By Anna Italia

Countdown is to 2 matches! 

Yep! That's it guys ... only 2 more matches and this Season will be HISTORY and time to welcome the EURO 2008!

You might agree or disagree with my predictions. Let me hear from you and who are you supporting. Any special lucky charm for your favorite team?

Here are the fixtures of the Italian Serie A Week 37 and my PREVIEW for the Thirty Seventh Round on Sunday, May 11:

FC Inter - AC Siena
Roma - Atalanta
Napoli - AC Milan
Fiorentina - Parma
Udinese - Cagliari
Palermo - Sampdoria
Genoa - Lazio
FC Juventus - Catania
AS Livorno - Torino
Reggina - Empoli



THREE  BATTLES  are  still going ON in this Thirty Seventh Round: Preview Week 37 for the Scudetto, 4th place, and Relegation Zone, and all three are  ALL OR NOTHING.


Here is my PREVIEW of the Serie A Week 37 - Italian Soccer Serie A Thirty Seventh Round scheduled for Sunday, May 11.

NAPOLI - AC MILAN
San Paolo Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Napoli 9th position,  47 points
                           AC Milan 4th position, 61 points

This might easily be called "the match for the Champions League." 

Milan had a superb victory last week not only by winning the MILAN DERBY AC Milan 2  - 1 FC Inter but finally being in the 4th position all alone keeping Fiorentina in the 5th position with only 1 point difference.


Napoli lost against Torino  and will want to win at home even at the risk of ruining Milan's dream for the Champions League.

Plus, it is the last home game and I don't think Napoli will want to say CIAO CIAO with a defeat.

In Week 18, Pato made his debut against Napoli. Result was a big headache for Napoli
Milan 5 - 2 Napoli.

This is why MILAN must win at all cost this match at the San Paolo Stadium to seal their "right of passage for the preliminary of the Champions League," which happens to be their favorite scenario.   No wonder why Milan even signed Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini.

Challenge is not only for Napoli coach Edy Reja to hand pick the formation and winning strategy, but Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti to find the "killer strategy" to seal this victory.

It's a chance for Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi to deliver a winning goal for Napoli and take away Milan's dream for the preliminary of the Champions Leauge.

It won't be easy because Milan defense will be like real soldiers against Napoli attempt to score.

Players from both team are already motivated. Sure, the rossoneri are the ones with the grinta, the drive to not let go this much suffered 4th position.  So, concentration from both teams will be crucial.

Problem for Milan is that "the main architect" midfielder Andrea Pirlo is suspended!!!!  This, my friends, is a big problem for Ancelotti.  

The only way Milan can compensate this significant absence is by having a fit and focused Kaka and Clarence Seedorf to provide hopefully good assist
to Super Pippo Inzaghi.

Milan has also six cautioned players: Defenders Daniele Bonera, Cafu, Giuseppe Favalli, Alessandro Nesta and Massimo Oddo. My main bet for defense here is Alessandro Nesta after seeing his great performance against Inter.

A bigger problem is for Napoli with 2 suspended players: midfielder Manuele  Blasi and defender Fabiano Santacroce.  Advantage is having only 3 cautioned players instead of 6 like Milan. 

Cautioned for Napoli are midfielder Marek Hamsik, and defenders Maurizio Domizzi and Gyorgy Garics.  Advantage is the return from suspension of defender Paolo Cannavaro, that might be an added incentive fo the defense.

My Prediction: AC MILAN


FC INTER - AC SIENA
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium
Serie A Standing:  FC Inter 1st position, 81 points
                           AC Siena 12th position, 42 points

What a powerful position for Siena!   Siena might ruin the "almost granted Scudetto" for Inter!

Last week, SIENA upset Juventus to the surprise of almost everybody! Siena 1 - 0 FC Juventus

Siena has nothing to lose because they are ALREADY saved! 

The pressure is on INTER who already postponed their party last week. Can you imagine what would happen if Siena beat them or get a draw? Wow! I don't even want to think about it, imagine the players!
                     

