Two Surveys going on...

1.  -  Who will be the SECOND coach to be sacked in the Italian Serie A 2008 - 2009 Season?


2.  -  Who Will Win the Scudetto in the Italian Serie A 2008 - 2009?

Click Here to Buy Your 2008 - 2009 Serie A Soccer Gear now.  Soccer / Football Gear. Italian Shirts. AC Milan, AS Roma, Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter Milan, Juventus, Palermo, Sampdoria, Udinese     CLick here  to buy  your soccer fans wigs

Week 7 Italian Serie A Tim 2008 - 2009 / Seventh  Round Matchday 7

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Fiorentina - Reggina
Napoli - Juventus

Sunday, October 19, 208

AC Milan - Sampdoria
Catania - Palermo
Bologna - Lazio
Chievo - Atalanta
Genoa  - AC Siena
Lecce - Udinese
Torino - Cagliari

This match is at 11:30 a.m. USA Pacific time
AS Roma - FC Inter



What are your PREDICTIONS?
Are you expecting a major upset? POST your predictions now




FIORENTINA - REGGINA
Artemio Franchi Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - Fiorentina 9th position with 10 points
                                                     Reggina 19th position with 2 points 


While both teams Fiorentina and Reggina desperately need to win this match to get the 3 points, it is Reggina the one really "in desperate need." 

Disadvantage for Fiorentina will be having their main players Adrian Mutu, Jovetic, Juan Manuel Vargas, Alberto Gilardino, Riccardo Montolivo,  "tired after playing with their respective National teams for the 2010 Wordl Cup Qualifiers.  Reggina will have most of their key players fresh, except defender Carlos Valdez who played for Uruguay and Edgar Barreto  for Paraguay.



Yet, chances for Reggina to beat Fiorentina will rely on their forward Bernardo Corradi who has not yet made his "comeback."  It will be a precious opportunity for Corradi to really make a difference and take the team by the hand.  Former Palermo star Franco Brienza also could be a clear and present danger for Fiorentina. Though, a tough opponent is Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, a tough guy to beat.

Reggina's strikers are not that sharp considering Reggina has scored only 4 goals, conceded 10 and having a negative goal differece of -6.  wow!  Fiorentina has scored 6 goals and conceded 6 goals meaning a goal difference of 0. 

I won't be surprised if Reggina coach Orlandi is sacked if losing this match.

Anna Italia Prediction:  DRAW


NAPOLI  - FC JUVENTUS
San Paolo Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - Napoli 6th position with 11 points
                                                     FC Juventus 11th position with 9 points

Here is where "all the tension will be felt." Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri returning to Napoli, the team he helped qualified tothe Euroepan qualification during his coach period from 1991-1993 by putting Napoli in the 4th position.

Click  here to buy your      "I Love Napoli" shirt....

Ironically, now, Napoli eliminated from the UEFA Cup BENFICA 2 - 0 NAPOLI has no other choice than boost their morale by winning at the San Paolo stadium in front of their fans.  Though, this is not an easy task even if last season Napoli beat Juventus 3-1. This season is different because Juventus is going to the San Paolo to put things back in order.  By the way, Napoli fans will be restricted because their petition to open the "curve" was turned down to prevent any violence acts.

Napoli has the chance to even reach the first position if Lazio, Inter, and Udinese lose their respective matches.
Besides, Juventus is coming without their Saint goalkeeper Gigi Buffon out for injury. Yet, Juventus forward Amauri is hungry to score at the San Paolo.  Here is the challenge for Juventus to really return to score having so many top strikers including Alessandro Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta, as David Trezeguet is out for injury.

Juventus lost last week against Palermo who beat them after 47 years at the Olimpico!  Juventus 1 - 2 Palermo

Napoli lost 2 matches in one week after their 8 victories. Sadly, one of those defeat was against Benfica which caused their elimination from the UEFA Cup, and the Week 6 match Genoa 3 - 2 Napoli.
 
Problem for Juventus will be a long list of injured players: David Trezeguet, Cristiano Zanetti, Nicola Legrottaglie, Cristiano Zanetti, Mauro Camoranesi, Olof Mellberg and the "Saint goalkeeper Buffon." wow, such a long list!!!! 

        

Napoli, on the contrary, is super energized with the great performance of their "Argentinian duo Lavezzi - Denis."  Let's not forget ex Juventino Marcelo Zalayeta who wll be dreaming to score against La Vecchia Signora, as well as Manuele Blasi.

