Round 31: Inter left in Roman Ruins

Roma 2-1 Inter
Inter were defeat by Roma at the Stadio Olimpico thanks to a late winner from Luca Toni who swept home to give Roma three vital points and close the gap on the Nerazzurri to just one point with seven rounds to go. Roma started the game in confident fashion and a Julio Cesar mistake allowed De Rossi to open the scoring. Inter though were not without opportunities and hit the woodwork three times, firstly through Samuel who crashed a header against the bar with Julio Sergio stranded. After the break Diego Milito was on hand to level the score as he picked up his 18th goal of the season, though he was clearly offside when doing so. It looked then like the game had turned as Inter turned the screw but Roma had one last breath to give and did so through Luca Toni who converted on the turn after Taddei's wayward shot fell into his path. Inter should have leveled late on through Milito but he could only hit the woodwork with Sergio well beaten.

Milan 1-1 Lazio
Milan could not take advantage of the closing up of the Serie A table and only took a point off Lazio, and they were lucky to do just that. Milan started the brighter and went ahead through a Boriello penalty but after that Lazio dominated the proceedings in the first half. Mauri went close on a Van Basten esque like volley, and then Lazio leveled through a rejuvenated Stefan Lichsteiner after Ledesma's ball in was deflected around the Milan area. Lazio should have taken the lead before and after the break through defender Dias but on both occasions Dias lacked composure. It was not a comfortable night for Milan, and Lazio really should have pushed on in the second half to try to grab three points. However, they backed off when bringing off forward Rocchi and showed Milan too much respect perhaps. The point does not do a lot for either side, but every little helps.

Elsewhere
Juve finally returned to winning ways although they left it late after Atalanta leveled after a stunning freekick from Del Piero. Melo however provided the winner. Palermo however maintained their momentum, and unsung hero Miccoli weighed in with a hatrick to brush Bologna aside. Still, they needed to win as both Fiorentina and Napoli kept up the pressure with solid home wins against Udinese and Catania. Sampdoria could not do this and perhaps, as I have though before, do not have the consistency and quality in depth to secure that 4th spot. Genoa also could not win, although that was no suprise for a team who relies on the fortress that is the Marassi as Siena picked up a useful point. Bari's point against Livorno away keeps them in the top half of the table, a remarkable achievement for a side that was heavily tipped for relegation after a quiet summer mercato. Finally, Chievo and Parma shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw.

Round 31 Preview: Titans clash

Saturday 17.00 hours UK time could mark the hour when the title race is decided as Roma host Inter at the Stadio Olimpico, 1st v 2nd with just four points separating them currently. Roma are unbeaten in the league since October and have climb the table in consummate fashion after loosing both of their first games this season. Inter however have not been undone by this, maintaining a lead for sometime now in the division although once again it is in danger of being cut to just one point once again and this could potentially bring Milan right back into it if they see of Lazio on Sunday night. That will be no easy task however, as Lazio have returned to some sort of form while Milan are missing a glut of their best players for this fixture.

In the exciting race for fourth place Palermo return to the comfort of the Barbera to host Bologna while Genoa travel to Siena and must improve their away form if they are to be anywhere near 4th place. Fiorentina really are on the ropes in terms of making 4th so they must deliver three points against Udinese, who still have yet to win on the road this year. Napoli have returned to winning ways and will expect that to continue against Catania while Juve host Atalanta and must register three points to keep up the pace. Sampdoria, currently in 5th, host Cagliari who will look to end their losing streak. Elsewhere rock bottom Livorno host Bari while Parma travel to Verona to face Chievo

Round 30 review: Inter and Roma win to set up epic encounter

Inter, despite being on the back foot initially against Livorno, resumed normal service by getting back to winning ways in Serie A thanks to a 3-0 win. Samuel Eto'o opened the scoring by finding space inside the box and then powering home and added a second before the break with an overhead kick to end Livorno's chances of any sort of upset. After the break Maicon added to the tally, while over in Bologna Roma took three points thanks to Jon Arne Riise and Julio Baptista to move the Lupi up to second place in the table and just four points behind Inter with eight games to go. It does set up a tantalising clash on Saturday when Roma host Inter at what is sure to be a packed Stadio Olimpico. The third Scudetto contender Milan slipped up away to Parma where Valeri Bojinov scored late on to give the Tardini outfit three points. For Parma it was their first win against Milan since Adriano scored to give them a victory in 2003. For Milan this defeat could have ended any chance of a Scudetto as they simply seem unable to take advantage of any opportunities that come their way to take the lead in Serie A.

