After a full mid week fixture list the next round of Serie A games begins with the traditional two games on Saturday and eight on Sunday.
The first of Saturday's games sees Parma host AC Milan. Parma gained their second draw in a row as they drew with Genoa, 1-1 on Wednesday. They have 5 points from their opening 5 games and have won just one game. Milan bounced back to form with a 2-0 win over Cagliari easing pressure on manager Allegri. That win was just Milan's second of the season and they will have to put a run of good results together if Allegri is too keep his job. They are taken to start that run here given Parma regularly struggle against the big clubs and Milan's need to win. Away Win - Milan make it back to back wins.
The second of Saturday's games is a fascinating encounter as champions Juventus host Roma. Juve showed you can't win them all as they were held to a 0-0 draw with Fiorentina on Tuesday. They remain unbeaten however and remain top of the league with 4 wins and a draw. Roma threw away another lead as they drew 1-1 with Sampdoria on Wednesday. It is the same old story for Totti & Co. with great attacking play but weak at the back. Roma have a poor record in Turin but they should give it a go under Zeman's new attack philosophy. Juve don't score many goals and that might be the key to this if they cannot test Roma's defence enough then Roma have a real chance of getting something from the game. Very difficult to call and a draw seems likely, probably with Roma throwing away a lead again. Draw - two decent sides play out an exciting draw.
The first of Sunday's games sees Udinese host Genoa. Both teams drew in mid week with Udinese being held to a 0-0 with Torino and Genoa coming from behind to draw with Parma 1-1. The hosts are yet to reach the dizzy heights they enjoyed last season, winning just one game so far this campaign. They remain a good side, beating AC Milan last weekend enforced this notion. But they must start beating the so called lesser teams if they are to have any hope of reaching the European places this time round. Genoa have won 2 of their opening 5, including a win over Lazio. However, there remains a consensus that they are set to struggle this season and that view should be upheld here as Udinese at home are very difficult team to beat. Home Win - Udinese edge past Genoa
Bologna host Catania as the hosts look for their first win in three games. Bologna were beaten by a late Siena goal on Thursday night, the match finished 1-0 and Bologna still have just 4 points and one solitary win to their name. Catania recorded their second win of the new campaign beating Atalanta 2-1 in a solid performance on Wedneday. Bologna should be safe this season but they have not begun well. In comparison Catania have begun with their usual consistency and they may well grab a European place come May. It is Catania who get the vote in this one to continue their good start to the season. Away Win - Catania record a decent win in Bologna.
Siena will look to make it three wins in a row when they travel to Rome to face Lazio. Siena moved into positive points with their victory over Bologna and have only lost one game so far this season. They look as if they could be the surprise package of this season, given their struggles in previous campaigns they have made a great start to this one. Lazio had a great start but have quickly lost form with two defeats in a row including a 3-0 trouncing by Napoli in mid week. Given the current form of the two sides it would be easier to side with Siena for this one but Lazio are a very good outfit and will be determined to bounce back in front of their home supporters. Siena will make it tough but it is Lazio who should take all three points here. Home Win - Lazio return to form with a good home win.
Palermo host Chievo with both teams in desperate need of a win. Palermo went down 1-0 to Pescara on Wedneday, a result that saw them remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just one point from their opening 5 games. New manager Gian Piero Gasperini has had no honeymoon period over seeing 2 straight defeats, there is little doubt he has a huge job on his hands. Cheivo have failed to win since the opening weekend and suffered their fourth defeat in a row as they lost to Inter 2-0 in midweek. Both teams are struggling for goals and this looks set to be a very cagey affair but it is Cheivo who the get the vote, they have been unfortunate with their fixtures, having had to play Lazio, Juve and Inter in a row and this is a much easier assignment. Both teams should be safe come May but Palermo will have to suffer a transitional phase under their new manager and that phase looks a long way from completion. Away Win - Chievo get a much needed win at a struggling Palermo.
Sampdoria face another stern test when they host Napoli. Despite being down to ten men Sampdoria rescued a draw against Roma in midweek and they remain unbeaten having won 3 and drawn 2 of their opening games. They look by far the strongest of the promoted sides and if they continue playing as they are they will be more than safe this season. Napoli recorded great 3-0 win over Lazio on Wednesday with Cavani scoring a hatrick. They too are unbeaten winning four of their opening five. Two teams then in great form but the attacking flair of Napoli should be too much for Sampdoria here. Away Win - Napoli inflict a first defeat of the season on Sampdoria.
Atalanta host Torino as they look too bounce back from a defeat in midweek.The hosts were beaten 2-1 by Catania, their second defeat of the season. Torino proved again that they are hard team to beat as they held Udinese to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday. They have drawn three of their opening five, losing just once. Atalanta should change that record here though given their decent home form. Torino have looked unconvincing away from home and they could well come unstuck again here. Home Win - Atalanta just edge a home win.
Cagliari play their first home game of the season after their new stadium was finally declared safe to host Serie A matches. On the pitch Cagliari have struggled, without a win all season they are looking to avoid 3 straight defeats after being beaten 2-0 by AC Milan in mid week. They face a Pescara side who recorded their first win of the season on Wednesday beating Palermo 1-0. Despite that win Pescara, like Cagliari look set to struggle this campaign and the stuttering form of both sides makes this one very hard to call. Cagliari will be buoyed by playing in their new stadium but Pescara will cause them problems. Draw - Two struggling teams share the spoils.
Inter host Fiorentina in the final game of this weekend after both teams gained good results in midweek. Inter beat Chievo 2-0 while Fiorentina held Juventus to a 0-0 draw. Both teams have begun inconsistent with Inter winning 3 and losing 2 and Fiorentina winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 1. Both teams will be looking to put a string of good results together which should make for an open game but this one again is too hard to call. Draw - Two decent sides play out an entertaining draw.
