By Anna Italia

Saturday, April 19, 2008 - Italian Football Serie A Week 34
AS Roma - AS Livorno
Fiorentina - Palermo

Sunday, April 20, 2008 - Italian Football Serie A Week 34

Atalanta - FC Juventus
Cagliari - Empoli
Catania - Lazio
AC Milan - Reggina
Parma - Napoli
Sampdoria - Udinese
AC Siena - Genoa
Torino - FC Inter

Here is the Current Situation for the Serie A Week 34                5 more matches equal 5 x 3 = 15 points available!!!
Battle for the Scudetto FC Inter   75 points AS Roma 71 points FC Juventus 64 points	Battle for the 4th Position  4 Fiorentina 56 5 AC Milan 52 6 Sampdoria 52 7 Udinese 51 (In round 33, all 4 teams  lost their matches)	Battle for Salvation 16 Cagliari 32 17 Parma 31 18 Reggina 30 19 Empoli 30 20 AS Livorno 29

What are your PREDICTIONS? Are you expecting a major upset? Which teams will go down?

Complete Italian Soccer Results Serie A Standings/ Italian Football League Standings / Serie A Classifica /  Serie A Top Scorers / Serie A Table       
                           

Here is my PREVIEW of the Serie A Week 34 - Italian Soccer Serie A Thirty Fourth Round scheduled for Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20.

AS ROMA - AS LIVORNO
Olimpico di Roma  Stadium
Serie A Standing:  AS Roma 2nd position, 71 points
                           AS Livorno 20th position, 29 points

Here is a DUEL for the first place and for salvation!
It's GOLIATH against David! 

Definitely, Roma and Livorno will want to win this match to reach their goal.  Roma  is coming from two victories.  Last week forthe Serie A Week 33  Udinese 1 - 3 AS Roma and on Wednesday for the Coppa Italia Semifinal First Leg AS Roma 1 - 0 Catania.

Livorno is coming from a defeat AS Livorno 1 - 2 Cagliari. 



Cagliari  beat Livorno and sent them to the very last position!!!!!   Not even the friendly embrace of Cagliari President Cellino could save Livorno President Aldo spinelli from the protests of Livorno fans for losing at home. This is why a victory is a must for Livorno.

Honestly, guys, I don't think Livorno will beat Roma in the Olimpico if Coach Luciano Spalletti uses his main formation. 

Imagine in 15 matches that Livorno have played at the Olimpico  they have only won one in 1947!!!!! Madonna!   Could you believe it!!!! They got only a draw back in 1933!  So, my friends, seeing not only the records but the condition of Livorno, I doubt Livorno can change their negative record.  Total matches played between Roma and Livorno are 37: 20 wins for Roma, 7 wins for Livorno and 10 draws.

Point is for ROMA to win this match at the Olimpico and hope for Torino to beat Inter to shorten the distance to 1 point. 

Main players for Roma will be in first place Captain Francesco Totti who seems to be energized, then, Philippe Mexes, Simone Perrotta, David Pizarro, Daniele De Rossi, Doni, and Vucinic are all key to keep Roma winning.

As for Livorno, future looks really, really, really  somber.  Ex Roma players include: goalkeeper Marco Amelia, striker Francesco Tavano, midfielder Daniele De Vezze and  Edgar Alvarez.

Will they show Roma they are doing fine with Livorno?  Well, I don't think so.  Goalkeeper Amelia is having a terrible season, not to mention striker Tavano who has not scored since Feb. 10.  The only one of the ex that might be a clear present danger for Roma is midfielder De Vezze.   
 
Problem for Livorno Giancarlo Camolese is not having a solid formation. No wonder why Camolese declared a "Roma Retreat" since Tuesday for players to concentrate not only training physically but also mentally. Livorno had a double training session on Wednesday while Roma played the Coppa Italia semifinal.

Livorno players need to believe they could beat Roma.  Question is whether they really believe it.  I think Camolese should use former Lazio players "the Filippini twins." because they will have more motivation to beat their eternal rival "ROMA." 

