Serie A week 23 preview. 

 

Inter won in Serie A and lost in Europe, Milan drew twice last week, Fiorentina won twice and Juventus won then had the middle of the week off. 

Wins for Sampdoria, Lazio, Empoli, Palermo and Udinese set smiles off in Genoa, Rome, Empoli, Palermo and Udine. 

Losses for Genoa, Catania, Roma, Napoli, Atalanta, Cagliari and Reggina means tears in Genoa, Catania, Rome, Naples, Bergamo, Cagliari and Reggio Calabria.  

Draws for Parma, Siena, Torino mean scratched heads in Parma, Siena and Turin. 

Shock of the week, Empoli handing it to Napoli in Naples. 

Non shock of the week, Inter wins, again. 

 

 

FIXTURES

 

Reggina V Juventus

A week without the hullabaloo of Europe will be good for the Bianconeri, time to relax and plan for a second place challenge.  Reggina have had some soul searching to do on the back of four losses, it looks bleak for the Amaranto. 

Reggina were hammered by four in their last meeting. 

The firepower at home is weak (if not AWOL) and Juventus have an awful lot of talent. 

 

Milan V Palermo

A tough trip to London and a laundry list of injuries will be tough for the Rossoneri to overcome and bring their all to the Stadio Meazza against tough but fragile opposition.  Palermo may have turned a corner but will be wary of the Milan side at home and be in a cautiously buoyant mood. 

Palermo beat Milan Palermo earlier this season. 

Inconsistent form is the bane of both clubs with a lot to play for this could be a cracker or a tight and tense draw.  Managers and players will decide the outcome; fresher legs may play a part.  Europe beckons. 

 

Torino V Parma

Neither side scored in the last round of Serie A.  The Toros are in more ebullient form than the Gialloblu although neither side is yet free of relegation worries. 

Parma beat Torino in Parma. 

The forwards aren’t firing particularly well for either club but expect the home side to be less cautious.  Has all the makings of a defensive draw so it’ll probably be hugely one sided or something. 

 

 

Atalanta V Sienna

Comfortably mid table versus uncomfortably close to the bottom three.  Sienna comes into the game with one loss in their last three while Atalanta has one win in five. 

The Zebrette and Nerrazzurri drew in Siena. 

Siena play well but struggle to finish and Atalanta are much too inconsistent recently.  Best possible game would ensue if Sienna scored first and early. 

 

 

Cagliari V Lazio

Finally the Romans won whilst the Sardinian side looks mournfully upwards at the other nineteen Serie A sides.  Things aren’t all that bright in Rome though with poor form amidst the ruins of high expectations. 

The Rossoblu got well beaten by the Biancocelesti in Rome. 

Neither side has it easy finding the net although Lazio do better away than do Cagliari at home.  This could go either way but a lot will depend on how much fight the Sardinians actually have; there are still fourty five points to win. 

 

 

Empoli V Catania

Wow and unexpected stuffing of the Azzurri leave the Azzurri in grand fettle.  Catania’s loss last week has them only a point above Empoli but they generally play better football.  This still has the makings of a relegation six pointer. 

Last time out the Elefanti beat Empoli. 

Form is with Empoli on the back of two wins as opposed to four losses.  Neither side scores many with Pozzi being the standout forward; an injury means though that neither side really has any edge in that department.  Home form will probably tell but the points will be hard fought for. 

 

 

Livorno V Napoli

The loss to Inter is part of an Amaranto spiral downwards, they want a few wins though to haul into themselves back into the mid table melee.  Two losses for the Azzurri is uncreditable, given their weapons and defensive minded coach. 

The home side lost in a tight one earlier this season. 

Formation and personnel is crucial for Napoli, stars are out and a choice between 352 and 443 is tough.  Livorno will look to take on a weakened team with verve and vim at home, the wrong result will see them in the bottom three come Sunday night. 

 

 

Roma V Fiorentina

Winning in Europe is good.  The legs don’t feel so tired and the heart and mind are full of fire and confidence.  The Giallorossi still have a task in the second leg and La Viola contemplates the Blues.  Both sides have three domestic wins in the last five with Fiorentina edging a point closer to Roma on the back of one loss less. 

Florence saw a combustible score draw last time the two sides met. 

Roma have Juventus breathing fire from below and the smell of old age liniment is wafting up from Milan.  European football next year is a must, the name of the Cup is more vital than life itself; if you were to believe the media. 

Should be a cracking game with two sides that have plenty of weapons, decent stoppers and solid back lines.  Mutu has more goals than Totti, take away the penalties and it’s only one more though, expect big things from both players. 

 

 

Sampdoria V Inter

Licking his hand and combing it through his coiffure as opposed to licking his wounds and criticizing referees.  A Sampdoria starlet and a Scudetto winning manager.  Europe and Anfield was a blow, the derby d’lanterna was also a blow but the goal and the madman were magical. 

Inter still seem to be unstoppable in the league and vulnerable in Europe whilst a Cassano inspired Sampdoria keep climbing the table. 

The Blucerchiati were soundly thrashed in a one sided Nerrazzurri mauling in Milan. 

The midfield is getting out of it’s mess and now the defence has just slipped into one, an abundance of strikers and goals is the key for Inter.  Cassano grows into the inspiration for Sampdoria whilst Belluci keeps ban ging in the goals.  Expect some fireworks, some histrionics and possibly a cracking game and an Inter loss.  Of course Mancini might have kicked his players and himself so hard on the flight back from England that Inter’ll be superkeen to stomp all over Cassano and co. 

