 victories while Inter only 51 victories and 44 draws.
Versus
Challenge for Saint Goalkeeper Gigi Buffon when meeting his ex teammate striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is to STOP HIM from scoring, period.
In Week 11, the score ended Juventus 1 - 1 Inter with goals from Mauro Camoranesi and Julio Cruz.
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.
Problem is that Juventus despite not having any other competition than the Serie A has not been convincing lately.
Suddenly, it seems that striker David Trezeguet lost his focus scoring only once in his last 8 matches. Captain Alessandro Del Piero seems a bit tired. So, the key might be striker Vincenzo Iaquinta.
Although, when it comes to play for the honor of Juventus against Inter, it is the undisputed Juve flag ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO to take the team by his hand. Can he do it this time. Honestly, I HOPE SO.
Problem for Juventus is in the defense. Portuguese Tiago has not convinced Juve yet.
Problem for Inter is keeping "team unity in the field." Savior might be striker Julio Cruz.
Just like Trezeguet said, "Motivation is vital in this game, and going to San Siro, in front of a packed crowd, playing against the title holders… More motivation will come from the chance to see if we can beat the best team in the League. I'm not settling for a draw. We go to Milan with nothing to lose and we'll try to give them a hard time. Inter have a very strong team, but we're Juve and we can re-open the title race, out of respect for us and our fans. Winning there would be very special, because of what happened in the past. The title? I'd prefer it if Roma won it, I think they play more spectacular football anyway».
The theater is set, it is now up to either Inter or Juventus to win the Oscar!
My Prediction: FC JUVENTUS
FIORENTINA - LAZIO
Artemio Franchi Stadium
Serie A Standing: Fiorentina 4th position, 50 points
Lazio 9th position, 37 points
After the unexpected defeat from Fiorentina beaten by Napoli, FIORENTINA has everything to win this match. In the battle for the 4th place guaranteeing a spot in the UEFA Champions League, there are Fiorentina, Milan, and Sampdoria.
If Fiorentina lose and Milan beat Torino. There will be only 1 point difference between them. If Sampdoria beat Cagliari and Milan beat Torino, point difference between them is 1 point. So, you see, the battle IS HOT RED here!
Can Lazio win? YES, they are highly motivated after winning the ROMAN DERBYLazio 3 - 2 Roma Plus, their challenge is to win to avoid getting closer to the relegation zone.
If Lazio lose, they can go down from the 9th position to the 12th position depending on the results of Genoa, Napoli, and Palermo.
Advantage for Lazio are the well coordinated "tridente strikers team." Goran Pandev, Tommaso Rocchi and Rolando Bianchi seems to connect well and fabricate good assists. Besides, the inspired midfielder Valon Behrami, the one delivering the winning goal for Lazio in the Derby, is all set to surprise Fiorentina.
Lazio could not count with Simone Del Nero, Fabio Firmani, Luciano Zauri and Diakhite for injuries. Good news might be the return from injury of Stefan Radu. Matchday 29
Advantage for Fiorentina is playing at home where they have won 5 of their last 6 matches! It will be tough because Coach Cesare Prandelli must balance the formation between this match and keeping main players fit for their UEFA Cup match against PSV Eindhoven.
The other advantage, I will say the most important one, is the return of striker Adrian Mutu.
It was clear that neither Giampaolo Pazzini nor Christian Vieri could deliver the quality of Mutu. Papa Waigo is the second best advantage proving to be a lucky charm for the FIorentina.
Injured players for Fiorentina includes Christian Vieri, Alberto Santana, Martin Jorgensen, Pablo Osvaldo, Alesandro Gamberini, and Franco Semioli.
My Prediction: LAZIO
SAMPDORIA - CAGLIARI
Luigi Ferraris Stadium
Serie A Standing: Sampdoria 6th position, 45 points
Cagliari 20th position, 24 points
Although both teams are coming from victories in Week 29, the one seeming growing stronger is Cagliari fighting for survival.
Sampdoria got an impressive victory in San Siro on Wednesday, AC Milan 1 - 2 Sampdoria. They are now 1 point away from Milan and 5 points from Fiorentina to grasp the 4th position for a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
Cagliari beat Atalanta with a goal from striker Robert Acquafresca.
So, you bet both teams are motivated to get a victory.
If Cagliari beat Sampdoria they will go from the 20th position to the 18th position depending on the result of Empoli and Reggina.
