Serie A Week 37 Preview

By: Francesco | May 10th, 2008

Scudetto

Here we are at the penultimate day of the 2007/2008 Serie A season. It has been a long, interesting season with lots of battles in the table but this second to last day is really becoming more important than the last day, because lots of scenarios can be decided tomorrow after every referee has blown the final whistle. Of course we all know Inter can win their 16th Scudetto with a win over Siena at home, but their are other things that can be decided as well. So let’s start the preview:

Inter v. Siena

As we all know, with a win at the San Siro vs already safe Siena, the Nerazzurri will win the Scudetto (Last season they won the Scudetto vs. Siena as well). Various Siena players and coach Mario Berretta have been promising all week that they will give it their all and look to defeat Inter tomorrow. It will be no easy task, as Inter want to finally wrap up the Scudetto and win it in front of their fans. Inter looks set to start the duo of Mario Balotelli and Julio Cruz up front and see if they can score some goals to close the Scudetto saga.

Roma-Atalanta

Everyone is hoping that Siena beat Inter tomorrow, but everyone is forgetting that Roma have to beat Atalanta at all costs to stay alive in the Scudetto chase. Anything but three points vs the Bergamaschi hands Inter the Scudetto. Granted, Roma are usually good at home and Atalanta really have nothing to play for anymore, even though Del Neri said they will be going to the Olimpico to beat Roma. We’ll have to see.

Fiorentina-Parma

This is a must win for both teams. Fiorentina have to win to keep the 4th place chance alive, but on the other hand this is like a cup final for Parma, who have 34 points and are still in the relegation zone and must win. If the other relegation contenders get results tomorrow and Parma lose, they could be relegated from Serie A tomorrow for the first time in their history. Fiorentina have to go out and win without Adrian Mutu, and hope Napoli lends them a hand vs. Milan. Should be a good game at the Franchi.

Napoli v. Milan

This is another interesting game, but because of Napoli’s refusal to sell their tv rights abroad, it will be impossible to watch outside of Italy. Napoli want to win to pip Genoa for the Intertoto spot and a get a back door into Europe. Milan obviously want to qualify for the Champions League and qualification is now in their hands since they are ahead of Fiorentina by 1 point. A slip-up here and a Fiorentina win could prove deadly for the Rossoneri. Another interesting fact- Napoli plays well at the San Paolo vs. big clubs, only Roma has taken something off of the Partenopei at the San Paolo.

Udinese v. Cagliari

Udinese takes on Cagliari at the Stadio Friuli. Cagliari is practically safe and is not as good away as they are at home. Udinese, who are mathematically qualified for the UEFA Cup (but they were denied a UEFA license during the week, however they will appeal), have an outside chance of reaching a Champions League spot. Think about it, if Udinese win here and Milan slip up in Napoli, next week guess who’s playing at the San Siro? You guessed it, Milan-Udinese, and if the Friuliani beat Milan there they would qualify for the Champions League (depending on what Fiorentina does though. This whole point is moot if Fiorentina win and Milan lose and then Fiorentina win next week vs. Torino and gain Champions League qualification).

Palermo v. Sampdoria

This is a game that looks good on paper but in the end could be a drab draw or something. Palermo is finishing the season strong under Colantuono and are trying to beat out Napoli and Genoa for an Intertoto spot. Sampdoria are mathematically qualified for the UEFA Cup and with really no chance at the Champions League spot are playing for pride now. However they could be driven by Antonio Cassano, who is probably going to try real hard to impress Donadoni in these last two weeks (next week is Samp-Juve, Cassano v. Del Piero, should be interesting).

Reggina-Empoli

This direct relegation encounter probably means more for Empoli than Reggina. While Reggina are still not safe on 36 points, they would probably be happy with a draw here, while Empoli are second to last on 33 points and need to win at all costs. Empoli are another team that if things don’t go there way tomorrow have a chance of being relegated. Reggina are usually very hard to beat at home and if the Tuscans want to win they will have to put in a great performance.

Juventus-Catania

Juventus, who have locked up 3rd place, have nothing to play for but pride anymore and take on a Catania side who are desperate for points. Catania are floating 1 point above the relegation zone on 35 points but a tie or even a win against Juve could go a long way to assuring them of playing in Serie A next season. It will be no easy task, as even though Juventus are playing for nothing they are not going to just let Catania win. Let’s see what Zenga has up his sleeve, but he better hope his defense can handle the deadly duo of Del Piero and Trezeguet.

Livorno-Torino

Livorno look all set to face the drop tomorrow. After 4 years in Serie A, it looks like their cycle has ended and will inevitably drop to the inferno of Serie B. The team has lost morale, the manager (Orsi) is clueless, and Spinelli wants to sell the club. Also, 5 regular starters will miss the game tomorrow through suspension. Torino, on the other hand, are back on the way up, as the arrival of De Biasi has brought stability to the club and to the players, and are practically safe from avoiding the drop, and could make it 100% sure tomorrow with a win.

Genoa-Lazio

Genoa, who are still occupying the Intertoto spot, take on a Lazio side that is in shambles. After falling to Inter in the Coppa Italia, the club has dug itself an even bigger hole. The fans are questioning Lotito, and two club directors have already resigned. Lotito is already making plans for next season, and it seems like there will be a mass overhaul in the summer. Genoa have had a great season and are looking forward to next season, where they could possibly be playing in Europe.

TV: RAI International’s Giostra dei Gol will be alternating between Inter-Siena and Roma-Atalanta tomorrow morning, while FSC has dedicated it’s Sunday morning to the long balls of the EPL and won’t show Serie A until 5 PM EST.

Here’s a nice little preview video from SerieA.tv