Serie A: Week 37 Preview

The season is almost done, but really most of the pivotal points of it are far from decided. Inter host Chievo in what will no doubt be a packed house at Casa San Siro tomorrow, but they will have to do it without the genius of Wesley Sneijder and co. After picking up three points away to Lazio last week Inter look to have overcome any potential banana skins, but Chievo are one of the best defensive units in Serie A and will not be easy to break down. However, they have one of the worst attacks in the division and will likely not put Inter under severe pressure. Title challengers Roma however are also at home to Cagliari as the away side look for continuity following the departure of Massimo Allegri. They are not however likely to find it here and Roma will be determined to keep the title fight going right to the 90th minute in round 38.

The Scudetto race aside, arguably the most fascinating tie of the round comes in Sicily as Palermo and Sampdoria go head to head in a battle for fourth spot. Palermo for me start as favourites. Unbeaten at home, they know how to get big wins as the demolition of Juve and Milan this season showed. However, few would have predicted Samps ability to win in Rome, therefore its certainly not unlikely that they can surprise again. Winner takes all here.

Whilst some battle for glory, others battle for survival and Lazio will look to put to bed a dismal season by winning in Livorno tomorrow to secure survival on their terms. However, If Napoli beat or draw with Atalanta then Lazio, Bologna and Catania can rest easy as the Bergamo side will fall into the depths of Serie B, however again Bologna and Catania have the ability to ensure it for themselves as they go head to head.

Elsewhere its only a matter of pride at stake. Udinese will look to continue their fine home record against Bari, while the away side will look to secure a top ten finish. Impressive that would be, considering this is their first season since promotion from the Cadetti. Juventus host Parma in a rivalry that in blossomed in the 90s, thanks to numerous meetings in Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup finals and of course in a time where Parma were legitimate Scudetto challengers. Parma stand 11th at the moment and have taken some impressive away scalpes this season, including at Fiorentina, so they will no be phased in any way when they arrive at the Olimpico tomorrow. For Juve this is their last home game before their expected transfer revolution in the summer after a dismal season. Finally, Fiorentina face Siena in a Tuscan derby while and Milan travel to Genoa looking to secure third place before their big, but largely irrelevant, game against Juventus in week 38.