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.

Champions League: Inter the Final

Inter Milan have reached the final of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1971-1972 Season where they were defeat by the mighty Ajax in Rotterdam, of all places considering the dutch rivalry there between Ajax and Feyenoord. Tonight however Inter held out, a resistance if you like, against a Barcelona side that dominated in posession especially after Thiago Motta was sent off in the first half after he left a hand trailing. After this, it was backs to the wall and rightly so against a side that can outfootball any team on the planet. Inter defended majestically, limiting Barca to few chances and only Lionel Messi's superb effort in the first half forced any kind of world class save out of Julio Cesar. In the second half, Barca dominated as expected but Inter held out despite an excellent goal from Gerard Pique.

For Inter this will be their 5th European Cup Final. Inter have two wins so far in this competition from 'Grande Inter' in 1963-1964 against Real Madrid and 1964-1965 against Eusebio's Benfica. Two defeats followed, to Celtic in 1966-1967 and 1971-1972 to Ajax. Bayern await, and potentially so does a third European cup. Bayern have been dogged in this competition, but may be without Franck Ribery in the final as they attempt to shut down an Inter side that has eliminated Chelsea, CSKA and Barcelona now on their way to the worlds greatest club competition. Its too early to say 'Grande Inter' again, but May the 22nd may provide Inter the opportunity to do that again.

Week 35: Inter back on top as the rollercoaster continues

Inter hit back this week climbing back up the table to the summit of Serie A thanks to a 3-1 win over Atalanta. After initially going behind Diego Milito leveled through a cheeky lob and Macdonald Mariga put them ahead deep into the second half. Inter were in control, and Chivu scored his first Inter goal after hitting a strong drive from outside the box. It was a touching moment after his horror injury earlier this year. Roma however could not respond on Sunday. They were in control in the first half against Sampdoria as Totti's strike confirmed this in a packed Olimpico, but after the break Samp were rejuvenated and Roma could not find the passes that they did in the first half. Pazzini rocked the Olimpico with a bullet header after a Cassano cross, and then finished them off with a well taken tap in at the far post. Advantage Inter, but its not over yet.

Race for fourth
Palermo took a huge step towards fourth spot on Saturday night destroying Milan 3-1 at home. Despite having a large chunk of posession, Milan could do little with it as Hernandez and Miccoli scored excellent goals to put Milan to their second defeat in a row. However, as outlined above Samp continue to set the pace and their showdown away at Palermo in week 37 could well settle who gets Champions League football next year. Napoli were in the mix, but may have blown it but not getting past Cagliari in a 0-0 at the San Paolo. Juve have however put themselves back in the frame. They pushed past Bari 3-0 thanks to a Iaqunita brace, and one wonders what difference he could have made to their campaign if he had been fully fit for the duration of it, rather than Amauri who has been poor this year. Still, they remain well behind Sampdoria and still have to go to Milan, so Europa league is likely for them.

Elsewhere
Lazio took a big step towards survival with a deserved win away at top half Genoa. Genoa went ahead through an excellent Rodrigo Palacio strike, but an Andre Dias header and a well taken Sergio Floccari strike ensured the three points. Tommaso Rocchi almost made it 3-1, but his effort bounced off the woodwork. Bologna also took a big step towards salvation, as they beat Parma 2-1 at home, while Livorno went down this week despite downing Catania 3-1. Siena also are only a point away from the drop and they were hammered by Udinese 4-1. Finally, Chievo ensured survival with a superb 2-0 away win in Florence as Fiorentina's excellent season, in the cups at least, seems to be ending on a sour note.

Serie B: Lecce B-elieve in return

Another week, another win for Lecce as they continue their trot towards a return to Serie A. This time Grosetto were the victims as Lecce ran out 3-0 winners away from home and kept the divisions top scorer, Pinilla, quiet to move up to 67 points in the division, six points clear, with five rounds to go. Danielle Corvia has been the focal point up front for them weighing in with 15 goals and now it seems inevitable, with such a gap, that they will contest Serie A football next season. One thing certainly gets me excited about this prospect, seeing them take on hated rivals Bari in the Puglia derby. Derby's have really lit up this Serie A season. Lazio v Roma is a cast iron certainty to entertain on the rivalry front but the Lanterna derby really has stepped up a notch in the last few encounters in terms of the passion ultimately what has been on the line for both sides in terms of qualifying for European competition. Whilst Bari v Lecce probably won't be contesting that, it will be a heated affair and one that should be full of colour, passion and a huge desire to win on the pitch.