Two energetic and motivated players will be midfielder Christian Maggio and defender Fabiano Santacroce being even called up for the Italian National Team for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers matches of Italy against Bulgaria and Montenegro.  Maybe key players midfielders Marek Hamsik and Walter Gargano will be without much energy after playing for their respective teams too, especially Gargano who will fly from South America to arrive on time in Italy.
 

	MATCHES	VICTORIES JUVENTUS	DRAWS	VICTORIES NAPOLI
Serie A IN TORINO	63	38	19	6
Serie A  NAPOLI	63	20	25	18
Coppa Italia	6	3	1	2
Supercoppa Italiana	1	--	--	1
Coppa Uefa	2	1	--	1
TOTAL	135	62	45	28

Motivation will be also high for Del Piero and Amauri. 

Del Piero's challenge is with himself. Del Piero considers "the San Paolo Stadium" a lucky charm since he has scored there 6 goals! 

You bet Del Piero  will want to prove himself and send a clear message to Italian Head Coach by scoring and making a difference.  Del Piero resented the fact he was not among the called up players for the qualifiers.

Suspended player for Juventus is Sissoko. A big problem will be for Napoli Coach Edy Reja being booked! 

Looking at the statistics, out of the 63 matches played at the San Paolo, Juventus won oly 20, draw 15 and Napoli won 18... so, come on... will the stats continue to be in favor of Juve? or will it be for Napoli?

Anna Italia Prediction: FC JUVENTUS

AC MILAN - SAMPDORIA
San Siro Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - AC Milan 8th position with 10 points
                                                     Sampdoria 17th position with 4 points

What a dilemma with Milan... a never ending "suspense thrill." 

Click here to Buy your    2008 - 2009 AC Milan  Products like jerseys, soccer balls, shorts, mugs, sackpack, license plate, and more.  Click here to buy your 2008/2009 AC Milan Jerseys with the names of Gattuso, Ronaldinho, Maldini, Nesta, Kaka, Shevchenko

Milan already with the rollercoaster of losing, winning, losing, winning.  There is no continuity. Just when Milan seemed to have made their comeback after wiining the Milan Derby against Inter, they got a shameful draw CAGLIARI 0 - 0 AC MILAN.  Losing also a friendly match on Tuesday in Albania. KF TIRANA 2 - 1 AC MILAN

If we compared with Sampdoria and their latest performance, then Milan is not in such a bad shape.  Sampdoria like Milan are competing in the UEFA Cup. Yet, Sampdoria it is almost knocking at the door of the relegation zone with only 4 points.  Incredible, despite having famous "wonder boy" striker Antonio Cassano, Sampdoria has scored only 4 goals, conceded 8 goals and having a negative goal difference of -4.
Last week  a big defeat in the Serie A Week 6: Atalanta 4 - 2 Sampdoria

Milan has scored 8 goals, conceded 6 and having a positive goal difference of +2.

Sure, Sampdoria beat Milan in San Siro last season  Milan 1 - 2 Sampdoria, an event that happened last time in 1997.  Sampdoria might cause another upset too if Milan lose their concentration.  Problem is that Kaka and Pato might be extremely tired after playing for Brazil and returning to Italy all the way from Brazil with time adjustments.  Sheva and Ronaldinho not consistent yet. This will be their moment of glory to deliver a convincing victory, especially from Sheva.

The only suspended player for Milan is defender Gianluca Zambrotta while Sampdoria has 2 suspended players Pietro Accardi and Daniele Dessena.

Point is that Milan must retake control of their situation if they really want to be contenders for the 2008-2009 Scudetto.  Good news is the recovery from injuries of many players like forward Marco Borriello, defender Alessandro Nesta.

Sampdoria -- one of the favorites --- is totally lost and also need to win to get their first victory of the season. Imagine having only 4 points out of the 18 available in 6 matches.

Challenge will be for both coaches to deliver a winning formation.  Sampdoria coach Walter Mazzarri must rediscover again his forwards and choose among Cassano, Claudio Bellucci, and Bruno Fornaroli.

Anna Italia Prediction:  AC Milan

CATANIA - PALERMO
Angelo Massimino Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - Catania 7th position with 11 points
                                                     Palermo 4th position with 12 points


Here is a MATCH NOT TO MISS!!!  Famous Sicilian Derby and so much at risk.   Catania can jump to the first position if Lazio, Udinese and Inter lose their respective matches!  Palermo inspired with the super performance from their goalkeeper Marco Amelia substituting Italy first goalkeeper Gigi Buffon during the 2010 World Cup matches against Bulgaria and Montenegro.

