A relatively quiet week in Italian football this week with the Milan derby still dominating headlines on the eve of the next round of games. The game ended 1-1 with Milan rueing missed opportunities in a game they dominated but were unable to finish off. The game was no classic but the return of Mario Ballotelli to his first club Inter wearing the colours of their bitter rivals resulted in plenty of hype surrounding it. Ballotelli was not at his best but he stole the headlines due to abuse levelled at him by Inter's supporters. In another sad incident for football fans across the world and particularly Italian fans it was racial abuse Ballotelli had to suffer. Jeered each time he touched the ball and inflatable bananas thrown from the stands were just some of the completely unacceptable actions carried out by Inter fans. Inter have now been fined by The Italian F.A. but the incident has yet again highlighted Italy's racism problem. We will see it again but the question remains as to what punishment will prevent us seeing it once and for all.
Elsewhere last weekend and Palermo and Genoa got the action underway and played out a dire 0-0. Sampdoria moved further away from trouble with a 2-0 win over Chievo. Roma got a much needed away win as they overcame Atalanta 3-2. Leaders Juve extended their lead at the top to 6 points after beating Siena 3-0 and then seeing Napoli held to a 0-0 by Udinese. Cagliari and Torino played out the match of the weekend as Cagliari won a 4-3 thriller. Catania continued their good season by beating Parma 2-1. Lazio overcame their blip in form to beat Pescara 2-0 and Fiorentina's blip continues as they were beaten 2-1 by Bologna.
This weekends fixtures and previews:
Friday 1st March
Napoli V Juventus - Away Win
The first of two huge games running over Friday and Saturday sees second host first as Juve travel to Naples. Napoli have drawn all 3 of their last 3 games and more worryingly have scored just one goal in those 3 games. Juve have won 2 of their last 3 and their loss against Roma a fortnight ago hasn't seemed to bother them one jot. With Napoli struggling for goals you have to fancy Juve to take this one and extend their lead at the top.
Saturday 2nd March
AC Milan V Lazio - Home Win
Third travel to fourth in this one with just two points separating them. Lazio returned to form beating Pescara 2-0 last weekend but this represents a much sterner task and they may return to the form that has seen them fall 5 points behind second placed Napoli. Milan have been a revelation since Christmas and have clambered up the table throw in two inform strikers in El Shaarawy and Ballotelli and Milan now have a real chance of repeating last years second placed finish. Expect Milan to be too much for Lazio, particularly in attack.
Sunday 3rd March
Torino V Palermo - 11:30 - Home Win
Two sides in need of a win meet in this one. Mid table placed Torino have won just one of their last three but they continue to play some good stuff and score goals. Bottom club Palermo have drawn 4 of their last 5, losing the other. They are six points from safety and could be even further adrift by Sunday evening if Torino play to full capacity. The promoted side have shown enough already this season to suggest they can be a staple in the top division and they should cement that further with victory over a struggling Palermo.
Bologna V Cagliari - 14:00 - Draw
Thirteenth play host to fourteenth as Cagliari travel to Bologna. Both sides won last time out and are out of relegation danger. Cagliari have won 2 of their last three and Bologna have just one. Both teams remain difficult to predict however and their is little to choose between them. A tight draw is the most likely result.
Catania V Inter - 14:00 - Home Win
Catania could leapfrog Inter into fifth if they take all 3 points in this one. They continue to be a solid outfit, winning two of their last 3 and drawing the other. Another positive is their home form is good. Inter have won just one of their last three and do not travel well. However there is little doubt that on paper Inter should take this one, but football isn't played on paper and Catania may just edge this given their performances in recent weeks.
Fiorentina V Chievo - 14:00 - Home Win
Chievo have slipped back down the table after failing to win any of their last 3 games. Currently in fifteenth their season has been a disaster by their standards and it could get worse when they travel to Florence. Fiorentina have fallen into sixth after a string of inconsistent results but they should have enough class to beat a struggling Chievo in this one.
Pescara V Udinese - 14:00 - Draw
Both of these sides are in poor form and expect a cagey affair. Pescara are second bottom after taking just a point from their last 3 games. Udinese are having a dreadful season by their standards and currently lie in ninth after gaining their first point in 2 games after drawing with Napoli last weekend. Udinese do not travel well and that is a positive for Pescara but it is unlikely the home side will have enough to trouble Udinese and a low scoring draw seems most likely.
Sampdoria V Parma - 14:00 - Home Win
Tenth meets eleventh as Sampdoria host Parma. Sampdoria have won two of their last three whereas Parma have won none, losing both of their last two games. Given the form of the two its easy to side with Sampdoria who have looked resurgent in recent weeks. Parma will make life difficult for the hosts but they rarely keep clean sheets and the odd goal should see Sampdoria take all 3 points.
Siena V Atalana - 14:00 - Home Win
Third from bottom Siena would be in a much stronger position if they could get their away form sorted out, at home however they are imperious, beating the like of Lazio in recent weeks. They face an Atalanta side just two places above them and who haven't won any of their last 3 games. expect home advantage to be the key to this one.
Roma V Genoa - 19:45 - Home Win
Roma continue to leak goals but they have won 2 of their last three and will fancy themselves to make it 3 in a row against fourth bottom Genoa. Genoa have won just one of their last three, scoring a singular goal which will give Roma's shakey defence some encouragement. Roma are unpredictable and would be of little surprise to see them really pushed by Genoa but they should have enough to take this one.
Selected Match Betting:
Roma, Atalanta, Sampdoria, Fiorentina, Catania, Torino, Milan & Juventus - All To Win : 170/1
Roma V Genoa - Osvaldo First Goal Scorer : 3/1
Milan V Lazio - Milan Win 3-1 : 11/1
Enjoy The Games!
