Mercato Magic: Genoa Revolution

During the 90s there were the seven sisters of Italian football. All had a chance to win the Scudetto or at least challenge for a champions league spot. But with the demise of Parma, bankruptcy of Fiorenina, near insolvency of my Lazio, forced relegation of Juventus seven became just three in 2006 after Calciopoli with Inter, Milan and Roma left to fly the flag as it were. It looked bad, it looked desperate. But how times have changed. Fiorentina have bounced back with avengence. They have invested in young talent, Jovetic and Montolivo to name a few, and reformed players who had lost it elsewhere, Gilardino as a prime example. Combine this with Mutu, Frey, Melo etc etc the foundation for success is there and they are back in the sisterhood.

Juventus of course are back in it also. Today they have completed the signing of Diego. Quite simply this player is outstanding and I believe he will have the same impact for Juve as Kaka has done for Milan. Combine this with Iaqunita, Amauri, Chielini, Sissoko, Marchisio, Giovinco etc etc the future looks outstanding for Juve.

My beloved Lazio are also back in the sisterhood. 10th in the league though I hear you say. True, but winning the coppa took outstanding performances, flashes of brilliance as shown in the league against Roma and Fiorentina this season. A couple of additions here and there and they can challenge for a top four place again.

Ok, so we have six teams back in the seven sisters with Parma, the final member, just having got back to the big time. Yet, I believe they have lost their place to none other than Genoa. Despite loosing Milito and Motta to Inter they have wasted no time. In come Atalanta striker Sergio Floccari and Cagliari hitman Robert Aquafresca. Hernan Crespo is also on his way as is now as it appears is Richardo Quaresma. Giuseppe Rossi is rumoured to be on his way also. The Genoa fans must be pinching themselves as it appears that with a squad like this they may be able to make a serious assult in Serie A next year.

Its early days in the mercato, the season is not even finished yet. But Genoa have made a statement, albeit with Inters help, that they are serious. Fiorentina, Roma, Lazio will have to respond, while Napoli, Palermo and Sampdoria will look to close the gap in quality. But it looks like that, for now at least, Genoa have joined the 'sisterhood'.

Week 37 review: Lecce down, Maldini's last game at the San Siro, Juve back to winning ways

Lecce down: Lecce 1-1 Fiorentina
So Lecce finally bite the dust after a hard fought performance, and season in general, against Fiorentina. They lead for much of the second half thanks to a well taken goal by Simone Tiribocchi but Martin Jorgensen came on and scored his first goal of the season to guarantee them a top four place and also relegated the Southern side. Its been a great season for Fiorentina, but what do they need to get closer to a title challenge. Consistency for starters throughout the season would help, as 11 defeats is six to many for a side wanting to win the title. Maybe next year with a few additions they can be closer to the top three, but with Roma, Genoa, Lazio and perhaps Palermo also looking to take it to the next level it will be even harder for them.

Maldini's last game: AC Milan 2-3 AS Roma
AS Roma showed why they cannot be discounted as a fading force by playing a very good game to take three points from the San Siro. Riise gave Roma the lead through a stunning freekick and they held the lead for some time despite constant Milan pressure. Ambrosini equalised in the 76 minute from close range only for Jeremy Menez to show why he is considered so talented by slaloming through the Milan defence to give il Lupi the lead. Again though it didnt last as Ambrosini was determined for Maldini to go out in a blaze of glory in front of a packed San Siro and leveled the tie after Kaka placed him in first time. However, Roma attacked again and Francesco Totti gave Roma the lead through a right foot missile from all of 25 yards. It was a shame for Maldini, as at the end several of the Curva sud fans held up banners stating that they only had one captin, Franco Baresi. Disgraceful, after what he has done for this club.

