Serie A > 16th - 17th March

[Aidymac]

[TABLE=class: couponTable, width: 617] [TR=class: row1] [/TR] [TR] [TH=class: firstColumn]Saturday 16 March 2013[/TH] [TH]Home[/TH] [TH]Draw[/TH] [TH]Away[/TH] [TH=class: bppWidth]BPP[/TH] [TH] [/TH] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Catania v Udinese (17:00 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.2[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.35[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.9[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]100.95 %[/TD] [TD=class: tvListings, align: center][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Bologna v Juventus (19:45 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]6.3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.85[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.66[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.85 %[/TD] [TD=class: tvListings, align: center][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR] [TH] [/TH] [TH=class: firstColumn]Sunday 17 March 2013[/TH] [TH]Home[/TH] [TH]Draw[/TH] [TH]Away[/TH] [TH=class: bppWidth]BPP[/TH] [TH] [/TH] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Siena v Cagliari (11:30 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.6[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.56 %[/TD] [TD=class: tvListings, align: center][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]AC Milan v Palermo (14:00 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]5.8[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]13[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.86 %[/TD] [TD=class: tvListings, align: center][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Fiorentina v Genoa (14:00 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.51[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4.5[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]8[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]100.82 %[/TD] [TD=class: tvListings, align: center][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Napoli v Atalanta (14:00 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.48[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4.7[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]8.8[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]99.85 %[/TD] [TD=class: tvListings, align: center][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Pescara v Chievo (14:00 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.92[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.25[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.66[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]102.61 %[/TD] [TD=class: tvListings, align: center][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Sampdoria v Internazionale (14:00 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.62[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.80 %[/TD] [TD=class: tvListings, align: center][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row0, bgcolor: #F0F0F0] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]Torino v Lazio (14:00 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.78[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]3.25[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]2.9[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]101.22 %[/TD] [TD=class: tvListings, align: center][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD=align: center][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn]AS Roma v Parma (19:45 GMT)[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]1.55[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]4.3[/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd, align: center]7[/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp, align: center]102.06 % [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[Mustafa]

Re: Serie A > 16th - 17th March Catania - Udinese Away from home Udinese lost only to the top 6 sides (apart from 0-1 away loss to the 17th placed Genoa). Moreover, out of the last 10 games against Catania they lost only 1, recording 6 wins and 1 draw. Catania has a good home record and haven't lost at home against teams below them, recording 6 wins and 1 draw. I am leaning towards a draw here, but think that Udinese might snatch all 3 points here. Udinese or Draw @ 1.83 William Hill _________________________ Bologna - Juventus Bologna has scored in 13 out of their 14 home games and moreover 71% of their home games produced 3 or more goals. Juventus managed to keep a clean sheet in just 3 out of their 13 away games. Morover, Bologna is not an easy opponent for them and they have managed only 5 wins in the last 10 games against them, while 4 games ended in a draw and 1 win for Bologna. Both to Score bet would have won in 8 out of the last 10 games between these 2 sides. Both to Score @ 1.91 William Hill

[BBTown77]

Re: Serie A > 16th - 17th March Catania - Udinese HW 2,10 Ladbrokes 8/10 Units - Udinese without 8 keyplayers. The MVP of the team Di Natale is out which is a huge blow furthermore they will miss:Domizzi, Pasquale, Basta, Hertaux, Pinzi, Lazzari and Maicousel. They will all normally start! Catania is strong at home, and have only lost to the big clubs at home. This a clear HW and the prize will for sure drop!