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Matchweek 26 - The Milan Derby
A relatively quiet week in the Serie A this week with little action off the field it has been left to actions on the pitch to take centre stage. The major story of the week concerns AC Milan and their dramatic turn in fortunes. Milan have taken a staggering 23 points from their last 10 games and despite a dreadful start to the season are now vying for a Champions League place. Their form was boosted further on Wednesday as they overcame Barcelona 2-0 in The Champions League. They are the team no one wants to face at the moment and that has to be a concern for Inter who play their bitter rivals on Sunday night.
In contrast to the previous week their were only 2 draws in the Serie A last weekend as Napoli were held by Sampdoria in a 0-0 and Chievo shared points with Palermo in a 1-1. Pescara overcame Cagliari 2-0 while Catania narrowly beat Bologna 1-0. Torino held on to beat Atalanta 2-1. Milan continued their good run beating Parma 2-1. There were the usual surprise results as Siena beat Lazio 3-0, Fiorentina thrashed Inter 4-1, Genoa beat Udinese 1-0 and Roma shocked everyone by first keeping a clean sheet and then in doing so beating Juventus 1-0.
This Weekends Fixtures and Predictions
Saturday 23rd February
Palermo V Genoa - 19:45 - Away Win
Palermo remain bottom of the table after gaining a draw against Cheivo. Their opponents this weekend sit just six points above them but in much stronger form. Genoa have beaten both Udinese and Lazio in recent weeks and this represents a much easier task. Palermo have only lost one of their last 5 but they look set to struggle against a buoyant Genoa.
Sunday 24th February
Sampdoria V Chievo - 11:30 - Home Win
12th meets 13th in this one as Sampdoria and Chievo look to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. Both sides have stopped their slide into the danger zone and now look set for mid table finishes. It is Sampdoria who get the vote in this one however given the strength of their home form and Cheivo's poor away form. Sampdoria have been scoring for fun at home and that will concern a struggling Chievo defence, it could prove to be the difference in this one.
Atalanta V Roma - 14:00 - Away Win
Atalanta have won just one of their last 5 after being beaten by Torino. They have had a disappointing campaign and would be happy just to avoid relegation this season. Roma shocked everyone by beating Juve last time out and will be full of confidence going into this one. Both these sides are inconsistent but Roma's victory last time out shows the class they possess and they should prove to much for a sorry looking Atalanta.
Bologna V Fiorentina - 14:00 - Away Win
Bologna's narrow defeat to Catania last time out was just their second in 5 games, despite that they remain 16th just 5 points above the drop zone. 6th placed Fiorentina returned to form with a bang beating Inter 4-1 last weekend a similar display will see them sweep Bologna aside. The Viola have been inconsistent in recent weeks but their performance against Inter showed promise and they should be able to push on from it against a struggling Bologna.
Cagliari V Torino - 14:00 - Draw
Cagliari are unbeaten in five and have clawed their way up the table and away from any relegation
battle. Torino have lost just one of their last 5 and have proven themselves to be the most consistent of the three promoted sides. There is very little to choose between the two on both form and league position, either is capable of taking all three points but a draw is the safest option.
Juventus V Siena - 14:00 - Home Win
League leaders Juve were in imperious form before losing to Roma last weekend and they are taken to bounce straight back to form here. Third from bottom Siena have had some positive results in recent weeks, none more so than beating Lazio 3-0 last weekend. Lazio though are struggling and this represents a much sterner task away to the champions. Juve should prove to much for Siena in this one.
Parma V Catania - 14:00 - Draw
Both these teams come into this one in good heart. 10th placed Parma have lost 3 of their last 5 but those losses were against Milan, Fiorentina and Napoli. 7th placed Catania have lost just one of their last five and will head to Parma confident of picking up all 3 points. Parma however have been decent at home and will look to make life hard for the visitors. An entertaining draw looks in prospect.
Inter V Milan - 19:45 - Away (Milan) Win
The big game of the weekend and one of the biggest games of the season sees Inter face Milan in the Milan derby. Milan have been nothing short of superb in recent weeks winning 4 of their last 5. Inspired by the signing of Mario Balotelli they have worked their way up to third in the table, over taking their arch rivals. Inter in contrast have been poor in their last few games, a win against struggling Chievo was sandwiched between heavy defeats at the hands of Siena and then Fiorentina. It is the red half of Milan that look on the rise then and with Balotelli determined to score against his former club they look sure to cause a struggling Inter no end of problems. Expect fireworks but Milan should come out on top.
Monday 25th February
Udinese V Napoli - 18:00 - Away Win
Udiense's disappointing campaign continued after losing to Genoa. Their third defeat in 5 they sit in 9th with European qualification looking ever more unlikely. Napoli's title ambitions have been dealt a blow after drawing their last two but they are taken to return to winning ways here. Napoli's attacking options should prove to much for a shaky Udinese defence.
Lazio V Pescara - 19:45 - Home Win
Lazio have been inconsistent in recent weeks but they face their easiest task for some time here as they host second from bottom Pescara. Pescara haven't won any of their last 5 and have lost 16 games this season. Despite a promising start they look set for relegation now and Lazio should heap more misery on them in this one despite their own poor form.
Selected Match Betting:
Lazio, Napoli, Milan, Juve, Fiorentina, Roma, Sampdoria & Genoa - All To Win: 228/1
Inter V Milan - Mario Balotelli Hat Trick : 40/1
Lazio V Pescara - Lazio to win 3-0: 6/1
Enjoy The Games!