Elsewhere in Serie B, the remaining places for promotion are still up for grabs. With five games left 15 points are up for grabs for all the sides, so even Ancona on 50 points currently may have a say in the playoffs for the third Serie A spot, and there should be playoffs as the third team is not 10 points clear of the fourth placed one. In the mix remain Sassuolo, Brescia, Cittadella, and Cesena all within two points of each other, while Grossetto, Torino and Empoli are at worst only four points back. Much like last year it is very very tight, so expect it all to go down to the last day in Serie B.

Champions League: Inter with one foot in the final

Inter came from behind at San Siro to take a decent league to the Nou Camp next week against Barcelona. Pedro gave Barca the lead after a defensive error from Maicon allowed space to open up for Messi to cut back for Pedro, who converted with consummate accuracy as Julior Cesar attempted to dive across in time, but to no avail. It looked a very difficult task for Inter, but Diego Milito had a guilt edge chance moments later but cut it too far across towards the right post as Eto'o was waiting in the centre. Still, Milito made up for it moments later as he laid off a pass for Sneijder who slotted home to level the tie. After the break Inter came out full throttle and Maicon gave Inter the lead after Sneijder played him in. Maicon slotted it home and Inter were in control. It didn't stop there however, as Milito made it 3-1 heading home from close range. Barca were rocking but they managed to change their mindset and poured forward in the closing stages looking for a second away goal. They didnt find it and were met only will the rock solid backline of Inter players, but perhaps Inter should have put the tie to bed when Sneijder came through on the counter but dragged his effort wide instead of drilling it home. 3-1 it finished, and it is still in the balance but you feel one away goal for Inter will seal the deal in Spain next week. Ultimately, it is there's to loose. Is the wait since 1965 coming to an end for Inter, after all the AC glories in Europe they have lived through maybe this time the Trophy is coming to the black and blue side of Milan.

Roma remain top

Roma remain top of Serie A after coming from behind to take three points of Lazio in the derby. It looked like Roma were on the verge of collapse after a penalty had been awarded to Lazio just after half time, but the failure of Sergio Floccari to convert it gave Roma all the encouragement they needed to push on and grab three points. Inter also won two nights earlier, seeing of Juventus 2-0 at the San siro. Momo Sissoko saw red in the first half after a shocking tackle on Zanetti and a wonder goal from Maicon and a late tap in from Sammy Eto'o wrapped up all three points to keep them within touching distance of the top. However, AC Milan can kiss goodbye to the Scudetto for another year as defeat to Sampdoria, and a nightmare fixture list, has left them surely too far behind. Milan took the lead through Marco Boriello's powerful header but a Cassano penalty and a late Pazzini, who else, winner sealed a deserved three points in what has become a ground that appears simply impossible for any away side to win at.

In the battle for fourth, Napoli surged back into contention with a superb Lavezzi brace down in Bari while Palermo stuttered back to gain a point away in Cagliari with a 2-2 draw. It looks like a three horse race now between Napoli, Samp and Palermo but Juve are still in touching distance.

Elsewhere Genoa sealed an excellent win in Parma with a 3-2, that included a consummate Rodrigo Palacio finish, while Fiorentina may struggle to fins Europe all together next season as they crashed again to defeat in Atalanta. Fellow strugglers Siena took a credible point in Catania in another 2-2 draw, while Udinese and Bologna could not take advantage of their six pointer as it finished 1-1. Finally, Chievo have probably secured their status in the division next year with a 2-0 win against Livorno. For the Tuscans, it looks like Serie B beckons.

Calcio Legends: Alvaro Recoba

Not many would have predicted it, but for someone to upstage Ronaldo, fresh from signing from Barcelona in 1997 as the worlds best player, on his Inter debut as a relative unknown at the time was some feat. Inter, beginning the 1997/1998 campaign at home to Brescia that year were trailing 0-1 in a game that should have been Ronaldo's chance to shine. Recoba though had not read the script and when he replaced the brilliant Brazilian late on he scored a wonderful double that lead to three Inter points and the arrival of one of the best talents to hit Serie A for some time, even if in the end a large portion of his career was wasted on the Inter bench. The double he scored that day was beyond belief at the time really. One from around 40 yards out and the winner a superb free kick into the Curva Sud end of the San Siro. It seemed to be no fluke either as later that season, against Empoli, another goal of magnificent magnitude followed, from beyond the half way line this time. But, despite his genius he arrived at a club in Inter that was looking to go forward fast, and take few chances on relative unknowns and with Ronaldo and Zamorano in the side opportunities were limited and with the arrival of Christian Vieri from Lazio in the 1999/2000 season it was time for El Chino to move on, Venezia was the destination.