[malabgd]

Re: Serie A > 16th - 17th March Injuries and suspensions Calcio Catania v Udinese Calcio Calcio Catania: Capuano (10/0 d) (doubtful), Spolli (22/1 d) Udinese Calcio: Di Natale (25/15 f, top scorer), Basta (19/1 d), Pinzi (15/2 m), Lazzari (19/1 m), Pasquale (17/1 d), Domizzi (22/1 d), Maicosuel (18/2 m), Heurtaux (15/0 d)

[Rhoads]

Re: Serie A > 16th - 17th March Even if Udinese had full squad I'd still backing a home win in this one. Catania are a decent team and have a great home record, being superior when they play in Sicily. Last Sunday they fought well against Juventus in Turin and lost 0-1 with a late goal. Udinese have never been impressive this season as coach Guidolin doesn't have any other game plan except playing with an ultra defensive formation and using counter attacks with the likes of Muriel and especially Di Natale. Now, with the recent absentees his only system will be ruined as the team is going to miss their most important defenders and top-goal scorer Di Natale. Udinese will play with the formation of 4-5-1 today, having no creative midfielders to support alone forward Muriel. Catania -0.5 :hope

[malabgd]

Re: Serie A > 16th - 17th March Injuries and suspensions AC Milan v US Palermo AC Milan: De Jong (12/1 m), Pazzini (22/13 f) (doubtful), Constant (4/0 m) US Palermo: Miccoli (21/5 f) (doubtful), Barreto (23/0 m), Dossena (8/0 d), Hernandez (7/0 f), Mantovani (5/0 d) SSC Napoli v Atalanta Bergamo SSC Napoli: Britos (14/0 d) (doubtful) Atalanta Bergamo: Budan (2/0 f), Bellini (9/0 d), Capelli (0/0 d), Scaloni (3/0 d) (all doubtful), Marilungo (2/0 f), De Luca (15/1 f), Polito (2/0 g) Torino FC v Lazio Torino FC: Ogbonna (14/0 d) (doubtful), Diop (3/0 f) Lazio: Konko (21/1 d), Floccari (16/4 f), Dias (21/0 d), Stankevicius (0/0 d), Klose (20/10 f, top scorer), Brocchi (8/0 m), Hernanes (26/8 m)

[azzurini1976]