 

 

Udinese V Genoa

The uns exy side in Serie A have started getting back to winning ways now that the spotlight is turned elsewhere.  The Grifani continue to stay in the middle of the pack with some up and down play and results.  The side from Udine boasts the only cappocannoniere in waiting who does it without the spot. 

Genoa star Borriello bagged a hat trick earlier in the season. 

Udinese have some potent weapons and a mean defence, Genoa’s are less potent and mean though not without merit.  The home side would be favoured although Derby results can be misleading.  Could be anyone’s a Genoa goal early would be a nice start. 

 

 

My Games of the Week.  

Sampdoria V Inter is trumped (just) by Roma V Fiorentina (keep your eye on a bounceback thrashing from Napoli)

 

What’s On FSC?

Reggina V Juventus (Sat)

Roma V Fiorentina (Sun)

Milan V Palermo (Sun)

 

Expect at least one Game Summary and another episode of SERIE A IN BRIEF IN PICTURES.

Serie A proved to be a mix of the mundane, the farcical and the sublime this week.  Although looking back it has those properties every week. 

 

 

Roma crashed away at Juventus, given the Giallorossi’s record in Turin it is still a surprise. 

 

Ranierii picked an  attacking if unfamiliar three man attack.  Sure they seemed to have plenty of the ball early on and had a few half chances, but in reality the majority of the Bianconeri crosses in the first half went AWOL, Camoranesi had a good game but was unable to unlock Roma.

Roma actually played a good tactical game in the first half, they sat back, built up attack slowly and tried to keep possession in the middle.  The majority of their crosses and balls into the box needed a Juventus boot or head to cut them out.

Roma always looked more threatening and composed. 

Nedved is a wily old campaigner and knows how to dive.  Sure the foot was stuck out, watch the replay, he starts the dive with his other leg.  That sort of play gets you a free kick in Italy. 

Let’s not take away the excellent free kick from Del Piero, let’s just point out the atrocious wall. 

Roma came out in the second half but the tactical nous of Ranierii saw Camoranesi withdrawn and Nocerino added.  So the Bianconeri have two holding midfielders, Roma get plenty of possession but failed to find that pass or that shot. 

Mr. Spalletti, clearly Totti is a talismanic figure in Rome, but clearly he was not fit today.  Playing him was pretty dumb.  Sure his touch can be sublime and his passing intricate but when he can’t run to stab home a ball in the six yard box then he’s just like a chocolate fire-guard.  Would Ranierii, Mancini, Ferguson, Wenger or Moyes play a crocked player?

 

Juventus:-

Buffon

Zebina

Legrottaglie

Chiellini

Molinaro

Camoranesi (Nocerino 46)

Zanetti

Nedved (Palladino 81)

Del Piero

Iaquinta

Trezeguet (Sissoko 67)

 

Goals:-

Del Piero 46

 

Bookings:-

Chiellini

 

 

AS Roma:-

Doni

Cassetti

Ferrari

Mexes

Tonetto

Pizarro (Aquilani 73)

De Rossi

Taddei (Giuly 60)

Perrotta (Esposito 82)

Mancini

Totti

 

Bookings:-

 

Goals:-

 

Referee:-

Saccani

 

 

Genoa lost at home to Sampdoria in a turgid game without much to recommend it. 

 

The bright start, Maggio and Di Vaio going reasonably close in the opening few minutes soon gave way to some really dire football. 

The two teams aren’t solely to blame for this.  Them being two points off each other before kick off and local city rivals and having played to a draw earlier on in the season were just a backdrop. 

Fresh faced and freshly minted by FIFA Mr. Rizzoli; known for being card happy; had a total smegging ‘mare of a game.  Breaking wind got you a stern look, spitting and he’d give a player the evil eye, make a goof strong derby tackle and he’d give s oft or stupid yellow. 

The teams cancelled each other out in a poor Derby game whilst the referee was happy to take Bob Marley at his word and “Every time I plant a seed,
He said kill it before it grow”.  He had to do a Cartman and stamp his AUTHORITAH! On the game instead of letting it flow.  Then Rizzoli has the temerity to not book Delvecchio? 

 

Genoa had more possession but couldn’t do much with it.  Sampdoria looked more threatening in attack but it took playing against ten men (a spurious couple of cards) and the eventual use of his eyes by Maggio to create the goal. 

Cassano was the one bright spot in the game, some brilliant passages of play and some entertaining whining flowed from the youngster.  Thankfully he didn’t despair that the six other chances he handed to Maggio went AWOL and persevered to hand the midfielder the seventh. 

 

Genoa:-

Rubinho

Konko

De Rosa

Criscito

Rossi (Bovo 67)

Paro

Juric

Danilo

Milanetto (Lucarelli 64)

Borriello

Di Vaio (Figueroa 49)

 

Goals:-

 

Bookings:-

Juric

Paro

Danilo

Danilo (second get’s sent off)

Konko

Criscitto

 

Sampdoria:-

Castellazzi

Campagnaro

Sala

Accardi

Maggio

Delvecchio (Volpi 68)

Palombo

Franceschini (Bonazzoli 83)

Pieri

Cassano (Ziegler 90)

Belluci

 

Bookings:-

Sala

Campagnaro

Cassano

Accardi

 

Goals:-

Maggio 87

 

Referee:-

Rizzoli

 

 

Injuries can be no excuse for this torpid and uninspiring display.  Top marks to Parma for making themselves hard to beat. 

 

Not much to say about this game.  Parma started the game with a point in mind and got it.  Milan started the game poorly and continued in that vein for the following ninety minutes. 

