Last week’s round of fixtures yielded a string of predictable results as all the teams placed in the top half of the table – bar Fiorentina and Catania – emerged victorious.
Subsequently, Juventus continue to lead second placed Napoli by two points, with Inter four points adrift. Fiorentina and Lazio are locked at 29 points as Roma and Milan appear to have discovered their form and consistency.
On the opposite end of the table, newly appointed coach, Gian Piero Gasperini has managed to lift his Palermo side out of the relagation zone, as Genoa, Siena and Pescara fill up the bottom three slots.
Following the conclusion of all European fixtures for this calender year, matchday 16 arrives at a time in which all teams are trying to finish off the year on a high note as the Christmas break looms.
Inter vs Napoli
Inter and Napoli will lock horns this Sunday evening at the San Siro, with both teams eager to avoid a defeat.
The Partenopei have begun to impress once again, reflected by their five goal drubbing of Pescara last weekend and will be determined to beat their bitter rivals.
Having rested much of his regular players against PSV on Thursday night, and with the return of former Inter striker Goran Pandev, Walter Mazzarri will be aiming for nothing less than a victory.
On the contrary, following a fortunate victory against Palermo last weekend, and a draw against Nefchi Baku on Thursday night (though with a youth filled side), Andrea Strammacioni’s equally rested Inter team will be aiming to silence their critics.
In the last few weeks, cracks have begun to appear in the three man Nerazzurri defence, and with Walter Samuel suspended, the home side will face a stiff task against their rivals from Naples.
Roma vs Fiorentina
Roma host Fiorentina on the late Saturday evening kick off in a fixture which sees the return of Vincenzo Montella to the Stadio Olimpico.
Following the derby loss against Lazio, Zdenek Zeman has managed to piece together three consecutive victories, but Montella’s expectation-exceeding Fiorentina side will come as a big obstacle to the Giallorossi.
Despite missing some of their top players through injury, the Viola will be looking to impress their fans by beating another highly rated team, as they look to maintain their pursuit of Champions League football next year.
Bearing the expectations to challenge for one of the top three spots, neither team – especially Roma – can afford to slip up, which suggests this encounter between two charismatic offensive sides will be one to watch.
Pescara vs Genoa
Pescara host Genoa at the Adriatico on Sunday afternoon as newly appointed coach, Cristiano Bergodi looks to pick up his first point.
After sacking ex-coach Giovanni Stroppa, the Delfini have lost four straight games, conceding 11 goals. In order to avoid relegation, it is imperative that they start picking up some points, especially against a relegation rival.
As for Genoa, rumors of Luigi Delneri’s exit continue to grow. It is absolutely imperative for Delneri to add some flair to his toothless Grifone side if he is to win back the trust of the club. Anything less than a victory might result in him being unemployed before Christmas.
Given the stakes, this fixture could provide an enthralling and heated contest; and is a true six pointer.
Elsewhere…
Atalanta host Parma on Saturday evening at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia with Stefano Colantuono’s side looking to regain their form and reputation.
Chievo travel to Sardinia where they will face Cagliari on Sunday afternoon as the flying donkeys look to build on last week’s four goal thrashing of Genoa.
Sunday afternoon’s clash between Palermo and Juventus at the Renzo Barbera sees the return of Antonio Conte to the sidelines.
Siena host Catania at the Artemio Franchi with Serse Cosmi looking to inspire his team to rise above the relegation zone before the winter break.
Following their derby loss, Torino look to knick some points off an improving AC Milan side at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday afternoon.
Ciro Ferrara’s in form Sampdoria host Francesco Guidolin’s tiring Udinese squad on Monday evening at the Luigi Ferraris.
And, sixteenth placed Bologna host a formidable Lazio side at the Renato Dall’Ara in the final fixture of this week.
Fixtures – Kickoff times in CET
08/12/2012 (Saturday) – Atalanta vs Parma (18:00), Roma vs Fiorentina (20:45)
09/12/2012 (Sunday) – Cagliari vs Chievo (15:00), Palermo vs Juventus (15:00), Pescara vs Genoa (15:00), Siena vs Catania (15:00), Torino vs AC Milan (15:00), Inter vs Napoli (20:45)
10/12/2012 (Monday) – Sampdoria vs Udinese (19:00), Bologna vs Lazio (21:00)