Re: Serie A > 16th - 17th March Analysis for all games in Serie A this weekend from the service: REVIEW OF LAST ROUND IN SERIE A Genoa – Milan 0-2 I did not want to make a pre-game bet on this match and to be honest; despite at the end it looked like an easy away win, I believe I was correct in my decision. Kevin-Prince Boateng, Antonio Nocerino and Ignazio Abate were all given a rest due to Barca game in CL. It was not a bright game overall, but Milan were the more dangerous team, they again (no Balotelli) used more flanks where again De Sciglio and Constant were the most active at Milan. And as said, Pazzini is good when he is playing and De Sciglio cross that was not cleared properly was slotted home from former Sampdoria man to make it 1-0 Milan. At that point Genoa tried to do something but chances were rare. Two mins after his goal Pazzini had to leave the game due to injury and Balotelli came in. Genoa did have far more possession but were only dangerous from set pieces, as predicted, with Kucka out they did play above expectations, but the class won this game for Milan, as they have more quality man on their roster. Milan again started better at beginning of the half and looked for a winner and after one really good chance after nice ball from Flamini, it was not much later when guests doubled the lead after nice Constant pass to Ballotelli who made in 2-0. From that point on Genoa started playing more offensive and creating chances, and they did make some good moves, despite set pieces again their main weapon, but on this side they were unable to score as Abiatti was in superb form on the day. Statistically looking hosts had more possession, more shots and more chances overall but failed to make it count. Basically as said, class on side of Milan despite looking at whole picture, Genoa deserved a bit more, but probably to defensive tactics from start of the game were their doom. They should play like that from begining and only that way they should have their chances, but also missing of Kucka and Matuzalem was probably the reason why they played more defensive. Overall I believe this result can be a bit wrongfully interpreted as Genoa deserved more, at least more closer result if not a draw here. I think that they are on way up atm, while Milan did their homework, kept the pressure on opposition in fighting for 3rd place and got a routine win. Udinese – Roma 1-1 Really limited game by all standards, Guidolin again with some experiments as this time it was 3-4-2-1 tactics while Roma who had no Pjanic in attack with somewhat defensive oriented formation with only Totti and Lamela as only attacking players. Marquinho and Torosidis on both flanks. And the tactical setup really made the game less exciting. I can say that Roma now looks far more defensive team as before and Andreazzoli relies on back line and they did their homework okay, but as I said it many time, Udinese one of worst attacking teams in league. Roma took the lead at their good spell and it was deserved lead, but again from that point on they again let opponents do the playing but in reality Udine really lucky to score and it was solo action goal from Muriel and IMO Steke should have done better as he let the goal between his legs. Roma got a gift after Heurtaux got red carded for cruel foul on Florenzi but they failed to do anything with that man advantage and it could have been seen that substitution Totti off and Osvaldo on did not bring dividends and guest created one chance, right at the end, where Osvaldo missed empty goal, albeit from a bit hard position, but for a man that has such reputation and wages, this should have been a goal. Overall bad game, Udinese did not want to play it, Roma with misses a bit changed look had problems creating and this draw is probably okay result, despite Roma being far closer to the win (nobody should complain if they won it) as opponents. But, overall 5-9 shots for Roma is far too little for a team of their stature. Atalanta –Pescara 2-1 Pescara started newly with new coach – their youth coach and former striker Bucchi, while Atalanta as expected fielded 2 man attack with Livaja and Denis. But it was bad game, nothing really happened, Atalanta a bit better but surprisingly due to big misses, Pescara looked more stable at back and also took the lead from their first chance in the game after Dagostino scored a long range effort. In poor first half Atalanta did manage to equalise – from penalty shot which was justly given after fouled on Bonaventura. Atalanta started 2nd as they started 1st – with pressure, but little changed, Pescara compact, so many crosses that hosts sent into the area were taken away. But pressure paid off as Denis scored superb volley after Biondini did all the hard work in right side and put excellent cross in – Atalanta tried a lot with deep crosses in area and they had two more chances with that actions, while on other side, Pescara looked bad and it looked they are toothless in attack. Atalanta won it 2-1, but overall limited game, Pescara stood well and I did expect more from new Atalanta attack. Cagliari – Sampdoria 3-1 It was bound to happen and Cagliari showed that they are not troubled of playing in front of empty stadium and it was also Ibarbo show. Sau stayed on bench and Colombian played probably the best game in Serie A of his career as next to three goals, he had some 3 good chances and his dribbling and passing was on top level. Basically Sampdoria was never in this game, played badly and this one can be compared to their last lost game away at Siena where they lost in before they played it. Cagliari dominated and controlled the game completely, had all the good chances, whereas Samp really had problems coming into the game and I can say it was utterly deserved win for hosts, who are now 10 points above relegation and surely with their performances, no need to worry about staying in A. Nothing much to say really, Caglairi, as said better in all aspects, even