Inter is coming to this match with such a pressure that if losing their concentration on the field, they might lose the Scudetto too if Roma defeat Atalanta.  Las Sunday, Inter had  a terrible defeat at San Siro losing against a desperate MILAN.  AC Milan 2 - 1 FC Inter

Though, Inter recovered from the Milan Derby by defeating Lazio on Wednesday in the  Coppa Italia Seminfinal.

 Talking about having the right motivation.  Inter not only  wants to win the Scudetto but also win La Coppa Italia and their only rival is AS ROMA in both competition!

Siena has the chance to prove they deserved to win when refereeing decision in Week 18 cost them a defeat after a "controversial penalty" granted by Referee Girardi in the 26th minute.  It will be  real triumph for Coach Mario Beretta to beat Inter in their home stadium.  I am sure ROMA fans will nominate him for "SAINTHOOD."

Talking about "Sainthood," Inter already went to the Vatican for Wednesday's public  mass with Pope Benedetto.

Maybe they asked for that special blessing to win both competitions: Scudetto and  Coppa Italia.

Inter Coach Roberto Manicni  will have to rely on his "savior" Argentinian striker Julio Cruz!  The issue about the divided dressing room might be almost over .  Though tension between Mancini and President Moratti is still going on.

Advantage for both teams is not having any suspended players. 

The cautioned players for Inter are Balotelli, Burdisso, Cambiasso, Chivu, Cordoba, Figo, Jimenez, Julio Cesar, Maicon, Rivas, and Dejan Stankovic.

Siena has only two cautioned players striker Massimo Maccarone and defender Andrea Rossi.   Is not that I want to scare Inter, but Siena had a firendly match today against Tor de Cenci and they beat them con la bellezza di 14 goals keeping a clean sheet!!!



It will be  la fine del mondo (the end of the world) if Siena beat Inter or get a draw . Here is  how Siena players celebrated their victory over Juventus.  Imagine celebrating a victory over Inter!!!!!

                 

Botom line guys... the race for the Scudetto is still on. 

My Prediction: AC SIENA


AS ROMA - ATALANTA
Olimpico di Roma Stadium
Serie A Standing:  AS Roma 2nd position, 78 points
                           Atalanta 11th position 45 points

There are 2 matches that Roma is forbidden  to lose. This match against Inter and the next one against Catania.  Losing this match  will be granting the Scudetto to Inter.  Simple as that.

Roma already beat Atalanta in Week 18, Atalanta 1 - 2 Roma.  Though, the scenario now is totally different.

Problem for Roma is that Atalanta doesn't want to finish the season with a defeat either.  Worst, former Roma coach GIGI DEL NERI now coaching Atalanta will want to make a good role in his ex stadium. 


Last week, Atalanta  defeat Livorno.  If Atalanta beat Roma it  will give them  48 points reaching the 8th position if Genoa beat Lazio  and Palermo and Napoli lose their respective matches. Although, Atalanta already lost their hope for a spot in the UEFA Cup.  Practically, they will be playing for the honor. 

You see, this is why ROMA better be READY, ALERT, FOCUSED to beat Atalanta at the Olimpico. 

Roma is super motivated after defeating Catania today for  La Coppa Italia Semifinal and qualifying for the FINAL against Inter.  Hoipefully, players won't be that tired for Sunday, especially Simone Perrotta, Daniele De Rossi, Vucinic, and Aquilani.

Last Sunday, Roma also conquered a crucial victory Sampdoria 0 - 3 AS ROMA. that keep them in the race for the Scudetto after Milan defeat Inter. 

                            
                               Will Sergio Floccari upset ROMA??? Photo credit: atalanta.it

Main guy for Atalanta is, as usual, midfielder Cristiano Doni.   Imagine, today, Atalanta had a friendly match against Lallio and won 15 -0!!!!!!  Hat trick from Sergio Floccari.  Is this an indirect message for Roma to be aware????