Even the highlights were awful. 

Ancellotti is praying for Pato. 

 

Parma:-

Bucci

Zennoni

Couto

Falcone

Castellini

Dessena

Morrone

Cigarini (Mariga 75)

Pisanu

Reginaldo (Gasbarroni 64)

Lucarelli (Budan 64)

 

Goals:-

 

 

AC Milan:-

Kalac

Cafu

Nesta

Kaladze

Jankulowski (Maldini 70)

Gattuso (Gilardino 46)

Emerson

Ambrosini

Serginho (Pirlo 46)

Kaka

Inzaghi

 

Goals:-

 

Referee:-

Dondarini

 

 

Adrian Mutu is sniffing around the capponcanoniere.  The Romanian is the difference in one of the best Italian games this weekend. 

 

Catania are hard to break down and have some good attacking options in Vargas, Pia and Martinez. 

Fiorentina are better away than at home although they have Mutu up front.  A good team with plenty in all departments. 

 

Catania shaded the game early on then Fiorentina got themselves straight and started to dominate possession although not chances. 

Some soft defending allowed Kuzmanovic to get between two defenders to nod home a cross for Fiorentina’s opener. 

Mascara’s introduction caused Fiorentina problems and more defensive fluffs (created no doubt from the dodgy Serbian ‘keeper) led to a well executed goal from a corner, Vargas with the powerful shot from the sloppy clearance. 

The second half was end to end stuff, nail biting and well executed.  Mutu is the jewel in Prandelli’s squad and a good knock down, powerful direct running and a blinder of a shot led to the winner for La Viola.  This was just after a passage of play that saw Fiorentina pushed back and Catania squander several half chances. 

This time Fiorentina weathered the late pressure and came away with a good three points. 

 

Fiorentina:-

Frey (Abramov 55)

Potenza

Dianelli

Gamberini

Pasqual

Donadel

Montolivo (Jorgenson 65)

Kuzmanovic

Santana (Semioli 76)

Mutu

Pazzini

 

Goals:-

Kuzmanovic 39

Mutu 70

 

Bookings:-

Mutu

Donadel

 

 

Catania:-

Polito

Alvarez

Silvestri

Stovini

Vargas

Baiocco

Izco

Biagianti (Mascara 46)

Martinez

Pia

Colucci

 

Bookings:-

Silvestri

 

Goals:-

Vargas 60

 

Referee:-

Banti

 

Catania’s 433 would look like this is FSC were actually correct in their team graphics!:-

Polito

Stovini – a CB @ RB?

Vargas – a LB @ CB?

Izco – a CM @ CB?

Baiocco – a CM @ LB?

Silvestri – a CB @ CM?

Biagianti

Colucci – a F @ CM?

Pia

Alvarez – a RB @ F?

Martinez

That is just so dumb. 

 

 

Max Bretos and other commentators. 

Gotta single out the commentator here.  Firstly the team sheet for Catania was hopelessly WRONG.  The names of the players were correct but their location on the graphic was hopelessly lost.  Juan Vargas isn’t a right back either.   Thankfully he didn’t do the commentary. 

I’m sure that the people of Genoa love to hear tales about their nautical past but is it really necessary to waffle on about it during a football match. 

He wasn’t the only muppet at the mike this weekend though.  Two normally reliable commentators; Richard Widdle and Paul Visca; seemed to think Juventus dominated the first half, surely they must have been bough some nice new Italian suits by Ranierii to be so blatantly pro Bianconeri. 

 

The bloke who did the Fiorentina game was excellent. 

 

Other Results.

 

Internaz ional 2 – 0 Livorno

The table toppers increase their hold on the Scudetto.  Suazo gets a pair and Livorno are glad to get out of Milan. 

 

Lazio 3 – 0 Atalanta

A surprise and welcome win for the Biancocelesti.  Back to the drawing board for Atalanta. 

 

Napoli 1 – 3 Empoli

Big trouble for the Azzurri with another loss.  With three sendings off it was a high tension game. 

 

Palermo 2 – 1 Cagliari

Guidolin’s ‘little girls’ show some balls. 

 

Reggina 1 – 3 Udinese

Back into the European place scrap for Udinese, more woes for Reggina. 

 

Siena 0-0 Torino

Snore draw.  Hardly a surprise. 

Serie A week 12 preview. 

 

Inter####onale are in top spot.  Consistently winning; even whilst playing poorly; is a feature of most of their campaign to date.  The title is theirs to lose.  The restart of European competition will have a big impact on the UEFA Cup and Champions League places.  Juventus, Udinese and Palermo don’t have any European football to look forward to or provide a distraction.  Inter, Milan and Roma have the Champions League and Fiorentina have the UEFA Cup as a distraction. 

 

 

SERIE A TRANSFERS

 

ATALANTA

Out: Zampagna (A, Vicenza)

 

CAGLIARI – some strengthening of their goalkeeping and looking for goals in order to avoid Serie B next season. 

In: Storari (G, Levante), Jeda (A, Rimini)

 

CATANIA

Out: Minelli (D, Triestina), Bovio (M, Corinthians)

 

EMPOLI

 

FIORENTINA – even more depth in attack to maintain their UEFA Cup spot. 

In: Cacia (A, Piacenza)

 

GENOA – help at the back and in attack, to help push for a UEFA Cup place. 

In: Criscito (D, Juventus), Masiero (A, Central Espanol), Wilson (A, Corinthians)

 

INTER – bolstering the injury hit midfield with creativity and experience. 

