Lazio run riot in Rome

Lazio demolished Roma in the 130th Derby della Capitale. Barely had the game started and Lazio were on the attack, with Mauro Zarate attacking fromt eh right flank and winning a much debated corner from which Goran Pandev volleyed in first time. It was a world class finish that left Doni with no chance. Two minutes later Mauro Zarate doubled the advantage by loosing his marker and curling home with a powerful finish from almost 30 yards out. Roma, however, did not loose heart. Pannucci tested Muslera with a strong header from which Muslera produced a great save. They pulled one back on the 9th minute through Mexes from the resulting corner. Roma piled on the pressure between now and half time with Baptista hitting the post from a corner and the De Rossi just catching the header wrong on the follow up.

Half time arrived but provided just as many fireworks as the match itself, as Tare and Spalletti were involved in a row. The second half started in a more composed manner than the first one did but on 56 minutes Pandev could have ended the game after being played through on goal but his precise strike was saved well by Doni. However, Lazio made it 3-1 soon after as Stefan Lichsteiner headed in a cross after Foggia had run the Roma defence ragged with some superb footwork. It only got worse for Roma after this as Pannuci was sent of after an incident with Lichsteiner. This only got even worse as both Matuzalem and Mexes were somewhat harshly sent of after coming into brief off the ball contact with each other. Still, in the face of adversity Roma's lynchpin De Rossi headed some a great ball from David Pizzaro after some non-existing defending from Alexander Kolarov. But Kolarov made up for his mistake soon after by running the length of the pitch and placing a precise shot past Doni. 4-2. It was Lazio's day and for the blue half of Rome, including myself, this will live long in the memory.

A full Serie A report will follow on Monday

Week 31 Preview: Derby Della Capitale!

Despite the tragic earthquake in Italy this week, it appears that the Serie A fixtures will still take place.

Lazio v Roma
The derby della capitale kicks of at 2pm UK time this week in what will be an extremely important game for both sides, and not just with regards to the capitals bragging rights. My team Lazio are currently in free fall. Three straight defeats coupled with a very unconvincing start to 2009 have seen the aquilotti slip to 9th place in the standings, behind mid table teams like Cagliari and Palermo. This simply in not good enough and president Claudio Lotito has confirmed this, but he may have left his rant far too late in the season as Lazio's confidence in themselves appears to be totally shattered. No goals for in three games and he return of the defensive frailties that have let Lazio down time and time again this season are there for all to see. However, this is the Derby, a game that has no favourites as anything can happen. The Lazio faithful will likely be out in full force to drown out their Roman counterparts, and a moral boosting win here is exactly what is needed before a tough away trip to Genoa next week and the Coppa Italia semi final against Juventus in a couple of weeks time if Lazio are to save their season and get into the Europa League.

For Roma however a defeat here could end their champions league ambitions. They already trail Genoa and Fiorentina in the standings and with both of these teams playing Juventus and Cagliari respectively a win for Roma could narrow the gap this weekend. Let us hope though, that Lazio take all the glory here ahahaha.

Genoa v Juventus
Juventus face a daunting trip to Genoa this weekend, a team who have only lost once at home all season to Inter. Genoa really have been quite superb this season and hopefully can build on this next year by strengthening their squad and challenging for the champions league spots again, along with Roma, Fiorentina, Lazio and Palermo giving added depth to the league. For Juventus this is a must win game before next weeks Derby of Italy against Inter Milan. A defeat here really would end all hope of the title for Juventus, but victory here and again next week would spell game on again.

Inter Milan v Palermo
A difficult game for Inter at home to an inconsistent, but quality, Palermo side coming off the back of a win Torino. Miccoli and Cavani will have to watched carefully by the Inter defence who shut them down earlier this season in the reverse fixture that Inter won 2 - 0.

Chievo v Milan
Milan desperately need third place to guarantee Champions League football for next season, but face a very difficult quest for three points in Verona this weekend. With Fiorentina, Genoa and Roma facing difficult games this is a good opportunity for Milan to put further distance between third and fourth place but Chievo, who have beaten Lazio, Palermo and drawn with Juve in their last three games may think differently. Sergio Pellissier was outstanding last week against Juve and his form alone has probably secured Serie A status for next season as well for the flying donkeys. However, unlike Lecce last week, Chievo will likely not place ten men behind the ball here giving Milan the space they will need to pull through in this one.

