Week 20 Review of the Serie A
This past weekend, there was an incredible upset at the Stadio Via del Mare where US Lecce defeated Internazionale FC 1-0 to put an end to the Nerazurri’s winning streak at 7 games in Serie A. A very slow AC Milan cruised by Cagliari 3-0 at the San Siro. SS Lazio jumps ahead of Inter in the standings with a 3-0 win at Chievo Verona. Despite having a 3-0 lead, Genoa FC defeated SSC Napoli 3-2 at the Marassi Stadium. Last and absolutely not least, Juventus FC defeated Udinese Calcio at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. This was a heck of a game! Good flow, plenty of chances for both teams and incredible saves from both keepers. This is how soccer should be played!
Mid Week Action – Week 21 Preview
We start off in Parma where league leader and still unbeaten, Juventus FC visit Parma FC at the Stadio Tardini. Last meeting between these 2 sides, the Bianconeri pummelled the Gialloblu 4-1. However, the last time Juventus lost a Serie A match was against none other than Parma. Ex-Juventino player Sebastian Giovinco will be in the line up for Parma. The Ducali will be lucky to get out of this fixture with a tie (my pick – Juventus).
Internazionale FC v US Città di Palermo. The Nerazzurri’s winning streak came to an end against US Lecce and thus, will be looking forward to bounce back in the win column. The first encounter this season was a 7-goal thriller with the Rosanero coming edging Inter to victory, 4-3. This time, it is expected to be very different as the Nerazzurri are currently in fine form. Having fan support at the San Siro as well should prove to be too much for Palermo to handle (my pick – Inter).
Udinese Calcio v US Lecce. Udinese is coming off a hard fought loss to Juventus at the weekend. Lecce, on the other hand, is coming off a huge upset against Inter. Udinese boasts a strong home record as they have only lost 1 game so far this year at the Stadio Friuli where it’s proven to be difficult to score against the bianconeri of Udine. The giallorossi of Lecce will not be pushovers though and will be aiming to get a second upset this week (my pick – Udinese).
SS Lazio v AC Milan. The Biancocelesti will be looking for revenge against the Diavoli after their Coppa Italia elimination at the hands of the Rossoneri. Oddly enough, Lazio has one of the worst home records in Serie A. Milan has to deal with their own issues as well, as there are plenty of injuries in the midfield. The Milan players have looked rather slow and sluggish at times this season and will have to be alert if they plan to stop Hernanes and Klose. However, with the experience the Milanisti have, they should still be able to give Lazio a run for their money. I expect a tough game for both teams. Even though Lazio’s home record is not impressive, they always play hard against the Rossoneri, the motivation is there as well as the fan support at the Stadio Olimpico (my pick – tie).
That’s the last word!
| Week 20 | 29 Jan 2012 | |
|---|---|---|
| Catania | 1 – 1 | Parma |
| Cesena | 0 – 1 | Atalanta |
| Chievo | 0 – 3 | Lazio |
| Fiorentina | 2 – 1 | Siena |
| Genoa | 3 – 2 | Napoli |
| Juventus | 2 – 1 | Udinese |
| Lecce | 1 – 0 | Inter |
| Milan | 3 – 0 | Cagliari |
| Palermo | 2 – 0 | Novara |
| Roma | 1 – 1 | Bologna |
| Week 21 01 Feb 2012 (19.45 UK) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Atalanta | – | Genoa |
| Bologna | – | Fiorentina |
| Cagliari | – | Roma |
| Inter | – | Palermo |
| Lazio | – | Milan |
| Napoli | – | Cesena |
| Novara | – | Chievo(Thu 19.45) |
| Parma | Preview | Juventus(Tue 19.45) |
| Siena | – | Catania |
| Udinese | – | Lecce |
| FIXTURES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Week 22 05 Feb 2012 | ||
| Cesena | – | Catania |
| Chievo | – | Parma |
| Fiorentina | – | Udinese |
| Genoa | – | Lazio |
| Juventus | – | Siena |
| Lecce | – | Bologna |
| Milan | – | Napoli |
| Novara | – | Cagliari |
| Palermo | – | Atalanta |
| Roma | – | Inter |