Selected Match Odds:
Atalanta, Napoli, Chievo, Lazio, Catania, Udinese & Milan - All To Win : 268/1
Sampdoria V Napoli - Correct Score, Napoli To Win 3-0: 16/1
Juventus V Roma - First Goalscorer: Mattia Destro: 15/2
Enjoy The Games!
Saturday, 29 September 2012
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Gameweek 5 - Full Mid Week Programme
With no European competitions this mid week the Serie A hosts a full fixture programme spread over Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. In the few days since the last games were played the Italian media has been fixated on two issue, the ongoing shambles at Cagliari and the poor form of AC Milan. Cagliari's game with Roma on Sunday was postponed due to Cagliari inviting fans to attend the game at their new stadium despite Italian football officials telling the Sardinian club that the ground was not yet ready to host games and it would have to held behind closed doors. Cagliari have reacted angrily to the games postponement and the aftermath which say the Italian F.A award a 3-0 victory to Roma as Cagliari's punishment. Cagliari believe that their stadium is safe and that the F.A are showing disinterest in resolving the issue. This is another blow to the Serie A's credibility at a time when Italian football needs stability and calm in the wake of the match fixing scandal another crisis occurs making a laughing stock of the league and those running it. There remains no news as to when or how the issue will be resolved.
Ironically Cagliari's next opponents AC Milan are also in crisis after suffering another defeat. They were beaten 2-1 by Udinese on Sunday in a game which saw two of their men see red. Milan have picked up just three points from their opening 4 games and pressure continues to grow on Allegri. Most anger however is directed toward the Milan board after the sale of Ibrahimovic and Tiago Silva. Followers of Milan remain at a loss as too how these players were sold and not replaced but also as to how Allegri cannot put out a winning side with players such as Pazzini, Nocerino and Ambrosini at his disposal. If Milan fail to beat Cagliari on Wednesday in The San Siro it is expected Allegri's tenure will come to a swift end.
To the action then and Tuesday's sole game sees Fiorentina host Juventus. Fiorentina were held to a 1-1 draw with Parma last Saturday and this posses a much bigger test against a Juventus side who won yet again last weekend beating Chievo 2-0. Juve have won all four of their games and expected them to continue that against a Fiorentina side that have had a good start but will be found out here. Away Win - Juve continue their staggering form.
The first of eight games on Wednesday sees Pescara host Palermo. Pescara gained a good point in a 1-1 draw with Bologna. That solitary point is all the newly promoted side have after 4 games and they remain a side set to struggle this season. The same could be said of Palermo who slumped to another defeat losing 1-0 at Atalanta. They too have just one point from their opening games and despite replacing their manager they look like a side on a decline. Two sides then that are struggling and in a game that neither can afford to lose a draw is the most likely out come. Draw - two poor sides play out a low scoring draw.
Udinese travel to Torino on the back of a great 2-1 win over AC Milan that could kick start their season after picking up just one point from their their first three games. Torino gained a solid 1-1 draw with Sampdoria last weekend and have started the season brightly with just one defeat in their opening 4 games. It is Udinese though that are taken to win this one given the confidence boost received after the Milan win, they should be too much for Torino. Away Win - Udinese outclass Torino.
Roma host Sampdoria in The Stadio Olimipico having not played a competitive game for 10 days after their game with Cagliari was postponed. Having all 3 points award to them in the wake of that postponement is a great boost for Zeman's men who have moved up to fifth in the table. Their last game saw them lose 3-2 to Bologna but they have had plenty of time to get over that and should regain the winning thread here. Promoted Sampdoria had begun the season well before being held to a 1-1 draw with Torino last weekend. They remain the strongest of the promoted teams but a rested Roma side at home should be too strong for them. Home Win - Roma bounce back to form.
Catania host Atalanta as they look to build on their solid draw against Napoli last time out. That 0-0 draw saw Catania continue their promising start taking 5 points from the opening four games. Their opponents Atalanta beat Palermo 1-0 to move on the same points total. This is a meeting of two decent sides that will be battling for Europa league places come the end of the season. With both sides starting well this is too hard to call. Draw - Two decent sides play out an entertaining draw.
Chievo host Inter as both teams look to bounce back from defeats last weekend. Chievo succumbed to the might of Juventus losing 2-0, a result that means they have no lost three in a row. Inter as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Siena. They have no lost two and won two of their opening games. Inter dominated against Siena but didn't take their chances likely hood here is that Inter will take their chances especially against a defence that is leaking goals. It certainly wont be easy but Inter will bounce back as the problems mount for Chievo. Away Win - Inter narrowly take the spoils.
Genoa host Parma with both teams looking to gain good back to back results. Genoa caused an upset last weekend beating promising Lazio 1-0. That win gave Genoa their second win of the season having lost their previous two. Parma fought a 1-1 with Fiorentina to gain their first draw of the season and their fourth point. Both sides should find themselves in mid table as the season progresses but its Genoa who get the vote in this one, the victory over Lazio is certain to have been a moral booster and with home advantage they should take all three points in this one. Home Win - Genoa's good start continues.
Two clubs in crisis meet when Cagliari travel to The San Siro to face AC Milan. Cagliari's postponed game against Roma last weekend meant that Cagliari's poor start to the season looks even worse after Roma were awarded all 3 points. Cagliari are still yet to win this season and have just two points to their name. AC Milan were beaten again last weekend losing 1-0 to Atalanta in the shock of the weekend. Milan have just 3 points from 4 games and are in desperate need in a change of fortune. A chance is taken that Milan know what is at stake in this game with their manager under increasing pressure they should give a big performance. They are lucky to have been given a decent opportunity here against a Cagliari side who have their own problems along with poor form on the pitch. Away Win - Milan win for Allegri.