Elsewhere in Serie A
Fiorentina host a tough Cagliari side who have done themselves proud this season. This in theory should be a good opportunity for Fiorentina to assert themselves on 4th place with Genoa hosting Juventus this weekend. Napoli look to continue stabilizing their season at home to Atalanta and put an end to the torid time they have had of late. Sampdoria face the long trek down to Puglia to face Lecce where the latter will have to take three points if they are to continue their Serie A adventure. Bologna v Siena also has relegation implications. Another defeat to Bologna will put them in severe trouble here. Torino play Catania and surley must take three points here to ease the pressure on their crumbling season. Finally on Sunday Udinese face the long trip to Reggina to play the rock bottom side.

Calcio Mercato: Juve stepping up

Juventus fans take note, your club is moving in the right direction. You have great young prospects in Giovinco, Marchisio, and De Ceglie and have an abundance of quality in Sissoko, Amauri, Chielini and Tiago, players who have yet to forfill their potential. Combine this with your established stars in Del Piero, Iaqunita, Buffon and Trezeguet then it is clear to all Juventus can challenge anyone. But perhaps there is more good news coming your way. Negotiations for Brazilian player Diego are apparently underway. Diego represents the one ingredient that appears to be missing from the Juve midfield, the combination of creativity and unpredictability. Sure, they have Nedved a man who happens to be my favourite player to ever wear the blue of Lazio. But his best days are gone as a footballer, despite a recent wonder goal against Roma. Yes, they have the wonderful Giovinco, but perhaps Ranieri sees him in a more advanced role in the years to come as a second striker. Diego will add secondary scoring from a midfield role, as his 34 goals in 74 games for Bremen indicate.

Diego, the final piece in the Juve jigsaw?
The answer to the above is no, he is not the final piece in the jigsaw, but he almost completes the puzzle. He adds creativity and flair and complements the more defensive minded Sissoko, who will still be able to get forward in his 'Viera' role at Juventus. They could of course use Diego on the left as a direct replacement for Nedved, or alternatively use him as a trequartisa through the middle of the park especially if Pavel decides to stay on for another year. He is a very flexible player. However, Juve need to sure up their defence if they are to be win the Scudetto next season and challenge deep into the Champions League, especially down the left flank.

Is this a done deal?
With David Silva stressing his desire to stay at Valencia and Diego actually stating that he wants to play in Italy with Juventus then it is a distinct possibility that he will play for the old lady next yeat. This may well end the Ribery interest, unless Juve really feel like splashing the cash and buying both playing Ribery on the left and Diego in a more central role. This would make Juve a highly feared outfit, and certainly superior to Inter and on par with Milan in the midfield area.

Image: Paulblank

Week 30 review: Inter's Scudetto?

Once again Inter Milan received the rub of the green with a rather strange own goal at the Stadio Friuli, after spending the majority of the match on the back foot thanks to an aggressive Udinese performance. Juventus shot themselves in the foot once again as they have done so often this season, with the defeats to Cagliari and then Udinese being the case and point, by conceding a last minute goal in a 3 - 3 draw with Chievo. Milan returned to winning ways, but only just, with Genoa, Roma and Fiorentina keeping up the fight for the third and fourth Champions League spots.

Scudetto Race

Udinese 0 - 1 Inter Milan
Udinese started the brightest of the two sides and that pattern continued throughout. Udinese, without talisman Di Natale, put serious pressure on Inter for the first half hour and many within the Stadium would have believe that they should have been awarded a penalty when Julio Cesar appeared to bring down Fabio Quagliarella. Whilst the replay showed that Cesar did not touch the ball, it also showed a likely dive from the Udinese hit man who frankly was lucky not to have been booked. Udinese continued their pressure though and after the break only the pace of Cordoba stopped Quagliarella once again after being fed through on the counter by Simone Pepe. It was absorbing stuff, but I began to realise than if Udinese did not sooner rather than later take one of their chances they would be punished. They almost were on 65 minutes when Dejan Stankovic missed an open goal after Zlatan had played the ball across. Patrick Viera was introduced soon after, and his influence allowed Inter to take the lead in bizarre circumstances. Viera stumbled when in the area and Isla turned the ball into the back of the net. Udinese nearly equalised in stoppages after Asamoah's superb play, by Obodo sent the ball wide.