First team football was guaranteed at Venezia and a partnership with Pipo Maniero, a highly underrated talent, was established. Venice proved to be the perfect foil for Recoba as he banged in the goals with that peach of a left foot of his. 11 goals in 19 games was the output and survival was assured for the northern outfit. Inter came calling and he went back from his loan spell in Venice, but was sucked into a passport scandal that resulted in a ban from football for a short period. Short or long, it didn't really matter as in the world of Serie A one is quickly forgotten, especially at such a big club. Perhaps that was the time to move on, but Recoba stayed and only really got legitimate chances under the guidance of Hector Cuper and after ten seasons with the Milan club he amassed only 175 games, not even half a season per year when broken down. 53 goals in Serie A but it could have been so much more had he moved to a club that put him in the spotlight. His last port of call in Serie A was an unsuccessful spell at Torino, before moving onto Greece and now back in his native Uruguay. Still, he won't be forgotten.

Serie A round 34 preview: Tests ahead for Inter and Roma

Both Inter and Roma face derby tests this weekend as another three points comes on offer. Inter kick off on Friday night ahead of their Tuesday clash in the Champions League with Barcelona. Their opponents? None other than Juve in the derby of Italy. Inter will start as big favourites given their form, and Juve's, in recent months. However, Juve are looking to regain some credibility and will see this as a make or break game for a place in the Champions League. They've been linked with Rafa Benitez, and former boss Fabio Capello in recent days so changes are afoot but it could well be too little to late in terms of dining at footballs top table next season. Inter however are fresh from beating Fiorentina to reach the final of the Coppa Italia last night and are at a crunch phase in their season. With Roma facing an unpredictable afternoon against Lazio in the derby Inter could be top of Serie A again Sunday night before their showdown with Barcelona. A huge weekend then and what could prove to be a decisive one if one team drops points.

Milan could benefit from all this, if they win away to Sampdoria but that will be easier said that done against a side unbeaten at home this season. In the battle for fourth Palermo travel to Cagliari who today parted company with manager Allegri, and the away side will have to show character against a team that will likely be saddened by his departure. Napoli, hanging on to their champions league chances, travel to Bari in a southern derby while Fiorentina must win away at Atalanta to have any chance at all of closing down the teams above them.

Both Parma and Genoa are in contention for a Europa league place, and both clash Sunday afternoon in Parma. Both will probably miss out when all is said and done but its been a season of consolidation for both in many respects.

Elsewhere Catania could secure survival, and condem Siena, when they clash while Chievo could do the same against Livorno. Udinese entertain Bologna and will look for their third win on the trot. Again, further illustration of what an important round this is.

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Scudetto run in

With three teams still in the mix for the Scudetto as we head into week 34 this has turned into one of the closest title run in's in recent years. Much of this has to do with Inter throwing away a large lead, but their defeats to Catania and Roma in recent rounds were deserved ones, and the more competitive nature of the division now in comparison to the 2006-2007 season post Calciopoli, where Inter scored a whopping 97 points to finish 20 points clear of Roma with 75, and then third placed Lazio on 62. Ultimately, more teams pose much more of a threat to the big guns in Serie A now, and that explains to a large degree why points are dropped often by the sides chasing a top league position. Places like Napoli and Palermo are formidable destinations to win at, and even Bari this season have taken scalpes of the highest order. All this being said, someone will win the Scudetto in five rounds time and its time to take a look at each of the contenders run in.

Roma
They sit top of the pile, so its only fair that they are dealt with first. Their first match is against Lazio, come on Laziali hehe, and this will provide an unpredictable and difficult test for them. Last season in this fixture Roma lost 4-2, the season before 3-2 and the season before that 3-0. Both teams have to win, but for different reasons and yet one constant regarding the capitals bragging rights. In week 35 they face 5th placed Sampdoria at home. If they were away then a win would be unlikely but with home advantage Roma should prevail though it remains a tricky fixture to say the least. Another tricky one awaits in Parma away but any team chasing the title must win there. Inter could only draw 1-1 at the Tardini, Roma will need to go one better to keep up the pace. In week 37 they entertain Cagliari and then in week 38 its Chievo away. Neither easy games at all, but winnable.