Siena 0-3 Juventus
Ciro Ferrara got Juventus back to winning ways in Siena on Sunday, thanks to a brace from Ale Del Piero and a Marcisio effort. Juventus fans will no doubt be frustrated at a another season without winning a trophy, but answer me this, how many other clubs in the world could go through the traumer, although self inflicted, that they have and bounce back to be almost at the top again? Not many. With rumours that th brilliant Brazilian Diego is on the verge of signing for Juve optimism should be rife in Turin this summer. This guy is world class, exactly the type of player they need to give some balance to the midfield. With Nedved stepping down, a midfield with Diego and Giovinco will be a fine one capable of challenging anyone next year. But to be sure of this the defence must be looked at as well.

Elsewhere in Serie A
Torino lost to Genoa, giving Bologna the upper hand in the relegation battle as a win for Bologna against Catania next week will ensure survival as Bologna took a point away to Chievo, who also ensured their survival for next season. Champions Inter lost away at a tough Cagliari side, a credible result for them as both had little to play for. Catania hoped further misery on a season Napoli will want to forget as they lost 3-1, although Catania fans may be miserable themselves after manager Walter Zenga announced his departure at the end of the season. Atalanta and Palermo played out an entertaining 2-2 draw as the islanders saw their hopes of Europe next season fade away. Sampdoria and Udinese also drew 2-2, and both will have time this summer to refect on a season that could have been better but for a few momments in respective cup competitions.

Atalanta 2-2 Palermo
Cagliari 2-1 Inter Milan
Catania 3-1 Napoli
Chievo 0-0 Bologna
Lazio 1-0 Reggina
Lecce 1-1 Fiorentina
AC Milan 2-3 Roma
Sampdoria 2-2 Udinese
Siena 0-3 Juventus
Torino 2-3 Genoa

Week 37: Lazio send Reggina down, key battles ahead.

Serie A

Reggina will play Serie B football next season after loosing in Rome to Lazio 1-0 on wednesday evening thanks to another well taken Mauro Zarate goal. The young argentine has been a total revelation since landing in Rome last August and looks set to continue his role next season for the Aquile. To be honest, Reggina never looked in the game and a score of 2/3-0 would not have flattered the mighty Lazio.

Week 37 look ahead

Milan clash with Roma in the game of the week as paolo Maldini plays his last home game in Serie A at the San Siro. A true legend will leave us, but the future of Serie A is bright. Elsewhere in the relegation battle Torino will play a tough match at home to Genoa, but it is one I expect them to win due to pure strenght of mind. Bologna face a dogged Chievo side away from home in a crunch relegation battle that may decide much of this Serie A season. Rock bottom Lecce face Fiorentina at home in a do or die tie that in my view will end in tears for the Lecce faithful. Palermo, looking for Europa League action, must win in Atalanta to justify any taking part in that tournament. Forza Lazio.

This weeks fixtures

Lazio 1 - 0 Reggina (Reggina relegated)
Atalanta v Palermo
Cagliari v Inter
Catania v Napoli
Chievo v Bologna
Lecce v Fiorentina
Milan v Roma
Sampdoria v Udinese
Siena v Juventus
Torino v Genoa

Week 36 Round up, Coppa Italia Success and Ranieri Sacked!

Apologies for being away, ive been celebrating Lazio's success in the coppa Italia far to much!

Week 36 Round up

Inter secured their 17th Scudetto putting them level with AC Milan and now ten behind Juventus 27 league titles, withoutn kicking a ball.

Udinese 2-1 AC Milan
AC Milan unfortunately could not make Inter sweat a little more after they were defeated 2-1 by Udinese on Saturday night. Gaetano D'Agostino put Udinese ahead after a soft penalty had been awarded on Maldini. Udinese doubled their lead after the break when Christian Zapata volleyed in at the back post. Milan did pull one back late on through Ambrosini, but they met their match against the Udine outfit as this really was a battle of two form teams in the league.