The Race for fourth
Napoli benefited in the round in terms of the battle for fourth place. They brushed aside Juventus 3-1 tonight after Marek Hamsik headed them back onto level terms cancelling out Georgio Chielini's opener. Fabio Quagliarella touched home a Hamsik cross for 2-1 and late on Ezequiel Lavezzi made in 3-1 when he was left unmarked in the box courtesy of Jon Zebina. However, all the other rivals for fourth dropped points. Genoa and Palermo drew 2-2 when the home side converted a penalty after 97 minutes of play, while Fiorentina lost for the 13th time this year away at Catania 1-0. Sampdoria also lost down in Bari as Baretto struck the winner late on for his 12th goal of the season.

Elsewhere
Lazio won back to back games for only the second time this season thanks to an opening striker from Stefan Lichsteiner and an overhead kick midway through the second half from Julio Cruz to ease relegation fears. It was another improved performance compared to some of the previous home matches and things seem to be moving in the right direction now for the Roman club. Relegation rivals Atalanta did however manage to pick up three points in a convincing 3-1 win over Cagliari as the away side lost again to take some of the gloss off the season that they had been enjoying. Udinese and Chievo played out a stalemate as the Udine team fell to 17th in the table and still remain win less on the road. For Chievo it was another solid point as they look sure to beat the drop once again this season.

Week 30 preview: Business end

Its the phrase we are all common with, the business end of the season approaches. With only nine games left this is where the Scudetto, 4th place and relegation spots will be won, or in the latter case lost and with the added physical strain of another match day occurring midweek it should be exciting to watch. I will be watching Lazio v Siena and then Napoli v Juve on Thursday but there is plenty on offer this week and you can catch it online at Bet365 or on TV depending upon where you live. Inter face on paper the easiest task of the top three with Livorno at home, but they will come to fight and at this level nothing is guaranteed. Roma and Milan face a more difficult task away to Bologna and Parma respectively but they will be expected to win nonetheless. Bologna though especially have been in very good form, despite their defeat at the weekend, and will be up for the challenge that awaits them.

Elsewhere Palermo in 4th face a tough trip to Genoa, where the home side are often too hot to handle with Palacio and Suazo upfront. However, wins in stadiums like the Marassi will put the prospect of 4th in their own hands. Sampdoria and Fiorentina, also in the hunt for fourth, face testing trips to Bari and Catania respectively. Again, a crucial Southern trip awaits Juve on Thursday night when they enter the Caldron that is the San Paolo to face a Napoli side that must get back to winning ways sooner or later or risk falling away from the European places. That being said, so do Juve and they could not ask for many harder places to play than Napoli. So, that should make for an interesting game no doubt.

A lot of eyes will be on the Stadio Olimpico Wednesday night however as Lazio and Siena face off, with a win crucial to either side. Both had excellent wins at the weekend, but Lazio especially need to show some consistency now to move away from the unthinkable. Atalanta also have the platform to build up a winning mentality with Cagliari next to arrive in Bergamo. However, the away side have had an excellent season once against and will look to return to winning ways sooner rather than later. Udinese also face Chievo, and with their away form being so poor must win their home games or risk being brought right back into the relegation battle once more. Until tomorrow then.