Juvetus 3 - 3 Chievo
Despite Chievo's fine form of late, I believe they surprised almost everyone in taking a point from Turin. Juve welcomed back most of their squad with Nedved and Camoranesi on the bench. Chievo caused numerous problems in the early going and Pellissier opened the scoring after out sprinting Chielini down the right channel. The Turin faithful were shocked but not deterred as Chielini redeemed himself with a stunning left foot volley they came back of the bar into the back of the net. It was a goal Del Piero would have been proud of. However, in a carbon copy of Chievo's first goal they took the lead again, although this time Pellissier outpaced Melberg and placed the ball into the bottom left corner leaving the score at half time 2-1 to Chievo. Juventus however equalised by accident soon after the restart as Camoranesi headed Molinaro's ball back into the area for it to deflect of a Yepes into the back of the net. Juve dominated after this creating chance after chance and finally Iaqunita headed another superb Camoranesi cross into the back of the net. However, Juve blew it in injury time as Pellissier completed his hatrick with a header after again Melberg was beaten for pace.

The race for the Champions League

AC Milan 2 - 0 Lecce
AM Milan relieved a significant amount of pressure from their shoulders by picking up a crucial three points against Lecce, despite both goals coming in injury time. Milan totally dominated play throughout the match with Lecce getting all ten men behind the ball right from the word go. Pato perhaps should have opened the scoring in the first half after his electrifying pace torn the Lecce defence to shreds but he failed to cut the ball back to the ever green Inzaghi who waited for the pass by the penalty spot. Lecce to their credit defended well, but the Introduction of Ronaldinho after the break was a good tactical move, as his skill and ability created the Lecce defence no end of problems with him winning a number of free kicks that Milan failed to deliver from. It looked like Milan would drop another two points but they have been superb at home this season and kept up their 14 game unbeaten streak at home assured when in injury time Senders headed a Pirlo free kick, but Ronaldinho was credited with the goal as it deflected in off his head. Milan doubled their lead deep into stoppages when Ronaldinho flicked the ball down the penalty box line to Shevchenko who crossed superbly for Inzaghi to head home.

Roma 2-1 Bologna
Roma got back on track thanks to Francesco Totti who converted two penalties against a hard-working Bologna side. Marrazzina split the scoring with a header from Sergio Volpi's corner but Roma held on for an important win ahead of the Rome derby next week.

Atalanta 1 - 2 Fiorentina
Fiorentina rode their luck in picking up three points from Bergamo. This fixture opened super Sunday and was played at a frantic pace, but again it was Atalanta and not the big away side that was piling on the pressure and after the break they took a deserved lead after Plasmati's effort took a huge deflection leaving Frey with no chance at all. However, Atalanta blew it a few moments later when Peluso brought down Gilardino in the area and was sent off for his efforts. Stefan Jovetic stepped up to convert for his first Fiorentina goal. For Atalanta it went from bad to worse in injury time when Gilardino fired home to give the Viola three points.

Reggina 0 - 1 Genoa
Genoa just do not look like slowing down at all, and continued to give themselves a Champions League chance with a win against rock bottom Reggina thanks to a tap in from the superb Thiago Motta.

The Best of the rest

Siena 2 - 0 Lazio
Siena continued their good home form by putting Lazio down in Tuscany. A superb opening striker from Calaio after 25 minutes suggested that my beloved side would go down for the third time in their last three games and that was to be the case when Maccarone embarresed Fernando Muslera who rightly came out after a long ball was played into the area but made a fresh air clearance that allowed Maccarone to tap home.


Palermo 1 - 0 Torino
Things went from bad to worse for giants Torino who fell again in Serie A thanks to the superb Edison Cavani who scored his 10th goal of the season.


Cagliari 1 - 0 Catania
Alessandro Matri furthered his excellent reputation after scoring the winner again after coming off the bench for this very good young Cagliari side who now find themselves on 45 points in seventh place.

