Week 34 preview: Genoa Derby

Genoa v Sampdoria
The last major city derby of the season should be a thrilling contest as Sampdoria look to avenge defeat in the previous fixture that went the way of Genoa 1-0. Milito scored then and will look to do so again here. However after two straight defeats for Genoa and Cassano and Pazzini led Samp will look to do them over. Both have been in inspirational form for their club, but they will be up against a side that is aiming for Champions League football and probably deserve it after the season they have had. Motta, Palladino and Sculli have been just a good as Milito on occassions and that may be the difference in this one.

Inter Milan v Lazio
After their first defeat since the almighty thumping in Bergamo, Inter return to the San Siro to take on a worryingly inconsistent Lazio side. As an avid Lazio fan, I will be watching this game on the edge of my seat as I hope my side can build up some momentum before the Coppa Italia final. But this will not be easy, far from it. Inter have in the last few seasons given Lazio a few beatings at the San Siro, 3-0 last season. They played out a classic match in the 2006/2007 season with Inter winning 4-3. But this time it could be different. Few believed Claudio Lotito when he said that his side could be any on their day. But, he may be right. Inter are the only top team Lazio have not beaten in Serie A this season. They have beaten Milan and Juve in the Cup, and they have beaten Roma, Fiorentina, Genoa, Napoli, Samp and Palermo in the league. Can they beat the champs? Well maybe, Inter are without Balotelli and Stankovic, two key men, but with Ibra on fire and Maicon a possibility then Inter will start as favourites. Foggia and Radu look likely to return for Lazio, hopefully this is a classic like the 06/07 fixture, but with a Lazio win.

Catania v Milan
Milan have been in great form of late and will look to continue this with a win here in Catania, but that will not be easy. Roma and Lazio have been victims against the Catania home Juggernaut who have a 10-1-5 record and can score great goals with Mascara noted for this. Expect it to be a tough atmposphear also, as the ground is always packed whenever Catania play. However, Milan will be highly motivated to win as they know a Inter slip up in any of the next few rounds really will open the race up legitimately. Thats why I expect a Milan win, and hope that for once Seedorf is omitted for Ronaldinho so he can play his passing game.

Juventus v Lecce
Juventus must bounce back with a win, but again it will not be easy against a team that is desperate for points. After winning last week against a travel sick Catania Lecce will look to build on this. A win here could give them the edge in survival. Juve though must win to wrap up their champions league place as they are just seven points clear of fourth place Fiorentina.

Fiorentina v Torino
After smashing Roma last week Fiorentina will be looking to cement fourth place with a win against a struggling Torino side who have been a shambles away from home, yet to record a victory. However, they have two home wins on the trot and an away win here could put some distance between them and the three sides below. That will be easier said than done against a Fiorentina side who have only lost twice at home and who have a 12-2-2 record. It has been billed as Gilardino v Bianchi, and quite right as these two's good form will be decisive.

ELSEWHERE IN SERIE A
Roma face a bitter Chievo side who were unjustly beaten last week and Chievo may fancy their chances to take some points against a side that just can't keep a clean sheet and have one of the worst defences in Serie A. Yet Roma are full of goals, so this one may be a good game to watch. Udinese look to continue their winning streak against Atalant, while Siena entertain a Napoli side that won its first match for a long time last week. Bologna and Reggina face off saturday afternoon in a game that could decide who will challenge to stay in Serie A, and who will not. Finally, two of Serie A's suprise sides in Palermo and Cagliari will play and perhaps decide who will go forward and attempt to get into the top six in this six point match. Palermo are lethal at home, so Cagliari will have their work cut out here.