Inter Milan 3-0 Siena
That result gave the Scudetto to Inter, who celebrated in style on Sunday night infront of a sold out San Siro crowd. Consumate to the last, Inter won in style to give their fans additional reason to cheer. Fan favourite Estaban Cambiasso put Inter ahead midway through the first half, with Mario Balotelli doubling the lead after the break after rounding the keeper. He really is a player in fine form, especially after last weeks stunning goal against Chievo Verona. Finally, big Zlatan made it 3-0 as he powerfully fired home with his left foot from inside the area to make it 3-0 and his 22nd goal of the Season.

Champions League Chase
Fiorentina continued their fantastic form by beating a Sampdoria side 1-0 thanks to Alberto Gilardino's 19th goal of the season. One could not help feel slightly sorry for Doria though, after their valient efforts midweek in the coppa. Pazzini had a good effort in the first half that almost leveled things up, but it was not to be for Sampdoria who have nothing but pride to play for now. Genoa secured their place in the Europa league for next season against a dogged Chievo side. Chievo took the lead in this one but Diego Milito got one back through a penalty kick and then in the 70th minute sub Ruben Olivera scored with a super free kick. However, after consecutive draws against Roma and Inter, Chievo showed why they deserve Serie A football next season as they equilised late on through as Yepes scored through a precise header to take a point back to Verona. Juventus however continued their poor home form after a good point in Milan last week. Again they had to come from behind at home after Atalanta took the lead, but could only muster a 2-2 draw.

EUROPA League battle
Roma secured a vital win against Catania by 4 goals to 3. Roma started well and Perotta gave them the lead early on and Vucinic doubled soon after. Catania were full of fight and Tedesco pulled one back. After the break Mascara scored through an excellent free kick. They then did the incredible and made it 3-3 through some dreadful Roma defending. Morimotto ran 50 yards to chip the ball over Artur as Mexes seemed asleep and they conceded their 57th goal of the season. Unjustly though Roma won it in injury time through a Pizzaro freekick.

Palermo 2-0 Lazio
Palermo took on a Lazio second string after their heroics in the Coppa Italia on wednesday night and took the lead after 2 minutes through a Miccoli spot kick, one that he dived for. The ball was stuck in the midfield for much of this one, but Rocchi had a few chances to score but was unable to. Mauro Zarate was introduced on 70 minutes and made an immediate impact. He struck a ball past Amelia that hit the post and looked like it crossed the line, but it was ruled a no goal. Palermo doubled their lead late on but the 2-0 scoreline flattered them in this one, a dodgy penalty and a legitimate goal disallowed was their good fortune.

Relegation battle
Torino and Bologna kept fighting tooth and nail this week in difficult games for both of them. Torino have shown consitency of late, building on good wins at home and secured a stunning win at Napoli through a wonderful Rosina freekick after Rolando Bianchi gave them the initial lead. Bologna though kept up the pressure by winning a difficult home enounter against 10 men Lecce, who now look to be set for Serie B as they are rock bottom and are six points from safety. Reggina look likely to join them despite a good win at home to Cagliari, but with them needing two wins and some luck to go their way their chances are fading fast.

COPPA ITALIA
Lazio 1 - 1 Sampdoria Lazio win 6-5 on penalties after extra time

Lazio lifed their 5th Coppa Italia on wednesday night after an enthrawling and tense encounter at a packed Stadio Olimpico. Lazio took the lead through a magnificent Mauro Zarate goal, who else?, as he struck a 25 yard missile into the far right corner of the Curva Sud end. Goran Pandev should have made it 2-0 soon after but for a splended save by Castelazzi. Pazzini leveled the tie through some Cassano magic after he wipped a ball into the area for Stankevicius to connect onto for Pazzini who showed why he is emerging as one of the best strikers in Italy. It was tense and nervous stuff after that, with Cassano again the architect for Pazzini who only just missed a chance in extra time thanks to lollo De Silvestri. Fortunately for us Laziale though there was a happy outcome after a long shootout Dabo finally stepped up and brought the cup home for Lazio. Sempre Forza Lazio! Lazio now have five Coppa Italia titles, behind only Roma and Juventus on 9 and Fiorentina on 6, and level with Inter Milan on 5.