My Prediction:  AS ROMA




FC JUVENTUS - CATANIA
Olimpico di Torino Stadium
Serie A Standing:  FC Juventus 3rd position, 70 points
                           Catania 17th position, 35 points

After the disillusion of losing against the men of Coach Mario Beretta, Siena 1 - 0 FC Juventus and letting go the 2nd position, Juventus already secured the 3rd position even if losing these last 2 matches.

I don't want to see THIS Del Piero DEFEATED   ........... I want to see Trezeguet and Del Piero  in glory!
 
The only motivation might be for Juventus strikers David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero to consolidate themselves as the Serie A Top Scorer, the capocanoniere.  Trezeguet is currently the top leader along Genoa striker Marco Borriello with 19 goals each while Alessandro Del Piero has 18 goals.

Catania must pray to all the saints for their salvation! 

Not only Catania lost last week against Reggina, but also lost today in La Coppa Italia Semifinal against Roma!  

Catania need a victory to remain in the Serie A.

A draw might help Catania, but it won't be enough.  In Week 18, the match ended with Catania 1 - 1 FC Juventus.

If Catania lose and Empoli and Parma win their respective matches, Catania will go down to the 19th position! Ouch!   They will be practically doing their suitcase to take the ride to the Serie B along LIVORNO!

Catania-Juventus, all previous encounters

	TOTAL GAMES	JUVENTUS WINS	DRAWS	CATANIA WINS
League matches in Turin	9	7	1	1
League matches in Catania	9	4	2	3
Italian Cup	1	--	1	--
TOTAL	19	11	4	4

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.

Making matters worst for Catania Coach Walter Zenga is the absence of striker Gionatha Spinesi for the rest of the season. Plus, 10 players are cautioned!  Good news for Catrania is the great performance from striker Giuseppe Mascara today against Roma.  What else should I say ..... May God protect Catania.

MY Prediction: FC JUVENTUS


FIORENTINA - PARMA
Artemio Franchi Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Fiorentina 5th position, 60 points
                           Parma 18th position, 34 points

This is  a battle for the 4th position and for salvation!

Not only Fiorentina lost against Cagliari last week, Cagliari 2 - 1 Fiorentina but also lost the Uefa Cup Seminal and the 4th position because Milan beat Inter.

 Difference between Fiorentina and Milan is only 1 point.   Imagine losing everything you worked hard in 1 week!  A black and cursed week! 

      

Maybe Prandelli should wear his lucky purple jacket for a whole week.!

Parma beat Genoa last week.  At least, they are coming motivated to the Artemio Franchi with the hope of beating Fiorentina too.  The situation is critical for Parma because if Fiorentina beat Parma and Empoli  beat Reggina, Parma will go to the 19th position! Ouch. That must hurt!  Plus, the next match of Parma is against INTER!!!!  You see how tough it is. 

I don't think Milan will let go their 4th position by losing against Napoli.  So, even if Fiorentina win, it might not be enough.  What Fiorentina needs is to win and hope for Napoli to defeat Milan or get a draw.

Problem for Fiorentina will be the suspension of Manuel Pasqual and striker Adrian Mutu.  This might encourage Parma to go with all they have for a victory.  Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli will rely in striker Giampaolo Pazzini.  If Prandelli will keep his trademark 4-3-3, then, it will be Pazzini, Osvaldo and Mario Alberto Santana.  Bobo Vieri is out for injury.  Maybe Prandelli go for a 4-4-2?  He gotta try everything!

The panorama does not look too optimistic for Fiorentina and Parma really has a chance to cause a major upset.

Parma advantage is the return from suspension from many of his key players.  So, best bet for Parma coach Hector Cuper is defender Giulio Falcone and Cristiano Lucarelli. 

My Prediction: PARMA



UDINESE - CAGLIARI
Friuli Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Udinese 6th position, 57 points
                           Cagliari  14th position, 38 points

Mathematically speaking, Udinese can still make it to the 4th position if Milan and Fiorentina lose their next 2 matches.  It will be almost impossible, but nothing is written.  Last week, Udinese struggled against Empoli but at the end won with a goal from striker Fabio Quagliarella. This victory  gave Udinese the 6th position and a spot in the UEFA Cup while sending Sampdoria to the 7th position.

