There were plenty of goals scored on Saturday, but a real dryfest on Sunday, as five Serie A matches ended in scoreless draws, the first time since June 1989. Inter face Chievo in a crunch match for both sides, Juventus host free-scoring Genoa and Roma take on Devis Mangia’s Palermo.
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Fiorentina – Catania
It’s been hard to fully grasp the form of Sinisa Mihajlovic’s Fiorentina this season. Starting the campaign off in poor style against Udinese, the Viola then went on to defeat Parma convincingly, but were involved in a scoreless draw last week with Cesena. A big factor has been the loss of Alberto GIlardino to a knee injury, but the likes of Stevan Jovetic and Santiago Silva struggling to make an impact on the scoreboard. The match holds special significance for Mihajlovic and star winger Juan Manuel Vargas, as the dup play against their former side, and will want to highlight how far they have come since being at the Elefanti.
Despite leaving Catania’s star attacker in Maxi Lopez on the bench, coach Vincenzo Montella has seen his side flourish recently, culminating in a 2-1 come-from-behind win against Inter last Saturday. Montella’s emphasis on scoring goals has been paying off, as the Rossazzurri have scored five times in two matches. Nicola Spolli will slot back into defence, relegating Nicola Legrottaglie to the bench.
Catania have never won in Florence, and the last time they picked up a point was in 1971.
Prediction: Fiorentina 2-1 Catania
Juventus – Genoa
Much of the talk surrounding Juventus week has been about Alessandro Del Piero playing his last season at the club. The media has been linking the 36-year-old to a move to the US and to the UAE, but the club icon is only interested in doing well under former team-mate and now-coach Antonio Conte. Having failed to score last weekend against Chievo means the Bianconeri are yet to convincingly break their away ‘curse’ – unable to win by playing good football away from home. There is also speculation Conte could try the attacking trio of Fabio Quagliarella, Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic to combat the indifferent form of Milos Krasic and Eljero Elia. Gianluigi Buffon is under serious doubt after sustaining a shoulder injury in training, meaning Marco Storari could be deployed in between the sticks.
Pressure is still mounting on coach Alberto Malesani despite the side constantly finding the back of the net. And three games without a win means the Grifoni will be seeking to claim maximum points at the Delle Alpi. Defensively, the Rossoblu have been conceded regularly, as they have only kept a clean sheet twice this season, including last weekend’s scoreless draw against Lecce.
The Bianconeri won both matches last season between the sides, and have been a fortress at home.
Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Genoa
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Lecce – Milan
Lecce were expected to be taught a footballing lesson last weekend by Genoa, whose goalscoring firepower failed to deliever. With plenty of shots on target, goalkeeper Massimiliano Benassi and defender Nenad Tomovic faced a horrid afternoon trying to keep the Grinfoni attack at bay. But the good news for Giallorossi supporters is that the side walked away with a point from the Luigi Ferraris, and will be looking to steal three more from Milan this weekend.
Milan got their campaign back on track after demolishing Palermo 3-0 last week at the San Siro. The match marked the return of Robinho from injury, and his influence was noted, as he found the back of the net and constantly provided headaches for the Rosanero defence. A strong victory in the Champions League midweek against BATE Borisov has lifted the mood at via Turati, with the club now believing they are on the right path going forward. A tough month awaits, and they will want maximum points from this match.
A strong head-to-head record in favour of the reigning champions should see them claim the points.
Prediction: Lecce 0-2 Milan
Cagliari – Napoli
Fifth take on third place in the Serie A table this weekend as surprise high-flyers Cagliari take on Napoli at the Sant’ Elia.
One of Cagliari’s problems this term has been their ability to score at home, though. Normally, team find it tough away, but the Isolani have only managed to find the back of the net twice this campaign at the Sant’Elia. The Rossoblu were also one of the 10 sides who were involved in the scoreless draw weekend, which will remain in the memory of Serie A fans.
Napoli held Bayern Munich to a draw at home in the midweek Champions League fixture, but Walter Mazzarri’s team will need to refocus on the league, and looking to remain near the top of the standings. The Partenopei failed to claim a point against Parma last weekend, allowing Francesco Modesto and Massimo Gobbi to put their names on the scoresheet and walk away from the San Paolo with their heads held high.
Both teams have been playing better away from home, then at their principal fortresses. The Azzurri also claimed a win in the corresponding fixture last season, but Cagliari won’t give up without a fight.
