Rome draws at home and Inter wins on the road that sounds like game, set, match !Congratulations Inter Milan as the Nerazzurri increased their lead over Roma to six-points in the league race. Although Inter Milan still have to play the second leg of the Milan derby, I can't see them losing the title now since their other remaining matches are against relegation candidates Cagliari, Seina, Parma.
As for Roma, has the white towel been thrown? The Romanista have but one avenue left if they hope to win any hardward on their own steam and that would be the Coppa Italia.
Finally, I believe Totti has injured himself again, perhaps it is time to look for an understudy during the summer window.
Saturday April 19th
AS Roma 1 - 1 Livorno
Fiorentina 1 - 0 Palermo
Sunday April 20th
AC Milan 5 - 1 Reggina
Atalanta 0 - 4 Juventus
Cagliari 2 - 0 Empoli
Catania 1 - 0 Lazio
Parma 1 - 2 Napoli
Sampdoria 3 - 0 Udinese
Siena 0 - 1 Genoa
Torino 0 - 1 Inter Milan
Born Nov. 9, 1974, in Conegliano, I left home at the age of 16 to start my pro career with Pavoda of the Italian Serie B, in 1993 was traded to Juventus and have been there ever since. During my career, the team has won 7 Italian championships, 4 Italian Super cups and one European Super Cup. As Captain and All-time top scorer for Juventus FC I was also a 2006 FIFA World Cup winner. When Juventus was relegated to the Italian Serie B due to a match-fixing scandal for the 2006-07 season, known as the Calciopoli, I decided to stay with the Bianconeri, and I'm currently the highest earning Italian Player [1] ,
Who am I ?
Answer, Alessandro Del Piero, definitely the Ironman of Italian football. Del Piero netted a hat trick against hosts Atalanta on Sunday and the addition to the Juventus striker's tally has moved him to third on the season's top goalscorer table.
Of course it only confirms what I've been saying for weeks, as Del Piero is the most in form goalscorer in Serie A and possibly all Europe. The prolific Del Piero with 18 league goals is so hot right now he is having his best season in a decade and with four games to go could break his best ever season of 21 goals set in the 1997-98 season.
Serie A Top goalscorers
Who am I ?
Answer, Alessandro Del Piero, definitely the Ironman of Italian football. Del Piero netted a hat trick against hosts Atalanta on Sunday and the addition to the Juventus striker's tally has moved him to third on the season's top goalscorer table.
Of course it only confirms what I've been saying for weeks, as Del Piero is the most in form goalscorer in Serie A and possibly all Europe. The prolific Del Piero with 18 league goals is so hot right now he is having his best season in a decade and with four games to go could break his best ever season of 21 goals set in the 1997-98 season.
Serie A Top goalscorers
Saturday April 19th
18:00 AS Roma vs. Livorno
20:30 Fiorentina vs. Palermo
Sunday April 20th
15:00 AC Milan vs. Reggina
15:00 Atalanta vs. Juventus
15:00 Cagliari vs. Empoli
15:00 Catania vs. Lazio
15:00 Parma vs. Napoli
15:00 Sampdoria vs. Udinese
15:00 Siena vs.Genoa
20:30 Torino vs. Inter Milan
20:30 Fiorentina vs. Palermo
Sunday April 20th
15:00 AC Milan vs. Reggina
15:00 Atalanta vs. Juventus
15:00 Cagliari vs. Empoli
15:00 Catania vs. Lazio
15:00 Parma vs. Napoli
15:00 Sampdoria vs. Udinese
15:00 Siena vs.Genoa
20:30 Torino vs. Inter Milan
Matchday Treble Roma, Cagliari, Udinese
I appolgize for the lack of previews this match day.
For more game day information and discussion check out Punter's Lounge
With five match days left and 15 points to play for, have you looked at the table lately?
Fans hear or read the word relegation and surely visualize three, yet looking at the current Serie A table that number should be ten.
There is a log-jam of teams below and even Napoli in 9th on 43 points, is not yet mathematically safe from relegation.