Roma, my friends, are just ROCKING after closing the chapter of the Champions League where Man  U eliminated them.  Now, they are giving their concentration to the Serie A and the Coppa Italia. Time for the Roman gladiators to conquer the OLIMPICO!

My Prediction: AS ROMA

FIORENTINA - PALERMO
Artemio Franchi  Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Fiorentina 4th position, 56 points
                           Palermo 10th position, 42 points

This is a TOUGH test for Fiorentina after losing against Inter last Sunday by 2 goals to none.  

Palermo is coming from winning the famous Sicilian Derby PALERMO 1 - 0 CATANIA  

Fiorentina is among the 4 teams fighting for the Champions League just like Milan, Sampdoria, and Udinese.  Fiorentina right now holds the 4th position and losing will mean that they will be only 1 point ahead of Milan and Sampdoria.  A draw or defeat will be a disaster for the viola.

Palermo is coming energized and they are ready to keep their positive results under the leadership of their returned coach Stefano Colantuono.  In Week 15, Palermo beat Fiorentina with 2 goals from Miccoli and Simplicio. 

Advantage for Palermo is their high motivation, especially from striker Amauri who already scored 2 goals against Fiorentina last year.



Challenge is for Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli to have a fit formation after playing 2 matches last week. 

Disadvantage for Fiorentina is goalkeeper Sebastien Frey who despite his superb saves last week is not 100% fit. 

This represents a big challenge for Prandelli because Amauri and Miccoli are quick strikers and will force Frey to his maximum. Just one mistake  of Frey  for not being fit enough could cost Fiorentina the 3 points. 

Frey is good but why risking him to worsen his injury and lose him for the remaining matches?  In this photo against Inter, Frey made great saves to KEEP THE BALL AWAY. 

I think Prandelli should motivate second goalkeeper Avramov. During the match against Inter, Avramov warmed up and despite Frey being hurt Pradelli did not substitute him.   

 Here is the chance for Fiorentina striker Giampaolo Pazzini to start shining consistently.  The main advantage for Fiorentina is striker Adrian Mutu who has scored 6 goals, only 3 goals behind the top scorer Genoa striker Marco Borriello with 19.

Argentinian striker Mario Santana, who is a former Palermo player, might be another surprise and Pazzini better watch out if not reacting consistently with goals.

Disadvantage for Palermo will be the absence of Captain Andrea Barzagli who is suspended, goalkeeper Alberto Fontana and Fabio Simplicio are injured.  So, might be the chance for defender Cristian Zaccardo to show Colantuono that he belongs in the starting lineup.  Just hope for goalkeeper Agliardi to be as good as Fontana. 

My Prediction: PALERMO



AC MILAN - REGGINA
San Siro Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Fiorentina 5th position, 52 points
                           Reggina 18th position, 30 points

What else to expect from AC MILAN?  The rossoneri has had a terrible season and suffering until the end to see whether they will qualify or not to be in their favorite field next year: the Champions League!  A defeat for Reggina means start packing their luggage for a possible trip to the Serie B.  You see how serious this match is for both?
                    
Milan wasted a golden moment last week after losing FC JUVENTUS 3 - 2 AC MILAN despite the 2 goals of Super Pippo Inzaghi. 

Lady Luck keep giving Milan opportunities to catch cup with Fiorentina, yet, Milan don't take advantage and lose matches when they should have won.  There are 4 points difference with Fiorentina. No more time to MAKE MISTAKES. 

Point is that Milan, on paper, has everything to beat Reggina who is barely struggling to survive. Though last week, Reggina MADE A MIRACLE, they beat SAMPDORIA!!! If Milan plays a slow match, Reggina might teach them a hard lesson... losing again in San Siro!

In Week 15 Milan beat Reggina with a goal from Alberto Gilardino. The issue is whether Gilardino  will even play   and if he does, will he score?  Most likely Super Pippo Inzaghi will take the lead in the attack as he has been more consistent than Gilardino. Alberto Paloschi might also be Inzaghi's partner. I will have Gila on the bench and bring him in only in extreme emergency. I trust more Inzaghi than Gila at this point.

