Week Eight preview

Serie A is back and there is a great weekend of action to look forward too, including several grudge matches that should produce fireworks. First up is Juventus v Fiorentina, and ever since Roberto Baggio was sold from Fiorentina to Juventus during the 90s relations between the fans of these two teams couldnt be worse to be honest. When Fiorentina are the home side, its usually a more firey affair but expect a high quality game when 3rd meets 4th on Saturday early evening. Last year Juventus won by 1-0, but the year before Fiorentina won a classic 2-3 at the Stadio Olimpico. Later on Saturday night Genoa v Inter tops the bill. Inter don't have happy memories to their last visit to the Marassi where just two rounds ago Sampdoria beat them 1-0. Its a different opponent this time but arguably a more dangerous one in Genoa who after thumping Bologna last round, and having victories over Milan and Juve last season, will be looking to add Inter to the collection. Inter may miss both Eto'o and Milito for this one, so there is something of a striking crisis looming at San Siro.

Speaking of Crisis and San Siro, Milan host Roma on Sunday night and will look to banish the ghost that has seen them loose to the Romans in both of their last two visits, last season in Maldini's last home game by 2-3. According to reports Milan will revert back to 4-4-2 for this one and their tifosi will hope that Pirlo can carry his good form for la Nazionale over to Milan so they can pick up three points. It won't be easy though as Roma are hitting their stride and in Serie A are undefeated since Claudio Ranieri took the reins. But, before this one Lazio host Sampdoria in a repeat of last years Coppa Italia final. Sampdoria have had a stunning start to the season and may fancy their chances to continue their great run of form by attacking an out of form Lazio side. Lazio, who beat Inter to the supercup at the seasons birth, have struggled in the league so far picking up two wins, rather unconvincingly it has to be said. However, against Palermo at home two rounds back they showed they could create chances, in droves, and against Fiorentina they showed they had great resolve to hold out for a draw.

Elsewhere
Udinese, unlucky in the last round against Inter, host Atalanta while Napoli, with new coach Walter Mazzari will look to begin his term with a win against struggling Bologna. Parma, who picked up a great point at Samp in the last round, host Siena at what even at this stage could prove to be a crucial three points for either side. Palermo, who played great football to be Juve in the last round, travel to Livorno who are still looking for their first win of the season. In Verona in form Chievo, currently in sixth place host Bari who after drawing against Milan and Inter away from home this season will be optomistic in taking at least a point. Finally, Catania host Cagliari in the battle of the isles as both look to put points on the board in the seasons early stages.