Now, if Sampdoria beat Cagliari and Torino beat Milan. Sampdoria will go to the 5th position and Milan go down to the 6th position practically waving GOOD BYE TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.
Though, mathematically speaking, they still can make it with 9 more matches, but I don't think Sampdoria will let go that spot easily either.
Problem for Sampdoria coach Walter Mazzarri are the suspension of striker Antonio Cassano, Stefano Lucchini and Gennaro Delvecchio. Good news might be the return of striker Claudio Bellucci after recovering from a knee surgery. Hey, it will be tough!
Here is where Cagliari coach Davide Ballardini can profit and prepare a strong offensive formation to grasp these 3 points. Can he do it? Yes, he can. Their most important advantage are goalkeeper Marco Storari and striker Robert Acquafresca.
The best news will be for Cagliari to win and get the appeal against the 3 points ban. That my friends will definitely bring a smile to Caglairi fans seeing their salvation soon. A victory can give them 27 points and if those 3 points are given back, they will add 30 points!!!!!
Cagliari has one suspended player Michele Fini.
My Prediction: CAGLIARI
UDINESE - LIVORNO
Friuli Stadium
Serie A Standing: Udinese 7th position, 44 points
AS Livorno 17th position, 28 points
Udinese beat Torino in Week 29 and seem to return to their top shape.
If Cagliari beat Sampdoria and Torino beat Milan, a victory can put UDINESE in the 5th position! Can you believe it! That will be a real UPSET in the Serie A.
On the other hand, if Livorno beat Udinese, that will help Livorno leave the relegation zone! If losing, they might end up in the last position if Cagliari beat Sampdoria and get their appeal to recover the 3 points ban.
Hello my friends,After the unexpected results from Week 29, challenge now is for Roma, Milan, and Juventus to win their matches. The match not to miss is the Derby D'Italia "FC INTER - FC JUVENTUS."
With only 9 more matches the battle is ON not only for the first four positions, but also for the relegation zone where 6 teams are in real danger. No time to make mistakes but going to the field with a winning mentality.
Question is: Who do you think will win the 2007-2008 Italian Soccer Serie A Scudetto? |
Position |
Team |
Points |
|
1 |
FC Inter |
68 |
|
2 |
AS Roma |
61 |
|
3 |
FC Juventus |
55 |
|
4 |
Fiorentina |
50 |
|
5 |
AC Milan |
46 |
|
6 |
Sampdoria |
45 |
|
7 |
Udinese |
44 |
|
8 |
Atalanta |
37 |
|
9 |
Lazio |
37 |
|
10 |
Napoli |
36 |
|
11 |
Palermo |
36 |
|
12 |
Genoa |
36 |
|
13 |
Siena |
32 |
|
14 |
Torino |
31 |
|
15 |
Parma |
29 |
|
16 |
Catania |
28 |
|
17 |
AS Livorno |
28 |
|
18 |
Reggina |
26 |
|
19 |
Empoli |
26 |
|
20 |
Cagliari |
24 |
So, my friends, get ready for this weekend countdown for the 2007-2008 Scudetto is closer. Only 9 more matches, meaning 27 more points
Complete Italian Soccer Results Serie A Standings/ Italian Football League Standings / Serie A Classifica / Serie A Top Scorers / Serie A TableTORINO - AC MILAN
Olimpico di Torino Stadium
Serie A Standing: Torino 15th position, 31 points
AC Milan 5th position 50 points
After the disaster match on Wednesday AC Milan 1 - 2 Sampdoria, Milan cannot longer make mistakes. Losing again will definitely send their dreams to the Champions League to the "forgotten zone."
Point is that neither Torino can lose. That's the problem. Torino lost against Udinese on Wednesday. Another defeat can send them closer to the relegation zone depending on the results of Parma, Catania, and Livorno.
In week 11, the match ended AC Milan 0 - 0 Torino.
If Milan win and Fiorentina beat Lazio, position remain the same for both. Milan will want Fiorentina to lose to shorten the distance to 1 point. If Fiorentina - Lazio ends with a draw and Milan beat Torino, then there will be 2 points difference. The problem for Milan losing will be if Sampdoria beat Cagliari, then Sampdoria will take the 5th place and Milan go down to the 6th position. Ouch! That will be a final blow for Milan.
So, expect a good match on Saturday because Milan will fight with all they have as well as Torino.