                               

Problems for Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti include the absence of young striker PATO for injury,  the suspension of 2 key players: defender Daniele Bonera and midfielder Massimo Ambrosini. Plus, three players are one booking away from suspension: defender Giuseppe Favalli, midfielder Rino Gattuso and Massimo Oddo. 

Advantage for Milan is the return of a motivated Kaka and Super Pippo Inzaghi. 



Reggina have one suspended player, Emmanuel Cascione, and six players one booking away from suspension: Aronica, Campagnolo, Costa, Modesto, Valdez e Vigiani.

Milan cannot lose at San Siro. A defeat will just be the END for the Champions League if Fiorentina beat Palermo.

Challenge is for both coaches. Ancelotti to beat Reggina winning convincingly, and for Nevio Orlandi to sketch a winning strategy to get Reggina's first away victory. Just like Reggina defender Cirillo said, "Milan is a very strong team, but we don't started defeated. For us it's a game like all the rest and we shall go on the pitch with the intention of managing to win some points, it would really be fundamental." 

My Prediction: AC MILAN

ATALANTA - FC JUVENTUS
Atleti Azzurri D'Italia Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Atalanta 11th position, 41 points
                           FC Juventus 3rd position, 64 points

Guys, JUVENTUS is coming to this match with extra motivation knowing that with a victory they will secure a post for next year Champions League.  Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri found the right formation, right strategies and the rebirth of Captain Alessandro Del Piero.

Juventus is only 7 points behind Roma who are in the second position and 8 points ahead of Fiorentina who are in the 4th position. 

Last week the 33th round was positive, FC JUVENTUS 3 - 2 AC MILAN.  Beating the rossoneri was a boost to the morale and Juve is not willing to lose their big moment right now. On Wednesday, they also beat Parma in the Recovered Week 31, Juventus 3 - 0 Parma.

Challenge will be for Atalanta coach Gigi Del Neri to transmit the motivation, self belief besides football technique to his players. 

A defeat for Atalanta will be devastated.  From the 11th position, they might go to the 13th position depending on the results of Lazio and Palermo respectively. 

Big problem for Atalanta is the absence of their star midfielder Cristiano Doni who got a 2 match ban after wildly protestings against the referee during the match with Inter.  Boy, that was a total blow, why Doni not thought about the team! 

Problems keep adding for Del Neri with injured players: Cluadio Rivalta, Antonio Langella, Zlatan Muslimovic and Costinha.

So, it will be a miracle if Atalanta beat Juventus.  Plus, statistics also favored LA VECCHIA SIGNORA, who instead of growing old seems to REJUVENATE by the hand of Juventus flag Alessandro Del Piero.

My Prediction: FC JUVENTUS

TORINO - FC INTER
Olimpico di Torino  Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Torino 14th position, 34 points
                               FC Inter 1st position, 75 points

Here we have the DUEL for SUPREMACY versus SURVIVAL. 

Total blame cannot go to Novellino, but also for the constant injuries of key players such as Captain Gianluca Comotto and Matteo Sereni.  Then, the not so brilliant performances of their strikers Davide Di Michele and Alvaro Recoba.  What a disappointment season for Recoba! Just imagine how bad will be for Torino that strikers Di Michele and Recoba are suspended for this match and even defender Salvatore Lanna.

De lassi must rely on striker Roberto Stellone and Nicola Ventola.  What a tough match.  Good things there are only 2 cautioned players: Bottoni and Corini. 

Inter on the other hand, are just energized starting from Argentinian midfielder Esteban Cambiasso.  Patrick Vieria is out for suspension. Cautioned players: Mario Balotelli, Esteban Cambiasso, Cordoba, Luis Figo, Luis Jimenez, Julio Cesar, Maicon.

My Prediction: DRAW

CAGLIARI - EMPOLI
San Siro Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Cagliari 16th position, 32  points
                                Empoli 19th position, 30 points

Here is the BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL. 

Cagliari has no other option than WINNING AT HOME.   A victory will help them climb the ladder for salvation.