Napoli host Lazio in Wednesday's final game as both sides look to bounce back from dissapointing results. Napoli were held in Catania to a goaless draw last weekend which saw their winning streak coming to end after 3 games. Lazio too lost their 100% record losing 1-0 to Genoa. Both sides sit second and third in the table respectivly with just a point seperating them. That small gap shows how close this game will be and with both sides looking to bounce back this is set to be entertaining affair. It's Napoli though that get the tentative vote as they are usually strong at home throughout the season. Home Win - Napoli just edge it with the help of the Stadio San Paulo faithfull.
Thursday's only game sees Bologna travel to Siena. Siena provided a shock last weekend beating Inter 2-0 to gain their first win of the season. They had drawn two and lost one of their previous three games. Bologna were unable to build on their dramatic win over Roma a fortnight ago as they were held to a 1-1 draw with promoted Pescara. That victory remains their sole win of the campaign having lost their two of their 3 games, drawing the other. Siena were thought of by many as a side that would struggle this season but they have begun well despite their points reduction at the start of the season they now sit on just -1 and will be looking to get away from the bottom three soon enough. They face a difficult task here though against a Bologna side who are inconsistent but more than capable of beating Siena on their day. On current form and with home advantage Siena might take this but Bologna regulary upset the odds so a draw is the safest call. Draw - Two ok sides play out a cagey draw.
Selected Match Odds:
Milan, Genoa, Inter, Udinese, Roma, Juve & Napoli - All To Win - 153/1
AC Milan V Cagliari - Correct Score - Milan 3-0 - 10/1
Roma V Sampdoria - First Goalscorer - Florenzi - 7/1
Enjoy The Games!
Ironically Cagliari's next opponents AC Milan are also in crisis after suffering another defeat. They were beaten 2-1 by Udinese on Sunday in a game which saw two of their men see red. Milan have picked up just three points from their opening 4 games and pressure continues to grow on Allegri. Most anger however is directed toward the Milan board after the sale of Ibrahimovic and Tiago Silva. Followers of Milan remain at a loss as too how these players were sold and not replaced but also as to how Allegri cannot put out a winning side with players such as Pazzini, Nocerino and Ambrosini at his disposal. If Milan fail to beat Cagliari on Wednesday in The San Siro it is expected Allegri's tenure will come to a swift end.
To the action then and Tuesday's sole game sees Fiorentina host Juventus. Fiorentina were held to a 1-1 draw with Parma last Saturday and this posses a much bigger test against a Juventus side who won yet again last weekend beating Chievo 2-0. Juve have won all four of their games and expected them to continue that against a Fiorentina side that have had a good start but will be found out here. Away Win - Juve continue their staggering form.
The first of eight games on Wednesday sees Pescara host Palermo. Pescara gained a good point in a 1-1 draw with Bologna. That solitary point is all the newly promoted side have after 4 games and they remain a side set to struggle this season. The same could be said of Palermo who slumped to another defeat losing 1-0 at Atalanta. They too have just one point from their opening games and despite replacing their manager they look like a side on a decline. Two sides then that are struggling and in a game that neither can afford to lose a draw is the most likely out come. Draw - two poor sides play out a low scoring draw.
Udinese travel to Torino on the back of a great 2-1 win over AC Milan that could kick start their season after picking up just one point from their their first three games. Torino gained a solid 1-1 draw with Sampdoria last weekend and have started the season brightly with just one defeat in their opening 4 games. It is Udinese though that are taken to win this one given the confidence boost received after the Milan win, they should be too much for Torino. Away Win - Udinese outclass Torino.
Roma host Sampdoria in The Stadio Olimipico having not played a competitive game for 10 days after their game with Cagliari was postponed. Having all 3 points award to them in the wake of that postponement is a great boost for Zeman's men who have moved up to fifth in the table. Their last game saw them lose 3-2 to Bologna but they have had plenty of time to get over that and should regain the winning thread here. Promoted Sampdoria had begun the season well before being held to a 1-1 draw with Torino last weekend. They remain the strongest of the promoted teams but a rested Roma side at home should be too strong for them. Home Win - Roma bounce back to form.
Catania host Atalanta as they look to build on their solid draw against Napoli last time out. That 0-0 draw saw Catania continue their promising start taking 5 points from the opening four games. Their opponents Atalanta beat Palermo 1-0 to move on the same points total. This is a meeting of two decent sides that will be battling for Europa league places come the end of the season. With both sides starting well this is too hard to call. Draw - Two decent sides play out an entertaining draw.
Chievo host Inter as both teams look to bounce back from defeats last weekend. Chievo succumbed to the might of Juventus losing 2-0, a result that means they have no lost three in a row. Inter as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Siena. They have no lost two and won two of their opening games. Inter dominated against Siena but didn't take their chances likely hood here is that Inter will take their chances especially against a defence that is leaking goals. It certainly wont be easy but Inter will bounce back as the problems mount for Chievo. Away Win - Inter narrowly take the spoils.
Genoa host Parma with both teams looking to gain good back to back results. Genoa caused an upset last weekend beating promising Lazio 1-0. That win gave Genoa their second win of the season having lost their previous two. Parma fought a 1-1 with Fiorentina to gain their first draw of the season and their fourth point. Both sides should find themselves in mid table as the season progresses but its Genoa who get the vote in this one, the victory over Lazio is certain to have been a moral booster and with home advantage they should take all three points in this one. Home Win - Genoa's good start continues.
Two clubs in crisis meet when Cagliari travel to The San Siro to face AC Milan. Cagliari's postponed game against Roma last weekend meant that Cagliari's poor start to the season looks even worse after Roma were awarded all 3 points. Cagliari are still yet to win this season and have just two points to their name. AC Milan were beaten again last weekend losing 1-0 to Atalanta in the shock of the weekend. Milan have just 3 points from 4 games and are in desperate need in a change of fortune. A chance is taken that Milan know what is at stake in this game with their manager under increasing pressure they should give a big performance. They are lucky to have been given a decent opportunity here against a Cagliari side who have their own problems along with poor form on the pitch. Away Win - Milan win for Allegri.