In contrast to the previous week their were only 2 draws in the Serie A last weekend as Napoli were held by Sampdoria in a 0-0 and Chievo shared points with Palermo in a 1-1. Pescara overcame Cagliari 2-0 while Catania narrowly beat Bologna 1-0. Torino held on to beat Atalanta 2-1. Milan continued their good run beating Parma 2-1. There were the usual surprise results as Siena beat Lazio 3-0, Fiorentina thrashed Inter 4-1, Genoa beat Udinese 1-0 and Roma shocked everyone by first keeping a clean sheet and then in doing so beating Juventus 1-0.
This Weekends Fixtures and Predictions
Saturday 23rd February
Palermo V Genoa - 19:45 - Away Win
Palermo remain bottom of the table after gaining a draw against Cheivo. Their opponents this weekend sit just six points above them but in much stronger form. Genoa have beaten both Udinese and Lazio in recent weeks and this represents a much easier task. Palermo have only lost one of their last 5 but they look set to struggle against a buoyant Genoa.
Sunday 24th February
Sampdoria V Chievo - 11:30 - Home Win
12th meets 13th in this one as Sampdoria and Chievo look to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. Both sides have stopped their slide into the danger zone and now look set for mid table finishes. It is Sampdoria who get the vote in this one however given the strength of their home form and Cheivo's poor away form. Sampdoria have been scoring for fun at home and that will concern a struggling Chievo defence, it could prove to be the difference in this one.
Atalanta V Roma - 14:00 - Away Win
Atalanta have won just one of their last 5 after being beaten by Torino. They have had a disappointing campaign and would be happy just to avoid relegation this season. Roma shocked everyone by beating Juve last time out and will be full of confidence going into this one. Both these sides are inconsistent but Roma's victory last time out shows the class they possess and they should prove to much for a sorry looking Atalanta.
Bologna V Fiorentina - 14:00 - Away Win
Bologna's narrow defeat to Catania last time out was just their second in 5 games, despite that they remain 16th just 5 points above the drop zone. 6th placed Fiorentina returned to form with a bang beating Inter 4-1 last weekend a similar display will see them sweep Bologna aside. The Viola have been inconsistent in recent weeks but their performance against Inter showed promise and they should be able to push on from it against a struggling Bologna.
Cagliari V Torino - 14:00 - Draw
Cagliari are unbeaten in five and have clawed their way up the table and away from any relegation
battle. Torino have lost just one of their last 5 and have proven themselves to be the most consistent of the three promoted sides. There is very little to choose between the two on both form and league position, either is capable of taking all three points but a draw is the safest option.
Juventus V Siena - 14:00 - Home Win
League leaders Juve were in imperious form before losing to Roma last weekend and they are taken to bounce straight back to form here. Third from bottom Siena have had some positive results in recent weeks, none more so than beating Lazio 3-0 last weekend. Lazio though are struggling and this represents a much sterner task away to the champions. Juve should prove to much for Siena in this one.
Parma V Catania - 14:00 - Draw
Both these teams come into this one in good heart. 10th placed Parma have lost 3 of their last 5 but those losses were against Milan, Fiorentina and Napoli. 7th placed Catania have lost just one of their last five and will head to Parma confident of picking up all 3 points. Parma however have been decent at home and will look to make life hard for the visitors. An entertaining draw looks in prospect.
Inter V Milan - 19:45 - Away (Milan) Win
The big game of the weekend and one of the biggest games of the season sees Inter face Milan in the Milan derby. Milan have been nothing short of superb in recent weeks winning 4 of their last 5. Inspired by the signing of Mario Balotelli they have worked their way up to third in the table, over taking their arch rivals. Inter in contrast have been poor in their last few games, a win against struggling Chievo was sandwiched between heavy defeats at the hands of Siena and then Fiorentina. It is the red half of Milan that look on the rise then and with Balotelli determined to score against his former club they look sure to cause a struggling Inter no end of problems. Expect fireworks but Milan should come out on top.
Monday 25th February
Udinese V Napoli - 18:00 - Away Win
Udiense's disappointing campaign continued after losing to Genoa. Their third defeat in 5 they sit in 9th with European qualification looking ever more unlikely. Napoli's title ambitions have been dealt a blow after drawing their last two but they are taken to return to winning ways here. Napoli's attacking options should prove to much for a shaky Udinese defence.
Lazio V Pescara - 19:45 - Home Win
Lazio have been inconsistent in recent weeks but they face their easiest task for some time here as they host second from bottom Pescara. Pescara haven't won any of their last 5 and have lost 16 games this season. Despite a promising start they look set for relegation now and Lazio should heap more misery on them in this one despite their own poor form.
Selected Match Betting:
Lazio, Napoli, Milan, Juve, Fiorentina, Roma, Sampdoria & Genoa - All To Win: 228/1
Inter V Milan - Mario Balotelli Hat Trick : 40/1
Lazio V Pescara - Lazio to win 3-0: 6/1
Enjoy The Games!
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Matchweek 24 - More Controversy
Another turbulent week in Serie A has seen Genoa president Enrico Preziosi and CEO Alessandro Zarbano investigated for tax evasion. Also Inter Milan have been fined 15,000 euros after their fans chanted racist abuse about former striker Mario Balotelli. This in turn with the recent dismals of two coaches has only heightened the sense of embarrassment that surrounds Italian football, it seems not a week can go by without some drama.
Turning to matters on the pitch last weekend saw some unusual results but the spate of shocks appears to have ended for now at least. Inter returned to form beating Chievo 3-1 while Roma's woe continues as they were beaten by the same score line by Sampdoria. Udinese overcame Torino 1-0 while Juventus continued their dominance over the rest of the league by beating Fiorentina 2-0. The remaining 6 games all finished in draws with Palermo V Pescara, Cagliari V AC Milan, Bologna V Siena and Lazio V Napoli all finishing 1-1. Atalanta V Catania was goal less as was Parma V Genoa.
