Italian Serie A News, Results, Analysis and Features on Football Soccer

Ryan Smith On April - 27 - 2012

Serie A Week 35 Preview

Saturday 28th April

Roma v Napoli

The game of the weekend is between two teams of contrasting fortunes. Roma have lost their last two games, a heavy 4-0 loss to Juventus in Turin and a 2-1 home reverse to Fiorentina. Napoli on the other hand, have beaten strugglers Lecce and Novara to move up to fourth.

A huge game in the battle for third place, a Napoli win would leave Luis Enrique’s side with only Europa League football to play for.

Palermo v Catania

With Catania out of the running for European qualification and Palermo probably safe from relegation, there is little to play for in this tie, although these ‘nothing’ games can sometimes turn out to be crackers.

If history is anything to go by, expect a Palermo win. The Rosanero won 3-1 in this match last year and here is a baffling stat, Catania have only won three out of their last 43 away games in Serie A.

Cagliari v Chievo

Although on the same points as Palermo, Cagliari are probably a little more worried about their chances of avoiding relegation. A win on Saturday would all but secure their safety, and they may fancy their chances against a Chievo side who have not won in their last three.

Sunday 29th April

Udinese v Lazio

Another massive game in the race for Champions League football on Sunday evening. Both teams go into this mouthwatering clash in poor form, each side has lost three of their last five games.

Lazio currently sit in third, but an win for the Zebrette could see them leapfrog Edy Reja’s side by virtue of head-to-head record.

Of the 32 games between the two teams at the Stadio Friuli, Udinese have emerged victors 11 times, the same number of times as Lazio. The other ten have ended in stalemate.

Novara v Juventus

The worst attack in the league take on the best defence, there can be only one result, surely? The Bianconeri are unbeaten in 34 games and are currently on a six game winning streak, Novara have only won six times all season, although four of these have come at home.

Siena v Milan

It has been a poor April for fans of the Rossoneri, one which they have seen their side hand the title to Juventus. The players may have trouble motivating themselves for this game, they need to win every game realistically and hope Juventus slip up twice.

An unlikely sequence of events, but Max Allegri will remain optimistic. He has to be, he will probably be leaving the San Siro bar a remarkable turnaround at the top of the table.

Bologna v Genoa

All the pressure is on the Rossoblu in Sunday’s early kick off following last week’s amazing scenes at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa’s 4-1 home loss to Siena.

Bologna will be a lot calmer going into this game knowing they are in a comfortable position going into the last four games. New manager Luigi Di Canio got off to a losing start against Milan on Wednesday but it is down to him to inspire a sorry looking Genoa ‘team’.

Lecce v Parma

Lecce have a great chance to boost their survival bid on Sunday against a Parma side that look to have done enough to retain their Serie A status this year.

The last time Lecce won at home against the Crociati was over 20 years ago. Serse Cosmi’s side will have to break this hoodoo if they want to leapfrog Genoa near the foot of the table.

Inter v Cesena

Under the guidance of Andrea Stramaccione, the Nerazzurri have fought well to put themselves back into contention for that final Champions League spot.

Expect a comfortable win for Inter against a side who have already been relegated, the Cavallucci Marini’s short spell back in Italy’s top flight is almost over, and lets be honest, they have been woeful.

Atalanta v Fiorentina

Atalanta have been in poor form of late, losing three of their last five games and falling into the bottom half of the Serie A table, although they did manage to beat Chievo on Tuesday thanks to Maxi Moralez’s late strike.

Fiorentina meanwhile have taken eight points from their last four games, including an impressive 2-1 away win at Roma midweek.

The Viola’s last win at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia was three years ago this month, but on recent form they will believe they can beat an Atalanta side who look to be running out of steam. German Denis’ return to action coincided with La Dea’s latest victory however, and his presence could be decisive in this encounter.

Tip of the weekend: Don’t take my tips.

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