In the week that saw 38 year old Ryan Giggs make his 1000th appearance for Manchester United a milestone was reached for one if Italy's greatest ever players and professionals. Francesco Totti of Roma at 36 years of aged scored his 225th Serie A goal last Sunday against Genoa. Totti is now joint top scorer in the Serie A since it began. The Roma captain who is now in his 21st season has only ever played for his beloved gilliarossi and guided them to the Serie A title in the 2000-01 season. He has experienced both highs and lows during his career, falling out with coaches Raneri and Enrique in recent seasons had put his future in doubt but he has been revitalised this season first under Zdenek Zeman and now under Aurelio Andreazzoli and when Totti plays well, Roma seem to find another gear. Totti's goal against Genoa, part of a 3-1 win saw Roma move up to seventh just 5 points behind third placed AC Milan. At 36 Totti can't play every game but his importance to Roma looks as high as it has ever been, described as a "true champion" by Fabio Cappello he is likely to be terrorising defences for a couple more years.
Elsewhere last weekend saw the top two shared a the points in a 1-1 draw as Juve held Napoli in Naples. AC Milan continued their mightily impressive run by beating Lazio 3-0. Torino and Palermo played out the only draw on Sunday in a dire 0-0. Fiorentina overcame Chievo 2-1, Atalanta beat Siena 2-0 to gain a much needed win. Their were narrow wins for Udinese and Sampdoria who beat Pescara and Parma 1-0 respectively. Bologna eased past Cagliari 3-0 and Inter and Catania played out a thriller which saw Inter come out on top by 3 goals to 2.
This Weekends Fixtures and Previews:
Friday 8 March
Genoa V AC Milan - 19:45 - Away Win
Genoa remain just five points above the drop zone after losing to Roma and they face a stiff task again as they face an inform AC Milan side. Milan have yet to lose a game this year and that looks unlikely to change against a Genoa side that should prove little match for Milan's attacking flair.
Saturday 9 March
Udinese V Roma - 19:45 - Away Win
Ninth hosts seventh in this one which sees two inconsistent sides go head to head. Udinese have had a very disappointing season and have won just two of their last 5. Roma have been typically up and down but their form at the moment is good winning their last 3 on the bounce. They might just have
enough to make it 4 out of 4 against a Udinese side that has offered little in attack this campaign.
Sunday 10 March
Atalanta V Pescara - 11:30 - Home Win
Atalanta's win last weekend saw them return to form and has pulled them away from the relegation fight. They should stretch margin further here with victory over the leagues bottom side Pescara who yet again lost last weekend, their third defeat in a row.
Cagliari V Sampdoria - 14:00 - Away Win
Cagliari where in great form before last weekend which saw them comfortably beaten by Bologna. They face a Sampdoria side high from another win that has seen them move up to tenth in the table. Sardinia is a hard place to go and get a victory but Sampdoria may well be up to the task given how high in confidence they are.
Chievo V Napoli - 14:00 - Away Win
Chievo haven't won any of their last 5 games and its likely that will become six come Sunday evening as they face a Napoli side desperate to keep the heat on leaders Juventus. Napoli's form in recent weeks has dipped and they are now 6 points behind Juve but they have found a good opportunity to pick up 3 points here.
Juventus V Catania - 14:00 - Home Win
Eighth placed Catania have had a great campaign but they are set for back to back defeats here as they travel to the champions. Juve were perhaps fortunate to get a draw against Napoli but this represents an easier assignment and they should make it win 19 for the season.
Palermo V Siena - 14:00 - Draw
Second from bottom Palermo are on a strange run of 4 straight draws. That could become 5 against a Siena side who have been comfortably beaten in their last two games leaving them 5 points from safety. These crucial '6 pointers' are usually cagey affairs and with no team wanting to lose this one a draw is more than likely.
Parma V Torino - 14:00 - Draw
13th host 12th in this one with Parma facing Torino. Parma have lost all of their last three games and are struggling at the moment. Torino have won just one of their last 3 games. Both teams will be looking over their shoulders knowing that a few poor results will see them dragged into a relegation battle and with that in mind will be happy to share the spoils in this one.
Inter V Bologna - 19:45 - Draw
Bologna travel to Milan in good heart having won 3of their last 5 and they will test Inter in this one. Inter gained a much needed win over Catania last weekend but their mid week humiliation at the hands of Tottenham will have done little for confidence. This of course is easier but it would be of little surprise to see Bologna take something from the game.
Lazio V Fiorentina - 19:45 - Draw
Fifth hosts sixth in this one which is set to be a tight affair. Lazio were brushed aside by AC Milan last time out while Fiorentina just edged past Chievo 2-1. Both these teams have stuttered of late and neither will come into this full of confidence. Its simply too close to call, though either could take it.
Selected Match Odds:
Juve, Napoli, Sampdoria, Atalanta, Roma & AC Milan - All To Win : 47/1
Udinese V Roma - Totti To Score First : 5/1
Lazio V Fiorentina - Draw 2-2: 12/1
Enjoy The Games!
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