This Weekends Fixtures & Predictions:
Friday 15th February
AC Milan V Parma - 19:45 - Home Win
Both these teams drew last time out but it is Milan who enter this one in better shape. New striker Mario Balotelli has scored 3 times in his two games for the club and he looks a constant threat. Parma haven't won in five games and I don't expect that to change here. They will offer resistance but expect Balotelli in particular to be too much for them.
Saturday 16th February
Chievo V Palermo - 17:00 -home Win
Chievo have slipped back down the table after 2 defeats to Inter and Juve, they did however manage to beat Lazio before those defeats. They face a much easier task than their previous three games here as they face bottom club Palermo. Just three wins all season and a poor 1-1 draw with Pescara last time out does little to inspire confidence that they can avoid the drop or more pressingly another defeat.
Roma V Juventus - 19:45 - Draw
Roma haven't won any of their last 4 league games but they might be able to nick a point against the champions in this one. New boss Aurelio Andreazzoli suffered defeat in his first game in charge last weekend a 3-1 loss to Sampdoria. His first goal is surely to steady the ship and ensure his defence stop leaking goals. I think we will see a much more defensive Roma side for the rest of the campaign and although Juve are more than capable of breaking Roma down, a more solid looking Roma might just keep them at bay.
Sunday 17th February
Catania V Bologna - 14:00 - Home Win
Catania have had a great campaign, currently sitting in eighth and looking to secure a European place they have been one of the leagues most consistent sides. Bologna in contrast have been in consistent and as a result are in 15th just 5 points off the drop. Catania are disciplined and organised, the same can't be said for their opposition and their should only be one winner in this one.
Genoa V Udinese - 14:00 - Away Win
Genoa are just a point off the relegation places and they may well find themselves back in the drop zone after Sunday as Udinese represent a hard game for the strugglers. Udinese have suffered setbacks throughout their campaign but overall they have done well to recover and work themselves up into seventh. This represents an easier task than they have had in recent weeks and they should take all 3 points.
Napoli V Sampdoria - 14:00 - Home Win
Despite Sampdoria taking points off Roma and AC Milan in recent weeks and going 5 games unbeaten Sampdoria's impressive run should come to a halt here. Second placed Napoli are on an even better run of form than their opponents and continue to look impressive. This looks set to be attack against attack with both teams playing style being free flowing. If that turns out to be the case Napoli will certainly take all the beating giving the quality they possess.
Pescara V Cagliari - 14:00 - Draw
Pescara remain a point from safety after drawing with Palermo. Just 4 points above them sit Cagliari who have enjoyed a rich vein of form of late to move away from trouble. Like many relegation battles this is a game that neither team will want to lose. Pescara especially can not afford to lose and expect them to set up for a tight affair that will end in a low scoring draw.
Torino V Atalanta - 14:00 - Draw
Just a point separates these two as 12th meets 14th in this one. Torino have shown themselves to be the most solid of the newly promoted sides and bar a disaster will enjoy another season of top flight football. Atalanta have been poor this season by their standards and will not want to slip any further down the table. Both teams are capable of taking this one but the safest option is a draw.
Fiorentina V Inter - 19:45 - Draw
Both these sides have experienced blips in recent weeks and neither can be backed with confidence. Inter did return to form with a win over Cheivo but they face a tougher game here against a Fiorentina side who are just 4 points behind them. Fiorentina have won just one of their last 5 and are unlikely to gain a victory here, like wise Inter are unlikely to be up to taking all 3 points given their current form. A tight draw seems the most likely result.
Monday 18th February
Siena V Lazio - 19:45 - Away Win
Second bottom means second from top in this one and it is Lazio who should take all 3 points here. Siena have battled themselves off the bottom of the table but continue to struggle. They do however save their best performances for the big boys which will be a concern for Lazio. Lazio though have been solid all season and despite having a couple of poor results in recent weeks they should take this one comfortably.
Selected Match Betting:
Lazio, Napoli, Udinese, Catania, Milan & Chievo - All to win : 52/1
Genoa V Udinese - Di Natale 1st Goal scorer : 7/2
Napoli V Sampdoria - Napoli to win 4-1 : 18/1
Enjoy The Games!
Turning to matters on the pitch last weekend saw some unusual results but the spate of shocks appears to have ended for now at least. Inter returned to form beating Chievo 3-1 while Roma's woe continues as they were beaten by the same score line by Sampdoria. Udinese overcame Torino 1-0 while Juventus continued their dominance over the rest of the league by beating Fiorentina 2-0. The remaining 6 games all finished in draws with Palermo V Pescara, Cagliari V AC Milan, Bologna V Siena and Lazio V Napoli all finishing 1-1. Atalanta V Catania was goal less as was Parma V Genoa.
This Weekends Fixtures & Predictions:
Friday 15th February
AC Milan V Parma - 19:45 - Home Win
Both these teams drew last time out but it is Milan who enter this one in better shape. New striker Mario Balotelli has scored 3 times in his two games for the club and he looks a constant threat. Parma haven't won in five games and I don't expect that to change here. They will offer resistance but expect Balotelli in particular to be too much for them.
Saturday 16th February
Chievo V Palermo - 17:00 -home Win
Chievo have slipped back down the table after 2 defeats to Inter and Juve, they did however manage to beat Lazio before those defeats. They face a much easier task than their previous three games here as they face bottom club Palermo. Just three wins all season and a poor 1-1 draw with Pescara last time out does little to inspire confidence that they can avoid the drop or more pressingly another defeat.
Roma V Juventus - 19:45 - Draw
Roma haven't won any of their last 4 league games but they might be able to nick a point against the champions in this one. New boss Aurelio Andreazzoli suffered defeat in his first game in charge last weekend a 3-1 loss to Sampdoria. His first goal is surely to steady the ship and ensure his defence stop leaking goals. I think we will see a much more defensive Roma side for the rest of the campaign and although Juve are more than capable of breaking Roma down, a more solid looking Roma might just keep them at bay.