RANIERI Sacked
Yes, sad but true. Claudio Ranieri has been sacked today by Juve. After another poor result he became the first manager for Juve in 40 years to be sacked. Juve appear to be stuttering towards the finish, and must secure automatic entry to the champions league for next season, but face pressure from bitter rivals Fiorentina. Ciro Ferrara takes the reigns for the moment.

Serie A: Greater investment, increased attendances

Again, just like last season, Serie A appears to be going from strength to strength. This season alone the clubs in the league have received sponsorship revenue of £80 million between them, which combined with television rights, shirt sales, and of course attendance revenue should give them ample money to compete on the transfer market in the next year and develop any stadium plans that are on the horizon. However, today it is with attendances that I want to focus my attention.

Serie A Attendances
Its been said, especially in the English press, that nobody goes anymore. Well, as usually they have done limited research on an issue that they like to run down. For the second year running attendances are on the up in Serie A. All the following stats are from the wonderful www.stadiapostcards.com .

Average Serie A attendances

2006/2007 Season - 19,711 (post calciopoli)
2007/2008 Season - 23,887
2007/2009 Season - 25,495 so far

Best Average Attendances by Club over the last three years

2008/2009 (so far
AC Milan 57,838
Inter Milan 53,450
Juventus 22,318
SS Lazio 35,220
AS Roma 39,964
Napoli 41,156
Fiorentina 30,174
Sampdoria 23,488
Genoa 26,583
Palermo 22,860
Udinese 16,264
Catania 18,213
Torino 16,840
Bologna 20,124

What does this all mean?
In a nut shell attendances on average are increasing. Almost all the big clubs have increased again this season, most notably Lazio from 21,000 up to 35,000 which in the space of one season is a massive increase. Only Torino have suffered a significant downturn in recent years, although this could be more to do with the product, or lack of it, that has been shown on the pitch especially this season.

Where from here?
Hopefully, this trend will continue. With the likes of Villa, Eto'o, Ribery, Adebayor and Diego rumoured to be moving to Serie A this summer then perhaps more fans will flock to see these stars, just as they have done this year with Ibra and Ronaldinho. Additionally, efforts have been made to make stadia more fan and family friendly in Florence recently. They will be removing the netting that separates the Curva Fiesole from the pitch giving the fans a better view. In a time where Ultras in Serie A have been criticised, this is a positive move and a step in the right direction.

Roundup: Young guns, Serie B and Lega Pro!

I thought today I would take a look at the wider parameters of Italian football. First the youngsters that have impressed me this season and not the obvious ones like Zarate, Pato and Balotelli as we all know what they can do, but the ones that are quietly going about their business for the smaller clubs in Serie A. Please excuse me if I forget some as there have simply been so many positives in this section.

Baby Serie A

Cagliari have bee a real revelation this year, and at the heart of this are youngsters Roberto Aquafresca, Alessandro Matri and Federico Marchetti. Aquafresca stand currently on 11 goals and Matri on 4 with Marchetti looking every inch the future Azzurri number one in the years to come. Despite a 5-1 beating on Sunday to Palermo, the Cagliari faithful must be pleased to see these players on their side every sunday afternoon. Aquafresca especially looks promising, and he may be recalled from his loan to Inter for next season at this rate. He has a cracking right foot and is good in the air also. One to watch if you have not seen him in action yet.

Although Napoli have struggled, they still house perhaps the best young midfielder in Serie A. Although slightly off the boil as of late Marek Hamsik still looks every inch a future world star. He can pass, shoot, head and has great vision. Although his confidence seems slightly drained, mirroring that of his club, expect him to bounce back soon.

Genoa have been a revelation this season, and although slightly older than some Rafaele Palladino has really impressed me of late. His dribbling skills have improved a lot and he is turning into a real menace down the left wing. His goal against Juve to win the match over Easter could seal his name in Grifone legend.