without Sau + missed Daniele Conti and Francesco Pisano. Sampdoria came in game with no flair at all and got only consolation from penalty shot in last minutes where game was over. What is interesting – Sampdoria had more possession, but failed to make it count. Chievo – Napoli 2-0 Scudetto over and out that is in one sentence what happened here and I hope Napoli get new coach with more »cojones« and tactical ability as Mazzari is. The defensive minnows who have not one star in their team, beat team that spent loads in January window and has Hamsik, Cavani + no problems with team. I could say that we should see that coming, Napoli looking to slow in last outings, no pace anymore in their team, while Chievo showed signs of playing more openly and better in last game vs. Fiore and it did happen. Inspired Chievo totally deserved the win as in 1st they were probably at least on par with visitors and scored two goals in this half – bomb from Drame and Thereaux from close range – but really De Sanctis should have gone down earlier and stop it. Napoli did have chances, but overall Chievo really good and full of confidence. If we expected total dominance from Napoli in 2nd we would be wrong, sure they were better team had almost 70% possession, but still with Chievo going and parking the bus in front of goal, they were unable to come to chances that could be stated as clear ones. But on other hand, Chievo keeper Puggioni did have some three to four superb saves, including stopping penalty shot from Cavani, while Paloschi missed clear chance from counter late on. I will say that Chievo deserved the win and it was consequence of good tactical display and brave play from their players. IMO Chievo is the team to look at in following rounds as they are now showing the best football since the start of the season and ultra defensive team has now shown they can play open as well. Napoli, well Scudetto will have to wait for them as Juve won and difference is exactly 3 wins or 9 points which is just too big considering how both those teams are playing at the moment. Inter – Bologna 0-1 After this game I am even more convinced Inter did not win last game on pitch, but that there were off pitch and probably half time activities involved. But let’s keep it simple. In this game, where from only sporting side, everyone would expect Inter, despite all the misses to come out as a winners, well you would be wrong as it gets, as hosts showed us performance not worthy even of EL spot. Simply nothing from them, Cassano benched and Bologna better team and commanding the game, creating more chances, even though that they were not clear ones, but heck, this is Meazza where Inter is at home and I don’t remember when Inter last time looked so helpless. To add that Inter had the best chance after overhead kick from Ranocchia (defender) tells a lot, add to this that in first half they really did not create anything adds to their vows. Bologna on other side, fighting team, with superb Perez and Taider in midfield they looks as top 10 team at the moment, they even overcame the injury of Sorensen who had class first half and also Gila stayed on pitch despite being injured in game – he scored the winner. Overall utterly deserved result for Bologna, anything else that their win could be touted as a robbery. Lazio – Fiorentina 0-2 Totally deserved win for the guests but they do needed two goals from outside the area to win it, but the style of play, the playing of two teams – it can be said that Fiore were better, maybe also due to tiredness of Lazio players from EL game, but simply Fiorentina is back, back to the form they had in first part of the season and even more, if they had Jovetic to guide them at that time, they are now stronger for Ljajic who simply cannot stop playing well. Lazio lost momentum, it is kind of logical, Petkovic can’t rely on limited team who lacks both quality and depth on two fronts. I believe he knows that keeping the pace in Serie A is out of question, despite Lazio did try, I can say that they were active but failed against Fiore who looks back in action. Overall to the game – dominated by Fiorentina, who had more power, Lazio probably only better at closing stages when Montella pulled back his team and waited for clock to run down. Palermo – Siena 1-2 Some might think that Palermo will win it and yes, it was speculation in this case, but what happened on the pitch showed, Palermo are in big troubles. Siena better team, they dominated the game, created chances and they look as an unit and this unit was much better than Palermo who looks like a team with no identity at the moment. That is probably not really weird as Gasperini came only two weeks ago (sacked after the game), so to change style of play every few weeks is killing the game. Siena as said better of two teams and they never stopped playing, not even when Anselmo scored for Palermo to take them into the lead – Palermo in reality dangerous only from set pieces, while Siena nicely worked out their chances and yeah, they do have one of hottest properties in Italian football – attacker Emeghara, he and Rosina are instrumental for all happenings in Siena forward lines and Emeghara scored the goal and won a penalty shot. Palermo in one sentence – awful defence – 3 man in this case, no combination from midfield, and toothless attack, Palermo has 4 attackers and for me all three looks in same crappy version. They need 4 man defence, they need two game stoppers in midfield and they need Budan who they bought in transfer window. Miccoli is not in form, Dybala too young to trust him salvation, Bosseli will need time to adapt, Fabbrini is bad copy of much better and sold Brienza....I can go on and on. I believe Palermo is going to Serie B next season, while Siena still, with this kind of performance, have a legimitate shot of staying up. Deserved win for Siena, should have been even higher really as they created all the chances and okay, Palermo did shot