In: Maniche (M, Atletico Madrid)

Out: Adriano (A, Sao Paulo)

 

JUVENTUS

Out: Criscito (D, Genoa), Olivera (M, Penarol)

 

LAZIO

 

LIVORNO – strengthening the defence to avoid relegation trouble. 

In: Sidny (D, Nautico)

 

MILAN – bagging the most talked about Brazilian eighteen year old in years to help them in Europe and take them to a Champions League place. 

In: Pato (A, Internacional)

 

NAPOLI

Out: Gatti (M, Modena)

 

PALERMO

Out: Brienza (M, Reggina)

PARMA – last season he bagged 20 goals for Livorno, he’ll help them avoid becoming embroiled in a relegation battle. 

In: Lucarelli (A, Shakhtar Donetsk)

Out: Cardone (D, Cesena), Paponi (A, Cesena)

 

REGGINA – defensive help and proven young goalscorer in their battle to stay up. 

In: Cirillo (D, Levante), Stuani (A, Danubio)

 

ROMA

 

SAMPDORIA

Out: Foti (A, Messina)

 

SIENA – two more attacking options, to help balance their goal difference. 

In: Porta (A, River Plate Montevideo), Rigano' (A, Levante)

Out: Bucchi (A, Bologna)

 

TORINO

 

UDINESE

Out: Sivok (M, Sparta Prague)

 

 

FIXTURES

 

Fiorentina V Torino

A midweek cup trouncing might not get any better in Florence.  La Viola is strong and coming of####ood win and with Europe coming up and the European spots up for grabs they have plenty to play for.  The manager also seems to be right back in the game.  The Gigliati are at full strength and Granata are struggling with injuries.  Last week Fiorentina won and Torino lost. 

 

Inter####onale V Parma

The Nerrazzurri scraped a win last week but expect a different side at the Stadio Meazza.  Maniche is unlikely to get an outing as will Parma’s new signing Lucarelli.  Expect a home win but don’t be surprised if Lucarelli returns to Serie A with a ####.  Parma hasn’t won away from home yet and a loss won’t help their slide into the relegation quagmire.  Both sides are at less than full strength but Mancini’s charges have plenty of depth.  Last week Inter won and Parma lost. 

 

Genoa V Atalanta

Great result for Genoa last week and they’ll need to play just as well to leapfrog Atalanta in the race for a UEFA Cup place.  Expect a home win but this could be a cracking game.  Genoa loses their top Honduran and Doni is back for Atalanta.  Last week Genoa won and Atalanta lost. 

 

Juventus V Sampdoria

A draw for the Bianconeri; a lucky one at that; will need to be erased by a home win.  Juventus can’t lose their position but they will not want to slip any further behind Roma or allow Udinese and Fiorentina to catch up.  Sampdoria were on fire last week and will relish this tough away challenge despite having a less than stellar form on the road.  Sampdoria don’t have a full compliment of strikers and Juventus are a touch short in defence.  Tiago may start.  Last week Juventus drew and Sampdoria won. 

 

Livorno V Empoli

Already a relegation six pointer and a local derby will make this fixture shine (although last season it remained goalless).  Livorno is unbeaten in five and playing well under a new manager and Empoli are struggling, with their last win coming in 2007.  Empoli are at less than full strength and poor on the road.  Last week Livorno won and Empoli drew. 

 

Napoli V Lazio

Napoli needs to regain their early season form if they are to mount a challenge on a European place.  The strikers and goalkeepers are kept busy in Naples so expect a few goals; from either team.  Lazio continue their poor form.  Gargano will be a loss to Napoli but Lazio has plenty of injury worries.  Last week both teams lost. 

 

Palermo V Siena

Palermo come off an erratic run of form but are still riding high in Serie A, another loss will dent their UEFA Cup ambitions and could see them drop places.  Siena are in deep trouble and really struggle on the road; one win in eight.  This must be the start of the Bianconeri’s relegation dogfight, particularly as they showed so well against Inter last week.  Expect goals with both teams wanting the win.  Last week Palermo and Siena lost. 

 

Reggina V Cagliari

Reggina are struggling but Cagliari is awful.  A huge game for both teams.  Another loss and Cagliari will be playing for pride, a Reggina loss helps them not a jot.  Amaruso will be the difference maker and will want to shine so as to stake a place in another Serie A side next season.  History is with the home side and the visitors have their share of injury woes.  Last week Reggina grabbed a point and Cagliari lost; again. 

 

Roma V Catania

Second place needs defended and the visit of Catania is an almost certain three points, last season Catania got thrashed 7-0.  Catania hasn’t won on the road this season and nothing is likely to change here, Mancini is in a good run of form and Spinesi is wearing his shooting boots.  The result against Juventus will give the Sicilians heart for this fixture.  Last week Roma won and Catania were robbed of three points. 

 

Udinese V Milan

Possibly the biggest game of the weekend.  Milan is certainly going to be tested by a very strong Udinese side that has only lost once in Udine.  Milan’s away form is better than their play in the Stadio Meazza though.  Pirlo’s absence will be a tough blow to overcome; Gattuso is fiery but doesn’t have the ball skills that Pirlo has.  The three Brazilians will face a tougher test against a tough Udinese back line than they did against Napoli.  The Azzuri have some injury and suspension problems but Quagliarella is in form, history favours the Rossoneri.  Last week both these teams won and will be looking to continue the trend to solidify their European aspirations for the home side and to climb the table for the visitors. 

 

 

My Game of the Week. 

Juventus V Sampdoria

 

What’s On FSC?

Fiorentina V Torino (Sat)

Juventus V Sampdoria (Sun)

Inter####onale V Parma (Sun)

Champions League Groups; 2007/08.