Udinese have done it again, as they have found another great player in the making in Kwadwo Asamoah. This guy in great. He can pick a pass, hold the ball well, tackle and shoot also. His goal against Fiorentina,I think, was sublime. Keep your eye on this one, hes destined for a big club at some point. Amazingly, hes just 20.

Serie B round up
Bari will have to wait for their return to Serie A, as a determined Empoli side held them to a 0-0 draw in Puglia. Parma were held as well 3-3 against Avellino, but Livorno kept up the pressure to win away from home 2-0 against Salernitana.

1. Bari 73 points
2. Parma 68 points
3. Livorno 62 Points
4. Brescia 60 Points
5. Sassuolo 59 Points
6. Grosseto 57 Points
7. Empoli 57 Points

Lega Pro
I was glancing at the Lega Pro 1A and 1B tables recently and was struck by home many clubs rotting in these divisions were at one point or another enjoying the high life of Serie A. Hellas Verona, Venezia, Foggia, Perugia, Cremonese, Reggiana etc etc. It was an interesting weekend in the Lega Pro. Pro Patria and Cesena remained tied at the top of Division 1A on 56 points with Gallipoli and Benevento occupying 1st and 2nd in 1B on 63 and 58 points respectively. In these divisions the first team in automatically promoted with the 2nd through to 5th placed teams entering into a playoff. Of the former Serie A teams Foggia in 1B and Reggiana, Padova and Hellas Verona are within touching distance of the playoffs to Serie B. Worryingly for Venezia fans, who once beat my side Lazio in Serie A, they look likely to drop off the face of the earth in Lega Pro Seconda division as they are rock bottom in 1A.

Who are your favourite youngsters in Serie A? Comment here please.

Week 34 Review: Super Genoa, Super Milito

Genoa 3-1 Sampdoria
The last of the major derby's this season gave great reason for it to be remembered as one of the best. It has everything. Passion, colour, red cards and oh yes, a hatfull of goals. Genoa had lost their last three derby home fixtures, but were ensured to finish above their rivals in Serie A for the first time in 27 years, something that no doubt the Sampdoria faithful would not be to happy about. Genoa also won the first derby between the two sides this season 1-0. But it was Sampdoria who should have opened the scoring early on, as Pazzini was fed through by Cassano but blasted his effort well over the bar. Diego Milito however was in red hot form, and Castellazzi did well to palm a low effort from the edge of the area around the post. However, Genoa went 1-0 up from that corner as Milito tapped in at the far post. But, in the second minute of injury time Sampdoria drew level. Campagnaro caught a brought a deflected shot under control and slotted past Rubinho, despite questions of offside. The noise generated by the Sampdoria fans at half time was inspirational and in direct contrast to a muted Genoa end. However, that changed during the second half when Diego Milito put Genoa in front again. Sampdoria looked to clear the ball but it bounced back of a Genoa player into the path of Milito, who swept across the face of goal into the net. Tensions went through the roof with little time left to play, as Genoa were reduced to nine men and Sampdoria to ten. Despite a lack of numbers Genoa and Milito made it 3-1 in injury time as a2 on 1 situation easily allowed for Milito to tap home.

Race for the Title
Inter Milan 2-0 Lazio
Lazio were beaten for the second consecutive week against and Inter side looking to get back to winning ways after loosing to Napoli in the previous round. Lazio started well and Julio Cesar needed to keep alert early on as he pushed a Kolarov effort out from the underside of the bar. Tommaso Rocchi soon followed up after a delightful Zarate back heel opened up space for Rocchi to fire on goal, although the effort was dissapointing. Zarate continued his good form as Lazio dispensed with the early Inter pressure and the young Argentine won a corner after worming his way around the Inter defenders time and time again. However, Inter soon put the pressure on again as Ibra headed just wide of the Lazio goal. Zarate again however was involved in the action as a powerful drive from 25 yards was just tipped over by Julio Cesar late in the first half. After the break however Inter woke up. Crespo was brought on to add additional firepower. Still, Lazio had another chance in the early second half as Rocchi fired wide on his left after Muntari fell over. But this was all leading up to an Inter goal, because if you don't take your chances when given them then you are asking for trouble. Ibra cut past Rozenhal in the area and fired a right foot missile into the top right corner to give Inter a 1- advantage. Later in Ibra made it 2-0 as he slid through a wonderful ball to Muntari who fired past Muslera with his left foot. It was all over for Lazio, who despite a valiant effort, sink to 10th in the table.