Milan has no suspended players. They have only 3 players one booking away from suspension: defenders Giuseppe Favalli, Alessandro Nesta, and Kakha Kaladze.
Torino has one suspended player, Nikola Lazetic and 4 players a booking away from suspension: Davide Bottone, Vincenzo Grella, Alvaro Recoba and Roberto Stellone.
Challenge for Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is to transmit the "winning mentality" to the team.
From 64 games, the Rossoneri have been defeated 20 times in Turin.
Ancelotti has 7 victories, 5 draws, and 1 defeat; 13 confrontations between Novellino and Milan: 8 victories for the Rossoneri, 4 draws and 1 defeat.
For Carlo Ancelotti, there are 8 precedents against Torino with 5 victories, 3 draws and no defeats. I am sure, Ancelotti want to increase his victories and not adding a defeat.
Problem for Torino are the absence of Paolo Zanetti and Marco Pisano for injury. YEt, he can rely on midfielder Aimo Diana, Alessandro Rosina and David Di Michele.
The main problem for Milan is the absence of Musica and Magia KAKA! Now, my friends, here is a real problem for the rossoneri. Unless, players are confident that they can win with or without Kaka, Milan risk to lose this match or get a draw.
Good thing is that Clarence Seedorf seems fit enough to play as well as goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac. My concern is with midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso seeming a bit out of focus. Maybe too tired? Well, time to wake up and smell the coffee.
My Prediction: AC MILAN
AS ROMA - EMPOLI
Olimpico di Roma Stadium
Serie A Standing: AS Roma 2nd position, 61 points
Empoli 19th position, 26 points
The points difference are now 7 points. The problem for Roma is that Juventus is following closely! If Roma lose and Juventus beat Inter, there will be 3 points difference between Roma and Juventus! It means that Roma can even go down to the 3rd position if losing 2 matches!
One thing is certain, most in the Serie A don't want to see this image again of a defeated Totti. But a victorious ROMA to keep the race for the Scudetto alive.Empoli also cannot afford another defeat. If Cagliari beat Sampdoria and Reggina beat Napoli, Empoli can go doan to the very bottom of the Serie A Standings! That's how bad their situation!
On paper, Roma looks the stronger team and have an easy victory. Not so fast. Roma cannot risk their main players in this match when they must be fit to play against Manchester United.
Empoli has the moral advantage of having obtained a Draw with Juventus on Wednesday. They might get a draw against Roma too. Why Not? They already did in Week 11 when they were losing against Roma by 2 goals, ending in EMPOLI 2 - 2 AS ROMA. However, that will be devastated for the Roman gladiators!
Key player for Empoli is the young midfielder Sebastian Giovinco who scored the equalizing goal in the 90th minute in Week 11.
Boy, it will be really an upset if Empoli beat Roma like they did in February 2007!!! Can you believe it? Wow, this time, I won't prepare my "Pasta alla Carbonara," until the match is over.
Problem for Roma is the suspension of defender Philippe Mexes and midfielder Alberto Aquilani.
Question is whether Coach Luciano Spalletti will use Chrisitan Panucci since the beggining or save him for the Man U., match. It's a tough decision because Roma needs to win this match. Cicinho is doing well, so he might be among the starting lineup.Problem for Empoli coach Alberto Malesani is the suspension of striker Luca Saudati and defender Francesco Pratli. Injured players are also increasing, Andrea Raggi is out, so Nicola Pozzi.
Regarding captain Totti, if I were Spalletti, I will not make him play the entire 90 minutes.
Totti is running out of gas and losing concentration as seen during the derby with Lazio. Rather have a fresh Totti for the big appointment with Manchester United.
This is the image ROMA needs to have "Go GET IT."
My Prediction: AS ROMA
FC INTER - FC JUVENTUS
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium
Serie A Standing: FC Inter 1st position, 67 points
FC Juventus 3rd position, 55 points
If Juventus beat Inter and Roma beat Empoli, the difference between Inter and Roma will be 3 points. If Lazio beat Fiorentina and Juve beat Inter, the difference between Juventus and Fiorentina will be 8 points!
Both are coming from a draw in Week 29. Empoli 0 - 0 Juventus, and Genoa 1 - 1 FC Inter.