My pick will still remain as Internaz ionale to beat either Barcelona or an English team in the Final in Moscow.

Draw for first KO stage. (group winners play away leg first)

Arsenal v AC MILAN – possibly the plum tie of the round for the neutral

BARCELONA v Celtic – the Scots have a punchers’ chance with their good home record

CHELSEA v Olympiakos – much too one sided to be really good for the neutral.

INTERNAZ IONALE v Liverpool – valiant scrappers come an Italian cropper.

Lyon v MANCHESTER UNITED – One sided, to the maximum.

PORTO v Schalke 04 – who knows, both sides have surprised so it could go either way, definitely one to watch for the uncertainty factor.

REAL MADRID v Roma – possibly the plum tie of the round (anyone who knows La Liga well should speak up on this one)

SEVILLA v Fenerbache – Closer then some may think as one game is in Turkey, but you figure two consecutive UEFA Cups will be the thumb on the scales.

(Group winners in CAPS)

The odds are for winning it all; first is the odds from August; second from before the draw; finally the odds after the draw.

Liverpool

**9/1 – 11/1 – 14/1 – oops! the bookies don’t discount the reds but understand the enormity of their task.

Porto

9/1 – 50/1 – 40/1 – getting possibly the easiest draw of the first KO round has improved the odds but still a long shot.

Chelsea

6/1 – 8/1 – 6/1 – dropped back down, probably due to an easier draw.

Schalke 04

40/1 – 40/1 – two teams in the same game have their odds shortened; indecisiveness from the bookies.

Real Madrid

9/1 – 8/1 – 8/1 – stays the same; they have a really tricky and tough to call tie.

Olympiakos

150/1 – 50/1 – 100/1 – Someone thinks they have a punchers chance against Chelsea, still a long shot though

AC Milan

8/1 – 10/1 – 10/1 – The tie against a formidable team hasn’t shortened their odds, much uncertainty with this tie.

Celtic

100/1 – 50/1 – 80/1 – big increase so the bookies think Strachan’s players have only a hope in hell.

Barcelona

9/2 – 4/1 – 7/2 – they drop again, due to their opponents and smart bookies.

Lyon

18/1 – 20/1 – 25/1 lengthened again due to superiorly perceived opponents.

Manchester United

6/1 – 5/1 – 5/1 – stays the same, this suggests a win against Lyon but not anything more than a decent chance to win it all.

Roma

21/10 – 16/1 – 20/1 – the bookies see them beating Arsenal when hell freezes over.

Internaz ionale

8/1 – 9/1 – 9/1 – no change which suggests the bookies like the Italians but aren’t quite convinced.

Fenerbache

200/1 – 50/1 – 50/1 – the Turkish side could cause an upset but do YOU really think so against strong Spanish opposition?

Arsenal

8/1 – 8/1 – 8/1 – stays the same; they like the gunners but don’t want the odds to suggest anything more than a decent chance.

Sevilla

20/1 – 10/1 – 10/1 - stays the same, they like the Spaniards but don’t want the odds to suggest anything more than a decent chance

Remember the bookies aren’t exactly trying to pick the winner. They are trying to make money, so the odds reflect their understanding of the betting market and their expertize at fleecing suckers.

Expect the longer odds to change if that team does well in the first game. The stronger teams’ odds will remain fairly static at the early stages of the KO rounds as the bookmakers realize the games are actually too tough to call with any certainty.

**All Ladbrokes odds are from 31/08/2007 and then 20/12/2007 and finally 23/12/2007.

My Picks.

Internaz ionale – unless Liverpool drastically upgrade several aspects of their personnel and play the Internaz ionale Machine will roll them over.

Chelsea – too much for the Greeks; even with a (possibly) depleted side.

Roma – they have managed to overcome the toughest early Serie A schedule in many a season and still remain second. Deceptively tough.

Porto – too much for the Germans, you would think.

AC Milan – Cesc will shine, but then so will Pirlo, Ambrosini, Seedorf, Kaka and Inzaghi.

Sevilla – Ole Ole Ole Ole! the move to this stage of the Champions League will not be tougher than the UEFA Cup (yet!).

Manchester United – they win when they play less then good, very strong with possible January additions.

Barcelona – pushed hard by the Scots but the class up front will tell in the end, they’ll do it with a draw and a tight win at the Nou Camp.

Champions League Groups; 2007/08.

My pick will still remain as Internaz ionale to beat either Barcelona or an English team in the Final in Moscow.

Group A

Bookies favourite Liverpool stuttered but qualified second and the bookies second favourite; Porto topped the group ensuring an easier game in the KO stages.

Marseille drop into the UEFA Cup.

Liverpool

**Win it all – Ladbrokes 9/1 – 11/1 – after a poor start to the Group Stage the odds have lengthened on the reds.

Porto

Win it all – Ladbrokes 9/1 – 50/1 – now they are rank outsiders?

This is what I said in August:

“Liverpool look group favourites but Porto will be tough.”

Group B

Bookies favourite Chelsea won the group comfortably but the bookies other pick goes home. Schalke did well to finish second and Rosenborg can be thankful for UEFA Cup football in the New Year.

Chelsea

Win it all - Ladbrokes 6/1 – 8/1 – despite dominance in the group the odds go out – maybe it’s Mr. Grant?

Schalke 04

Win it all - Ladbrokes 40/1 – 40/1 – not quite the rank outsiders anymore.

This is what I said in August:

“Chelsea should be pushed by Schalke in this group.”