Inter Milan
Inter have more home games left than Roma do, and this can be seen as an immediate advantage as they still are unbeaten at home with Mourinho in charge. First up is a very fragile Juve side in week 34 and they should be swept aside before Inter, again at home face Atalanta the week after in a local derby but a very winnable one at that. They are away at 'friends' Lazio in week 36 but don't expect any favours to be handed out in that one. It wasn't in May 2002, when Roma and Inter could have won the Scudetto that day but conceded to Juve instead. Week 37 see's then entertain Chievo at home while they end the season at Siena, a ground where they have won the Scudetto before. All winnable games for Inter, with Juve and Lazio perhaps the most difficult of the lot.

AC Milan
They are lucky to still be in with a shout. Too many dropped points, in needless fashion, will more than likely see them finish third but with just four points between them and the top they still could have their say. First up is a mammoth task in Sampdoria away. They were beaten 2-0 their last season and will need to end Sampdoria's unbeaten home run to keep up with the top two. Then, they have to go to fourth placed Palermo, another side with an unbeaten home record, and win where Juve, Inter and Roma failed. If that was not bad enough, their next game is against Fiorentina at home. Milan will start as favourites for that one but Fiorentina getting something out of the game is not unlikely. It just gets worse for Milan, as in week 37 they travel again to play Genoa, a stellar home side, and finish the season at home to Juve. All in all, a nightmare last five games though if they do somehow manage to win all of them and lift the title they would have earned it.

In conclusion, Inter remain favourites when the last five games are considered. What is omitted of course is their Coppa Italia and Champions League obligations, and Mourinho's trait of rarely using squad rotation. Could it all get too much for Inter? They are still in three competitions but could end the season with nothing. Roma are also still in two competitions, and they don't have the depth that Inter have overall but in Lazio, Sampdoria and Parma arguably more tricky games await them than Inter. Milan need a miracle to even maintain a 4 point gap, but it will be tight between Inter and Roma right to the final game I believe.

Roma top

Roma stand top of the table after Inter stalled again at Fiorentina on Saturday night. The nerazzurri came from behind to take the lead in Florence with goals from Diego Milito and than Samuel Eto'o, with some great play my SuperMario Balotelli, but it was not enough and Per Koldrup leveled for the Viola in the games dying embers. This gave Roma the chance to take the lead in the Championship and they did just that, beating Atalanta, who have been in good form of late, 2-1 in a packed Olimpico. Goals from Mirko Vucinic and Casetti were enough for the three points. Inter's city rivals Milan also had a chance to get right back in the mix, but they could only draw 2-2 with a rejuvenated Catania who were at one stage leading 2-0. Marco Boriello hit a brace to earn the Milanese giants a point, but this probably ends any chance of a Scudetto win for Milan what with them now being four points behind.

In the race for fourth both Palermo and Sampdoria kept up the pace with home wins on Sunday. Palermo, thanks to Fab Miccoli and Javier Pastore, blew Chievo away 3-1 to maintain an unbeaten home record. Sampdoria also have an unbeaten home record, and continued that trend as well by seeing off city rivals Genoa in the derby 1-0. Antonio Cassano headed home and then it was a back to the wall job for Samp. Juve also won, beating Cagliari 1-0 thanks to Giorgio Chielini but Napoli, arguably the final contender for 4th, fell 3-2 at home to Parma and a late Luis Jiminez goal after Quagliarella was given his marching orders.

In the battle against relegation Lazio came back from the brink to take an excellent three points away at Bologna. They were 2-0 down quickly in this one but an excellent strike from Stefano Mauri before half time put them back in the game. After the break it was all Lazio and and Andre Dias and Tomasso Rocchi got the goals to give Lazio three points. Fellow strugglers Livorno lost at home to Udinese and now look destined for Serie B, while Siena are fighting back with a 3-2 home win over Bari but still remain seven points away from safety currently

Round 33 Preview: Cranking up the notch

The fixtures are coming thick and fast, for Inter especially, and they don't get much more difficult than any away day at Fiorentina, as the likes of Liverpool and Champions League semi finalists Lyon will tell you. And, this is the big game on Saturday night at what is sure to be a packed artemio Franchi stadium as the home side will turn to Stefan Jovetic, a huge young talent, to unlock the heavily guarded Inter back line. Any slip ups will give Roma, who face Atalanta, and Milan, who face Catania, all the incentive in the world to pick up three points and hit the Serie A summit.