Catania coach Walter Zenga has proven a tough coach to beat.  Inter struggled to beat them and now Zenga would love to win at home as well as the players.  Disadvantage is the suspension of Catania forward Michele Paolucci. 

Disadvantage for Palermo is the possible absence from forward Fabrizio Miccoli for injury. Hey, this will really be a bad blow.  Edinson Cavani will be returning all the way from Uruguay and not sure on his condition either.

Zenga will be inspired  as well as the "savior" Palermo coach Davide Ballardini. An interesting detail, there are two brothers playing in both teams, Giacomo and Giuseppe Tedesco!  Just like the Inzahgis, two brothers in different teams.  The ex Palermitano Giuseppe Mascara might be the "golden boy" for Catania.

Closing a bad chapter of the Sicilian Derby when in 2007 Officer Filippo Raciti was killed, both teams promote a peaceful derby without violence.  I hope this will happen because the last thing Italy needs right now is more violence in the stadiums.



Will it be a moment of celebration for Palermo?  or for Catania?   What a difference a player can make.  If Miccoli is fit and make it, I might say Palermo win or draw.

Anna Italia Prediction: CATANIA


BOLOGNA - LAZIO
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - Bologna 18th position with 3 points
                                                     Lazio 1st position with 13 points

Lazio being the top leader of the Serie A with 13 points cannot risk losing or drawing against Bologna.  Lazio has the same points with Inter and Udinese. A defeat might see them down to the 3rd position dependig on whether Inter and Udinese win their respective matches. 

 Point is that neither Bologna can risk another defeat!  Bologna won the first match against Milan in san Siro but after that it has been 5 consecutive defeats!!! Ouch! Here is another possible sacking in case of a bad defeat.  Bologna has scoared only 3 goals, conceded 6 and a negative goal difference of -6.  The opposite from Lazio scoring 14 goals, conceding 7 and a positive goal difference of +7. 

Lazio can keep the first position by winning even if Inter and Udinese win their matches because of the goal difference. Challenge will be how fit it is goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo who will return from Argentina after playing for the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers.

Lazio has the advantage of forwards Mauro Zarate the top scorer right now with 6 goals.  It is unlikely that  Lazio will go for a goalless draw considering there is also forward Goran Pandev.  Plus, forward and Captain Tommaso Rocchi will be playing after suffering injury with the Italian Olympic National Team.

Making matters worst for Bologna are the absence from Marco Bernacci and not sure either on Macello Castellini. A familiar face will be former Laziale Gaby Mundingayi. Though not sure on whether he will be fit enough for this match.

For this tie Bologna will be without Marco Bernacci, while Nicola Mingazzini and ex-Lazio man Gaby Mundingayi are doubtful. There are also concerns about the fitness of Marcello Castellini who will sit on the bench.  The match will be more emotional for former Laziale forward Marco Di Vaio.

Bottom line, Lazio is stronger than Bologna in every department.  Only a real miracle can help Bologna. 

Anna Italia Prediction: LAZIO


CHIEVO - ATALANTA
Marc Antonio Bentegodi Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - Chievo Verona 16th position with 5 points
                                                     Atalanta 5th position with 12 points

Chievo promoted from the Serie B this season might find themselves in the relegation zone if losing this match. Atalanta with only 1 point away from the Serie A top leaders: Lazio, Udinese, and Inter, will want to win this match. 

Disadvantage for Chievo is the suspension from defender Francesco Scardina, though Davide Mandelli who was suspended return for this match. .A tiny smile might be with the return from injury of Simone Bentivoglio. The defense is in terrible shape conceding 8 goals, scoring only 4 and having a negative goal difference of -4

Disadvantage for Atalanta  will be the suspension from Luca Cigarini, plus injured Alessio Manzoni.  Still, Atalanta can manage a victory. Atalanta has conceded 5 goals, scoring 7 goals, having a positive goal difference of +2

Anna Italia Prediction:  ATALANTA


GENOA - AC SIENA
Luigi Ferraris Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - Genoa 10th position with 9 points
                                                     AC Siena 12th position with 8 points.

Just one point difference....  and "The Prince Diego Milito returning from Argentina." 


Anna Italia Prediction:  GENOA

LECCE - UDINESE
Via dell Mare Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - Lecce 13th position with 8 points
                                                     Udinese 2nd position with 13 points

A tough test for Lecce coach Mario Beretta to stop Udinese, the second leader of the Serie A.

