The biggest story in the Serie A this week surrounds nineteenth placed Palermo. In the period spanning their last six games Palermo have sacked three coaches, one of those coaches twice. Thursday saw Giuseppe Sannino take over for his second spell in charge. Sannino began the season in charge of Palermo but was sacked after just 3 games, his replacement Gian Piero Gasperini lasted until February when he was given his marching orders and replaced by Alberto Malesani who was given just 3 games then sacked and replaced by Gasperini! Two games later and Gasperini was gone and Sannino rehired. Even by Italian standards this managerial merry go round is farcial and has helped little in the campaign to restore integrity to the Italian game. With Palermo playing AC Milan this weekend it would be of little surprise to see Sannino gone by Monday!
On the pitch and last weekend saw leaders Juventus extend their lead at the top to nine points as they beat Catania 1-0 and second placed Napoli suffered a shock defeat to Chievo, losing 2-0. AC Milan continued their impressive run dispensing of Genoa by 2 goals to 0. Roma's good run was halted as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Udinese. Atalanta got a much needed win beating bottom club Pescara 2-1. Cagliari too moved away from trouble beating Sampdoria 3-1. Palermo were plunged deeper into relegation trouble as they were defeated 2-1 by Siena. Parma thrashed Torino 4-1 and Bologna gained the shock of the weekend beating Inter 1-0. Fioretina kept their Champions League qualification hopes alive and dented Lazios by beating them 2-0.
This Weekends Fixtures And Predictions:
Saturday 16th March
Catania V Udinese - 17:00 - Home Win
Catania have lost both of their last two games but have found a good opportunity here to get back on track. Opponents Udinese do not travel well and despite being undefeated in 3 this represents a stern task for them.
Bologna V Juventus - 19:45 - Away Win
Bologna have won all of their last three games but this represents a tough task against the Champions. Juve haven't been at their best in recent weeks but continue to grind out results as only champions can and they should do it again here.
Sunday 17th March
Siena V Cagliari - 11:30 - Draw
Siena took a big step to moving out of the relegation zone by winning last weekend but they face a Cagliari side who are high in confidence and will be hard to beat in this one. Siena should have enough to test Cagliari however and in a match that is hard to call a draw is the safest bet.
AC Milan V Palermo - 14:00 - Home Win
Difficult week for both clubs with Milan being dismantled by Barcelona in the Champions league and Palermo changing managers, again. In the Serie A however Milan have been in great form and should gain another victory here against Palermo who are set for relegation.
Fiorentina V Genoa -14:00 - Home Win
Fiorentina have returned to form over the past two weeks and they should continue their good run against fourth from bottom Genoa who were beaten easily by AC Milan last weekend, and haven't won any of their last three.
Napoli V Atalanta - 14:00 - Home Win
Napoli's defeat to Chievo last weekend seriously dented their title hopes but they can keep the heat of Juve with a win in this one. Opponents Atalanta have won their last two but overall have been disappointing this season and they look set to struggle against Napoli's attacking prowess. Napoli will be determined to bounce back and they have been given a good oppertunity to do so.
Pescara V Chievo - 14:00 - Away Win
Chievo will know that a win here will move them out of the relegation scrap and plunge Pescara into more trouble. A moral boosting win over Napoli last weekend will spur them on and they should inflict another defeat on Pescara, a team that have lost all four of their last games.
Roma V Parma - 19:45 - Home Win
Roma's new coach Aurelio Andreazzoli has steadied the ship in recent weeks and they now lie in seventh, pushing for a European place. They should continue their push against Parma who despite winning last weekend lost their 3 previous games and have been inconsistent all campaign.
Sampdoria V Inter - 19:45 - Draw
Both these teams tasted defeat last weekend and will be determined to get back on track in this one. Inter have the ability to defeat Sampdoria but Sampdoria seem to save their best performances for the big teams and will test Inter's resolve. This should be and entertaining draw, with little to choose between the two sides.
Torino V Lazio - 19:45 - Away Win
These two teams lost last weekend but it is Lazio who are taken to bounce straight back this weekend. Torino haven't won any of their last 3 games and will struggle against Lazio's attacking force.
Selected Match Betting:
Lazio, Roma, Cheivo, Napoli, Fiorentina, Milan, Juve & Catania - All To Win: 77/1
Milan V Palermo - Ballotelli First Scorer : 5/2
Roma V Parma - Roma Win 3-1 : 9/1
Enjoy The Games!
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