Napoli host Lazio in Wednesday's final game as both sides look to bounce back from dissapointing results. Napoli were held in Catania to a goaless draw last weekend which saw their winning streak coming to end after 3 games. Lazio too lost their 100% record losing 1-0 to Genoa. Both sides sit second and third in the table respectivly with just a point seperating them. That small gap shows how close this game will be and with both sides looking to bounce back this is set to be entertaining affair. It's Napoli though that get the tentative vote as they are usually strong at home throughout the season. Home Win - Napoli just edge it with the help of the Stadio San Paulo faithfull.
Thursday's only game sees Bologna travel to Siena. Siena provided a shock last weekend beating Inter 2-0 to gain their first win of the season. They had drawn two and lost one of their previous three games. Bologna were unable to build on their dramatic win over Roma a fortnight ago as they were held to a 1-1 draw with promoted Pescara. That victory remains their sole win of the campaign having lost their two of their 3 games, drawing the other. Siena were thought of by many as a side that would struggle this season but they have begun well despite their points reduction at the start of the season they now sit on just -1 and will be looking to get away from the bottom three soon enough. They face a difficult task here though against a Bologna side who are inconsistent but more than capable of beating Siena on their day. On current form and with home advantage Siena might take this but Bologna regulary upset the odds so a draw is the safest call. Draw - Two ok sides play out a cagey draw.
Selected Match Odds:
Milan, Genoa, Inter, Udinese, Roma, Juve & Napoli - All To Win - 153/1
AC Milan V Cagliari - Correct Score - Milan 3-0 - 10/1
Roma V Sampdoria - First Goalscorer - Florenzi - 7/1
Enjoy The Games!
Friday, 21 September 2012
Gameweek 3 - First Managerial Casualty and Milan In Crisis
This week in The Serie A saw its first managerial sacking of the season after Palermo fired Giuseppe Sannino just three games into the season. Palermo are notorious for firing coaches, with not a single manager lasting the season since the 2004-2005 campaign. Palermo sit third from the bottom of the table after picking up just one point from their 3 games, they should have won last weekend against Cagliari but were prevented by a last minute equaliser. Even by the Serie A's and Palermo's standards this has to be seen as a knee jerk reaction with Sannino having such little time to make an impact, he has been replaced by former Genoa coach, Gian Piero Gasperini.
Another manager who's job is coming increasingly under threat is Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri. He saw his team slump to their second defeat of the season last weekend losing 1-0 to Atalanta which was followed by a bitterly disappointing 0-0 draw with Anderlecht in the Champions League on Wednesday night. That night saw the two major players Milan sold in the summer, Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva both score for PSG. Milan's faithful have been at odds with those running the club for sometime but many feel that with the players retained Allegri should be beating teams like Atalanta comfortably, its hard to disagree with them. A strong rumour coming out of Italy at the moment is that former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is being lined up as a replacement for Allegri if the results fail to improve.
Looking forward to this weekends action on the pitch and the fixtures have a familiar look to them with two matches on Saturday and eight on Sunday. The first game of the weekend sees Parma host Fiorentina on Saturday evening. Parma suffered their second defeat of the season last weekend losing 3-1 to Napoli. They may only have 3 points from their first 3 games but have had a tough start to the campaign facing both Napoli and Jueventus, they will improve and expect them to be filling a mid table spot soon. They may continue to struggle this weekend though with the visit of a resurgent looking Fiorentina who have won two of their first three games, only coming unstuck in Naples. The Viola beat Catania 2-0 at home last weekend and look set to avoid the relegation battle they were drawn into last season. Expect Parma to make life hard for Fiorentina but Fiorentina should have enough to take this one. Away Win - Fiorentina continue their great start to the new campaign.
Champions Juventus look to continue their staggering 42 game unbeaten run when they host Chievo in Saturday's other game. Juventus suffered a scare to their record last weekend after having to come from behind to beat Genoa 3-1. Despite that scare they have made a great start to the season scoring 9 goals and conceding just 2 in 3 games, they remain were they finished last season at the top of the table and fully expect them to stay there. Chievo suffered their second defeat in a row after losing 3-1 at home to Lazio. Chievo are another side that should be be sat in a mid table position as the season progresses but for now they are set for their third defeat on the bounce as Juve remain impossible to oppose. Home Win - 43 games unbeaten for the mighty Old Lady.
The first of Sundays games sees two of the promoted sides meet as Torino travel to Sampdoria. Torino have suffered a inconsistent start to the season, drawing, winning then losing their opening fixtures. They were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Inter last weekend and are certain to struggle this season given their limit resources. Sampdoria however have had a tremendous start to the new season, unbeaten in three, beating AC Milan, Siena and last weekend fellow promotion side Pescara. Although it is early days Sampdoria certainly look the strongest of the 3 promoted sides and they are taken to prove it here. Home Win - Sampdoria again show that they are not relegation fodder with a good win over Torino.
Catania host Napoli as they look to make it back to back wins. A hard fought 3-2 win over Genoa last weekend saw them gain their first win of the season and they look set for a solid campaign again under Montella, though this poses a tough task against an unbeaten Napoli side. Napoli's 3-1 win in Parma last weekend showed again that despite losing some key men they remain a force to be reckoned with. Napoli have scored eight goals in their opening games and it is their forward line that will be the key to this one with Catania capable of scoring goals but they also concede too many. Napoli may just edge this one in a high scoring affair. Away Win - Napoli again show their attacking prowess against Catania.
