Day: February 25, 2012

Serie A Week 24 Review

Week 24 of the Serie A started out with a HUGE, but rare, upset as Inter fell to a 3-0 defeat to none other than Bologna AT THE SAN SIRO!  Bologna veteran attacker, Marco Di Vaio, bagged a brace in a matter of 60 seconds to give the Rossoblù the lead. Then, Robert Acquafresca added a 3^rd goal for more humiliation. The Nerazzurri currently find themselves in a deep crisis, losing six of their last seven games in all competitions which also includes their most recent 1-0 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League. The Inter faithful have been calling for Claudio Ranieri’s head, and chanting for a Mourinho return to the San Siro which is highly unlikely to occur. Napoli defeated Fiorentina 3-0 with Edison Cavani scoring a double and Lavezzi adding a third. This game proved to be a confidence builder for Napoli and showed it against Chelsea in the Champions League, pummelling the Blues 3-1 at the San Paolo. Juventus remained undefeated by getting past Catania 3-1. This was the first win against Catania in Torino since 1984. Catania scored very early to take the lead. Then, Bianconeri midfield mastermind, Andrea Pirlo, equalised with a beautiful free kick, assisted Giorgio Chiellini’s goal from a set piece and then assisted Fabio Quagliarella’s goal from a turnover just outside the penalty area. A remarkable performance from the 32 year old veteran! Udinese and Cagliari ended in a goalless draw. Udinese needs to find a replacement for Antonio Di Natale who has injured his foot. The bianconeri of Udine have trouble scoring at times when Totò is missing. Milan travelled to Cesena in a game where Robinho marked his return with a great performance. The Diavoli won 3-1 thanks to goals scored from newly signed Sulley Muntari (another Inter giveaway), Dutch youngster Urby Emanuelson and of course, Robinho. He is in fine form as of late and the Milan fans will hope he continues to improve his form in Week 25’s big match against Juventus.

PREVIEW WEEK 25

Week 25 could be a crucial one for the Scudetto! Let’s first start with Atalanta hosting Roma at the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia in Bergamo. The Giallorossi are looking for a win which would be a confidence-booster ahead of their big clash against Lazio in the Derby della Capitale next week. Atalanta has not played well since Christmas and will aim to recover their excellent form displayed in the first half of the season. A very hot Bologna team hosts Udinese. The Friuli outfit, currently occupying third place, will aim to gain ground on Juventus and get back in the title race. It will not be easy though, as Bologna is flying high especially after defeating Inter last week. Speaking of the Nerazzurri, they travel to Napoli to take on Walter Mazzarri’s men who are currently undefeated in 2 games in Serie A. This could prove to be the last game for Claudio Ranieri should his men lose this match-up. Lazio welcome Fiorentina to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Last week, the Biancolesti were absolutely crushed by Palermo losing 5-1 at the Renzo Barbera in Sicily and have been eliminated from the Europa League this week. Lazio head coach, Edy Reja, submitted his resignation to club president, Claudio Lotito, who denied the coach’s desire to quit. Turmoil is all around the Lazio camp, but they will still be pushing hard for the third and final spot for next year’s Champions League. The Viola are currently in poor form as well and it will be tough to get out of it against Lazio. Finally, but absolutely not least, the Scudetto showdown at the San Siro between Milan and Juventus. The Bianconeri have been playing with heart and grit all season, and remain undefeated going into this fixture. Juve has shown difficulty playing against sides who defend with all 11 men in their half, but love to play the open-style match which will most likely happen in this fixture. Ex-Milan midfielder, Andrea Pirlo, returns to the San Siro for the first time in Serie A action against his former club with the desire to prove to Milan he is not finished just yet – a fact he has proven all year. The Rossoneri will be Ibra-less for this encounter since his appeal for a reduction was denied, therefore serving the entire 3-game ban for slapping Napoli defender Salvatore Aronica. It will be interesting to see the formation and line-up with which Massimiliano Allegri decides to begin this match. Milan is red hot after their crucial come-from-behind win against Udinese at the Stadio Friuli. As previously mentioned, the Old Lady is still undefeated this term and will want to keep this record alive. However, it is something for the Bianconeri to think about as the Diavoli have ended many positive streaks this year. For example, the Rossoneri stopped Udinese’s and Atalanta’s undefeated home streak. Will Juve be the latest casualty? I am personally hoping for it!

And that’s the last word…….