Sampdoria 2 - 2 Napoli
Two of Serie A's heavyweights drew level in Genoa after 90 minutes of play. Angelo Palombo, after playing for Italy in the recent internationals, scored a brace either side of a Napoli goal from Zalayeta. However, deep into stoppages German Denis fired home from yet another assist from Marek Hamsik.

Sunday Kick off times

Atalanta v Fiorentina 12pm UK time
Cagliari v Catania 2pm UK time
Juventus Chievo 2pm UK time
Palermo v Torino 2pm UK time
Reggina v Genoa 2pm UK time
Roma v Bologna 2pm UK time
Sampdoria v Napoli 2pm UK time
Siena v Lazio 2pm UK time
Udinese v Inter 6pm UK time
AC Milan v Lecce 8pm UK time

Super Sunday week 30 Serie A

Yes, this Sunday will be super because ALL the Serie A games will be played on the 5th of April. Don't sweat though, there are four separate kick of times so your get your fill of calcio this weekend, if you want that is. At 12pm UK time Atalanta will host Fiorentina, at 6pm Udinese will host Inter and Milan host Lecce in the 8pm evening game with the rest of the fixtures at their usual 2pm kick of times.

A closer look at the fixtures

Atalanta v Fiorentina
A must win game for Fiorentina if they are to catch Genoa and hold fourth spot in Serie A. Fiorentina are a club on the up and will feel positive after winning the Tuscan derby against Siena, but will have to win where Inter, Lazio and Roma have all fallen heavily this season against Doni and co who have ten home wins under their belt. Combine this with the fact that on their last two road games Fiorentina failed to beat Reggina and lost, albeit narrowly, to Inter the viola faithful may not feel positive. But Gilardino is due a couple of goals and it is now or never for Fiorentina to make their move on Genoa.
Prediction: Fioretina win, just.

Cagliari v Catania
This result may actually be determined by which Catania side turns up. The composed outfit that beat both Palermo and Lazio or the shambles of a side that lost 3 - 0 at home to Siena. Cagliari have been solid all season and are coming of a solid away win in Bologna. Both sets of fans however will be mighty pleased with how their teams have performed this season, and are no where near relegation and both could be solid mid table teams for years to come, which may of course see this finish in a draw.
Prediction: Draw

Juventus v Chievo
Credit to Chievo, they are coming of two super wins against Palermo and Lazio which may give them a significant edge in the relegation battle, but this has to be a Juve win. With a number of players back from Injury this weekend, Ranieri will have to decide who the play and who to omit. However, most neutrals will be disappointed with the omission of the stunning Giovinco, so lets hope he starts. From the perspective of a Juve Scudetto this has to be three points with a tough away games at Genoa next week, and I expect nothing less with several members of the Juve squad in stunning form, especially Iaqunita.
Prediction: Juve win

Milan v Lecce
I would expect a home win here, but one never knows with Milan. They have several easier games approaching and must use them well to wrap up third place before a very hard end of the season where points may be dropped. Watch out for Pato in this one, he is not just one for the future at 19 but a star already in my eyes with 14 goals already this year, not bad for his first full year in Serie A. Pirlo also is in inspired form and combine this with a Kaka return it is hard to see anything but a win for the mighty Milan. Lecce have not won since a stunning away victory at Fiorentina and need points to avoid the drop. They may have to wait for another week.
Prediction: Evening game, heavy Milan win.

Palermo v Torino
An inconsistent Palermo take on a troubled Torino who have made yet another coaching change and have only one win in five. Both need a win for different reason, Torino to avoid Serie B and Palermo to get into the Europa League. Whilst Torino have been relatively sterile of late the same cannot be said of Palermo who have mixed a 5-2 win over Lecce with a useless 0-4 beating against Catania, conceding one goal from the half way line. Last season it was a draw, it could be the same again this season but Torino will come to play, they have to if they want to survive.
Prediction: Draw

Reggina v Genoa
Genoa just refuse to have a bad patch, bouncing right back from a defeat to Inter by winning away against a tough Cagliari side and beating an inform Udinese team at home. Reggina conversely are fighting for their lifesand are likely to go down this year, but they are tough to beat at home. They have held Fiorentina here recently and gave Inter hell when they visited just loosing 3-2. It is hard to see anything but a Genoa win, but Reggina are desperate and they may just sneak a point here in front of their home fans.
Prediction: Draw