So, here it's a chance for JUVENTUS to set the records straight on WHO IS WHO! The teams have played 178 matches in general and Juve takes the lead with 83 victories while Inter only 51 victories and 44 draws.
Versus Challenge for Saint Goalkeeper Gigi Buffon when meeting his ex teammate striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is to STOP HIM from scoring, period.
In Week 11, the score ended Juventus 1 - 1 Inter with goals from Mauro Camoranesi and Julio Cruz.
Juventus-Inter, all previous encounters
|
TOTAL GAMES |
JUVENTUS |
DRAWS |
INTER | |
|
League matches in Turin |
75 |
52 |
13 |
10 |
|
League matches in Milan |
74 |
18 |
24 |
32 |
|
Italian Cup |
27 |
13 |
7 |
8 |
|
Italian Suercup |
1 |
-- |
-- |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
178 |
83 |
44 |
51 |
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.
Problem is that Juventus despite not having any other competition than the Serie A has not been convincing lately. Suddenly, it seems that striker David Trezeguet lost his focus scoring only once in his last 8 matches. Captain Alessandro Del Piero seems a bit tired. So, the key might be striker Vincenzo Iaquinta.
Although, when it comes to play for the honor of Juventus against Inter, it is the undisputed Juve flag ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO to take the team by his hand. Can he do it this time. Honestly, I HOPE SO.
Problem for Juventus is in the defense. Portuguese Tiago has not convinced Juve yet.
Problem for Inter is keeping "team unity in the field." Savior might be striker Julio Cruz.
Just like Trezeguet said, "Motivation is vital in this game, and going to San Siro, in front of a packed crowd, playing against the title holders… More motivation will come from the chance to see if we can beat the best team in the League. I'm not settling for a draw. We go to Milan with nothing to lose and we'll try to give them a hard time. Inter have a very strong team, but we're Juve and we can re-open the title race, out of respect for us and our fans. Winning there would be very special, because of what happened in the past. The title? I'd prefer it if Roma won it, I think they play more spectacular football anyway».
The theater is set, it is now up to either Inter or Juventus to win the Oscar!
My Prediction: FC JUVENTUS
FIORENTINA - LAZIO
Artemio Franchi Stadium
Serie A Standing: Fiorentina 4th position, 50 points
Lazio 9th position, 37 points
After the unexpected defeat from Fiorentina beaten by Napoli, FIORENTINA has everything to win this match. In the battle for the 4th place guaranteeing a spot in the UEFA Champions League, there are Fiorentina, Milan, and Sampdoria.
If Fiorentina lose and Milan beat Torino. There will be only 1 point difference between them. If Sampdoria beat Cagliari and Milan beat Torino, point difference between them is 1 point. So, you see, the battle IS HOT RED here!
If Lazio lose, they can go down from the 9th position to the 12th position depending on the results of Genoa, Napoli, and Palermo.
Advantage for Lazio are the well coordinated "tridente strikers team." Goran Pandev, Tommaso Rocchi and Rolando Bianchi seems to connect well and fabricate good assists. Besides, the inspired midfielder Valon Behrami, the one delivering the winning goal for Lazio in the Derby, is all set to surprise Fiorentina.Lazio could not count with Simone Del Nero, Fabio Firmani, Luciano Zauri and Diakhite for injuries. Good news might be the return from injury of Stefan Radu. Matchday 29
Advantage for Fiorentina is playing at home where they have won 5 of their last 6 matches! It will be tough because Coach Cesare Prandelli must balance the formation between this match and keeping main players fit for their UEFA Cup match against PSV Eindhoven.
The other advantage, I will say the most important one, is the return of striker Adrian Mutu. It was clear that neither Giampaolo Pazzini nor Christian Vieri could deliver the quality of Mutu. Papa Waigo is the second best advantage proving to be a lucky charm for the FIorentina.
Injured players for Fiorentina includes Christian Vieri, Alberto Santana, Martin Jorgensen, Pablo Osvaldo, Alesandro Gamberini, and Franco Semioli.
My Prediction: LAZIO
SAMPDORIA - CAGLIARI
Luigi Ferraris Stadium
Serie A Standing: Sampdoria 6th position, 45 points
Cagliari 20th position, 24 points
Although both teams are coming from victories in Week 29, the one seeming growing stronger is Cagliari fighting for survival.