Sunday 17th February
Catania V Bologna - 14:00 - Home Win
Catania have had a great campaign, currently sitting in eighth and looking to secure a European place they have been one of the leagues most consistent sides. Bologna in contrast have been in consistent and as a result are in 15th just 5 points off the drop. Catania are disciplined and organised, the same can't be said for their opposition and their should only be one winner in this one.
Genoa V Udinese - 14:00 - Away Win
Genoa are just a point off the relegation places and they may well find themselves back in the drop zone after Sunday as Udinese represent a hard game for the strugglers. Udinese have suffered setbacks throughout their campaign but overall they have done well to recover and work themselves up into seventh. This represents an easier task than they have had in recent weeks and they should take all 3 points.
Napoli V Sampdoria - 14:00 - Home Win
Despite Sampdoria taking points off Roma and AC Milan in recent weeks and going 5 games unbeaten Sampdoria's impressive run should come to a halt here. Second placed Napoli are on an even better run of form than their opponents and continue to look impressive. This looks set to be attack against attack with both teams playing style being free flowing. If that turns out to be the case Napoli will certainly take all the beating giving the quality they possess.
Pescara V Cagliari - 14:00 - Draw
Pescara remain a point from safety after drawing with Palermo. Just 4 points above them sit Cagliari who have enjoyed a rich vein of form of late to move away from trouble. Like many relegation battles this is a game that neither team will want to lose. Pescara especially can not afford to lose and expect them to set up for a tight affair that will end in a low scoring draw.
Torino V Atalanta - 14:00 - Draw
Just a point separates these two as 12th meets 14th in this one. Torino have shown themselves to be the most solid of the newly promoted sides and bar a disaster will enjoy another season of top flight football. Atalanta have been poor this season by their standards and will not want to slip any further down the table. Both teams are capable of taking this one but the safest option is a draw.
Fiorentina V Inter - 19:45 - Draw
Both these sides have experienced blips in recent weeks and neither can be backed with confidence. Inter did return to form with a win over Cheivo but they face a tougher game here against a Fiorentina side who are just 4 points behind them. Fiorentina have won just one of their last 5 and are unlikely to gain a victory here, like wise Inter are unlikely to be up to taking all 3 points given their current form. A tight draw seems the most likely result.
Monday 18th February
Siena V Lazio - 19:45 - Away Win
Second bottom means second from top in this one and it is Lazio who should take all 3 points here. Siena have battled themselves off the bottom of the table but continue to struggle. They do however save their best performances for the big boys which will be a concern for Lazio. Lazio though have been solid all season and despite having a couple of poor results in recent weeks they should take this one comfortably.
Selected Match Betting:
Lazio, Napoli, Udinese, Catania, Milan & Chievo - All to win : 52/1
Genoa V Udinese - Di Natale 1st Goal scorer : 7/2
Napoli V Sampdoria - Napoli to win 4-1 : 18/1
Enjoy The Games!
Friday, 8 February 2013
Matchweek 24 - Two More Managerial Casualties
Another eventful week in Italian football saw another two managers relieved of their duties. Sunday night saw Roma sack Zdenek Zeman after losing 4-2 to Cagliari. The Czech had overseen Roma score more goals than any other side this season but in turn concede the second most in the division. He leaves Roma in eighth place and without a win this year. Roma coach Aurelio Andreazzoli has taken temporary charge of team and remains unclear who is likely to succeed Zeman.
Monday then saw Palermo sack Gian Piero Gasperini who had only taken charge in September. Gasperini leaves Palermo bottom of Serie A with just 3 wins all season. Former Palermo manager Alberto Malesani is being lined up as Gasperini's replacement but no deal has been finalised as yet.
On the pitch and yet again a few surprise results. Roma were beaten 4-2 by Cagliari on Friday night. Saturday saw some normality as Napoli beat Catania 2-0 and Torino and Sampdoria played out a 0-0 draw. Sunday looked to be following a similar pattern as Juve overcame Chievo 2-1 and Atalanta beat Palermo by the same score line. Fiorentina ended their poor run with a 2-0 victory over Parma and Bologna got a much needed win as they beat Pescara 3-2. Then the two shocks occurred with Inter losing 3-1 to Siena to mount pressure on Stramaccioni and Lazio were beaten 3-2 by Genoa. Sunday's evening game saw Mario Balotelli score twice on his debut as Milan beat Udinese 2-1.
This Weekends Fixtures & Predictions
Saturday 9th February
Juventus V Fiorentina - 17:00 - Home Win
One of the games of the weekend sees league leaders Juventus host sixth placed Fiorentina. Juventus have looked every bit champions this season, not playing brilliantly but grinding out victories. In comparison Fiorentina have played some wonderful football but have suffered dips in form. The Viola returned to form with a win last time out but this represents a much sterner task and Juve will prove to much for them.
Lazio V Napoli - 19:45 - Away Win
Third meets second in this one and it couldn't of come at a worse time for Lazio. Beaten again last time out they haven't won any of their last three and must win this one to keep their title challenge alive. Napoli have looked like the only side who can seriously challenge Juventus this season and they continue to pick up points. The free flowing football of Napoli is not what you want to face when your on a bad run and that's exactly what Lazio are up against, so its Napoli who should take this one.
Sunday 10th February
Parma V Genoa - 11:30 - Draw
Parma have won just one of their last 5 but remain in tenth position in mid table safety. Genoa are just one place above the relegation zone but continue to get good results, drawing against Juventus and then beating Lazio in their last two games. Both these sides are capable of beating each other but both are inconsistent and with that as an overarching factor a draw seems the most likely result.