Round 29: Roma close down Inter and Milan

Roma continued their climb to the top thanks to a Vucinic hatrick against a sorry Udinese side, away from home at least, and closed down the gap on both Milan clubs to be just four points from the Serie A summit. Inter, once again, dropped points away in the hotbed that is Palermo while Milan continue to stutter since their Champions League exit and could only draw with Napoli, who in fairness are a quality side. It all makes for an interesting finish to the season especially with Inter involved in three competitions at this point. What this means for them is in many cases two games a week compared to the one that Milan and Roma will play in comparison. Many would point to Roma to be the serious contenders with Milan still in stutter mode and a lot will ride on the Saturdays game with Inter at the Stadio Olimpico. Having said that all Serie A sides are in action in the coming two days, with Inter facing Livorno, Milan away at Parma and Roma away at Bologna. Intriguing indeed and I feel that all three will likely win midweek to continue this tight finale. Right now arguably the safe money is still on Inter but they may be so wrapped up in their Champions League bid that someone else this year could slip in a take the Scudetto.

Race for Fourth spot
Equally exciting in the current race for fourth spot, with arguably six teams still in the chase for it. Palermo and Napoli both took a point as outlined above, but Fiorentina and Sampdoria were the real winners this weekend. La Viola brushed aside another challenger in Genoa 3-0 thanks to a wonderful backheel from Santana in the early stages while Sampdoria beat a badly beaten up Juventus 1-0 thanks to a piece of genius from Antonio Cassano, and a piece of madness from Antonio Chimenti. Nonetheless they remain on target for fourth place, with Juve on the verge of total disaster especially if they loose in Naples on Thursday night.

Elsewhere
Lazio finally registered a win beating Cagliari 2-0 in an impressive performance thanks to Tomasso Rocchi and Sergio Floccari. Still, the relegation fears have not eased with Siena and Livorno both registering wins against Bologna and Atalanta respectively. Chievo and Catania also picked up a useful point between them in a 1-1 draw as did Parma and Bari who have both almost consolidated their place in the division after promotion last year.

Serie A preview: Inter tested again away from home

A 3-1 defeat at Catania came before a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge, and now Inter head to Palermo to face another tough game against a side unbeaten at home this season. It should make for a cracking game on Saturday night as Roma at the same time take on Udinese at the Olimpico. In all fairness three points for Inter may well be a tough task here against a side that has some of the best young talents in the league in Simone Kjaer, Javier Pastore, Abel Hernandez, Edison Cavani and the ever reliable Fabrizio Miccoli. Roma as mentioned take on Udinese and will look to reduce the six point gap on Inter further still. Any slip ups from both sides will give Milan the chance to hit the summit in Serie A, although they will have to get past Napoli first and that will be no easy task.

In the battle for fourth Genoa, Samp, and Fiorentina will look to assert their claim for the right to play in the Champions League. Fiorentina face Genoa on Saturday afternoon in what usually is an entertaining clash and a great opportunity for Fiorentina to climb the table. Samp also face a close rival in Juve and will be confident in taking three points against a side that blew a 3 goal lead against rock bottom Siena last week and were destroyed against Fulham last night. Cagliari also have a shout at Euro qualification and take on Lazio sunday afternoon. Club President Cellino has promised to repay the spectators tickets of the home side loose through player fines. Motivation if ever there was to win a game.

Elsewhere promotion teams from last season Bari and Parma face off down south while Siena take on Bologna, as they away side will look for another three points to cement their place in the division. Finally in a fixture crucial for Lazio, Livorno face Atalanta and everyone on the blue side of Rome will be hoping for a draw in that one.

Euro Round up: Inter sparkle at the bridge and draw CSKA, Humiliation for Juve

Inter Milan put on a show of strength at Stamford Bridge to ultimately take comfortable victory into the next phase. Inter started the game well and throughout contained the pressure Chelsea dispelled onto them without really letting the home side have a clear cut opportunity on goal. Indeed, despite a valid penalty claim going unnoticed on Drogba it should have been Inter taking the lead into the half time break as Samuel Eto'o missed a rather easy headed chance from all of five yards out. After the break Inter upped their game and created three clear goal scoring opportunities through Pandev, Milito and finally Eto'o, which he took in fantastic style, through the guile and skill of Wesly Sneijder. It should have been 2-0 at the death but stand in keeper Turnbull made an excellent save from Eto'o drive.

