Week 27: Roma v Milan showpiece

Two of Italy's biggest clubs go head to head on Saturday night at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome where 70,000 fans will await, and a win for Milan especially could go along way in ensuring that Inter will have to fight all the way to the line for the Scudetto this season. And, I think everyone outside of the red half of Rome and the blue half of Milan is hoping this is the case. However, in many people's minds this could likely end up all sqaure at the end of 90 minutes, as it did last season in a 2-2 draw, and hand Inter all the impetus they need when they head out to face Genoa at the San Siro on Sunday night. It may of course only be just March and only week 27, but there will be only 11 rounds left after this one and any mistake by any of the chasing pack now could all but wrap it up for Inter.

That being said, it will not be a cake walk for Inter on Sunday night. Genoa, last seasons revelations, arrive in Milan and will be looking to avenge that awful 5-0 reverse they suffered against Inter earlier this season. Still, the serpents are in fine form after beating Chelsea and Udinese in recent weeks and will go into this confident.

Juventus face a very difficult task away to Fiorentina in the early Saturday night game, 5pm UK time. After a dreadful defeat at home to Palermo last week Juve will look to bounce back and arguably must with Palermo again likely to pick up three points at home to Livorno and fellow chasers Napoli away at Bologna. Juve need to find form quick, else they will continue to slide down the table. However, this game should be a cracker. The Fiorentina fans consider this a derby such has been the nature of Juve buying their best players, Baggio and even Melo of late, so expect a cracking atmosphere.

Sampdoria are arguably the final contender for the final Champions League spot, although Fiorentina still have the ability to get back in there, and the Genoa based side take on Lazio at home on Sunday afternoon. Lazio have been abysmal all season long and there looks like there will be no end to the suffering for us Laziale. Sampdoria are unbeaten at home, and are big favourites to keep that intact this weekend. However, 1,000 Lazio fans are said to be traveling ot the game in full support of the club after the protests of last week. That is quite a considerable sum considering the distance between Rome and Genoa.

Elsewhere
Udinese have the chance to pick up three points against fellow strugglers Atalanta, while rock bottom Siena face Parma in a game where one of the sides could keep a winning streak going for at least one more week if they rise to the challenge. Chievo face the daugnting trip to Bari, who have been so good at home this season, while Catania travel to 8th placed Cagliari. A win for the home side could see them move up to 5th in the table.