Weekend In Review: Week 30

By: chris | March 23rd, 2008

Inter v Juventus: Bigger match review here.

Roma 2 - Empoli 1: On a day when the real Alessandro del Piero looked like magic but couldn’t finish, Sebastian Giovinco did the same, though he managed to slot home a gimme on a wide open counter. Christian Panucci scored another header on a free kick taken from his preferred spot just outside the box to give 10 man Roma the win in game played on what was a pond by the 90th minute.

Fiorentina 1 - Lazio 0: Watched the grainy highlights on this one, and they showed Pandev’s point blank shot in the second half met with a spectacular save and all I could think was “there goes Frey’s price up another million or two”. Watched less grainy highlights and was stunned to realize it wasn’t Frey but actually Vlada Avramov (Frey had a “stomach bug”, which usually means unflattering things - but a little Pepto and he should be fine for next weekend). Sebastian must rub off (with the keeping, let’s hope not the stomach bug). Pazzini put on the finishing boots over 10 man Lazio.

Torino 0 - Milan 1: Torino got hammered by Cagliari last weekend and lost to Udinese midweek, losing Gianluca Comotto for the season in the process. Safe to say, things weren’t looking up for them going in. Ditto for Milan, losses to Roma and the still sans-Cassano Sampdoria. The highlights were fugly good from both sides, missing chances, with the lone goal coming on a Pato tip in on the goal line. Milan at least keeps pace, but they’re still looking UEFA bound. And if Torino doesn’t rebound, relegation (and the mad scramble for Alessandro Rosina) isn’t out of the question - just four points adrift.

Udinese 2 - Livorno 0: Fabio Quagliarella fell on top of somebody, got up, turned around, took one step and fired home from distance all in about three seconds. Typical. That’s all Udinese needed, though Antonio Di Natale offered up his less spectacular services for shits & giggles. Still have a puncher’s chance at 4th, though more likely headed for the school with lesser admissions requirements, the UEFA Cup.

Sampdoria 1 - Cagliari 1: The Sardinians have absolutely no business requiring injury time goals for a draw at home from European hopefuls. No business whatsoever. But they managed to hold their lead til the 91st before Franceschini could put on his cape and save the day…kinda. If not for the three point penalty, they’d only be in the relegation zone by goal difference right now. The drop isn’t looking all that certain anymore, and they’re 3-1-1 in the month of March. Put down the party hats, however; they get to entertain Roma and Milan next, which is just peaches for them.

Palermo 2 - Genoa 3: This Genoa team is sneaky not all that bad, even if Marco Borriello and his STDs aren’t scoring any goals. Story, however, was in the afterparty, when Guidolin said not nice things about the supporters and gave Zampa a reason to can him, oh I dunno, maybe tomorrow morning or something. Not that he’d need a reason anyway. Looks like the revolving door in Sicily is still going strong as Stefano Colantuono is reportedly heading back. They should just put up a big tent and funhouse outside the Renzo Barbera and embrace it fully.

Atalanta 0 - Catania 0: Ciro Polito saved Doni’s penalty and the highlights were mostly full of Gigi Del Neri & Silvio Baldini talking, substitutions and tackles looking made for the NFL. In other words, didn’t look like much of a good viewing. Catania managed a point away from home, which is a minor miracle. Still looking for that ever elusive away win, though.

Reggina 1 - Napoli 1: Speaking of things Palermo should bring back, how about this Franco Brienza guy? That’s four goals in three games and the priceless point taken off a pretty decent team. If they stay up he may get a statue or something. Napoli’s just shooting for good performances at this point. And Eddy Reja’s shooting for further employment.

Siena 2 - Parma 0: The Bald Macaroni had a double for a double digit season tally, showing Englanders all over that he is not a useless fool. It’s just better to score in Italy. Duh. First goal, however, has some at Parma unhappy, and the decision was beefable - especially given the significance and timing (86th min).