Inter's reward for this excellent win was a draw with CSKA Moscow in the quarter finals. At this stage there's no such thing as an easy game, but to avoid Barcelona, Bayern and Manchester at this stage is a blessing. Ultimately, if Inter don't take this opportunity to march onto the quarters then they will likely have only themselves to blame rather than that of the brilliance of the opposition. If they do make the next phase they will face either Barcelona or Arsenal.

Full Champions League draw
Lyon v Bordeaux
Bayern v Manchester
Arsenal v Barcelona
Inter v CSKA

Europa League
Juventus crashed out of the Europa League last night in dreadful fashion going down 4-1 to a spirited and determined Fulham side under the excellence that is Roy Hodgson. Juve have been generally abysmal of late but even the most skeptical fan would have believed they had done enough after David Trezeguet gave them an early lead at Craven Cottage. What followed after that was a total collapse and depsite a dubious sending off of Fabio Cannavaro and an arguably soft penalty Juve deserved all they got on the night. Once again, much like Milan, Calcio has been let down by a side that should be doing much better. For all the good Inter and Fiorentina have done for Italy in Europe this year, Milan and Juventus especially have embarrassed it. Milan did deservedly beat Real Madrid but Juve have been dire from start to finish and on current form will struggle to make even th Europa League next season. However, with a said 80 million ready to be invested in the squad and to be fair numerous players out for Juve last night the future may not be so dark for them.

Week 28: Milan scrape back into the race

A piece of sublime skill from Clarence Seedorf masked over yet another poor performance from AC Milan and brought them within one point of Inter Milan after they were beaten by a totally transformed Catania side 3-1. As for Milan they once again looked one dimensional and absent of any pace to turn the game. In fact they should have been 1-0 down at half time after a Yepes strike was incorrectly called offside. Milan did have the odd chance with a Boriello header being dealt with in the first half, but other than that there seemed little urgency. Maybe they were playing the patient game, maybe they were still mentally shell shocked after the beating they received in the Champions League midweek. Either way, they have forced pressure onto Inter with only ten games remaining as a point is all that separates. Even Roma, despite their draw at Livorno, can consider themselves in contention just six points back especially as they have to face Inter in a few weeks time at the Stadio Olimpico. It does make for an exciting end to the season, but certainly in the case of Milan it is in danger of painting a far prettier one than actually exists under the surface. The truth is that, like Juventus, they must look to rebuild in the summer especially at the back and in midfield. Investment is almost certain at Juve with 80 million said to be ready to help complete their rebuilding process. Sadly, there can be no cush certainty at Milan despite their owner being a billionaire.

As for Inter the pressure is on, and no more so than tonight when they face Chelsea in the Champions League. The implosion at Catania came after a decent second half spell where Diego Milito finished off a Samuel Eto' move. Sadly for them Catania came back after Maxi Lopex converted a cross emphatically and then Giuseppe Mascara scored a spoon from the spot after Sulley Muntari was sent off after only two minutes on the pitch. Martinez finished off the rout and pulled Catania away from the drop zone.

The Battle for Fourth Spot
Napoli again slipped up and lost their unbeaten home record after Fiorentina bounced back from their European exit with a 3-1 victory with Gilardino once again lethal in front of goal. Stefan Jovetic added one late on to cancel out the Napoli opener from Lavezzi. Palermo lost as well by 3-2, although this time away at Udinese which is always a difficult trip for any side. Juve however thought they had taken advantage of this, being 3-0 up after ten minutes with a brace from Del Piero and a wonder strike from Candreva. But incredibly bottom side Siena came back from the dead to draw 3-3. Sampdoria, also in contention for 4th could only manage a draw away at a consistent Bologna, conceding for 1-1 late on. Genoa also can now consider themselves in contention after a superb 5-3 win over Cagliari, with a stunning goal from Rodrigo Palacio.

Ultimately, what we have here is arguably six teams in this battle for fourth, with Fiorentina back in it especially after their fixture list has been reduced after their elimination in Europe. Should be an exciting run in.

Elsewhere
Despite a packed Olimpico Lazio still crumbled under the pressure against a decent Bari side, defeat 2-0 Sunday afternoon. The slide towards the abyss continues, and unless performances alter dramatically then severe problems will be afoot. Fellow struggles Atalanta continued to struggle, this time away to Parma who registered a solid 1-0 win again at the Tardini this time courtesy of Valeri Boijinov.