Atalanta V Catania - 14:00 - Away Win
Catania are enjoying a good season currently sitting it seventh they should gain another 3 points in this one. Atalanta are having a poor campaign by their standards and their victory last weekend was their first in their last 5 games. Catania should take this one.
Bologna V Siena - 14:00 - Draw
Both these sides remain in the relegation battle although it is Bologna who are currently better off. They currently sit 5 points above the relegation zone and are unbeaten in 2. Siena remain second from bottom but gained a great win over Inter last time. This is sure to be a cagey affair given what is at stake and a draw seems most likely.
Cagliari V AC Milan - 14:00 - Away Win
Cagliari's great victory over Roma last weekend will have aided their confidence but the side fifth from bottom face a stern task against a rejuvenated Milan who have won 3 in a row and are now led by Mario Balotelli up front. Milan will prove to much for Cagliari.
Palermo V Pescara - 14:00 - Draw
Bottom club Palermo are in desperate need of points and will look at this as a golden opportunity against the side three points and two places above them. Pescara have slipped down the table in recent weeks and they two will be looking to stop the rot. Both teams are hard to back with any confidence in their current form and with both desperate not to lose this one a draw looks most likely result.
Sampdoria V Roma - 14:00 - Away Win
Sampdoria have clambered away from the relegation zone after winning two of their last 5. Roma are yet to win this year and continue to score freely and concede easily. This is more than likely going to be a goal fest and the suggestion is that Roma should have enough class to overcome Sampdoria.
Udinese V Torino - 14:00 - Home Win
Despite being beaten by AC Milan last weekend Udinese were beginning to show signs of the team they were last season and are taken to regain the winning thread in this one against Torino. Torino have faired best of the newly promoted sides this season sitting in eleventh but Udinese should be too much for them in this one.
Inter V Chievo - 19:45 - Draw
Inter are really struggling at the moment having dropped to fifth in the table and they face a Chievo side who look like they are coming back to the side we saw last season. This is set up to be a tight game with Inter desperate not to lose another game. Chievo will represent a solid test and in their current vein, Inter cannot overcome.
Selected Match Betting:
Udinese, Roma, Milan, Catania, Napoli & Juventus - All To Win - 81/1
Cagliari V Milan - Balotelli To Score a brace - 4/1
Sampdoria V Roma - Roma to win 4-3 - 80/1
Enjoy The Games!
Monday then saw Palermo sack Gian Piero Gasperini who had only taken charge in September. Gasperini leaves Palermo bottom of Serie A with just 3 wins all season. Former Palermo manager Alberto Malesani is being lined up as Gasperini's replacement but no deal has been finalised as yet.
On the pitch and yet again a few surprise results. Roma were beaten 4-2 by Cagliari on Friday night. Saturday saw some normality as Napoli beat Catania 2-0 and Torino and Sampdoria played out a 0-0 draw. Sunday looked to be following a similar pattern as Juve overcame Chievo 2-1 and Atalanta beat Palermo by the same score line. Fiorentina ended their poor run with a 2-0 victory over Parma and Bologna got a much needed win as they beat Pescara 3-2. Then the two shocks occurred with Inter losing 3-1 to Siena to mount pressure on Stramaccioni and Lazio were beaten 3-2 by Genoa. Sunday's evening game saw Mario Balotelli score twice on his debut as Milan beat Udinese 2-1.
This Weekends Fixtures & Predictions
Saturday 9th February
Juventus V Fiorentina - 17:00 - Home Win
One of the games of the weekend sees league leaders Juventus host sixth placed Fiorentina. Juventus have looked every bit champions this season, not playing brilliantly but grinding out victories. In comparison Fiorentina have played some wonderful football but have suffered dips in form. The Viola returned to form with a win last time out but this represents a much sterner task and Juve will prove to much for them.
Lazio V Napoli - 19:45 - Away Win
Third meets second in this one and it couldn't of come at a worse time for Lazio. Beaten again last time out they haven't won any of their last three and must win this one to keep their title challenge alive. Napoli have looked like the only side who can seriously challenge Juventus this season and they continue to pick up points. The free flowing football of Napoli is not what you want to face when your on a bad run and that's exactly what Lazio are up against, so its Napoli who should take this one.
Sunday 10th February
Parma V Genoa - 11:30 - Draw
Parma have won just one of their last 5 but remain in tenth position in mid table safety. Genoa are just one place above the relegation zone but continue to get good results, drawing against Juventus and then beating Lazio in their last two games. Both these sides are capable of beating each other but both are inconsistent and with that as an overarching factor a draw seems the most likely result.
Atalanta V Catania - 14:00 - Away Win
Catania are enjoying a good season currently sitting it seventh they should gain another 3 points in this one. Atalanta are having a poor campaign by their standards and their victory last weekend was their first in their last 5 games. Catania should take this one.
Bologna V Siena - 14:00 - Draw
Both these sides remain in the relegation battle although it is Bologna who are currently better off. They currently sit 5 points above the relegation zone and are unbeaten in 2. Siena remain second from bottom but gained a great win over Inter last time. This is sure to be a cagey affair given what is at stake and a draw seems most likely.
Cagliari V AC Milan - 14:00 - Away Win
Cagliari's great victory over Roma last weekend will have aided their confidence but the side fifth from bottom face a stern task against a rejuvenated Milan who have won 3 in a row and are now led by Mario Balotelli up front. Milan will prove to much for Cagliari.
Palermo V Pescara - 14:00 - Draw
Bottom club Palermo are in desperate need of points and will look at this as a golden opportunity against the side three points and two places above them. Pescara have slipped down the table in recent weeks and they two will be looking to stop the rot. Both teams are hard to back with any confidence in their current form and with both desperate not to lose this one a draw looks most likely result.
