Hello my friends, 

I am late with the Preview because I had to work and barely arrived on time to start typing to post it today.  But here I am guys with the PREVIEW  of the Italian Serie A Week 23 - Twenty Third Round on Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8, 2009.
 
What an interesting week!  I am ready for the rollercoaster of emotions. And you?  The Italian Serie A has become so unpredictable at times that now Inter does not seen all that "almighty," but neither Juventus.  Milan seems to have recovering, but still not convincing enough while the ones who were behind like Roma and Cagliari are rushing to gain points.  Just love it!!!   

Again this week we see the reign of FC Internazionale undisputed. 

What do I mean? Hello, either Inter win, lose, or draw they will remain the "sole leaders."  However, Inter better start trembling (I think they are already)  because their latest matches have not convinced any about their once almighty power.  There are only 6 points difference with AC Milan.  Inter having 50 points, AC Milan 44 points and FC Juventus 43 points. 

Here is the trick guys.  If Lecce beat Inter and Milan beat Reggina, then the difference will be only 3 points, wow... but, wait... here is the most interesting part.  The Milan Derby "Il Derby della Madonnina" is on February 15 and if Milan beats Inter as they did on the first part of the season, then, hello, hello AC MILAN WILL BE THE LEADER.  Though, wait don't jump from your seats yet.  Juventus has only 1 point difference with the Milanisti and if Milan slips or draws, while Inter loses too, we might have a very tight race for the Scudetto among Inter-Juventus- Milan. 

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                              FC Inter 1st Position with 50 points

                                                              
  AC Milan 2nd position 44 points    FC Juventus 3rd position, 43 points

1. FC Internazionale	50
2. AC Milan	44
3. FC Juventus	43
4. Genoa	40
5. Fiorentina	38
6. AS Roma	37
7. Cagliari	34
8. Napoli	34
9. Palermo	32
10. Lazio	31

11. Atalanta	30
12. Udinese	27
13. Sampdoria	27
14. Catania	26
15. AC Siena	25
16. Bologna	22
17. Lecce	19
18. Torino	18
19. Chievo Verona	18
20. Reggina	15

The Champions League area: The close battle Genoa,Fiorentina, and Roma to be among the top 4 teams..  Genoa hold the 4th position right now but a defeat against Roma will see them down and hoping for Lazio to beat Fiorentina, currently 2 points behind Genoa with 38 points. 

The UEFA Cup area: A tight battle between Fiorentina, Roma, Cagliari, and Napoli.  Though, Palermo and Lazio following closely and not ready to give up. Unbelievable!  Cagliari who were mostly battling for salvation last seaon, now battling for a spot in the Uefa cup.wow.......thumbs up!

The RELEGATION ZONE: Ouch!! Here is where most of the action will be seen.  Although Bologna and Lecce are in a "semi safe position," they are risking heading to the releation zone.  If Torino beats Chievo, both on the relegation area, and Inter beats Lecce, wow... start the crying because Lecce will go down and possibly the sacking of Coach Mario Beretta (I hope not). 

Bologna has the difficult match playing at the Friuli Stadium against Udinese. Wow, guys, here also another difficult match for Bologna and possibly the sacking of Sinisa Mihajlovic who replaced Arrigoni to save the team. Yet, Bologna is sinking....  The worst scenario will be for Reggina facing AC Milan in San Siro. Wow, guys, one more defeat for Reggina and I think is almost a guarantee ticket for a strong candidate rushing to the Serie B, unless a super miracle happens.

Week 23 Italian Serie A Tim 2008 - 2009 / Twenty Third Round Matchday 23
Saturday,  February 7, 2009

Lecce - FC Internazionale
9:00 a.m. USA Pacific Time

AC Milan - Reggina
11:30 a.m. USA Pacific Time

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Sunday, February 1, 2009
Matches start at 6:00 a.m. USA Pacific Time

Cagliari - Atalanta
Catania - FC Juventus
Fiorentina - Lazio
AS Roma - Genoa
Sampdoria - AC Siena
Torino - Chievo Verona
Udinese - Bologna

Palermo - Napoli
Match starts at 11:30 a.m. USA Pacific Time

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Motivation for Lecce is at their highest peak "the chance to show a lesson to the big guys."  Point is that Inter, unlike the first matches, have lost their sharpness.  Imagine from their last 5 away matches winning only 2. Though, Inter's performance have not been convincing enough not even for Coach Mourinho who repetitively criticized the team's performance.

Disadvantage for Lecce includes the absences from Gianni Munari and Giuseppe Vives for injury. Guillermo Giacomazzi is suspened.  The main advantage for Lecce more than even the players, I think is Beretta himself and the fans.  The role of the fans to inject the motivation to the players will be key. The man with the heart of a lion is Simone Tiribocchi and he might become the hero of the match.