Roma v Bologna
Marco Di Vaio makes his way back to Rome to play against Roma, and the former Lazio youth product will need to find his scoring boots again if Bologna are to take anything from this one. Roma have been poor this season, and will aim to finish fourth this year. Anything but a win here could see that objective shatter, as a further defeat to Lazio next week could totally end their season. Bologna though have improved but will need points after a home to defeat to Cagliari last round but they will need to stop relying on Di Vaio and create some secondary scoring if they are to take anything here and avoid relegation.
Prediction: Home win

Sampdoria v Napoli
Two quality sides who both have had indifferent halves to their seasons. Napoli stated in full throttle but have capitulated of late, while Sampdoria started poor but have grown in stature since signing Pazzini and look destined to make the Coppa Italia final. Donadoni presides over his second Napoli game, but Samp have been tough to break down at home of late beating Inter, Milan, Lazio and holding off Roma two weeks ago. Napoli may find this trip difficult.
Prediction: Home win

Siena v Lazio
Claudio Lotito has been furious this week and rightly so. Lazio have shown this season that they should be battling hard for a top six place, but all to often have been beaten by inferior team. Three straight defeats after this one could see Rossi heading for the door, and that is a distinct possibility against a very competitive Siena team who have only lost three times at home this season, two of which were against the Milan sides. Still, if Foggia, Pandev and Zarate are on good form then expect a Lazio win as they build up towards the huge Rome derby next weekend.
Prediction: Away win for the eagles!

Udinese v Inter
Inter need three points here with Juve likely to win against Chievo, but I think it will be tough for the blue and blacks as Udinese are starting to find their groove again. Although minus Di Natale, Pepe and Quagliarella will provide a decent threat to the Inter net and a packed house in Udine will make a great atmosphere before they play Werder Bremen in the quarter finals of the Uefa cup next week, and will want to build up some confidence. Inter are minus Maicon, but Santon and Balotelli are set to start, and Ibrahimovic will want to lead the scorers chart by himself come Sunday night. It will take a top effort to keep him of the score sheet Sunday evening, by Udinese on their day are up to the task.
Prediction: Draw, but only just.

Italy 1 -1 Ireland: The reaction

A tough night for the Azzurri, a tough night largely thanks to a referee who harshly sent of Giampaolo Pazzini for challenge on John O 'Shea after just four minutes. Pazzini jumped catching O'Shea in the face with his arm whilst watching the ball, but was shown a straight red. The referee was probably influenced by the amount of blood on O'Shea, but clearly it was the wrong decision based upon violent conduct as Pazzini was simply ball watching. This, of course, changed the whole complection of the game, but it did not stop the Azzurri from taking the lead. Once again Pirlo was the architect as he played a long ball to the wonderful Fabio Grosso who cut back inside the box and passed to the well placed Iaquinta who placed it into the back of the net from all of five yards out. Despite playing with ten men Italy looked confident and assured in possession in the first half and nearly doubled their lead again through Iaqunita, only for Given to take the ball of Iaquinta's head.

The pressure of playing with ten men would soon tell after the break, as Ireland held the bulk of the possession and tested Buffon on more than one occasion with notable save from Kilbane as he pushed his effort over the bar for a corner. Italy could, and perhaps should, have taken a 2 - 0 lead before that effort though, as Iaquinta punched out a lung bursting run down the right channel, but a cross for Liverpool man Dossena was just deflected in time to put him off.

However, despite Italy's brave endeavour with ten men, Robbie Keane drew the Irish level with just one minute of regulation remaining, firing home on the volley from inside the box after some root one football.

The result in context
The Italians will be disappointed tonight and rightly so. They were robbed of any chance to play eleven on eleven football, and probably would have won comfortably in that scenario. However, they still yield a two point advantage over Ireland and should take six points from their next two games away at Georgia and at home to Bulgaria. Ultimately, Lippi should be pleased that a team with ten men did not loose a game that would have allowed Ireland to lead the group, and that through the International break his nation now has a two point lead at the top of Group 8.