This Thing Ain’t Over

By: chris | March 2nd, 2008

The race is on….

Napoli 1 - Inter 0: And down they go. It took til March, but they were finally handed their first L of the season on the back of a 3rd minute Marcelo Zalayeta goal/Julio Cesar miscue.

It’s a shame, because even though Napoli was able to do what only a few other teams in Europe had been able to do this season, nearly all of the story will revolve around the Nerazzurri (as if we don’t hear enough about them in the media already). But the gap does close to six at the top and Inter does look like a team in the midst of a minor crisis (2 points in their last 4 games) and one which could use a physio or twelve. With defenders still injured (and the list growing), things could get mighty interesting in Serie A soon.

* - Cristian Chivu was hauled off with an injury, so all is back to normal in the universe again.

Empoli 0 - Siena 2: The other, other Bianconeri took home the spoils via Daniele Portanova and Christian Rigano. Il muratore di Lipari looks every bit the part of his former profession, and he just fascinates me. The man makes “lumbering” look like an Olympic sprint, yet he’s there, he’s smooth, and he can almost kinda sorta be graceful - you know, for a bricklayer. Oh, and he scores goals. So that’s nice.

Livorno 1 - Catania 0:

First of all, if you didn’t put the deed to the house on this one, shame on you.

Here’s a stat: 0 wins, 5 draws and 8 losses and a -14 goal differential away from home for them. So if your team is playing Catania at home any time soon you should be really, really confident.

* - Livorno’s hosting Catania next on March 2nd. Feel free to bet heavily against the Sicilians that day.

Alright, I didn’t bet on it either, but I damn sure will on the 16th when they take on Sampdoria by the sea. That’s easy money.

Catania is now in the relegation zone, as they mirror last year’s second half cannon shot down the table. Livorno is only 2 points clear, but I’d also bet the house on them staying afloat. (That one doesn’t come with any Catania-esque guarantees, however.)

Roma 4 - Parma 0: Roma likes playing Parma. Francesco Totti really likes playing Parma. And with that, you have yourselves the making of a 4-0 victory.

Parma may want to do something about that whole “defense” thing. The Udinese clean sheet was nice, but that’s twice they’ve given up 4 in the span of a week. Woof.

Fiorentina 3 - Juventus 2: Juventini, feel free to direct all hate mail to one Nicola Legrottaglie for the remainder of the week, as he was the one keeping some of the photogs behind the goal onside for that last goal (Osvaldo was only onside because he was keeping him on away from the play). The good news for you is that Sissoko scored a splendid goal after being last week’s injury time villain, so you may get one from Legrottaglie next weekend.

As for the Viola fans, things are looking mighty fine minus Adriana Mutu, yeah? This Osvaldo kid can play a bit. (Oh, and he got sent off for celebrating. Fuck it, right?)

* - Here are the pics of Papa Waigo’s shorts, as requested.

Sampdoria 2 - Torino 2: Antonio Cassano scored a goal, Antonio Cassano had a meltdown, Torino kissed their sister. Shocker all around.

Cagliari 2 - Genoa 1: Bobby Freshwater and his brace gave the sardines a win against Genoa. A win they desperately needed after the news they’d been docked 3 points on Friday. More on that later.

Milan 1 - Lazio 1: Here’s all you need to know about this game:

Digao for Marek Jankulovski (45)

Clearly there was nobody left down at the local homeless shelter to come off the bench. And this also screams “B” team, with the old men getting ready for Arsenal.

Let me pose a question to the Milanisti in the crowd: how much does it infuriate you to see Carletto make his 3rd sub in the 45TH MINUTE? God, it pains me just to read about it - nevermind it being Ricky Kaka’s kid bro. What is it with gaffers in Milan using that 3rd sub so damn early?

Also, Rolando Bianchi scored, proving he can do more than just have nice breasts.

Reggina 0 - Palermo 0: Since Reggina and Palermo decided to kiss their ugly sister, Susanna, we’ll just use this spot to welcome in Matt to the new Reggina Offside. Go welcome him and stuff.

Udinese 2 - Atalanta 0: I’m sure the fact that the other zebras grabbed a clean sheet was reason for bubbly, flying doves and a topless Pasquale Marino in the locker room this weekend. (They gave up 13 in February alone.) Two goals? Icing on the cake.

[For highlights, always head to 101greatgoals.com]