Week 19 Serie A Preview: Half way house

The headline match of the round is of course Juve v Milan on Sunday night. A defeat here for Juve could well end any hopes of getting back into the title race, while for Milan a defeat would only allow Inter to move even more ahead of them you would think as they face Siena, currently rock bottom after loosing 5-1 at home to Fiorentina. A Milan win however would put Inter under pressure as they have Bari away next, and then a meeting with their bitter city rivals. So, fascinating implications whatever happens.

Elsewhere, Fiorentina look to build up some stream but they will have to get past an inform Bari side, who seem totally fearless no matter who they come up against. Indeed, Bari have taken points of Inter, Milan and defeated Juventus so they will not be afraid against Fiorentina, despite the Viola's excellent season so far. Napoli will look to keep up their excellent record under Walter Mazzari and have every chance of doing so against a Sampdoria side that have come to somewhat of a halt of late. Roma also will look to keep pace with Napoli but will have to get past the dogged Chievo, certainly no easy task. Delio Rossi's Palermo will look to build on his good start, and come up against an Atalanta team that seem to be in real trouble. Genoa come up against a reborn Catania, while Bologna will look to pick up some points against Cagliari, but they may struggle to do so against one of the most exciting teams in the Serie A. Parma will look to bounce back from admirable defeats to Roma and Juventus by taking points of Livorno. Finally, Lazio and Udinese face of in Udine. Side by side in the table, these three points will go a long way to see who, if either, can catch up with the teams above them and ease the possibility of relegation.