Udinese will go to this match with the "super tridente Pepe, Quagliarella, Di Natale."  Will Lecce be able to stop them?

Udinese has the same points with Inter and Lazio. To keep the race for the Scudetto alive, a victory is amust.


Anna Italia Prediction:   LECCE


TORINO - CAGLIARI
Olimpico di Torino Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - Torino 15th position with 5 points
                                                      Cagliari 20th position with ONLY 1 point.

Cagliari fans should be praying for a big miracle.   Torino is touching the relegation zone and a victory is obligated for both.   A draw will not be helpful, though better than losing all 3 points.

Cagliari is going to Torino with a big boost after keeping a 0-0 draw against AC Milan at the Sant'Elia Stadium in Week 6.   Torino coach Gianni De Biasi better find the way to victory fast before being sacked too.  Here is a match of teams having the worst defense of the season, both conceding 10 goals.  Difference is that Cagliari has scored only 1 goal while Torino scored 7 goals. 

Advantage for Torino having recovered midfielder Ignazio Abate who yesterday not only scored a goal for the Italian Under 21 securing the pass to the European championship in Sweden, but also for being the fundamental player of the match along with Inter forward Mario Balotelli.

Just in case... Cagliari coach Massimiliano Allegri should be packing and let other coach "save Cagliari."

Anna Italia Prediction:  TORINO

                                                    
AS ROMA - FC INTER
Olimpico di Roma Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - AS Roma 14th position with 7 points
                                                     FC Inter 3rd position with 13 points

Buy your OFFICIAL Roma Soccer gear today!   Click here. Home Soccer Jersey  Away Soccer Jersey, caps, shorts, soccer balls, and more.

THE CLASH OF THE CLASHES!!!!

A moment for both teams to win. Roma desperately needs to win at home having go down to the 14th position!!!!   

The return to the Olimpico from former Roman gladiator Amantino Mancini now playing for INTER. Wow, I wonder how the fans will receive him? 

Inter being in the third place but with the same 13 points of Lazio and Udinese must win this match to keep the race for the leadership.   a WIN WIN from both...

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti versus Inter coach Jose Mourinho. So far, in their first encounter for the Supercoppa Italia it was Mourinho to take the winning  match.  

-  Italian Super Cup - Supercoppa Italia: FC Inter 2 - 2 (6-4) AS Roma, Goal by Muntari, Daniele De Rossi, Balotelli, and Vucinic (Inter win the SUPER COPPA ITALIA in penalties with a penalty from Captain Javier Zanetti!!)

Can Spalletti beat Mourinho this time?  Yes he can. Spalletti has beat Inter 5 times!  Oh, yes, the difference is that now it is a new coach leading Inter and not Roberto Mancini when famous duel Spalletti-Mancini raised the adrenalina of all fans.

It is not an easy match.  Roma barely recovering, rushing to recover Captain Francesco Totti for this Epic battle.  Inter responds with Super Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Big disadvantage for Roma is the suspension from key defenders Philippe Mexes and Christian Panucci.  Mamma mia!  Like leaving a "free road for Inter forwards."

A big boost for the morale of the Roman gladiators was yesterday's super performance from midfielder Alberto Aquilani scoring a brace for the Italian National team.  As for leadership in the field and lifting the spirit is also midfielder Daniele De Rossi fighting like a true gladiator in the Nazionale with an injured knee.  "NO PAIN NO GAIN."  De Rossi will not be sitting peacefully but willing to play to defend Roma.

Same goes for Roma forward Mirko Vucinic who scored for Montenegro against Italy but being inspired to return to play with his teammates.

It is a tough match for Inter coach Jose Mourinho.  Most of his players will be tired or recovering from injuries after playing for their respective national teams.  Imagine that goalkeeper Julio Cesar, defender Maicon, forward Adriano, midfielder Amantino Mancini all will be returning from Brazil and arriving to Italy to barely recover "sleeping time."    Also, same applied to the Argentinians Javier Zanetti, Nicolas Burdisso, Esteban Cambiasso returning from Argentina.

Will Mourinho rely on Super Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic? 


Anna Italia's prediction:  AS ROMA




What are your Predictions?  POST THEM NOW....



Fiorentina - Reggina =
Napoli - Juventus =
AC Milan - Sampdoria =
Catania - Palermo =
Bologna - Lazio =
Chievo - Atalanta =
Genoa  - AC Siena =
Lecce - Udinese =
Torino - Cagliari =
AS Roma - FC Inter =





blog comments powered by Disqus