Battle for fourth: Race re-opens

With this season being the last time, for now at least, that fourth place equals a trip to the Champions League qualifiers in Serie A it's time to look at how the battle for this particular accolade has heated up and who could well be smiling come week 38.

Right now Lazio occupy fourth spot after their 2-0 win over Parma at the weekend, but they have some tough fixtures ahead. With a trip to Catania up next and then a trip to Milan to face Inter the pre-Easter games look tough. And if that was not enough Lazio then entertain Juventus at the Olimpico before heading up to Udine to take on Udinese, usually formidable at home. They then entertain Genoa before ending away at Lecce. These difficult games aside Lazio have been in the top four for most of the season, even leading the league at one stage. They've shown their quality, especially at home, as 12 wins in casa represents the most in the division, joint with Inter. That being said only five away wins is not something to have great confidence in. Having won just once on the road, at Brescia, this year the fact that four of their last six away games are on the road will not fill the Laziale's with great confidence.

City rivals Roma on the other hand have a much easier, on paper, fixture list to contend with. Their next to games are at home to Palermo and Chievo and one would be surprised if six points are not picked up. Then it's onto Bari before entertaining Milan. Catania away next will be a difficult trip before they face Sampdoria on the seasons last day. Milan at home is certainly their stand out game but the other games all represent decent three point bets. They sit four points behind Lazio as things stand but there's no doubt whose got the easier final games. With this in mind Roma look a strong contender for fourth.

What about Udinese I hear you say. Well, up until two weeks ago many tipped them to move about Napoli such was the unstoppable appearance of their good form. But, back to back defeats have put pressure on them to achieve a result in Naples this weekend, something that seems unlikely. This however is the beginning of a difficult phase for them as they still have to play Parma, Fiorentina, Lazio, Chievo and then at home to Milan on the final day. Although they are only 1 point behind Lazio as things stand the combination of a bad run and difficult games ahead makes fourth a difficult target for them. 

Somewhat looking in on this battle for fourth is Juventus having pulled themselves back into the race with 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four games. Up next though is a difficult trip to Fiorentina before they entertain Catania. The big clash though comes on May 2nd away at Lazio, where defeat here would all but end their chances. After they play Chievo, Parma and then Napoli. Given their inconsistent form this season, and the fact they are already six points behind Lazio it seems too much for them really to claim this spot. They would probably have to win at least five of their six matches, if not all of them to be in with a strong chance.

So, an entertaining battle ahead and unless Udinese halt their slide it looks set to be a battle between the two Roman clubs. Lazio have the four point edge over their bitter rivals, but one wonders whether that will be enough given the tough road they have to take.