The battle for fourth place also heats up, as Napoli engage Parma in the first match of the weekend and will need to win to maintain pace with Palermo and Sampdoria. The former go back home after their derby defeat to Catania to face Chievo while the latter take on Genoa in the derby, and if its anything like the last one earlier this season it should be an absolute cracker. Lazio also have a derby in mind, the Rome derby, but before that titanic fixture next week they face Bologna away and must register a win to move themselves away from significant danger. In another vital clash for survival Livorno host Udinese, a side who still have yet to win away this season while Siena host Bari. Both Siena and Livorno surely must win to register any chance of survival in Serie A this season. Finally, Juve host Cagliari in a game they must win, otherwise they run the risk of egg pelting again and a week with no wages. A real fall from grace for a side that was top of the league in week two after running riot against Roma.

An exciting round ahead then, as every team still has something to play for in many respects.

Champions League: Inter the semi's

Inter Milan breezed through to the semi finals thanks to a comfortable 1-0 win in Moscow tonight against CSKA. Wesley Sneijder gave Inter the lead after just six minutes from a free kick and from that point on it was comfortable for Inter. When CSKA were reduced to ten men after the break it was all but over as Inter maintained their 2-0 aggregate lead until 90 minutes in what became more or less a training exercise against the Russian side. Thats not to diminish the campaign that CSKA have had as their excellent win over Spanish side Sevilla in the second round confirmed. However, Inter were just too much for them over the two legs and in reality it could really have been a much higher aggregate score. Inter now have to wait to see who they face in the semi finals, either current European Champions Barcelona or English side Arsenal. Inter are the first side through to the semi's this year the other semi final will contain either Bayern Munich or Manchester United, and either Lyon or Bordeaux.

Week 32: Wins all round, except for Juve

Race for Lo Scudetto
Inter, Milan and Roma all won this weekend to keep up the pressure on one another as the season draws closer to its thrilling climax. Out of all the teams Inter looked the most assured to win in a home game against Bologna and they did just that by 3-0, with Thiago Motta hitting an assured brace and a returning Mario Balotelli getting himself on the score sheet and giving Jose Mourinho more options up front for the seasons closing stages. This was a huge win for Inter taking the pressure of a stuttering end to the season for them as their attention now turns to the Champions League and their quarter final second leg with CSKA Moscow. They currently hold a 1-0 advantage and will likely face Barcelona in the semi finals.

Milan also kept up the pace with the top two, thanks in part to a stunning Klass Jan Huntelaar goal against Cagliari to give them a 3-2 win in a difficult ground to come away with points from. They remain 3 points off the Serie A summit. However Roma remain even closer, currently just 1 point behind Inter after a solid away win in Bari, a ground where Inter failed to win. Mirko Vucinic kept up his good form to give Roma the three points.

The next round could well be decisive. Inter face a very difficult trip to Florence to play Fiorentina while Milan host a rejuvenated Catania. This leave Roma facing third from bottom Atalanta and the possibility of them being top come next sunday night.

The battle for fourth place
Out of all the teams battling for fourth place only Sampdoria came out of this weekend with three points after a 2-1 win away to Chievo Verona with Cassano and Pazzini on the scoresheet before next weeks Genoa derby. Speaking of derby's Palermo, currently occupying 4th spot, were taken apart by rivals Catania 2-0 as Maxi Lopex hit a brace for Sinisa Mihajlovic's side. Napoli emerged from Rome against Lazio with a point after Marek Hamsik leveled for the away side after Sergio Floccari's headed opener just four minutes in. Lazio slip down the table to 17th but Atalanta, directly below, face a difficult next three weeks despite their win against Siena. Fiorentina and Genoa, both still in the mix for Europe, could only draw against Parma and Livorno respectively. And, with Fiorentina facing Inter next week a defeat would probably put fourth spot out of reach. Finally, Juve were destroyed away at struggling Udinese 3-0 to confirm the crisis that the club is in. A clean out is needed in the summer there one would think.