Sampdoria V Roma - 14:00 - Away Win
Sampdoria have clambered away from the relegation zone after winning two of their last 5. Roma are yet to win this year and continue to score freely and concede easily. This is more than likely going to be a goal fest and the suggestion is that Roma should have enough class to overcome Sampdoria.
Udinese V Torino - 14:00 - Home Win
Despite being beaten by AC Milan last weekend Udinese were beginning to show signs of the team they were last season and are taken to regain the winning thread in this one against Torino. Torino have faired best of the newly promoted sides this season sitting in eleventh but Udinese should be too much for them in this one.
Inter V Chievo - 19:45 - Draw
Inter are really struggling at the moment having dropped to fifth in the table and they face a Chievo side who look like they are coming back to the side we saw last season. This is set up to be a tight game with Inter desperate not to lose another game. Chievo will represent a solid test and in their current vein, Inter cannot overcome.
Selected Match Betting:
Udinese, Roma, Milan, Catania, Napoli & Juventus - All To Win - 81/1
Cagliari V Milan - Balotelli To Score a brace - 4/1
Sampdoria V Roma - Roma to win 4-3 - 80/1
Enjoy The Games!
Friday, 1 February 2013
Matchweek 23 - The Transfer Window Shuts
The last month has seen a few high profile transfers but it inevitable that in the last few days of the transfer window the traditional melee of transfer action would take place across Europe. Italy was no different pulling off arguably the deal of the month as AC Milan attained the services of enigmatic Manchester City striker Mario Ballotelli for 19 million euros. The 22 year old life long Milan fan has signed a 4 and a half year deal and is said to be delighted by the move, reportedly financing some of his own transfer fee to push the move through. Two players moved in the opposite direction from Italy to England as Phillipe Coutinho moved from Inter to Liverpool and Urby Edmanuelson moved from AC Milan to Fulham. Elsewhere Mohammad Sissoko has joined Fiorentina on a season long loan which should give the Viola a more organised midfield. Levante have brought the brilliantly named Bologna striker, Robert Aquafresca in on loan and Palermo have acquired Qpr's Alejandro Faulin in a similar deal. On the whole the transfer window has again highlighted Italy's struggle with attracting big names and problems with financing moves. Ballotelli's signing is great news for Italian football in a window which saw them lose the likes of Sniejder and Pato. But the fact remains that many of Italy's big teams are relieved this morning just to have held on to their prized possessions e.g Cavani and De Rossi.
On the pitch and last weekend saw what is becoming common place as a series of strange results appeared again. Saturday saw Champions Juve held to a 1-1 draw by third from bottom Genoa before second placed Lazio were beaten 1-0 at home to Chievo. Sunday saw Inter only take a point from Torino as they drew 2-2, Catania inflicted another defeat on Fiorentina with a 2-1 defeat. AC Milan overcame Atalanta 1-0 and Udinese beat Siena by the same score line. Cagliari and Palermo drew 1-1 and Bologna and Roma to shared the points in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Napoli continued their pursuit of the title with a 2-1 victory in Parma. Sampdoria provided the most entertainment as they thrashed Pescara 6-0 to move away from the relegation zone and plunge Pescara into deeper trouble.
This Weekends Fixtures & Predictions:
Friday 1 February:
Roma V Cagliari - 19:45 - Home Win
Roma haven't won any of their last three Serie A outings but they really should change that here against Cagliari. Cagliari haven't lost any of their last 3 but remain in sixteenth, the defensive problems of both sides is sure to resurface in this one but attacking wise Roma are far superior and that should see them through this one.
Saturday 2 February
Torino V Sampdoria - 17:00 - Draw
12th meets 13th in this one as Torino host Sampdoria. It is Torino who have equipped themselves best of the promotion sides stringing together a decent run of results that should ensure they are not embroiled in a relegation battle come May. The same can't be said for Sampdoria whose form figures read LWDLW. Brilliant as they were against Pescara they are inconsistent and a trip to Torino represents a much stiffer test.
Napoli V Catania - 19:45 - Home Win
This should be a great encounter with two goods team meeting with both in good form. Napoli are now just three points behind leaders Juventus and will be desperate to bridge the gap further with victory here. Catania have won all of their last three and come into this in great heart but Napoli might just edge it with the talent they possess.
Sunday 3 February
Chievo V Juventus - 11:30 - Away Win
Cheivo have reached mid table safety after recovering from a disastrous start to the campaign. But they face a stiff task against a Juventus side who will be determined to remain top of the table. Juve have had a few blips of late but their quality remains and they should take this one against an improved but inconsistent Chievo.
Fiorentina V Parma - 14:00 - Home Win
Vincenzo Montella's men have lost two of their last three games, drawing the other and are tumbling down the table they will hope to stop the rot against 10th placed Parma. Parma had been on a good run before losing to Napoli but they do struggle against the top sides. Fiorentina are a quality team and should begin turning results around starting with this one.
Genoa V Lazio - 14:00 - Draw
Genoa have proved themselves a resilient side in recent weeks yet they remain in the bottom three, two points from safety. They face a Lazio side who have struggled of late and will be determined to get their title push back on track. If Lazio play to their full capacity they will take this, the feeling is though that Genoa will put up a united front as they did against Juve and make life too difficult for the romans.
Palermo V Atalanta - 14:00 - Draw
Neither of these two can put a decent run together this season which is reflected in their league positions. Palermo are second bottom and haven't won any of their last 5. Atalanta are in slightly better shape in 14th but they to haven't won any of their last 5. This is all points to a cagey affair were the spoils are likely to be shared.
