Week 36 Preview: Inter and Roma ready to slug it out again

Another round of drama awaits as Inter and Roma get ready to land another blow on each other as Milan were 'knocked out' of it mathematically last week thanks to fifth placed Palermo. Roma begin first, travailing to Parma who have put in some solid performances this season and have been excellent at home, registering nine wins, four draws and four defeats. The key to this one will be how Roma reacts to their defeat at home to Sampdoria last week. What with Inter gaining huge momentum after reaching the Champions League final last week both teams now seem to be going their separate ways, but anything but a win for Roma will virtually end it anyhow. I expect them to do just that however, win, and keep this race going right up to week 38. Inter however travel to inform Lazio, who despite their lowley league position have improved since the appointment of Edy Reja. However, their record against Inter is poor in recent years but points are still needed for survival. That being said, will they want to give arch rivals Roma any help for the title, especially after the thumbs down from Totti a couple of weeks ago.

In the race for fourth Juve will be looking to get back into it, but face a difficult trip away at Catania where the home side will be looking to secure survival under the expertise of Sinisa Mihajlovic. Juve are ready to splash the cash this summer, and need to, and fourth will be an added attraction to anyone who joins their set up. But, it looks unlikely now and Sampdoria can virtually end their hopes with a win over already relegated Livorno. Palermo can still have a big say as well but must win against Siena, virtually relegated as well, before their titanic clash at home to Sampdoria in week 37. Napoli's inability to win against Cagliari last weekn all but ended their quest for fourth, but they can still secure a Europa League place and three points away at Chievo would probably wrap that up. Genoa still have a chance, but remain five points behind. Their last chance to get back into Europe comes against Bari and three points are a must for the away side. But Bari will still be looking for a top ten finish, which will be an outstanding achievement considering they, like Parma, are fresh up from Serie B. Two teams that may be fresh into Serie B are Atalanta and Bologna, and they clash on Sunday afternoon. A draw would all but end Atalanta's chances of survival, but a win could see them just two points behind Bologna and potentially just three behind Catania and Lazio at then end of play on Sunday night. At the opposite end of the table, Milan will look to end their Championship torment against Fiorentina this Sunday secure third place. For Fiorentina, an excellent campaign is ending on a sour note. No European football next season by the looks of things, attributable in my opinion to the squad just being overstretched. Finally, Udinese travel to Cagliari as both look to salvage a higher position in the table.