Finally Serie A 2006/07; with all its point deductions; comes to a gripping end, and other end of season comments.

No not the top of the table that was practically decided by Christmas. Relegation back down to Serie B was a much more compelling contest. (I won't use the word battle as it might empower Catania fans)

Serie B is much more of a footballing wasteland than the English equivalent ; The Championship. Although the Italian naming convention is at least contiguous instead of the naming con that is League One.

Several tense and nerve-wracking games for the fans, players, managers and owners. Millions at stake and the prestige of remaining in Italy's top flight.

Referees with watches synchronized whistled the start of all the games, allowing for no advantage to any one team.

Four teams on 40 pts (seen as the magic number in the English Premiership), two on 39 pts, with Catania and Reggina on 38 and 37 pts respectively.

Messina and Ascoli already relegated. It remained a question of who would join them in Serie B for the 2007/08 season.

The games at the top and middle of the table hold no real meaning, maybe Milan finish third or fourth.

Fiorentina thrashed Sampdoria at home, a good end to a good season for the Viola.

Roma end their season with a topsy-turvy battle with already relegated Messina.

Udinese slip up at home to Palermo, a great end to the season for the UEFA Cup bound Sicilian club.

Minute by minute - who stays all the goals and groans from the foot of Serie A.

Kick-off +7 mins

Muslimovic scores the opener for Parma in the relegation opera, although not the first goal of the day (which goes to Mutu of Fiorentina). If no more goals are scored it's Reggina for the drop.

Kick-off +8 mins

Ambruso scores for Reggina, now it's Catania down.

Kick-off +16 mins

Matterazzi's penalty, Mancuso's goal and a second Parma goal for Budan don't change the bleak picture for Catania.

Half-time

At the half, Ascoli's second through Soncin, Lucarelli's goal for Livorno, Saudati's Empoli opener and a Maccarone pen for Siena still leave Catania dangling. Tough to do playing your home games in Bologna and not Sicily, only the fans to blame for that.

Re-start + 21

Inter bag a second through Maicon, Morrone and Lucarelli score, taking Livorno further from relegation, despite Atalanta bagging two through Zampagna and Bombardini. Rossini gets his first goal in 16 starts; a memorable header, moments after Chievo bring on a defender. As it stands Chievo are relegated.

Re-start + 25

Two penalties; Inter's Figo and Lazio's Rocchi; don't alter Chievo's fate but new jitters rumble through Stadios Franchi and Meazza. Amerini's goal for Reggina keeps them safe for another year.

Re-start + 35

A second Catania goal from Minelli almost assures Serie A of a Sicilian Derby next season. Ascoli grab a late goal and some late pride in front of home fans when Paolucci scores.

Re-start + 45

Negro secures Seina's Serie A place. Paulhinio completes the scoring for Livorno. Gasbarroni nets Parma's third.

Re-start + 48

Reginaldo scores last; on the final day of the 2006/07 Serie A season; for Fiorentina. A now exhausted and dejected Chievo succumb to their fate. All they needed was a point to stay up. Catania needed the win. Taking off Chievo's main goal threat had a detrimental effect. Catania were out-played and the game seemed destined for a draw but their collective tails went up with the goal and they never looked back. Sadly, the Flying Donkeys will be in Serie B next year. But maybe they can take some pride to Verona next season.