Disadvantage for Inter includes a bigger list of injured players: Marco Materazzi, Walter Samuel, Patrick Vieira, Christian Chivu, and Francesco Bolzoni.   Adriano is still out for suspension.  So, you will expect again Mourinho relying on Super Zlatan Ibrahimovic because Mario Balotelli is still not back in "gracious term" with Mourinho.  How about Hernan Crespo? Well, I think Mourinho will opt first for the duo Ibrahimovic - Julio Cruz and Crespo as a sub.

 Anna Italia Prediction: LECCE

AC MILAN - REGGINA
San Siro Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - AC Milan2nd position, 44 points
                                                       - Reggina 20th position, 15 points


Somebody help REGGINA!!!!! 

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Guys, this is a match that on paper sees no competition at all comparing man by man from AC Milan and Reggina. Though, it could be a dangerous match for the Rossoneri going to this match with over confidence because Reggina might awake them. Everything seen favorable for the Rossoneri.

Milan  were victorious in the Serie A Week 4 REGGINA 1 - 2 AC MILAN  Marco Borriello and Pato scored for Milan and Bernardo Corradi for Reggina.  The Rossoneri  beat Reggina last season with a super goleada on Week 5 AC Milan 5 - 1 Reggina Goals by Kaka, Barreto, Inzaghi, and Pato

Milan although in the second place right now has not been consistent. Yesterday, they had a friendly match in Glasglow and got only a draw RANGERS 2 - 2 AC MILAN   Sure, the boom given by midfielder David Beckham has all rossoneri dancing, starting from myself.  Last week a great display by the Rossoneri in the Olimpico di Roma Lazio 0 - 3 AC Milan
while Reggina also put a brave battle obtaining a draw against the Roman gladiators Reggina 2 - 2 AS Roma

Ancelotti might give Ronaldinho a chance to be in the starting line up considering the MILAN DERBY is only 1 week afer and might see his condition.  Let's not forget that it was Ronaldinho who delivered the winning goal in the Milan Derby on Week 5 in the 36th minute  Milan 1 - 0 FC Inter    Beckham might play too because Ancelotti knows he has become an almost indispensable player making assists and scoring. Besides, Beckham will be in Milan only until March "supposedly" before he returns to USA to his team L.A. Galaxy.

 

Disadvantage for Milan includes the suspension of midfielder Andrea Pirlo, plus the long list of injured players: Gennaro Gattuso, Alessandro Nesta, Giuseppe Favalli, Marco Borriello, and Kakha Kaladze.  The defense might  be under the responsibility of Marek Jankulovski and Paolo Maldini along Zambrotta and Daniele Bonera.

Disadvantage for Reggina the absence from Franco Brienza, Luca Vigiani, Antonio Giosa, and Emmanuel Cascione. Advantage for Milan is the motivated David Beckham and the Brazilian trio Kaka, Pato, Ronaldinho.

Reggina are without Antonio Giosa, Emmanuel Cascione, Luca Vigiani and Franco Brienza. The advantage will be forward Bernardo Corradi.

Anna Italia Prediction: AC MILAN

PALERMO - NAPOLI
Renzo Barbera Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - Palermo 9th position, 32 points
                                                       - Napoli 8th position, 34 points

The battle is on for the Derby of the two Sicilies!!!! 

Although on paper Palermo has the lead, Napoli might give a surprise at the Renzo Barbera.  Napoli are so hurt right now after being eliminated from the Coppa Italia yesterday Wednesday, Feb. 4 on penalties FC JUVENTUS 4 - 3 NAPOLI

You bet Palermo would want to win this match in front of their fans after losing last week  Genoa 1 - 0 Palermo!  Problem is that Napoli wants to win this match to start their quest for a spot  for the Uefa Cup qualification.  Last week Napoli obtained a draw Napoli 2 - 2 Udinese.  So, get your popcorns, sandwiches, pizza and be ready for this match which might give surprising results.  There are only 2 points difference between the two and a victory is a must to get the 3 points, period.  Question is whether Palermo will be dancing or not with a victory. Cavani, Simplicio and Liverani seem happily dancing.....



Technically, based on statistics the advantage is for Palermo.

Here are the numbers for the 27  matches Palermo-Napoli, (21 from the championship and 6 Coppa Italia) at the Barbera:

9 victories Palermo
13 draws
5 victories Napoli
34 goals Palermo
21 goals Napoli

Last victory of Palermo:
November 10, 2007 Palermo 2 - 1 Napoli goals by Bogliacino (N) and Tedesco (P)

Last draw in Serie B
May 5, 2002 Palermo 1 - 1 Napoli goals by Jankulovski (N) and Guidoni (P)

Last draw in Serie A 
December 28, 1969 Palermo 0 - 0 Napoli 

Last victory of Napoli
March 16, 1969 Palermo 0 - 2 Napoli (result decided "a tavolino")

Last victory of Napoli in Coppa Italia
August 28, 1977 Palermo 2 - 3 Napoli goals by Chimenti (P), Savoldi(N), Mocellin(N), and Massa (N)

Palermo also hurt for losing the match against Genoa in the 88th minute after three consecutive victories. Disadvantage for Napoli their last 4 defeats and a much needed boost for their morale will be at the Barbera.  Problem is that Napoli seems unable to win away from home, guys, losing 7 times! Ouch!!!