Group C

Bookies picked correctly again with Real topping the group. Olympiakos confounded the bookies with a second place finish and Werder Bremen drop into the UEFA Cup.

Real Madrid

Win it all - Ladbrokes 9/1 – 8/1 – shortened with a decent showing in the Group Stages.

Olympiakos

Win it all - Ladbrokes 150/1 – 50/1 – Rank outsiders.

This is what I said in August:

“Real Madrid clear favourites in Group C.”

Group D

Bookies favourite AC Milan topped the group with Celtic, finishing above Benfica to confound the bookies. The Portuguese side drop into the UEFA Cup.

AC Milan

Win it all - Ladbrokes 8/1 – 10/1 – Maybe their Serie A form can explain the lengthening of the odds.

Celtic

Win it all - Ladbrokes 100/1 – 50/1 – rank outsiders.

This is what I said in August:

“AC Milan is clear favourites in this group.”

Group E

Bookies do it again with the correct pick of Barcelona to top the group and Lyon to come second; they are confounded with a Rangers third place and the Scottish side can look forward to the UEFA Cup in the New Year.

Barcelona

Win it all - Ladbrokes 9/2 – 4/1 – shortened but not too significantly.

Lyon

Win it all - Ladbrokes 18/1 – 20/1 – lengthened to a team with a puncher’s chance.

This is what I said in August:

“Barcelona could be pushed hard by Lyon.”

Group F

Manchester United did the bookies proud with a comfortable win as did AS Roma with a second place. Sporting drop into the UEFA Cup in a perfect group for the bookies.

Manchester United

Win it all - Ladbrokes 6/1 – 5/1 – significantly shortened after going unbeaten in the Group Stage

Roma

Win it all - Ladbrokes 21/10 – 16/1 – shortened a touch.

This is what I said in August:

“Possibly the toughest group. The Mancs to scrape in.”

Group G

A topsy turvey group for the bookies, they got Inter spot on but gaffed with Fenerbache coming second and PSV going into the UEFA Cup.

Internaz ionale

Win it all - Ladbrokes 8/1 – 9/1 – surprisingly lengthened. That’s a really odd one.

Fenerbache

Win it all - Ladbrokes 200/1 – 50/1 – rank outsiders.

This is what I said in August:

“Internaz ionale are clear favourites.”

Group H

The Bookies favourite finished second with the bookies third favourite winning the group. One for the punter. Slavia Prague gets a shot at the UEFA Cup.

Arsenal

Win it all - Ladbrokes 18/1 – 8/1 – Seriously shortened.

Sevilla

Win it all - Ladbrokes 20/1 – 10/1 – A bet now is not as good value as a bet in August.

This is what I said in August:

“Arsenal are favourites but will be pushed if Sevilla beat AEK.”

So how will the draw work and how will the odds change?

Group winners become the Seeded clubs:

AC Milan, Barcelona, Internaz ionale, Real, Chelsea, Manchester United, Porto, Sevilla.

Second place teams become Unseeded clubs:

Arsenal, Roma, Liverpool, Olympiakos, Schalke 04, Lyon, Celtic, Fenerbache.

Don’t expect the following:

Two English (or other nations) sides to play each other.

Two sides who have met in the group stages to play each other.

Winners don’t play winners and second place finishers don’t play each other.

Someone high up in UEFA will draw some balls from a bowl and pick the runners up names first. then someone will work out who they can play and someone else high up in UEFA will pick from those team using a bowl and some balls. All really high tech and glamorous.

The second placed teams play at home first and the ties are two legged.

I’ll check the Ladbrokes odds after the draw and we’ll see how they’ll change.

**All Ladbrokes odds are from 31/08/2007 and then 20/12/2007.

UEFA CUP DRAW

No predictions from me for this season’s UEFA Cup. I am proud and happy to see the Toffees won out in their group and that despite qualifying top of their group in only three games managed to travel to Holland and win without a number of senior players. Bordeaux were the other team to win all four games in their group. Bayern Munich qualified top of their group but did it with the least amount of points for a group winner.

Group Winners:-

A – Everton FC

B – Atletico Madrid (Good Old Mattress Makers!)

C – Villarreal

D – Hamburg

E – Bayer Leverkusen

F – Bayern Munich

G – Getafe

H – Bordeaux

Second place sides:-

A – Nurnberg

B – Panathinaikos

C - Fiorentina

D – Basle

E – Spartak Moscow

F – Braga

G – Tottenham

H – Helsingborgs

Third place teams:

A – Zenit St Petersburg

B – Aberdeen (Go The Dons!)

C – AEK Athens

D – SK Brann

E – Zurich

F – Bolton Wanderers

G – Anderlecht

H – Galatasaray

Champions League Losers:

It must be noted that I think the practice of rewarding these teams that are basically losers with a berth in the UEFA Cup to be utterly stupid. I loathe the practice and would love Monsieur Platini to just stop it.

Marseille

Rosenborg

Werder Bremen

Benfica

Rangers

Sporting Lisbon

PSV Eindhoven

Slavia Prague

So how will the draw work?

The process is much simpler than the other competition. The only caveat is that same associations won’t play each other in the first KO stage. Winners play third places teams (matches 1 through 8) and second placed teams play Champions League Losers (matches 9 through 16).

Group Winners and Champions League Losers play the first game of the two legged tie away from home.

THEN…

For some reason UEFA pick the teams for the next KO stage. winner match X will play winner match Y with the first team drawn getting to play the first leg of a two legged tie at home. They will pull paper from a bowl until all eight ties are sorted out.