Here are no time for draws and Cagliari President is conscious about it that he is giving discount prices for Cagliari fans to come and support the team.  Cagliari Defender Francesco Pisano recognizes they have a huge task and that having their home support is vital.

Jeda and Acquafresca must give all they have to grasp this victory.  Last round, Cagliari had a good match. AS LIVORNO 1 - 2 CAGLIARI  by winning away.    Empoli  wasted a chance to win at home last week and get the 3 points, instead they got only 1 point. after the result . EMPOLI  1 - 1 PARMA   


For Cagliari is vital to beat Empoli because their next rivals won't be as easy to beat.  We are talking about Inter, Fiorentina, and Udinese.  Though, I think Cagliari goalkeeper Marco Storari and striker Robert Acquafresca can be enough to help Cagliari avoid the relegation zone.

Empoli already beat Cagliari in Week 15, Empoli 4 - 1 Cagliari. Difference is that NIcola Pozzi author of the 4 goals is out of the season. It will be up to midfielder Sebastian Giovinco and striker Luca Saudati to take the helm.

However, Empoli is in real trouble as they are only 1 point ahead of the last position which is Livorno with only 29 points. Most likely, Roma will beat Livorno, so Empoli has hope of not going to the last post even if Cagliari beat them.


Problem for Cagliari coach Davide Ballardini will be the absence for suspension of Michele Canini, Andrea Parola and Andrea Cossu. Time for Pasquale Foggia to redeem himself.

Empoli has  one suspended player, Felice Piccolo.   is definitely ruled out through suspension, while Ignazio Abate looks set to drop out. Richard Vanigli and Luca Antonini are expected to replace them.

Take a look of the last 6 teams.  They are all struggling among themselves. So, it is A WIN WIN for Cagliari or for Empoli.  Who will make it?  That's the question.

14 Torino 34
15 Catania 32
16 Cagliari 32
17 Parma 31
18 Reggina 30
19 Empoli 30
20 AS Livorno 29

My Prediction: CAGLIARI

 In Week 15, Napoli beat Parma 1 -0 with a goal from striker Marcelo Zalayeta.  Problem now, is that Zalayeta is out of the season for injury.  So, it will be up to  Argentinian  striker Lavezzi.

Napoli has 2 suspended players ex Parma player Matteo Contini and Michele Pazienza.

Rumors about internal tension between Lavezzi and defender Fabiano Santacroce is not what Napoli needs right now.  Napoli must keep unity, harmony in these last 5 matches.

Best bet for Napoli coach Edy Reja to grasp the 3 points are striker Ezequiel Lavezzi and midfielder Marek Hamsik.  Just like defender Paolo Cannavaro said, they are the future of Napoli.



Problem for Napoli is that they tend to do bad when playing away. Imagine, they only won 2 and lost 10 matches.  Here is the chance for Reja to change this statistic and deliver a winning formation and strategy.

My Prediction:  NAPOLI


SAMPDORIA - UDINESE
Luigi Ferraris Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Sampdoria 6th position, 52 points
                                Udinese 7th position, 51 points

Now, here is where THE BIG ROUND will be played for a spot in the Champions League.   There are 4 teams fighting to grasp that prestigious spot: Fiorentina, currently in the 4th position; Milan in the 5th position, Sampdoria in the 6th position, and Udinese in the 7th position.  Differences among them are tiny.  Fiorentina and Milan 4 points difference.  Sampdoria and Milan have the same 52 points.

This is why SAMPDORIA is going to play with all their MIGHTY WILL.  Beating Udinese will limit the contest to only 3 teams.  If Palermo beat Fiorentina, chances for Sampdoria and Milan will be neck to neck. 

Last week, surprisingly, a small team crushed Sampdoria dreams.  REGGINA 1  -  0  SAMPDORIA  while Roma beat Udinese  UDINESE 1 - 3 AS ROMA. Both will want to redeem themselves after their defeats. 

Challenge will be for Sampdoria coach Walter Mazzarri to transmit confidence and his strategy to his players.  Sampdoria was totally unrecognizable last week.  I could not believe Reggina beat them!  Where was the magic of Antonio Cassano????? 