Sampdoria got an impressive victory in San Siro on Wednesday, AC Milan 1 - 2 Sampdoria. They are now 1 point away from Milan and 5 points from Fiorentina to grasp the 4th position for a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
Cagliari beat Atalanta with a goal from striker Robert Acquafresca. So, you bet both teams are motivated to get a victory.
If Cagliari beat Sampdoria they will go from the 20th position to the 18th position depending on the result of Empoli and Reggina.
Now, if Sampdoria beat Cagliari and Torino beat Milan. Sampdoria will go to the 5th position and Milan go down to the 6th position practically waving GOOD BYE TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.
Though, mathematically speaking, they still can make it with 9 more matches, but I don't think Sampdoria will let go that spot easily either.
Problem for Sampdoria coach Walter Mazzarri are the suspension of striker Antonio Cassano, Stefano Lucchini and Gennaro Delvecchio. Good news might be the return of striker Claudio Bellucci after recovering from a knee surgery. Hey, it will be tough!
Here is where Cagliari coach Davide Ballardini can profit and prepare a strong offensive formation to grasp these 3 points. Can he do it? Yes, he can. Their most important advantage are goalkeeper Marco Storari and striker Robert Acquafresca. Storari even stopped a penalty from Torino Davide Di Michele which were worth the 3 points obtained by Cagliari.
The best news will be for Cagliari to win and get the appeal against the 3 points ban. That my friends will definitely bring a smile to Caglairi fans seeing their salvation soon. A victory can give them 27 points and if those 3 points are given back, they will add 30 points!!!!!
Cagliari has one suspended player Michele Fini.
My Prediction: CAGLIARI
UDINESE - LIVORNO
Friuli Stadium
Serie A Standing: Udinese 7th position, 44 points
AS Livorno 17th position, 28 points
Udinese beat Torino in Week 29 and seem to return to their top shape.
If Cagliari beat Sampdoria and Torino beat Milan, a victory can put UDINESE in the 5th position! Can you believe it! That will be a real UPSET in the Serie A.
On the other hand, if Livorno beat Udinese, that will help Livorno leave the relegation zone! If losing, they might end up in the last position if Cagliari beat Sampdoria and get their appeal to recover the 3 points ban.
Livorno has been losing their impetus. In Week 29 they finished 1-1 with Reggina.
Big problem for Livorno Coach Giancarlo Camolese is not having goalkeeper Marco Amelia, Nico Pulzetti and Giuliano Giannichedda for injury.
This will be a tough problem for Livorno considering Udinese 2 strong strikers Antonio Di Natale, Fabio Quagiarella
For Livorno the 2 strikers to take the lead are Francesco Tavano and Diego Tristan.
My Prediction: UDINESE
REGGINA - NAPOLI
Friuli Stadium
Serie A Standing: Reggina 18th position, 26 points
Napoli 10th position, 36 points
Here it is a WIN OR DIE for Reggina already in the relegation zone!
I doubt Reggina can beat Napoli who are coming from a superb victory against Fiorentina!
Reggina barely to get to know with the new Coach Nevio Orlandi still has to find a good formation, consistency, and effective tactics. Though, Orlandi made his debut with a defeat against Inter, his second match was a BLASTING 4 -0 against Siena. Reggina practically bombarded Siena who could not score a single goal!
Best bet for Napoli right now is striker Ezequiel Lavezzi. Question is can Napoli beat Reggina in their home stadium? Yes, they can, considering that Reggina midfielder Luca Vigiani, Palblo Alvarez and striker Fabio Ceravolo are out for injury. To make matters worst, defender Bruno Cirillo is suspended. Only hope for Reggina will be striker Franco Brienza. Here is the chance for Napoli Coach Edy Reja to secure his job. In the last 10 matches, he has won only 4 and losing 6!
In Week 11, the match ended 1-1 with a goal from Ezequiel Lavezzi saving Napoli from a defeat. Problem for Napoli is not havig goalkeeper Gennaro Iezzo and Andrea Cup for injury. Mirko Svaini and Maurizio Domizzi are suspended.
My Prediction: Napoli
AC SIENA - PARMA
Artemio Franchi Stadium
Serie A Standing: AC Siena 13th position, 32 points
Parma 15th position, 29 points
Challenge will be for Parma to find the way out and beat Siena. If losing, Parma might join Catania and Cagliari in the last position.