Pescara V Bologna - 14:00 - Away Win
A relegation battle this one as 17th hosts 15th. Pescara will be low on confidence after being beaten 6-0 by Sampdoria and as a result having lost 4 on the bounce. Bologna however will be high on confidence after taking a point off Roma last time out. They will be looking to string some good results together and that should start here against a wounded Pescara.
Siena V Inter Milan - 14:00 - Away Win
Siena remain bottom of the table after their 1-0 defeat to Udinese last Sunday. They are four points from safety and have won just one of their last 5. Simple then one would feel for Inter Milan to take this but they too are having problems having dropped points last weekend. They should however have the class to take this one against a struggling Siena.
AC Milan V Udinese - 19:45 - Home Win
Both these teams started the season badly but it is Milan who have bounced right back and currently occupy 5th in the table. They have won 3 of their last 4 games. Udinese have taken some big scalps in recent weeks but they remain hit and miss and with Ballotelli to now contend with in this one they look certain to concede. Both teams are slowly getting back to their best but it is Milan who should just edge it especially with a home crowd behind them.
Enjoy The Games!
Milan, Inter, Bologna, Fiorentina, Juve, Napoli & Roma - All To Win: 39/1
Roma V Cagliari - Roma win: 4-1 : 18/1
Milan V Udinese - Ballotelli 1st Goalscorer: 7/2
Enjoy The Games!
On the pitch and last weekend saw what is becoming common place as a series of strange results appeared again. Saturday saw Champions Juve held to a 1-1 draw by third from bottom Genoa before second placed Lazio were beaten 1-0 at home to Chievo. Sunday saw Inter only take a point from Torino as they drew 2-2, Catania inflicted another defeat on Fiorentina with a 2-1 defeat. AC Milan overcame Atalanta 1-0 and Udinese beat Siena by the same score line. Cagliari and Palermo drew 1-1 and Bologna and Roma to shared the points in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Napoli continued their pursuit of the title with a 2-1 victory in Parma. Sampdoria provided the most entertainment as they thrashed Pescara 6-0 to move away from the relegation zone and plunge Pescara into deeper trouble.
This Weekends Fixtures & Predictions:
Friday 1 February:
Roma V Cagliari - 19:45 - Home Win
Roma haven't won any of their last three Serie A outings but they really should change that here against Cagliari. Cagliari haven't lost any of their last 3 but remain in sixteenth, the defensive problems of both sides is sure to resurface in this one but attacking wise Roma are far superior and that should see them through this one.
Saturday 2 February
Torino V Sampdoria - 17:00 - Draw
12th meets 13th in this one as Torino host Sampdoria. It is Torino who have equipped themselves best of the promotion sides stringing together a decent run of results that should ensure they are not embroiled in a relegation battle come May. The same can't be said for Sampdoria whose form figures read LWDLW. Brilliant as they were against Pescara they are inconsistent and a trip to Torino represents a much stiffer test.
Napoli V Catania - 19:45 - Home Win
This should be a great encounter with two goods team meeting with both in good form. Napoli are now just three points behind leaders Juventus and will be desperate to bridge the gap further with victory here. Catania have won all of their last three and come into this in great heart but Napoli might just edge it with the talent they possess.
Sunday 3 February
Chievo V Juventus - 11:30 - Away Win
Cheivo have reached mid table safety after recovering from a disastrous start to the campaign. But they face a stiff task against a Juventus side who will be determined to remain top of the table. Juve have had a few blips of late but their quality remains and they should take this one against an improved but inconsistent Chievo.
Fiorentina V Parma - 14:00 - Home Win
Vincenzo Montella's men have lost two of their last three games, drawing the other and are tumbling down the table they will hope to stop the rot against 10th placed Parma. Parma had been on a good run before losing to Napoli but they do struggle against the top sides. Fiorentina are a quality team and should begin turning results around starting with this one.
Genoa V Lazio - 14:00 - Draw
Genoa have proved themselves a resilient side in recent weeks yet they remain in the bottom three, two points from safety. They face a Lazio side who have struggled of late and will be determined to get their title push back on track. If Lazio play to their full capacity they will take this, the feeling is though that Genoa will put up a united front as they did against Juve and make life too difficult for the romans.
Palermo V Atalanta - 14:00 - Draw
Neither of these two can put a decent run together this season which is reflected in their league positions. Palermo are second bottom and haven't won any of their last 5. Atalanta are in slightly better shape in 14th but they to haven't won any of their last 5. This is all points to a cagey affair were the spoils are likely to be shared.
Pescara V Bologna - 14:00 - Away Win
A relegation battle this one as 17th hosts 15th. Pescara will be low on confidence after being beaten 6-0 by Sampdoria and as a result having lost 4 on the bounce. Bologna however will be high on confidence after taking a point off Roma last time out. They will be looking to string some good results together and that should start here against a wounded Pescara.
Siena V Inter Milan - 14:00 - Away Win
Siena remain bottom of the table after their 1-0 defeat to Udinese last Sunday. They are four points from safety and have won just one of their last 5. Simple then one would feel for Inter Milan to take this but they too are having problems having dropped points last weekend. They should however have the class to take this one against a struggling Siena.
AC Milan V Udinese - 19:45 - Home Win
Both these teams started the season badly but it is Milan who have bounced right back and currently occupy 5th in the table. They have won 3 of their last 4 games. Udinese have taken some big scalps in recent weeks but they remain hit and miss and with Ballotelli to now contend with in this one they look certain to concede. Both teams are slowly getting back to their best but it is Milan who should just edge it especially with a home crowd behind them.
Enjoy The Games!
Milan, Inter, Bologna, Fiorentina, Juve, Napoli & Roma - All To Win: 39/1
Roma V Cagliari - Roma win: 4-1 : 18/1
Milan V Udinese - Ballotelli 1st Goalscorer: 7/2
Enjoy The Games!
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