 For Sampdoria's sake, Cassano and striker Claudio Bellucci must work in harmony to deliver goals.  Otherwise, I see this match more in favor of Udinese.

In this round, Coach Mazzarri will miss for suspension Daniele Gastaldello and Paolo Sammarco.  On top of that, goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi and Hugo Campagnaro are injured.  Well, Castellazzi is out for the rest of the season after his shoulder surgery.  good thing is the return after a ban suspension from Pietro Accardi.

Problem for Sampdoria is that Udinese coach Pasquale Marino is coming to the Luigi Ferraris Stadium to GET THE 3 points. 

It will be up to the three strikers Antonio Di Natale, Pepe, and Fabio Quagliarella to break Sampdoria's dream to win at home. 

In Week 15, Udinese beat Sampdoria with  a  goal from Di Natale and a doppietta  from Fabio Quagliarella.   Can they do it again?  I think so.

My Prediction:  DRAW



AC SIENA - GENOA
Castellani Stadium
Serie A Standing:  AC Siena 13th position, 38  points
                              Genoa 8th position, 45 points



May God protect Siena!!!! 

There is no way that SIENA can beat Genoa under the leadership of the Top Scorer Genoa striker Marco Borriello with 19 goals.  I will say it's almost impossible.... almost.... because there ARE NO IMPOSSIBLES in football and Siena Coach  Berretta might surprise Genoa.  Though... I doubt it.

Last Week results were positive for Genoa.
Lazio 1 - 1 AC Siena while Genoa beat Torino by 3 goals to none.

While Siena is trying to survive, Genoa is looking to reach a position for the UEFA Cup next year.

If Genoa beat Siena they will have 48 points and remain in the same position.  Their chances will be for Sampdoria and Udinese ending in a draw to dream with the 6th position.  There will be only 4 more matches, Genoa must hurry or else....

If Siena beat Genoa, then, big problems because Genoa can go down to the 10th position if Palermo and Napoli win their respective matches. 

Siena can go up to the 11th position if Atalanta and Lazio lose their respective matches. 

Advantage is for Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini to use his lethal weapon: MARCO BORRIELLO!  Borriello is making goals and assist!  What else can he ask for?

Challenge is for Siena coach Mario Berretta to have the right player to mark Borriello and block him.  As much as I like Coach Berretta, honestly, I doubt he will beat Genoa.


 My Prediction: GENOA


CATANIA - LAZIO
Angelo Massimino Stadium
Serie A Standing: Catania 15th position, 32  points
                             Lazio 12th position, 40 points

Time for Catania to grasp the 3 points at home or expect going to the last position if Cagliari, Empoli, Reggina, and Livorno win their respective matches. Wow... it will be a real blow after sacking Coach Silvio Baldini. 

Last week, Catania coach Walter Zenga lost the famous SICILIAN DERBY PALERMO 1 - 0 CATANIA  and went down to the 15th position. Losing at home against Lazio will be "la fine del mondo" for Catania having only 4 more matches.

As for Lazio,  they are not doing that well either.  Last week, barely managing a draw at home!
Lazio 1 - 1 AC Siena


Time for Lazio strikers Goran Pandev and Tommaso Rocchi both with 12 goals each, to  give some peace of mind to Lazio fans who keep contesting Lazio President Lotito and the team for their inconsistency. Is not that Lazio will go for their fourth consecutive draws in Catania.  I rather see them win or lose. 

For Catania striker Giuseppe Mascara, there is no other better chance than score at home and help his team to SURVIVE.  Since Lazio is in the mood of "drawing." Hello, they even got a draw on Wednesday in La Coppa Italia Semifinal FC INTER 0 - 0 LAZIO.  What a better chance for Catania than WINNING!!!! 

 Just hope for Lazio not to use goalkeeper Fernando Muslera!  I feel so bad for the guy, but he is not ready and has a lot to learn. 

Problem is that main goalkeeper Marco Ballotta also need some resting time, but trusting Muslera in these last 4 matches will be almost a suicide!   Well, it will be up to Catania to blast whoever goalkeeper defend Lazio's net. 

My Prediction:  DRAW