Problem for Udinese if losing is that
Cagliari is coming to Udinese with an important victory. Cagliari 2 - 1 Fiorentina.

This is why strikers Antonio Di Natale and Fabio Quagliarella are indispensable in this match.  Failure to score from these strikers will be a big upset for udinese if losing at home.

Cagliari risk going down from the 14th position to the 17th position if losing and Torino, Reggina, and Catani win their respective matches.

Definitely, I think the arrival of Ballardini and goalkeeper Marco Storari from Betis gave a positive twist to Cagliari.  Is not that Cagliari is already saved. 

Advantage for Cagliari is that even if losing this match , they  have their last match at home against Reggina.  It will be easier for them. However, I won't disqualify a victory or a draw against Udinese.

Van you imagine a Cagliari celebration at the Friuli

Good news for Cagliari is that striker Robert Acquafresca seems to recover fast as reported in Cagliari website.

Acquafresca   took part  of the training today along with Magliocchetti and Parola. 



The only absent for injury will be Ferri, though Ballardini has hope to recover him for Sunday.  Pisano most likely will be out too for muscular problems. Another disadvantage  is the absence for suspension of  Daniele Conti.

Point is that it will be a challenge for Udinese coach Pasquale Marino to break the bad luck of losing at home . Is not that Udinese want to  lose at home against Cagliari who are struggling to save themselves. It might happen....

My Prediction: DRAW


PALERMO - SAMPDORIA
Renzo Barbera Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Palermo 10th position, 46 points
                           Sampdoria 7th position, 56 points

A farewell match for Palermo striker Amauri???  It will be a great GOOD BYE for Amauri if he delivers the winning goal for Palermo before going to Juventus in the next season.  Last week, a great result, Lazio 1 - 2 Palermo thanks to a doppietta precisely from Amauri scoring the 2 goals after failing a penalty.

Sampdoria  seeing their dream for the Champions League far away when losing miserably against the Roman gladiators. Sampdoria 0 - 3 AS ROMA.

Palermo has the challenge to beat Sampdoria and crushed their last hope to get the 4th position for the UEFA Champions League.

With only 6 points available but having Milan with 61 points and Fiorentina with 60, it is unlikely that Sampdoria could make it  considering that Udinese is also in the battle with 57 points.
Most likely, Sampdoria can fight for a spot in the UEFA Cup.

A victory for Palermo will mena 49 points and the perfect scenario for Amauri to say good bye to those Palermo fans who welcomed him with their pure heart.

                                 


Despite striker Antonio Cassano's bad temper, I think Sampdoria coach Walter Mazzarri must rely on his "genius." 

Sampdoria has no more chances and losing even a spot in the UEFA Cup would be the chaos.  So, in this match  Mazzarri should go with strikers Cassano and Claudio Bellucci.  Good thing is the return from suspension of Christian Maggio.

Palermo coach Stefano Colantuono will have to hand pick his formation to close the home matches with victory. 

I will go for strikers Fabrizio Miccoli and Amauri and midfielder Bosko Jankovic without a doubt.  Good thing is the return of defender Cristian Zaccardo from suspension. Wow, it will be a good match and I would love to see AMAURI saying good bye with a victory.

Challenge will be for Palermo defense to stop Antonio Cassano and Claudio Bellucci. Can they do it? That's the question!

My Prediction: PALERMO ... A personal note: Thank you Amauri for what you did for Palermo wish you the best in Juve!



GENOA - LAZIO
Luigi Ferraris Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Genoa 8th position, 48 points
                           Lazio 13th position, 40 points

Playing for what???  No Champions League, No UEFA Cup.... just for the honor.