Teams like Cagliari, Seina and Reggina have all been clawing their way up the table and the bottom half see 12th and 20th separated by eleven-points.
Who has the toughest final schedule and what are their chances?
After reviewing all final head to head match ups this is my list of three most likely relegation victims,
- Catania (currently in 15th on 32 points)
- Reggina (currently in 18th on 30 points)
- Livorno (currently in 20th on 29 points)
Catania play their final home matches against Lazio, Reggina, Roma and must travel to Juventus and Udinese. They also play a mid-week game away to Roma in the Coppa Italia on May 7th days before the Juventus game, fitness will be a concern.
Reggina currently holding the final relegation spot play, away to AC Milan at the San Siro this weekend then faceoff against Parma, Catania, Empoli, Cagliari all battling to stay up this season.
Livorno dead last at the moment, have a difficult task as they must play the final five at home against AC Milan and Torino, and away to Roma, Atalanta and relegation candidates Empoli.
Finally, if an honorable mention was allowable I'd have to say Cagliari currently in 16th on 32 points would be it. The islanders must play Inter Milan, Fiorentina, Udinese, Empoli and Reggina. However, Cagliari have already been thrown a line, when the Italian Footbal Federation rescinded a three-point deduction against them earlier this month, relating to legal proceedings against former defender Gianluca Grassadonia.
"To the players and the squad I just say that the points have only been taken away temporarily"
Cagliari Club President Massimo Cellino quoted in La Gazzetta dello Sport last month.
"To the players and the squad I just say that the points have only been taken away temporarily"
Cagliari Club President Massimo Cellino quoted in La Gazzetta dello Sport last month.
Parma defender Fernando Couto is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after punching Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini yesterday. The player has been suspended for an additional three games and will take little part in Parma’s relegation dogfight.
Juventus went on to win 3 - 0.
What a talented performer, you can check her out on youTube
Ysabella Brave at ysabellabrave[dot]com
Ysabella Brave at ysabellabrave[dot]com
ragazza bella, we love you Ysabella!
Silvio Berlusconi owner of AC Milan football club, wins the Italian election giving the conservative leader a third chance and a strong mandate to lift Italy's ailing economy, but he faces a daunting task. Plagued by criminal trials, conflict-of-interest accusations and headline-making gaffes during two previous stints as prime minister he defied public opinion by sending troops to Iraq and passing laws that critics say kept him out of jail. And yet the flamboyant billionaire pulled it off with a political
comeback in general elections on Sunday and Monday.
comeback in general elections on Sunday and Monday.
The Old Lady (Juventus) did the number on AC Milan winning 3 - 2 and Del Piero as the most in form player in Serie A does seem to be the man of the moment indeed.
The following is a game review from a fellow blogger, Mehdi at soccer-europe.com, I regularly discuss Serie A news on the World Soccer Daily chatboard.
Juve took the lead with a wonderfully worked move. Salihamidzic hit a pass into Trezeguet and the Frenchman flicked the ball out wide to Camoranesi, he vaulted over Favalli's sliding tackle and angled a pass to Del Piero who ran between Maldini and Simic and from a poor angle slotted into the bottom left corner. Pirlo sent Kaka' clear down Juve's right flank, he ran into the box, teased Chiellini before accelerating away and centred for Inzaghi to tap-in. Juve blew two chances to clear a corner, Bonera played a one-two with Ambrosini on the edge of the box, running onto his vice-captain's delightful lobbed pass, Buffon advanced off his line to close him down but Bonera kept his composure and squared for an offside Inzaghi to put Milan 1-2 up. Del Piero caught Maldini napping on the left touchline, tackling him from behind, the ball broke to Camoranesi, he hung a cross upto the back post and Kalac could only parry Trezeguet's point blank header against Salihamidzic.
Grygera drew a great save from Kalac with a brilliant long range effort. Sissoko skipped over another despairing Favalli tackle and put in a great cross from the right but, with the goal at his mercy, Stendardo headed embarrassingly wide. Bonera was sent off for a criminal, leg breaking foul on Sissoko who miraculously wasn't hurt. An unmarked Salihamidzic headed in the winner from a Camoranesi free kick. Del Piero should have made it 4-2 but failed to punish a mistake by the wretched Simic, volleying straight at Kalac.