Atalanta host Palermo in Gian Piero Gasperini's first game in charge of Palermo. Atalanta caused the upset of last weekend beating AC Milan 1-0 to gain their first win of the season. They remain a solid outfit and will be confident of making it back to back wins against a Palermo side in crisis after just changing their manager. Palermo have just one point to their name after a 1-1 draw with Cagliari last weekend, they have lost some key men in the close season and look set for a struggle particularly with their notoriously trigger happy chairman. Its Atalanta then who get the vote in this one given their current confidence and Palermo's lack of it. Home Win - Atalanta add to Palermo's woes with a comfortable home win.
Bologna host newly promoted Pescara as they look to gain back to back victories. Bologna looked set for defeat in Rome last weekend before 3 goals in the last 20 minutes saw them beat Roma 3-2, giving them their first points of the season. Pescara remain searching for their first points of the new campaign after being beaten 3-2 by Sampdoria. Bologna will be no doubt high on confidence after last weekends great victory and let set for another victory here against a Pescara side that already look set for relegation. Home Win - Bologna cruise past Pescara.
Cagliari host Roma as they search for their first win of the season. In their last two games Cagliari have gained draws with last minute equalisers against Atalanta and last weekend, Palermo. Such luck cannot last forever and they must improve if they hope to avoid a relegation battle this season. It won't be easy to begin improvement against a Roma side wounded after throwing away a 2-0 lead against Bologna last weekend that eventually saw them lose 3-2. Roma had looked a force to be reckoned with, a 3-1 win over Inter a fortnight ago a terrific performance. It is they then who are taken to win this one given Cagliari's weakness at the back and Roma's great attacking play under the guidance of Zeman. Away Win - Roma bounce back as Cagliari's luck finally runs out.
Inter host Siena in The San Siro with the visitors still looking for their first win of the season. Inter bounced back from their defeat in Rome by beating Torino 2-0. Their front line of Snijeder, Milito and Cassano looks like one of the strongest in the division, expect them to be challenging for the Champions League places this season despite their Rome set back. Siena gained a good point last weekend drawing 2-2 with Udinese though they remain win less and have conceded 4 goals in their opening three games, their clean sheet coming against Torino. It is hard then to envisage anything but an Inter win in this one, home advantage and their attacking force should seem them take all 3 points. Home Win - Inter breeze past Siena who are in danger of being involved in a relegation fight this season.
The game of the weekend sees two sides desperate for a win as Milan head to Udinese. Udinese remain win less after their 2-2 draw with Siena last time out and they must improve if they have any chance of reaching the giddy heights of last season. Milan have had arguably a worse start to the campaign, losing to Sampdoria on opening day, followed by victory over Bologna and then last weekend losing 1-0 to Atalanta. Unacceptable is what Milan fans are calling their teams start. So a game both teams will feel they must win to kick start their seasons, however given the inconsistency of both sides a draw looks the most likely result in this one. Draw - A frustrating result for all involved.
The final game of the weekend sees Lazio host Genoa. Lazio have had a great start to the season, 3 wins, 7 goals scored, one conceded including a 3-1 victory over Chievo last weekend. In contrast Genoa's only points of the new season so far came on opening day in a 2-0 victory over Cagliari. They were soundly beaten 3-1 by Juventus last weekend and expect a similar scoreline this weekend given Lazio's current form. Lazio look set to be challenging for a Champions League spot this season whereas Genoa look likely to be caught in a relegation scrap. The difference in the two sides will be reflected in the result on Sunday. Home Win - Lazio win easily against Genoa.
Selected Match Odds:
Lazio, Inter, Roma, Bologna, Atalanta, Napoli, Sampdoria, Juve and Fiorentina - All to win : 228/1
Udinese V AC Milan - Correct Score 2-2 : 5/1
Cagliari V Roma - Florenzi To Score First : 7/1
Enjoy The Games!
Another manager who's job is coming increasingly under threat is Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri. He saw his team slump to their second defeat of the season last weekend losing 1-0 to Atalanta which was followed by a bitterly disappointing 0-0 draw with Anderlecht in the Champions League on Wednesday night. That night saw the two major players Milan sold in the summer, Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva both score for PSG. Milan's faithful have been at odds with those running the club for sometime but many feel that with the players retained Allegri should be beating teams like Atalanta comfortably, its hard to disagree with them. A strong rumour coming out of Italy at the moment is that former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is being lined up as a replacement for Allegri if the results fail to improve.
Looking forward to this weekends action on the pitch and the fixtures have a familiar look to them with two matches on Saturday and eight on Sunday. The first game of the weekend sees Parma host Fiorentina on Saturday evening. Parma suffered their second defeat of the season last weekend losing 3-1 to Napoli. They may only have 3 points from their first 3 games but have had a tough start to the campaign facing both Napoli and Jueventus, they will improve and expect them to be filling a mid table spot soon. They may continue to struggle this weekend though with the visit of a resurgent looking Fiorentina who have won two of their first three games, only coming unstuck in Naples. The Viola beat Catania 2-0 at home last weekend and look set to avoid the relegation battle they were drawn into last season. Expect Parma to make life hard for Fiorentina but Fiorentina should have enough to take this one. Away Win - Fiorentina continue their great start to the new campaign.
Champions Juventus look to continue their staggering 42 game unbeaten run when they host Chievo in Saturday's other game. Juventus suffered a scare to their record last weekend after having to come from behind to beat Genoa 3-1. Despite that scare they have made a great start to the season scoring 9 goals and conceding just 2 in 3 games, they remain were they finished last season at the top of the table and fully expect them to stay there. Chievo suffered their second defeat in a row after losing 3-1 at home to Lazio. Chievo are another side that should be be sat in a mid table position as the season progresses but for now they are set for their third defeat on the bounce as Juve remain impossible to oppose. Home Win - 43 games unbeaten for the mighty Old Lady.