Neither Genoa nor Lazio are battling for a place in "L'Europa che conta,"  

Genoa, surprisingly,  lost to Parma with a goal from Cristiano Lucarelli.   Not even the top Serie A Scorer Genoa striker Marco Borriello could score a single goal to equalize the match.  

Borriello has his chance now in their home stadium to deliver a victory and increase his goals to be the top scorer.  Right now, Borriello and Juventus striker have 19 goals each followed by Alessandro Del Piero with 18 goals.
 
Lazio is coming from 2 terrible defeats: in Week 36 Lazio 1 - 2 Palermo then on Wednesday losing the Coppa Italia Tim Semifinal Lazio 0 - 2 Inter.

I must say that Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini already accomplished his goal. Genoa returned to the Serie A in style and with a powerful striker, Borriello.

I don't know what will happen if Lazio lose this match.  Lazio fans keep contesting President Lotito and it will be a real tragedy if Coach Delio Rossi is the only one to be sacked.  I will say Lotito is more responsible for the debacle of  La Lazio! 

Genoa, most likely will go for the tridenti Giuseppe Sculli, Julio Leon and Borriello.

My suggestion for Lazio will be to have goalkeeper Marco Ballotta instead of Muslera.

Challenge is open for Lazio strikers Goran Pandev, Tommaso Rocchi and Rolando Bianchi to speak with goals. A draw will be better for Lazio then losing.

MY Prediction: GENOA
.

REGGINA - EMPOLI
Renzo Barbera Stadium
Serie A Standing:  Reggina 16th position, 36 points
                           Empoli 19th position, 33 points

This  my friends is the BLOODY BATTLE TO AVOID THE RELEGATION ZONE.

Reggina and Empoli know they have no more chances.  Is either win or win, period.

More than anything, a battle between strikers trying to score the much needed goals for their teams. Nicola Amoruso for Reggina and the young midfielder Sebastian Giovinco for Empoli.

Last week, fortune was for Reggina beating Catania with 2 goals from Nicola Amoruso while Empoli lost to Udinese and Giovinco missed a penalty.

Empoli Coach Gigi Cagni knows there is no time for mistakes and planning his "salvation strategy" is what it matters right now.

Reggina has more chances  based on their statistics winning 3 out of the last 4 matches at home.

Reggina Coach  will find great support with Franco Brienza and Amoruso. .... words are not necessary here.. what these two teams need ARE GOALS...

My Prediction: REGGINA



AS LIVORNO - TORINO
Armando Picchi  Stadium
Serie A Standing:  AS Livorno 20th position, 30 points
                           Torino 15th position, 37 points

HELP!!!!  I need somebody help!  Not just anybody, help!!!!  Troino must be singing this trune from the Beattles looking for somebody to help them save themselves.  It will be really difficult but not impossible if they beat Torino.

Both teams have been a big disappointment.  I will start with Livorno President Aldo Spinelli then the coach and players.

Last week Livorno lost to Atalanta while Torino had a better destine by beating Napoli! 

Out of the last 5 matches, Livorno has lost 4!!!!  Problem for Livorno includes many suspended players: Alessandro Gradoi, Emanuele Filippini, Giovanni Pasquale, David balleri and Antonio Filippini. At least Livorno coach Orsini can have some relief with the return from suspension of Fabio Galante and Daniele De Vezze.

I will trust more Alessandro Diamanti than Francesco Tavano at this point. 

. Ouch... There is no way Livorno can win this match in these conditions unless SOMEBODY HELP THEM!!!!!

Torino coach Gianni De Biasi must rely on his best players available, midfielders Aimo Diana, Alessandro Rossina, Davide Di Michele and Roberto Stellone for the miracle to beat Livorno at the Artemio Franchi. 

 
Here, the match is just for anybody!   Seems to say  De Biasi and Torino President Urbano Cairo.  I wonder whether there will be laughing times after the match or not.

It will break my heart to see former Palermo midfielder Aimo Diana going to the Serie B....

MY Prediction: TORINO

What are your predictions?  Are you expecting a major upset, if yes, from who?