Dario bloody Simic epitomises everything wrong with the clubs transfer policy in recent years. This useless, injury prone 32 year old midget (for a centre back), rarely plays, is rubbish when he does yet had his contract extended in 2006 because like Cafu, Serginho, Favalli and Brocchi he's become part of the furniture. Galliani you are crap.
Junventus 3 (Del Piero 12, Salihamidzic 45, Salihamidzic 80)
Milan 2 (Inzaghi 14, Inzaghi 30)
Attendance : 45,000
Assists : Camoranesi, Kaka', Bonera, n/a, Camoranesi (fk)
For highlights and all the goals see the video below:
Matchday 33 Results
Saturday April 12th
Palermo 1 - 0 Catania
Juventus 3 - 2 AC Milan
Sunday April 13th
Empoli 1 - 1 Parma
Genoa 3 - 0 Torino
Lazio 1 - 1 Siena
Livorno 1 - 2 Cagliari
Napoli 2 - 0 Atalanta
Reggina 1 - 0 Sampdoria
Udinese 1 - 3 AS Roma
Inter Milan 2 - 0 Fiorentina
Matchday 33 looks to have quite a few close runs, about to happen. I'm staying away from the big matches, Udinese vs. Roma, Juventus vs. Milan, Inter vs. Fiorentina, Catania vs. Palermo etc.
However, what does catch my eye,
Lazio vs. Siena
Lazio have really turned things around at the Stadio Olimpico with a home record of 8-3-5. Back in January I wrote an article on the return of Bianci to Italian calcio and at that time Lazio was 3-2-5 meaning they haven't lost at in their last 6 home matches.Lazio also picked up four points from their last two home fixtures, vs. Roma and Inter, both matches definitely shocked the faithful into belief and they should win this match in my opinion still surfing the high. I picked them last week and they drew away to Parma but this will not deter me in picking Lazio once again. Support the home win, 1X.
Napoli vs. Atalanta
Napoli are a true home side in Serie A (9-3-4), and rely heavily on these home fixtures in front of their fanatic fans. Blasi will be back for this match and Contini will replace the suspended Santacroce in their defence. Atalanta play maker, Doni, will be suspended the next two games which means he is out this one. Support the home win, 1X.
Livorno vs. Cagliari
Finally, I had pondered a wager on Catania after new manager Zenga, witnessed his side playing their best game of the season, outclassing Napoli 3-0 last matchday. The new manager factor perhaps, but a massive six pointer game down at the bottom of the table looks more likely to end a draw, Livorno vs. Cagliari.Livorno in their last 10 starts have won once, while Cagliari have won once away all season. Both clubs sit equal on 29 points with Livorno slightly better on goal differential allowing 3 less goals.Here is the key, in the last 8 head to head these clubs have drawn 6 times. Support the draw, X
There is a must win clash at the top of the table this weekend, when AC Milan travel to Juventus. Milan are desperate for the points to try and catch up the top four, while Juventus are attempting to catch up the top two. Can the Rossoneri get the win they need? Or will the Old Lady prove too strong?
Claudio Ranieri (pictured) is playing down the old rivalry by claiming his focus is on Juventus’ overall campaign, rather than the possibility of ruining Milan’s season.
Juventus are without Pavel Nedved for the visit of Milan and the Rossoneri are lacking Alessandro Nesta after his disciplinary appeal failed.
further updates later today, the Serie A Talk treble and match preview.
Matchday 33 Fixtures
Saturday April 12th
18:00 Palermo vs. Catania
20:30 Juventus vs. AC Milan
Sunday April 13th
15:00 Empoli vs. Parma
15:00 Genoa vs. Torino
15:00 Lazio vs. Siena
15:00 Livorno vs. Cagliari
15:00 Napoli vs. Atalanta
15:00 Reggina vs. Sampdoria
15:00 Udinese vs. AS Roma
20:30 Inter Milan vs. Fiorentina
Roma vs. ManUnited 0 - 2
After the midweek crash and burn by Roma at Stadio Olimpico I've lost desire to write any previews. Truly Manchester United have Ronaldo and Van der Sar to thank for their victory, as the performance of the rest of the squad was mediocre.