AC Milan focus: Investment needed

It's as clear as day really, Milan require investment this summer if they are to be able to challenge at Europe's top table again. The 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United is evidence of this as were the 4-0 and 2-0 beatings at the hands of Inter earlier this season. It is true that Milan set out to attack Manchester midweek. Playing with two forwards and a trequartista is hardly evidence of a defensive approach and in some respects it left them wide open, especially down the left hand side, on many an occasion. Mentally it was a very tough game to play as well. Being 3-2 down already was bad enough and to arrive without arguably your two best players in Pato and Nesta as well hardly helped, but to concede after 12 minutes after missing two sitters must have convinced every Milan player that this tie was dead and buried before it had barely begun. Ultimately, 4-0 represented a capitulation rather than this sides true qualities and some would argue that had Milan in fact taken their chances in the opening 30 minutes of the first leg then the second leg would have been a different affair, in terms of Milan's set up at least. However, these are excuses and nothing changes the fact that a significant proportion of Milan's squad is simply inadequate for this level. Thiago Silva has been an excellent addition on the whole but without Nesta the rest of the defence is poor. Bonera clearly cannot replace Nesta when required to do so. The wing back positions, a crucial position in the modern game, are not filled with suitable quality. Jankulovski, Zambrotta and Oddo have seen better days while Abate and Antonini are arguably back ups at best. Take a look across the city and see Maicon and Santon bombing up and down the flanks and perhaps the divide in quality, in these positions at least, is illustrated.

Further up the park Pirlo still has the ability to thread the needle with a defense spitting ball and Flamini has been a good addition in the defensive mould but they certainly could do with an attacking midfielder, someone who can add a creative option going forward and put pressure onto the oppositions back line. Marek Hamsik would fit the bill in my opinion but the funds to take him away from Napoli would be have to be significant, and its widely known that the player is settled in Naples.

Ultimately its clear investment and from that new additions are needed to take this Milan side forward. They have some very good players and ones that a new squad could be built around, but it all boils down to how much the clubs well known President recognises this and acts upon it.

Serie A week 28 Preview: Difficult trip for Inter

Week 28 kicks off on Friday night with a difficult away trip for Inter at Catania. The home side have been reborn under Sinisa Mihajlovic and picked up a useful point away to Cagliari with them, the week before, beating Bari 4-0. If points are dropped it provides an opportunity for Milan to close the gap further against Chievo although one wonders what their confidence will be like after the beating they took at Old Trafford midweek. Roma may be the ones to benefit as they travel to Livorno and will look to avenge their defeat that the Serse Cosmi led side inflicted on them earlier this season.

In the battle for fourth place Juve host Siena and should pick up three points. They've improved a bit of late and the win over Fiorentina, and Fulham tonight, should galvanise them enough to continue their push to gain something out of this season. Napoli will look to get back to winning ways on Saturday night in a tough game against Fiorentina. The away side of course will look to get a winning run underway in a last ditch attempt to climb up the table to get into Europe, and considering the proud manner in which Fiorentina have conducted themselves in Europe recently they would be welcome again to represent Italy. Palermo however currently occupy fourth spot and face difficult trip away to Udinese who themselves will look to move away from the relegation zone. Genoa and Cagliari are also close to the fourth spot and they will face off at the Marassi on Sunday afternoon in an intriguing encounter.

Elsewhere Lazio take on Bari at home in a vital match to move the home side away from the relegation zone while fellow strugglers Atalanta will have to travel to Parma.

Lazio focus: On the brink

With just 11 games remaining looking at the table currently provides a frightening sight for all Laziale across the world. 17th place and just three points clear of the relegation zone for a team that holds two of the three available cups in Italy is a sign of just how shocking this season has been for the club from the blue half of Rome. Add into that an appalling European campaign and just five wins in the league it all equates to a season of total disaster for a club that should be rebuilding itself up as an Italian giant at the very least. This, of course, is in stark contrast to ten years ago when the Scudetto and Coppa Italia double was on its way to the blue half of the capital.