Prediction: Cagliari 1-1 Napoli
Inter – Chievo
There hasn’t been a lot of positive news to come out of Inter this season. This is their second-worst season defensively – conceding 13 goals in six matches – a statistic dating back to 1930-31, and the club is sitting near the bottom of the table. But coach Claudio Ranieri has just turned 60 years old, and the players will want to put on an exhibition for him. It is also reassuring to see that the Nerazzurri’s problems are only occurring domestically, scraping last Lille 1-0 in the Champions League midweek.
Chievo obtained their second scoreless draw in a draw, holding Juventus at the Stadio Bentegodi. Prior to that, the Flying Donkeys had claimed two victories over Napoli and Genoa. Sitting only three points the league leaders has given the side confidence, and are now prepared to fight for a spot among Italy’s elite.
Inter would be seen as favourites for the win based on previous matches, but the erratic form line suggests a draw is expected.
Prediction: Inter 1-1 Chievo
Parma – Atalanta
Parma has managed two wins from their last two games, taking the Gialloblou from the relegation zone to eighth place. Last week, the side were inspired by the San Paolo atmosphere, and claimed a shock 2-1 win over Napoli. More importantly, Sebastian Giovinco was not on the scoresheet, illustrating the Crociati do have other avenues to goal. Sergio Floccari stepped up whilst Giovinco was given close attention by the Partenopei defence.
Atalanta has also been surprising in its ability to gain positive results, but will now be tested, as Thomas Manfredini will be missing from the centre of defence for a month through injury. The captain has been instrumental in the Orobici’s tight structure at the back, and it will be interesting to see who takes the reins and leads by example. Luca Cigarini will also want to show his former employers how his game has developed since leaving the side in 2008, when he was sold to the Bergamaschi.
Atalanta have scored at least one goal in their last 11 away matches, whilst Parma have failed to keep a clean sheet this term. But, the Nerazzurri have only recorded a win in 11 outings at the Ennio Tardini.
Prediction: Parma 2-1 Atalanta
Roma – Palermo
Both teams may have lost their respecitve matches last weekend, but Roma and Palermo will be keen to rectify this on Sunday.
Much of this week’s focus for the Giallorossi has been on their 2-1 loss to fierce rivals Lazio on Sunday night, and especially on the red card sustained by Simon Kjaer. One positive aspect for Luis Enrique side is that Pablo Osvaldo has netted four goals in as many matches, helping the team to constantly find the back of the net. The former Bologna and Espanyol hitman may not be scoring pretty goals, but they are effective. Franco Baldini has taken over as general manager of the club this week, and the club should be more settled off the pitch.
Palermo’s away record has been dismal this season, and it showed last Saturday evening, going down 3-0 to a Robinho-inspired Milan outfit. Coach Devis Mangia 4-4-2 formation has also come under fire from president Maurizio Zamparini, who believes the Rosanero are better than the scoreline suggested. Could he be preparing his bags to leave the Sicilians?
The Giallorossi have taken the lead in their last four matches, but have conceded all their goals in the second half.
Prediction: Roma 3-1 Palermo
Siena – Cesena
Their results may not have been spectacular, but Siena at least have a point from as many games. Their aim will be to avoid relegation, but should they continue this trend, they will have done just enough to survive. A scoreless draw last week to Cagliari meant a vita point away from home was earnt and deserved.
Cesena are faring much worse than their opponents. Rooted to the bottom of the ladder, coach Marco Giampaolo has plenty of problems to resolve – and quickly – should the Seahorses aim to stay in Italy’s top-flight. Missing from the match will be Adrian Mutu, who is serving a three-match suspension for his red card. The side is also unbeaten in their last two matches.
Anyone got a coin?
Prediction: Siena 0-0 Cesena
Udinese – Novara
Udinese seem to going from strength to strength, and playing three matches a week is not having an effect on the squad. Picking up a 2-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Europa League means the Bianconeri come into this game with some form. Still undefeated in all competitions this season, Francesco Guidolin’s men will want to continue this trend at home. Antonio Di Natale and co. may be the ones attracting the headlines, but it has been the Zebrette defence has flown under the radar. Only letting through one goal this campaign has meant ‘keeper Samir Handanovic has been well-guarded by a wall-like defence.
Novara’s fortress-like record at home came to an end last weekend against Bologna, suffering a 2-0 loss. What will also hurt them is coach Atilio Tesser will not be on the sidelines for the match, as he was sent off for questioning the referee. It was also the side’s first time that they failed to score at home, having found the back of the net on their previous 10 outings.
Despite having never met in top-flight football, the Bianconeri should prove a class above.
Prediction: Udinese 2-0 Novara
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This article was originally posted by Rick D’Andrea