The Roman Gladiators definitely missed their playmaker and captain Franscesco Totti who was injured playing against Cagliari match day 31. The quarter final 2nd leg is next week and Totti should return to the lineup but most have already writing off the last Italian club in the competition so surely it's time for smack-talk, see the Rising Phoenix video below.
Serie A Action
Turning to this weeks Serie A fixtures, Roma before getting to their Champions League competitors welcome visitors Genoa to the capital and have to be sharp as all eyes now focus on top goalscorer Marco Borriello.
Will Giallorossi hopes of catching Inter finally come to an end? We shall see.
Serie A Topscorers
Matchday 32 Fixtures
Saturday April 5th
18:00 AS Roma vs. Genoa
20:30 AC Milan vs. Cagliari
Sunday April 6th
15:00 Atalanta vs. Inter Milan
15:00 Catania vs. Napoli
15:00 Fiorentina vs. Reggina
15:00 Parma vs. Lazio
15:00 Sampdoria vs. Livorno
15:00 Siena vs. Udinese
15:00 Torino vs. Empoli
20:30 Palermo vs. Juventus
Another one bites the dust as Silvio Baldini is no longer manager at Catania becoming the twelfth managerial departure this season.
In losing to Torino 2-1 on Sunday Catania have lost their manager Baldini and find themselves in the heart of a relegation battle.
The Silians are now third from bottom on 29 points, tied with Livorno, Parma and Cagliari. In their last 10 starts the southerners have only managed to win once against fellow relegation candidates Cagliari taking away a mere 6 points from a possible 30.
The club has announced former Inter Milan and Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga as their new coach but even with this last gap measure time is running out for team and manager who will be facing stiff competition in their last 7 Serie A matches including Roma, Juventus, Udinese and Lazio.
Remaining Catania Fixtures
Apr 06, 2021 Catania vs. Napoli
Apr 13, 2021 Palermo vs. Catania
Apr 16, 2021 Roma vs. Catania [Coppa Italia)]
Apr 20, 2021 Catania vs. Lazio
Apr 27, 2021 Udinese vs. Catania
May 04, 2021 Catania vs. Reggina
May 07, 2021 Catania vs. Roma [Coppa Italia]
May 11, 2021 Junventus vs. Catania
May 18, 2021 Catania vs. Roma
May 07, 2021 Catania vs. Roma [Coppa Italia]
May 11, 2021 Junventus vs. Catania
May 18, 2021 Catania vs. Roma
Serie A Managerial changes in 2007-08
Livorno [9/10/07] Fernando Orsi replaced by Giancarlo Camolese
Reggina [1/11/07] Massimo Ficcadenti replaced by Renzo Ulivieri
Siena [12/11/07] Andrea Mandorlini replaced by Mario Beretta
Cagliari [13/11/07] Marco Giampaolo replaced by Nedo Sonetti
Palermo [26/11/07] Stefano Colantuono replaced by Francesco Guidolin
Empoli [26/11/07] Gigi Cagni replaced by Alberto Malesani
Cagliari [29/12/07] Nedo Sonetti replaced by Davide Ballardini
Reggina [03/03/08] Renzo Ulivieri replaced by Nevio Orlandi
Parma [10/03/08] Domenico Di Carlo replaced by Hector Cuper
Palermo [24/03/08] Francesco Guidolin replaced by Stefano Colantuono
Empoli [31/03/08] Alberto Malesani replaced by Gigi Cagni
Catania [31/03/08] Silvio Baldini replaced by Walter Zenga
Matchday 31 Results
Saturday March 29th
Cagliari 1 - 1 AS Roma
Lazio 1 - 1 Inter Milan
Lazio 1 - 1 Inter Milan