Catania 0-2 AC Milan
Catania was the next victim of this Milan Juggernaut who perhaps only after Barcelona are playing some of the best football in Europe at the moment. They all but wrapped up a place in the Champions League next season and need only 4 points to confirm this for sure after sweeping Catania aside. However, Catania threatened early on as they hit the woodwork. Milan however opened the scoring in the eleventh minute as Kaka continued his excellent form on a run through midfield in which he slotted through to Inzaghi who took it well and put the ball past Kosicky. Milan and man of the moment kaka made it 2-0 after the break as kaka tapped in after an Ambrosini cut back. This was an important moment for Milan as they now looked comfortable despite the poor conditions that the match was played in. Inzaghi however could have had a hatrick, as he blasted over on one occassion and hit the post on another all thanks to the manner in which Milan barley gave up the ball in the second half. The close the gap to seven on Inter, and will hope for them to slip up before the season is out.

Juventus 2-2 Lecce
The turin side really have lost the plot as of late, and appear mentally weak at a decisive point in the season. Lecce took the lead early on despite a question of offside as Axel Konan went one on one with Buffon and side footed it home. Juventus finally got a shot on goal in the 43 minute as a Del Piero freekick hit the post. Half time arrived, but strangely Buffon spent most of it in his goal stretching and muttering to himself. Something Ranieri said seemed to work, as Nedved equalised 9 minutes into the second half. Nedved made it 2-1 later on as he fired across goal into the top right corner. Juve needed these three points to sure up third place, but they blew it in injury time as Castillo headed home on a free header at the near post to share the spoils for Lecce.

ELSEWHERE IN SERIE A
Fiorentina kept fourth place within their grasp as Juan Manuel Vargas scored again to give the viola a 1-0 win over Torino. Bologna collapsed at home to Reggina 2-1 after a stunning second Reggina goal sealed the points and some hope to beat the drop for the southern side. Udinese and Fabio Quagliarella continued their good form by beating Atalanta 3-0 before they face Lazio next week in the saturday evening match. Roma continued their struggles as Chievo came and took a point in a 0-0 at the Olimpico. Siena will almost certainly play Serie A football next season as they beat an inconsistent Napoli 2-1 at home to take their points total to 40. Finally, two of the suprise teams of the season clashed to see who would advance to challenge Roma for sixth place. Palermo rose to the challenege and beat Cagliari 5-1 to continue their remarkable home record as their quest to reach the Uefa cup.

FIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Diego Milito: 19 goals now in 27 games is a remarkable return for the Argentine, and who would bet against him from taking the top scorers title this season.

Kaka: Again the Brazilian illustraited why Serie A and Milan cannot afford to loose him to Madrid next year. Great passing and another goal ensures he remains one of the worlds best.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Lead by example to score another super goal and another wonder assist to again like the above illustrait why Serie A needs to keep this man and its stars.

Gianluigi Buffon: Put his emotions on his sleave by telling Iaquinta that they were playing shit yesturday and he was right. Juventus means everything to this man.

Edison Cavani: All the talk this season about young guns has been about Pato, Zarate, Hamsik and Lavezzi. Barley a word has been mentioned of this young man who scored another goal for Palermo against Cagliari to take his total to 14. Although not as spectacular as Pato or Zarate, his contribution is just as significant.

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.