Current Odds. (As given by Ladbrokes on 20/12/2007)

The odds are clearly not just based on group performance – but note that no Champions League Loser gets a spot in the top six. I’ll update the odds after the draw has been made.

Bayern Munich 3/1

Tottenham 9/1

Atletico Madrid 8/1

Villarreal 12/1

Everton FC 12/1 – below Spurs?– flying below the radar again.

Fiorentina 14/1

Werder Bremen 14/1

Hamburg 14/1

Bayer Leverkusen 20/1

Benfica 20/1

PSV 25/1

Sporting Lisbon 25/1

Getafe 25/1

Bordeaux 33/1

Marseille 33/1

Panathinaikos 33/1

Spartak Moscow 33/1

Rangers 33/1

Zenit St Petersburg 33/1

Nurnberg 40/1

AEK Athens 50/1

Bolton 50/1

Slavia Prague 50/1

Rosenborg 66/1

Galatasaray 66/1

Basle 66/1

Anderlecht 80/1

Aberdeen 80/1

Braga 80/1

Zurich 100/1

Helsingborgs 150/1

SK Brann 500/1

SERIE A PREVIEW : WEEK 15. 

 

A.C. Milan has left the country but the Serie a fixture is packed with tasty games this weekend. 

 

Italian football's best player gets his hands on a golden ball. 

Internaz ionale are still the form team, closely followed by A.S. Roma, the top two have opened a gap on the other teams; albeit a small one.  With three games two go before the Winter break the chasers will want to close the gap before it becomes a chasm. 

 

 

Empoli (20th) v Cagliari (18th)

A real relegation six pointer so early in the season.  Empoli have been poor; home and away this season; with the exception of a win over A. C. Milan at the San Siro. 

Two weak defences and the worst Italian top flight attack might suggest plenty of goals; I’d beg to differ; last season this fixture was 1-0 and Cagliari don’t travel to the Stadio Castellini very well. 

Injuries to the Cagliari ‘keeper will be the focal point of Empoli’s attack; Foggia may be back to his best for this game.  A dourish and close home win. 

 

Genoa (13th) v Siena (17th)

A win for Siena would take them away from the crowd at the bottom of the table. With only a victory against Empoli this season they are struggling for points, a full squad to pick from will help but a less than stellar away record doesn’t favour the Bianconeri. 

Genoa are a mixed bag this season, good wins against Udinese and Napoli have been balanced with a thrashing by Internaz ionale.  The home side scores freely at home but also have defensive problems, having Bega out on a suspension won’t help. 

Home advantage should mean a Genoa victory.  Don’t hold your breath for a cracker unless Genoa regains their early season form. 

 

Internaz ionale (1st) v Torino (12th)

The Nerazzurri welcome Torino with open arms, despite their injury worries.  The Turin team is winless on the road and Internaz ionale are dominant at home. 

Six goals for the home side in the two fixtures last season and a relatively bounteous selection of forwards to choose from would suggest a home romp.  The Turin team are likely to favour a 4 4 2 and have done well against Milan and Juventus this season, the need to win this; in the first of three tough games; is immense.  Ventola may have a point to prove and the midfield will be strengthened with the return of Grella and Barone (has anyone seen DangerMouse?).  Expect a home win. 

 

Juventus (3rd) v Atalanta (6th)

Atalanta are calmly going about making a Bergamo size dent in Serie A this season, they have done it without the attention of a Napoli or Palermo.  The comfortable win last week was a wake up call to many in the league.  The Orobici will be feeling good with a solid if unspectacular away record.  Doni is better at home than away but adds a touch of class to a more workmanlike team. 

Juventus are getting better as the season wears on, the lack of European football is a huge help and the players that took them easily to the top of Serie B are doing the same in Serie A.  Goal scoring isn’t the Bianconeri’s issue at home but their defence can be a touch shaky at times. 

Doni will have to be on fire and the Juventus backline have a clanger for an away win in the Stadio Olimpico.  Home win. 

 

 

Lazio (15th) v Catania (10th)

Lazio are having a poor season, struggling in Italy and in Europe they have all but imploded this season.  Rossi is under pressure and a loss here might be his last hurrah for the Biancocelesti.  They have a host of injuries and are leaking goals at home. 

Catania will be buoyant after a stonking win against their Sicilian neighbours last week.  Martinez and Tedesco will be absent due to suspension but they have plenty of quality in the side.  The Rossoazzurri front man Spinesi will be a threat but goals from elsewhere may be harder to come by. 

Not winning away this season may change this weekend, Lazio will be shell shocked and tired from the Inter drubbing in midweek.  Pride and safety can make excellent motivators though.  I’d go for an entertaining draw. 

 

Livorno (16th) v Roma (2nd)

Livorno is hovering above the trouble zone this week but welcome an in form Roma to the Armando Picchi.  The Tuscan’s have been marginally better away this season but took two points off Internaz ionale at home.  If Tavano has a good game they can expect some goals from a sometimes error prone Roma defence. 

The Giallorossi need to put away teams such as Livorno to keep Internaz ionale in their sights.  Totti’s likely return will be a boost to Spalletti, although it remains to be seen whether the Italian and Montenegrin can operate in tandem; as they are likely to do at the weekend. 

Unless Roma have a howler and Livorno; Amelia in particular; have a blinder then an away win is on the cards, Roma are a stronger team than last year when they came away from Tuscany with a draw. 

 

Napoli (9th) v Parma (14th)

Tough game for Napoli after last week’s defeat.  They are much better home than away so should be optimistic.  Reja is likely to field an unchanged side; one alteration due to suspension aside; such is his confidence in his players.  They have plenty of goals in them but the Azzurri can be dodgy at the back. 