However, it's not been all bad over the last few years for Lazio, far from it actually under the leadership of Dellio Rossi. An excellent Serie A campaign in 2006/2007 led to a third place finish, ahead of European Champions AC Milan, and this was followed by a Champions League campaign, albeit one that ended in the group stages. A lack of quality investment at this point left Lazio overstretched. There is no doubt about that in my mind, and consequently why they fell to 12th in the league in the 2007/2008 season, miles away from the European spots. 2008/2009 led to some new arrivals. Mauro Zarate, a relatively unknown quantity at the time, set alight Rome instantly as Lazio had a great start to the season.

But, it did not last and at times the performances were dreadful as they lost 1-4 at home to Cagliari, 0-3 at home to Chievo, amongst other debacles which led to them slipping down the table to 10th place at the seasons end. This time there could be no excuses about being overstretched from European competition, but salvation in some form was granted through a magnificent Coppa Italia campaign where the Rome club knocked out Milan, Torino, Juventus and then Sampdoria in the final as they lifted the Italian cup for the 5th time in their history.

Again, Lazio through winning this cup had been handed another opportunity. Much like in qualifying for the Champions League in 2007 Lazio had reached Europe again in the form of the Europa League. The time to invest in quality additions had arrived once more in order to allow the team to adjust to playing twice a week. Instead unpopular club President Claudio Lotito decided to freeze out Goran Pandev and Cristian Ledesma and rely on Roberto Baronio, who played in Serie B the year before, and Julio Cruz, who had barely played for Inter at all the year before. No defensive re-enforcements arrived, an area of the squad that was desperate for it. Ledesma has since returned, but Pandev departed for nothing. The rest is known to all. Despite winning the Italian Supercup against Inter what has followed since has been one disaster after another. Lazio seem unable to put the ball in the net for starters having done so on only 22 times this season and having only scored more than one goal in three domestic games so far this campaign. Additionally the tactics employed by one Davide Ballardini in shutting up shop from minute one at times it seemed have invited any team coming to the Olimpico the belief that three points are very much attainable any given Sunday.

A new manager has arrived, but so far not much has changed. The defeat at Sampdoria at the weekend could be considered a brave one considering that no one else has won at the Marassi this season, but the 1-1 against Fiorentina the week before was yet another example of Lazio being unable to close out a game. Its clear that this season has been a disaster, but lets hope that this is all it turns out to be. With Bari, Cagliari and then Siena up next for Lazio seven points must arrive to pull them away from the relegation zone. Indeed, Bari having won only one game away from home this season should be perfect opponents for Lazio. But as this season has shown, nothing has gone to plan. Infact, its pretty clear there has been no plan.

Champions League: Milan prepare for mission impossible

After Fiorentina's brave exit from the competition last night where their 3-2 win over Bayern saw them go out on away goals the focus shifts to AC Milan, one of the two remaining Italian teams in the competition. Traveling to Old Trafford is never an easy tak but to do so with 3 away goals conceded appears like mission impossible. 3-2 is the aggregate score in Manchester's favour after some defensive madness and dreadful finishing from Milan in the first leg appeared to put them out of the competition. At half time it was 1-1 when arguably Milan could have scored three in the first half, but instead they trailed 3-1 with moments to go before Clarence Seedorf fired home to give them a small chance in the second leg.

And a small chance is all it appears to be and will only remain possible providing Milan score the first goal in tonight's game and do not conceded at all. A win by 2 goals is what is required and the Rossoneri have been very good on the road of late picking up wins in extremely difficult grounds such as Fiorentina and Bari away and that has been a familiar pattern this season as shown by the superb win over Real Madrid in the Bernabeu. However, clearly tonight's task represents the toughest of them all against the 2008 winners and 2009 finalists. Miracles do happen, maybe tonights match will exibit proof of that.