My Prediction: SIENA
ATALANTA - CATANIA
Atleti Azzurri D'Italia Stadium
Serie A Standing: Atalanta 8th position, 37 points
Catania 16th position, 28 points
If Atalanta beat Catania, there is no more hope for Catania and goes directly to the relegation zone.
My Prediction: ATALANTA
Posted by Anna Italia at 3/21/2008 11:00 AM 
Categories: AC Milan, Parma, Atalanta BC, AS Roma, Udinese, AC Siena, Juventus, A.S. Livorno, Palermo, Reggina, SSC Napoli, Sampdoria, Catania, Inter Milan, Genoa, Empoli FC, ACF Fiorentina, Serie A Preview, Lazio, Cagliari
Categories: AC Milan, Parma, Atalanta BC, AS Roma, Udinese, AC Siena, Juventus, A.S. Livorno, Palermo, Reggina, SSC Napoli, Sampdoria, Catania, Inter Milan, Genoa, Empoli FC, ACF Fiorentina, Serie A Preview, Lazio, Cagliari
I am a huge Cagliari fan, but how can you expect them to go on the road and beat a hot team like Sampdoria when they cant beat Siena and Catania.
Reply to this
Let's see what surprises await us for this round. Here are my predictions:
Atalanta - Catania = ATALANTA
Fiorentina - Lazio = DRAW
Palermo - Genoa = PALERMO
Reggina - Napoli = NAPOLI
AS Roma - Empoli = ROMA
Sampdoria - Cagliari = SAMPDORIA
AC Siena - Parma= PARMA
Torino - AC Milan = MILAN
Udinese - Livorno = UDINESE
FC Inter - Juventus = DRAW
Reply to this
Only thing I want to get right is INTER victory and Roma defeat.
Atalanta - Catania = ATALANTA
Fiorentina - Lazio= DRAW
Palermo - Genoa = PALERMO
Reggina - Napoli = NAPOLI
AS Roma - Empoli = DRAW
Sampdoria - Cagliari = DRAW
AC Siena - Parma = PARMA
Torino - AC Milan = MILAN
Udinese - Livorno = LIVORNO
FC Inter - Juventus = INTER "SUPER INTER"
Reply to this
My picks. I hope Inter loses although I think it will be a draw.
Atalanta - Catania = ATALANTA
Fiorentina - Lazio = FIORENTINA
Palermo - Genoa = PALERMO
Reggina - Napoli = NAPOLI
AS Roma - Empoli = ROMA
Sampdoria - Cagliari = SAMPDORIA
AC Siena - Parma = SIENA
Torino - AC Milan = MILAN
Udinese - Livorno = UDINESE
FC Inter - Juventus = DRAW
Reply to this
My picks. I hope Inter loses although I think it will be a draw.
Atalanta - Catania = ATALANTA
Fiorentina - Lazio = FIORENTINA
Palermo - Genoa = PALERMO
Reggina - Napoli = NAPOLI
AS Roma - Empoli = ROMA
Sampdoria - Cagliari = SAMPDORIA
AC Siena - Parma = SIENA
Torino - AC Milan = MILAN
Udinese - Livorno = UDINESE
FC Inter - Juventus = DRAW
Reply to this
Guys where are Suri's predictions, she usually is the first to post with her magic scores.
Reply to this
Hey, i am so sorry, because i was busy at home and on Friday i did not see Anna's predictions and i could not share my picks with all of you.
Reply to this
We missed your Crystall Ball superb SCORES!
I try to post the PREVIEW by Thursday morning. Though, this week it was crazy with 2 matches and having not enough time to complete the preview on time.
So, Thursday morning CALIFORNIA time, what day will be in Mongolia?????
Reply to this
My predictions are as follow:
FC Inter - Juventus = FC INTER
AS Roma - Empoli = DRAW
Torino - AC Milan = AC MILAN
Reggina - Napoli = NAPOLI
Udinese - Livorno = UDINESE
Palermo - Genoa = DRAW
Fiorentina -Lazio = DRAW
Atalanta - Catania = DRAW
AC Siena - Parma = PARMA
Sampdoria - Cagliari = SAMPDORIA
Reply to this
Hey, Hilda!
So glad to see YOUR PREDICTIONS too!
Let's see how Inter does this weekend. I hope Ibrahimovic improves and stop all the quarelling with Mancini. Inter's dressing room /spogliatoio is falling apart. You guys might end up losing the Scudetto for internal division. What do you think?
Reply to this