An advantage for Napoli knowing they already beat Palermo this season on Week 4 Napoli 2 - 1 Palermo, which was the first defeat of Coach Davide Ballardini.



It will be a tough test for Palermo's defense against Napoli forwards Ezequiel Lavezzi and German Denis.  An advantage for Palermo, most likely will start with goalkeeper Marco Amelia while Napoli has their goalkeepers Gennaro Iezzo and Matteo Gianello injured. So, you will see Argentinian goalkeeper Navarro. 

Palermo will be putting their hopes on forwards Edison Cavani and Fabrizio Miccoli.

Anna Italia Prediction: DRAW


AS ROMA - GENOA
Olimpico di Roma  Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - AS Roma 6th position, 37 points
                                                       - Genoa 4th position, 40 points

Get ready for a real bloody battle at the Olimpico guys!!!!   It is the battle for a spot in the Champions League.  Genoa is currently holding the 4th position but the difference is only 3 points!!! It means that the Roman gladiators will battle with all their might to conquer those 3 points and not let go from now onwards until securing their place among the top  4 teams.

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Last week, Roma barely got a draw Reggina 2 - 2 AS Roma while Genoa obtained a much disputed victory Genoa 1 - 0 Palermo.

Technically, the Roman gladiators have advantage.  Genoa not seen able to win in away matches, this season from the 40 points available, they have only got  27. Howver, even if Roma win, the four post will still be for Genoa considering the goal difference of +13 compared to Roma +5.

It will be the moment to avenge a defeat in Week 4 Genoa 3 - 1 AS Roma. It was the great night for Genoa forward Diego Milito scoring a brace and a sad nidght for Daniele De Rossi who scored the only goal for the Giallorossi but was also sent off.  Here is the chance to avenge the honor. 

Advantage for Roma the return from Captain Francesco Totti, and forwards Mirko Vucinic and Julio Baptista from injuries.  Also, Simone Perrotta is expected to play. Though, for Genoa the main advantage is forward Diego Milito scoring so far 14 goals only 1 goal behind the  top scorer Bologna forward Marco Di Vaio with 15.  Mirko Vucinic has scored 7 goals so far.

Disadvantage for Genoa without Thiago Motta, but guys, here comes the ex giallorossi defender Matteo Ferrari!!!!!

Challenge will be for Genoa to get the much "dreamed victory" at the Olimpico since 1990.

Anna Italia Prediction: AS ROMA


CATANIA - FC JUVENTUS
Angelo Massimino Stadium
2008 - 2009 Serie A Standing - Catania  14th position, 26 points
                                                       - FC Juventus 3rd position, 43 points

Oh boy, oh boy!!!  Juventus either win or start waving GOOD BYE for the Scudetto.  Barely winning yesterday in the Coppa Italia Quarterfinal with penalty shoot outs FC JUVENTUS 4 - 3 NAPOLI Juventus need to start proving themselves.  Big problem with injuries and recovering both goalkeepers Gigi Buffon and Alexander Manninger from injuries.

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On paper, Juventus has the lead in matches played at the Angelo Massimino.  From the 10 matches, Juve won 4, draw 3, and lost 3.  Though, this time Catania is ready to present a battle and coach Walter Zenga would love to give a helping hand to his former team FC INTER to keep the leadership by blocking Juventus.

Last draw
12.01.2008  Serie A 2007/08 –  Week 18
CATANIA-JUVENTUS 1-1
Goals: 15'  Spinesi (C), 91' (pen) Alessandro. Del Piero

Last victory of Catania
27.09.1964  Serie A 1964/65 – Week 3
CATANIA-JUVENTUS 3-1
Goals: 3'  Danova (C), 54' Calvanese (C), 74'  Da Costa, 84' Rambaldelli (C)

Juventus started well but seems losing gasoline already.  Two consecutive defeats have seein their quest for the Scudetto in danger against Udinese and Cagliari.  A major blow losing in their home stadium against Cagliari.



The return of forward David Trezeguet might see the rebirth of the dynamic duo Del Piero - Trezeguet, both top scorers last season.

Anna Italia Prediction: FC JUVENTUS





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

Your Predictions??? Make your calculations and  changes... get your dancing pencil... Lecce - FC Internazionale AC Milan - Reggina Cagliari - Atalanta Catania - FC Juventus Fiorentina - Lazio AS Roma - Genoa Sampdoria - AC Siena Torino - Chievo Verona Udinese - Bologna Palermo - Napoli

Anna Italia Predictions. Lecce - FC Internazionale = LECCE AC Milan - Reggina = AC MILAN Cagliari - Atalanta = CAGLIARI Catania - FC Juventus = JUVENTUS Fiorentina - Lazio = DRAW AS Roma - Genoa = AS ROMA Sampdoria - AC Siena = SAMPDORIA Torino - Chievo Verona = TORINO Udinese - Bologna = UDINESE Palermo - Napoli = DRAW