Image: Shevy

Champions League: History beckons for Fiorentina

Fiorentina have a great opportunity tonight to make history for their club and put themselves in the last eight of the Champions League. A packed Franchi will hope to inspire the Viola to get past Bayern Munich tonight after the disgraceful officiating that blighted a good game in the first leg. First, there was the red card, and then Bayern's omission of one when a similar foul occurred and then of course there was the goal by Bayern that was five yards offside. More than frustrating for Fiorentina for sure, but a vital away goal was registered and all that is needed now is a 1-0 victory and the Viola are home and dry. This will be no easy task however, as Bayern now find themselves top of the Bundesliga with a two point advantage of Schalke 04. They have been formidable at home, with 9 wins and 4 draws but not so much on the road with 6 wins, 4 draws and 2 defeats. Fiorentina however do not sit top of Serie A, in fact they are as it stands 10th in Serie A and just lost at home at the weekend to Juve. However, in Europe this season they have come alive with victories over Liverpool and Lyon at home in the group stages, and it is this influx of matches and the stretching of their squad that in reality forces them into 10th in the league rather than a higher position. However, tonight should be seen as an opportunity to reap the reward rather than capitulate against a European giant.

Fiorentina v Bayern 1945 UK time (1-2 aggregate score)

Image: Pedro Varela

Week 27: Still in the balance

Scudetto Race
Many thought this a decisive week in the Scudetto campaign, but it turned out only to maintain the status quo in Serie A as Inter's four point gap at the top of the table remained in tact. Milan headed to Rome on Saturday night stepping into the caldron of the Stadio Olimpico to take on a Roma side in fine form, in Serie A at least, unbeaten in the league since October. The hosts started the brighter but it will be Milan shaking their heads all week long for not picking up the three points as Ronaldinho, Marco Boriello and Klass Jan Huntelaar all had great chances for the Rossoneri in the second half, although in the case of Huntelaar credit must go to Roma defender Burdisso for a fantastic intervention. Roma, of course, were not without chances of their own as Baptista and Riise both tested Abbiati from distance while Mirko Vucinic's headed effort went fractionally wide. 0-0 it finished, and gave Inter all the impetus they would have needed to see of Genoa and gain an additional two point advantage. But they could not, and were subjected to a defensive master class by one of the worst defensive sides in the league. Credit to Genoa, they made Inter chase the game and were patient in their attacks. Another 0-0, another week where the gap is maintained though. But, should Inter be worried. Well, I think they should. With back to back away games to Catania and Palermo next, with the latter side unbeaten at home, further points could well be dropped before the mamoth week 31 clash between Roma and Inter at the Stadio Olimpico. Milan will be the likely benefactors of all this and this should make for a pulsating finish to the season.

Battle for fourth place
Juventus responded from their dismal showing against Palermo the week before by beating Fiorentina away from home 2-1 thanks to goals from Diego and a excellent Fabio Grosso effort. A defensive howler let Fiorentina back in the game, who perhaps were already thinking ahead to their Champions League tie with Bayern. Palermo kept up their fine form, although only thanks to a late Miccoli winner. Napoli continued to stutter this time loosing away to Bologna, who have in fairness been in very good form of late as they ran out 2-1 winners with all the goals in the first 15 minutes although they remain in my eyes the best team in the race for the fourth place. Sampdoria, also firmly in the fight for a place in the Champions League, came from behind to beat Lazio thanks to a brilliantly taken winner from Giampaolo Pazzini. Antonio Cassano also returned and will boast their challenge for a European place.

Elsewhere
Bari returned to winning ways with a vital 1-0 win over Chievo while Cagliari came from behind with a man down to draw 2-2 at home to Catania, reborn under Sinisa Mihajlovic. Siena continued their unbeaten run with a 1-1 draw at home to Parma coming from behind in that one. Finally, Atalanta were held at home to Udinese in a vital battle for points in the relegation battle.

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.

Player Profiles: Diego Milito

El Principe, Diego Milito has really carved out a name for himself in Italy in the last two seasons, and showed why he is considered one of the best forwards, and one of the most underrated, in world football at the moment. It doesn't really matter who he plays alongside, he scores goals. Whether it be Sammy Eto'o, Goran Pandev or the mecurial Mario Balotelli it's usually Milito who is at the centre of things, just as he was in Inter's win against Chelsea last week where his movement alongside that of Eto'o made it an uncomfortable night for the Chelsea back four.