The first of Sundays games sees two of the promoted sides meet as Torino travel to Sampdoria. Torino have suffered a inconsistent start to the season, drawing, winning then losing their opening fixtures. They were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Inter last weekend and are certain to struggle this season given their limit resources. Sampdoria however have had a tremendous start to the new season, unbeaten in three, beating AC Milan, Siena and last weekend fellow promotion side Pescara. Although it is early days Sampdoria certainly look the strongest of the 3 promoted sides and they are taken to prove it here. Home Win - Sampdoria again show that they are not relegation fodder with a good win over Torino.
Catania host Napoli as they look to make it back to back wins. A hard fought 3-2 win over Genoa last weekend saw them gain their first win of the season and they look set for a solid campaign again under Montella, though this poses a tough task against an unbeaten Napoli side. Napoli's 3-1 win in Parma last weekend showed again that despite losing some key men they remain a force to be reckoned with. Napoli have scored eight goals in their opening games and it is their forward line that will be the key to this one with Catania capable of scoring goals but they also concede too many. Napoli may just edge this one in a high scoring affair. Away Win - Napoli again show their attacking prowess against Catania.
Atalanta host Palermo in Gian Piero Gasperini's first game in charge of Palermo. Atalanta caused the upset of last weekend beating AC Milan 1-0 to gain their first win of the season. They remain a solid outfit and will be confident of making it back to back wins against a Palermo side in crisis after just changing their manager. Palermo have just one point to their name after a 1-1 draw with Cagliari last weekend, they have lost some key men in the close season and look set for a struggle particularly with their notoriously trigger happy chairman. Its Atalanta then who get the vote in this one given their current confidence and Palermo's lack of it. Home Win - Atalanta add to Palermo's woes with a comfortable home win.
Bologna host newly promoted Pescara as they look to gain back to back victories. Bologna looked set for defeat in Rome last weekend before 3 goals in the last 20 minutes saw them beat Roma 3-2, giving them their first points of the season. Pescara remain searching for their first points of the new campaign after being beaten 3-2 by Sampdoria. Bologna will be no doubt high on confidence after last weekends great victory and let set for another victory here against a Pescara side that already look set for relegation. Home Win - Bologna cruise past Pescara.
Cagliari host Roma as they search for their first win of the season. In their last two games Cagliari have gained draws with last minute equalisers against Atalanta and last weekend, Palermo. Such luck cannot last forever and they must improve if they hope to avoid a relegation battle this season. It won't be easy to begin improvement against a Roma side wounded after throwing away a 2-0 lead against Bologna last weekend that eventually saw them lose 3-2. Roma had looked a force to be reckoned with, a 3-1 win over Inter a fortnight ago a terrific performance. It is they then who are taken to win this one given Cagliari's weakness at the back and Roma's great attacking play under the guidance of Zeman. Away Win - Roma bounce back as Cagliari's luck finally runs out.
Inter host Siena in The San Siro with the visitors still looking for their first win of the season. Inter bounced back from their defeat in Rome by beating Torino 2-0. Their front line of Snijeder, Milito and Cassano looks like one of the strongest in the division, expect them to be challenging for the Champions League places this season despite their Rome set back. Siena gained a good point last weekend drawing 2-2 with Udinese though they remain win less and have conceded 4 goals in their opening three games, their clean sheet coming against Torino. It is hard then to envisage anything but an Inter win in this one, home advantage and their attacking force should seem them take all 3 points. Home Win - Inter breeze past Siena who are in danger of being involved in a relegation fight this season.
The game of the weekend sees two sides desperate for a win as Milan head to Udinese. Udinese remain win less after their 2-2 draw with Siena last time out and they must improve if they have any chance of reaching the giddy heights of last season. Milan have had arguably a worse start to the campaign, losing to Sampdoria on opening day, followed by victory over Bologna and then last weekend losing 1-0 to Atalanta. Unacceptable is what Milan fans are calling their teams start. So a game both teams will feel they must win to kick start their seasons, however given the inconsistency of both sides a draw looks the most likely result in this one. Draw - A frustrating result for all involved.
The final game of the weekend sees Lazio host Genoa. Lazio have had a great start to the season, 3 wins, 7 goals scored, one conceded including a 3-1 victory over Chievo last weekend. In contrast Genoa's only points of the new season so far came on opening day in a 2-0 victory over Cagliari. They were soundly beaten 3-1 by Juventus last weekend and expect a similar scoreline this weekend given Lazio's current form. Lazio look set to be challenging for a Champions League spot this season whereas Genoa look likely to be caught in a relegation scrap. The difference in the two sides will be reflected in the result on Sunday. Home Win - Lazio win easily against Genoa.
Selected Match Odds:
Lazio, Inter, Roma, Bologna, Atalanta, Napoli, Sampdoria, Juve and Fiorentina - All to win : 228/1
Udinese V AC Milan - Correct Score 2-2 : 5/1
Cagliari V Roma - Florenzi To Score First : 7/1
Enjoy The Games!
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Game week 3 - Back In Buisness
The Serie A returns this weekend after an international break with the usual 10 games spread over Saturday and Sunday. Saturday sees two evening fixtures with Sunday hosting eight games.
Palermo will be hoping to gain their first points of the season as they host Cagliari in the first of Saturday's games. Palermo were beaten 3-0 by Lazio a fortnight ago after suffering by the same score against a Napoli a week previous. They look set for a struggling season although this represents their easiest task so far. Cagliari gained their first points of the season after a late equaliser saw them draw 1-1 with Atalanta. This fixture is bound to be a cagey affair with both sides struggling to find their form and neither will want to lose this one, a draw looks the most likely outcome. Draw - 2 struggling sides play out an uneventful draw.