Parma has a chance to match them on points with a win.  A recent run of good form has coincided with a return to a 4 4 2, the Gialloblu will rely on Manchester misfit Corradi and Pisanu for goals but have struggled late in games at times this season. 

A tough one to call but I’ll go for the Azzurri on this one, home form and their foreign strike force will give them all three points. 

 

Palermo (11th) v Fiorentina (5th)

La Viola need a win to change their momentum and hasn’t lost on their travels this season.  Prandelli’s loss will be professionally put aside in what is almost a must win game.  Goals have been the recent problem, Mutu hasn’t been on target since the Siena win although Pazzini and Vieri have both found the net recently.  Three games without a win isn’t Champions League spot football. 

Palermo had a tough loss last week and much will depend on whether they go 4 5 1 or 4 4 2, they have been much better looking and more dangerous in the latter formation, Amauri benefits from a little attacking help.  Last week they squandered a number of half chances and will need to be better in front of goal this week.  Caserta’s suspension is a blow but the reintroduction of Miccoli and Cavani should help things out up front. 

The home crowd maybe a twelfth man but Fiorentina are a strong side.  I think you may see some fireworks in the Renzo Barbera, most of them actually on the pitch.  High scoring draw. 

 

Udinese (4th) v Sampdoria (7th)

The team from Udine will want to bounce back after a loss to Roma.  Lack of a strong midfield will be the key for Udinese, if they can manage without one they will win.  Tough to beat and obdurate they are good at home and their loss to Internaz ionale was their first in nine games. 

Sampdoria are a topsy turvy team, they can set a stadium alight or bore the crowds with some turgid football; rarely do they attain a middle ground.  Cassano can set them on fire but his ego is still a major problem.  A fit Bellucci will cause the Zebrette problems but their poor away record in defence may be exploited. 

Tense encounter given the importance of the game but Udinese will sneak the points. 

 

My games of the week this weekend are Juventus v Atalanta and Palermo v Fiorentina.  Both sets of teams are close in terms of their current standings and a good or bad result this weekend can be a tough one to bounce back from or huge boost just before Christmas. 

 

If you have FSC, the games from Turin, Sicily and Milan will be broadcast.  I’ll hope to do both my games of the week in a summary. 

 

 

Serie A scoring.

 

Player Team Goals (penalties)

Trezeguet Juventus 11 (1)

Ibrahimovic Inter 8 (3)

Bellucci Sampdoria 7

Borriello Genoa 7 (1)

Cruz Inter 7 (1)

Totti Roma 7 (1)

Doni Atalanta 7 (3)

Kaka Milan 7 (4)

Zalayeta Napoli 6

Iaquinta Juventus 6 (1)

Mutu Fiorentina 6 (2)

Tavano Livorno 6 (2)

Amoruso Reggina 5

Di Natale Udinese 5

Gilardino Milan 5

Martinez Catania 5

Amauri Palermo 5 (1) \

Del Piero Juventus 5 (1)

Week 14 in Serie A is an important one  Four of the top five play each other and Juventus have a tough trip to AC Milan, then you have two up and comers battling it out in the Derby of Sicily. 

 

AC Milan 0-0 Juventus

 

Not a bore draw.  Some of the play was high octane, quality football, just no end product.  Juventus had energy pace and no end product and Milan seemed bewildered at times but fought themselves back into the game.  Nedved and Kaka were the shining lights on the park with some fine forward play; the Czech player is prone to the theatric dive though although Kaka came close to emulating the veteran midfielder with a comic flop over Chiellini.  .  Both Dida; not least from Salihamidzic; and Buffon; from a variety of Milan players; made some good saves.

TREZEGUET LETS FLY BUT THE POST COMES TO MILAN'S RESCUE

Ancelotti will rue another week at the San Siro sans three points and Ranieri will have seen plenty to be happy about in the Bianconeri play. 

Neither side had that extra burst of pace of deft touch or slice of luck to prise open their opponents and the draw is a better result for others in the top half of the table. 

 

Milan: Dida; Oddo (Bonera 78), Nesta, Kaladze, Serginho (Maldini 63); Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf, Kaka; Gilardino (Inzaghi 63)
Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Salihamidzic (Marchionni 71), Nocerino, Zanetti; Nedved (Palladino 81); Trezeguet, Iaquinta (Del Piero 71)
Ref: Morganti

 

 

Fiorentina 0-2 Internaz ionale (Jiminez 10, Cruz 44)

 

Wow!  It’s not just the Dutch that know how to play total football.  The version being played by Mancini’s team at the moment is something beautiful to behold.  They have power, pace, skill, finishing and bags of work ethic.  Front to back the whole squad is oozing confidence. 

Fiorentina are finding that staying in the top echelons of Serie A is tough to do.  La Viola started well, the interchange, verve and skill of their front six allowed them to get plenty of penetration deep into the Inter half.  Mutu looked to be in fine fettle without really troubling Cesar.  

Inter’s first real attack bore fruit though; a defence splitting pass from Ibrahimovic found the young Chilean; Jiminez; free and clear and well bale to slot the ball past the excellent Frenchman, Frey. 

Fiorentina never recovered despite a series of half chances which were never taken.  The visitors played confident, assured football all over the park.  The front line was always a threat and the defence rarely let Cesar work.  Cambiaso was particularly excellent with a stunningly energetic performance, box to box he was impeccable, apart from the yellow. 

The Swedish sensation may not be finding the net in the league but his passing and vision created two today, just before the half his sublime f