But, it has been a strange path to the top for Milito, a striker that has had unquestionable quality for some time now, even if it has not always been justly recognised. Arriving in Genoa from Argentine giants Racing Club Milito became an instant hit at the Marassi hitting 33 goals in 59 matches. Genoa though were in Serie B at the time, and we then sent down to Serie C1 after alleged match fixing allegations and this hastened Milito's departure to Spain where he lined up for Real Zaragoza.

His time in Spain bore fruit, as he hit 53 goals in three seasons and took up the Captains armband as well, but when the time came to return to Genoa he could not resist and it was in the dying embers of the 2008 Summer transfer window that he completed a 13 million Euro move back to Italy.It was a real steal for Genoa, as they once again showed how good their transfer eye was, and they continue to do so today. Milito was absolutely brilliant in the Grifoni colours and finished only just behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the goal scoring table last year, hitting 24 goals in just 31 games in what was actually his first Serie A season. It earned him a 25 million euro move to Inter that also included Thiago Motta for the Milan based side and so far it has been a very solid investment. Big goals have never been a problem for Milito, a criticism of former Inter man Ibrahimovic, and they have been flooding in against the likes of Milan, Chelsea and Dianmo Kiev in the nights that mattered most to Inters season to date. The challenge for Milito now is for him to continue down this path and write himself in Inter folk law for years to come, before a likely return to Genoa no doubt.

Diego Milito image from Steindy images

Round 26: Inter and Milan break away

Both Inter and Milan broke away from third place Roma this weekend as the latter side blew a 2-0 lead in the Derby Delle Sud against Napoli when the Azzurri leveled in the games dying embers through sensation Marek Hamsik. Its still a credible result for Roma given that Napoli are unbeaten at home this season, but surely given that they were two zip up they will only see this as two points dropped. Inter however made no mistake in picking up three points away to Udinese in a 3-2 thriller. Udinese actually took the lead through Simone Pepe but a superb half volley from Mario Balotelli leveled things up until Douglas Maicon scored a fantastic goal after some good build up play from Inter. Diego Milito made it 3-1 at half time to Inter with a glancing header. Udinese through Di Natale pulled one back later on but it was too little too late for the North Eastern outfit.

Milan, again through the Brazilian connection, made it four Serie A wins in a row to continue their title assult. Their only four points behind Inter, but would be much closer but for the points dropped recently against Livorno and Bologna, and not to mention the two derby defeats. Still, Milan got the job done quite effectively against Atalanta in a 3-1 victory on Sunday afternoon. Alex Pato converted two goals largely thanks to the brilliance of Ronaldinho who once again turned provider for the Milanese outfit. Marco Boriello got his name on the score sheet as well but only when Ronaldinho missed from the penalty spot, and not for the first time this season. However, Milan now face third place Roma next week and even with 12 games remaining anything but a win for either side could put a final dent in their Scudetto challenge. Inter have still yet to go to Rome also, and often find it difficult against the Lupi, so a win here for AC could really put them on the path to the Scudetto. Inter face a rather travel sick Genoa next, so will fancy their chances of taking advantage of any slip ups this coming weekend.

Elsewhere
The battle for fourth place is really heating up, and a toothless Juve slipped up once again a home this season when they were defeated by Palermo 2-0 on Sunday night thanks to a brilliant goal from Fab Miccoli and a tap in from Igor Budan after some woeful defending from the Bianconeri. With Napoli, Palermo and Sampdoria looked pretty solid at the moment Juve will have their work cut out to land that golden fourth spot.

Catania began the Serie A weekend with a superb 4-0 win over Bari, a team that simply cannot play away from home, while Lazio blew a 1-0 lead in stoppages to manage only another draw against Fiorentina. Chievo grounded out a 2-1 win over Cagliari, while Siena managed a vital away win at fellow strugglers Livorno.

Parma finally returned to winning ways with a Cristian Zaccardo goal in a 1-0 win over red hot Sampdoria, with Antonio Cassano still absent. Finally, Bologna picked up a stunning 3-4 win in Genoa on Sunday afternoon to continue their surge up the table, and are not comfortably away from the relegation zone.