AC Milan picked up their first points of the season after winning 3-1 in Bologna. New signing Pazzini grabbed a hat-trick in that game and if he can continue to score goals Milan will surely challenge for the title again. They host Atalanta in the second of Saturday's games. Atalanta were held to a 1-1 draw with Cagliari and are still waiting for their first 3 points of the new campaign. Milan bounced back from their shock start a fortnight ago and expect them to go on a good run of form now, Atalanta will be no doubt winning games soon but they are unlikely to get one here against a Milan outfit that remain classy. Home Win - Milan back in business as they comfortably beat Atalanta.
The first game on Sunday sees Chievo host Lazio as the team from Verona look to bounce back after being beaten 2-0 in Parma two weeks ago. They had begun the season well with victory over Bologna but they look up against it here facing an unbeaten Lazio side. Lazio became one of just 3 teams to have a 100% win record at the start of the season after beating Palermo 3-0. Lazio are certainly more solid at home but in their current vein they will make it two away wins out of two here, though Chievo will pose a threat. Away Win - Lazio continue their great start to the season with victory in Verona.
Pointless Genoa face a daunting task as they host champions Juventus. Genoa were beaten 3-2 by Catania last time out in a hard fought affair and why the attitude of Luigi Di Canio's men can't be questioned their defence certainly can be, conceding 5 goals in their first 2 games has to be of great concern. Juventus have began this campaign as they ended the last by winning and winning well. The old lady thumped Udinese 4-1 in Udine two weeks ago as they continue to look imperious. At some point Juventus will get beaten this season but its highly unlikely to occur here, Genoa lack the fire power to trouble Juventus and Juventus' strong forward line will look to fill their boots against a leaky back line. Away Win - Juventus continue their title defence with another win.
Two of the three newly promoted teams meet as Pescara host Sampdoria. Pescara have lost both their opening fixtures 3-0 including an away defeat at Torino a fortnight ago. Pescara must win games like these, against relegation rivals if they are to have any hope of staying in the division, so far though they have looked out of their depth. That is something that cannot be said for Sampdoria who after beating Milan on the opening day then travelled to Siena and gained a hard thought 2-1 victory. Its still far to early to say what these two teams are capable of this season, Sampdoria have made a great start but they were beaten by Pescara at the end of last season which is reason to hope for the side with no points. A draw seems likely in a game too tough to call. Draw - Could go either way but a draw is the most likely result.
Roma host Bologna in the Stadio Olimpio as they look to continue their good start to the season. Totti and Co. got their first three points of the season by beating Inter 3-1 in Milan. That great team performance saw Daniel Osvaldo score before being sent off, he will be a big miss for Roma after starting the season in great form and bagging two more goals for Italy in midweek. Roma will also be without Daniel De Rossi who has been ruled out for two weeks. Despite the loss of two key men Roma should have enough to beat a Bologna side who have lost their opening two games including a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of AC Milan a fortnight ago. Bologna are unlikely to be dragged into a relegation battle but now is not a good time to play Roma. Home Win - Roma continue their great start at the expense of Bologna.
Fiorentina host Catania as they look to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat against Napoli last time out. Fiorentina won on opening weekend with a great victory over Udinese, Napoli proved too much for them a week later but Catania represent an easier assignment. Catania are unbeaten in this campaign after beating Genoa 3-2 but they have conceded four goals in the opening two games and against a fluid attacking side like Fiorentina they may come unstuck defensively. Its set to be a close affair between two decent sides but the Viola's home advantage and attacking prowess should see them win. Home Win - Fiorentina chalk up win number two of the campaign against Catania.
Siena host Udinese with both teams looking for a change of fortunes after a disappointing start to the season. Siena were beaten 2-1 by newly promoted Sampdoria a fortnight ago and have just one point from their first two games, they look sure to be involved in a relegation scrap come May. Udinese have began poorly by their standards, a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Juventus last time out came after being beaten 2-1 by Fiorentina. This represents Udinese's easiest task of the campaign so far however and expect them too take all 3 points back to Udine. Udinese's front line should prove to much for a Siena defence that has struggled against lesser opposition than Udinese. Away Win - Udinese get their first points on the board at the expense of a poor looking Siena side.
Parma travel to Naples to face Napoli looking for back to back wins. After a being beaten by Juventus on opening weekend Parma bounced straight back with a solid 2-0 win over Chievo. That is about the level Parma are at, good performances against the teams that will be round them in mid table but coming unstuck against the big boys which is why Napoli will beat them on Sunday. Napoli made it two from two by beating Fiorentina 2-1 at home a fortnight ago and look to have adapted well to the loss of Lavezzi to PSG, holding on to Edison Cavani was a huge boost for them and their attacking line is still the envy of many a club in the league. They really should have no problem in making it three in a row here. Home Win - Napoli cruise past Parma who will be safe come May, but this is above them.
The final game of the weekend sees Torino host Inter. Torino have made an unbeaten start to the season, after beating Pescara 3-0 last time out. They face a different test here however playing a wounded Inter who were convincingly beaten 3-1 by Roma a fortnight ago. Inter had began the season well, beating Pescara 3-0 and expect a similar score line here. The front line of Antonio Cassano and Diego Milito will surely be too much for Torino and they will face defeat for the first time this season. Away Win - Inter bounce back with a convincing win over Pescara who get a reality check.
Selected Match Betting:
Inter, Napoli, Udinese, Fiorentina, Roma, Juve, Lazio & Milan - All To Win : 120/1
Napoli V Parma - Edison Cavani to score first : 3-1
Roma V Bologna - Correct Score 3-1: 17/2
Enjoy The Games!
Palermo will be hoping to gain their first points of the season as they host Cagliari in the first of Saturday's games. Palermo were beaten 3-0 by Lazio a fortnight ago after suffering by the same score against a Napoli a week previous. They look set for a struggling season although this represents their easiest task so far. Cagliari gained their first points of the season after a late equaliser saw them draw 1-1 with Atalanta. This fixture is bound to be a cagey affair with both sides struggling to find their form and neither will want to lose this one, a draw looks the most likely outcome. Draw - 2 struggling sides play out an uneventful draw.
AC Milan picked up their first points of the season after winning 3-1 in Bologna. New signing Pazzini grabbed a hat-trick in that game and if he can continue to score goals Milan will surely challenge for the title again. They host Atalanta in the second of Saturday's games. Atalanta were held to a 1-1 draw with Cagliari and are still waiting for their first 3 points of the new campaign. Milan bounced back from their shock start a fortnight ago and expect them to go on a good run of form now, Atalanta will be no doubt winning games soon but they are unlikely to get one here against a Milan outfit that remain classy. Home Win - Milan back in business as they comfortably beat Atalanta.
The first game on Sunday sees Chievo host Lazio as the team from Verona look to bounce back after being beaten 2-0 in Parma two weeks ago. They had begun the season well with victory over Bologna but they look up against it here facing an unbeaten Lazio side. Lazio became one of just 3 teams to have a 100% win record at the start of the season after beating Palermo 3-0. Lazio are certainly more solid at home but in their current vein they will make it two away wins out of two here, though Chievo will pose a threat. Away Win - Lazio continue their great start to the season with victory in Verona.
Pointless Genoa face a daunting task as they host champions Juventus. Genoa were beaten 3-2 by Catania last time out in a hard fought affair and why the attitude of Luigi Di Canio's men can't be questioned their defence certainly can be, conceding 5 goals in their first 2 games has to be of great concern. Juventus have began this campaign as they ended the last by winning and winning well. The old lady thumped Udinese 4-1 in Udine two weeks ago as they continue to look imperious. At some point Juventus will get beaten this season but its highly unlikely to occur here, Genoa lack the fire power to trouble Juventus and Juventus' strong forward line will look to fill their boots against a leaky back line. Away Win - Juventus continue their title defence with another win.
Two of the three newly promoted teams meet as Pescara host Sampdoria. Pescara have lost both their opening fixtures 3-0 including an away defeat at Torino a fortnight ago. Pescara must win games like these, against relegation rivals if they are to have any hope of staying in the division, so far though they have looked out of their depth. That is something that cannot be said for Sampdoria who after beating Milan on the opening day then travelled to Siena and gained a hard thought 2-1 victory. Its still far to early to say what these two teams are capable of this season, Sampdoria have made a great start but they were beaten by Pescara at the end of last season which is reason to hope for the side with no points. A draw seems likely in a game too tough to call. Draw - Could go either way but a draw is the most likely result.
Roma host Bologna in the Stadio Olimpio as they look to continue their good start to the season. Totti and Co. got their first three points of the season by beating Inter 3-1 in Milan. That great team performance saw Daniel Osvaldo score before being sent off, he will be a big miss for Roma after starting the season in great form and bagging two more goals for Italy in midweek. Roma will also be without Daniel De Rossi who has been ruled out for two weeks. Despite the loss of two key men Roma should have enough to beat a Bologna side who have lost their opening two games including a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of AC Milan a fortnight ago. Bologna are unlikely to be dragged into a relegation battle but now is not a good time to play Roma. Home Win - Roma continue their great start at the expense of Bologna.
Fiorentina host Catania as they look to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat against Napoli last time out. Fiorentina won on opening weekend with a great victory over Udinese, Napoli proved too much for them a week later but Catania represent an easier assignment. Catania are unbeaten in this campaign after beating Genoa 3-2 but they have conceded four goals in the opening two games and against a fluid attacking side like Fiorentina they may come unstuck defensively. Its set to be a close affair between two decent sides but the Viola's home advantage and attacking prowess should see them win. Home Win - Fiorentina chalk up win number two of the campaign against Catania.
Siena host Udinese with both teams looking for a change of fortunes after a disappointing start to the season. Siena were beaten 2-1 by newly promoted Sampdoria a fortnight ago and have just one point from their first two games, they look sure to be involved in a relegation scrap come May. Udinese have began poorly by their standards, a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Juventus last time out came after being beaten 2-1 by Fiorentina. This represents Udinese's easiest task of the campaign so far however and expect them too take all 3 points back to Udine. Udinese's front line should prove to much for a Siena defence that has struggled against lesser opposition than Udinese. Away Win - Udinese get their first points on the board at the expense of a poor looking Siena side.
Parma travel to Naples to face Napoli looking for back to back wins. After a being beaten by Juventus on opening weekend Parma bounced straight back with a solid 2-0 win over Chievo. That is about the level Parma are at, good performances against the teams that will be round them in mid table but coming unstuck against the big boys which is why Napoli will beat them on Sunday. Napoli made it two from two by beating Fiorentina 2-1 at home a fortnight ago and look to have adapted well to the loss of Lavezzi to PSG, holding on to Edison Cavani was a huge boost for them and their attacking line is still the envy of many a club in the league. They really should have no problem in making it three in a row here. Home Win - Napoli cruise past Parma who will be safe come May, but this is above them.
The final game of the weekend sees Torino host Inter. Torino have made an unbeaten start to the season, after beating Pescara 3-0 last time out. They face a different test here however playing a wounded Inter who were convincingly beaten 3-1 by Roma a fortnight ago. Inter had began the season well, beating Pescara 3-0 and expect a similar score line here. The front line of Antonio Cassano and Diego Milito will surely be too much for Torino and they will face defeat for the first time this season. Away Win - Inter bounce back with a convincing win over Pescara who get a reality check.
Selected Match Betting:
Inter, Napoli, Udinese, Fiorentina, Roma, Juve, Lazio & Milan - All To Win : 120/1
Napoli V Parma - Edison Cavani to score first : 3-1
Roma V Bologna - Correct Score 3-1: 17/2
Enjoy The Games!
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