two posts when falling behind, but again set piece header and long effort – if nothing goes from open play, Palermo has no business hoping for staying in A. Parma – Torino 4-1 Totally deserved win for Parma, despite they left it late. It was kind of weird game, where Parma dominated for 75 minutes, in first half they were far better team overall and created at least three excellent scoring chances, just to miss them all. Torino had only good spell at beginning of 2^nd half, where they scored for 0-1 and they threatened from counters – one excellent chance missed. But then again, Parma took over when they begun with 3 man attack as Rosi was sacrificed for attacker Sansone and 5 minutes after he came in Parma won the game. It was from 77^th to 90^th minute when Parma managed 4 goals and Amauri hit one of fastest hat tricks in Serie A. From 0-1 to 4-1 and I can say deserved as Parma really should have won the game by that time. Overall deserved win for Parma who has now finally won and put the pressure off their coach. Torino a bit disappointing in this game, but missing of Cerci did show for them, also some weird decisions form Ventura who did not start with Baretto or Stevanovic, but Birsa did show a good game for them in place of Cerci – lots of pace and good movement for him. Juventus – Catania 1-0 Ok, Catania lost 2-3 to Inter and now they almost took a point from Juventus? No way as said in previous review their last game was probably not decided on the green, but surely influenced by green. Catania showed superb defensive display in this match, neutralising Juventus game excellently and fallen only to late winner by GIancherini – and probably that goal gave Juventus Scudetto (even more as Napoli fell to Chievo in Verona). Game was played as one way traffic, Juve attacking, shooting and trying, but Catania showing why they are so high on table. Really only one good chance for Juve – Vucinic missing it and 0-0 at half time deserved result at that time. Second part of the game the same, Juve trying and Catania frustrating them with defensive play – they even did not have any worthy chances from counter attacks in this one – that hard they went for a point. Juve really show they are team with most quality in Italy, while Catania try to hold on to the end of the game. And IMO nothing could be wrong with that if it stayed 0-0 as only in 90^th minute – after game was really played same way for the most of the 90 minutes Giacherini scored and won it for hosts. Overall deserved win for Juve, despite I can say, Catania showed superb organisational and defensive skills again and they are one of better sides in Serie A this season and deserve Europe League football next season. Juventus pressing for most of the game, but in reality chances to score a goal were rare. As said if this one finished with 0-0 nothing could be wrong with it. PREVIEWS OF UPCOMING ROUND IN ITALIAN SERIE A Catania – Udinese Team news: Hosts: Banned: Spolli imp def replaceable Injured: Capuano FB – repl., Doubtful: Bergessio key att Guests: Banned: Domizzi key CD, Maicousel repl. MF, Herteaux key FB Injured: Pinzi very imp midf., Lazzari repl. att midf. , Pasquale, imp def. Basta, very important defender, Di Natale – most importan player for the team Doubtful: Analysis: Catania after enlisting two 0 pointers are now in need of securing a win and from my point of view, there is harder to find better opponent to do just that. Udinese as said not impressing me at all, they are weak team, with no identity in the game, coach is a bit lost and for this game they will have to do with quite a lot of players, the most important misses of them all are 75% of their regular defence: Benatia, Domizzi and Herteaux – in this case probably Basta can play at back, but that does not mean a good thing against pumped up Catania who despite losing last two, deserved far more from those games in reality, at Udine story is vice versa, they should have lost vs. Roma and against poor Pescara they again were saved with their only chance in the game. Simply unimpressive Udinese team this season, against probably one of better performing sides in league, but hosts to miss Bergessio and that is handicap for them still with lots of power coming from their midfield positions, they are bound to win the battle there and even more pace and passing ability is on their side, hence I see them as big favourites in this match up. Official bet: Catania -0.25 @ 1.78 2 units (already sent) Bologna – Juventus Team news: Hosts: Banned: Injured: Sorensen imp def., Doubtful: Natali not imp Guests: Banned: Injured: only long term Doubtful: Analysis: Much factors must be taken into account here. Bologna after three wins in a row looking very good and stable and probably already safe from relegation. Juventus after last round increased difference between 2^nd placed Napoli to 9 points, which at this moment looks almost uncatchable. So both teams can go into this game a bit relaxed. Other thing is superb playing by Bologna when at home, this should not be forgotten, they are different team when playing home, despite in last one, they showed one of more active games away in recent time when they beat Inter away. Juventus really don’t care where they are playing, they will take possession and try to win games, it is as simple as that. now, for this one, Bologna will miss two influential players, Sorensen and top scorer Gilardino. Despite I often said he is not the scorer he used to be, he still looks as a key player for them, on other side, Juve are healthy and ready for this game. Week without games will work wonders for them to regenerate. side betting: I do like Bologna +1 very much here, albeit value level is really low on this one (1.72 atm), so for catching nice odds we must thinkg about +0.75, which is a bit more complicated IMO, but still looks good value indeed, even more with Bologna good home record of 6-5-3 this season and even more after looking at latest h2h between them. Bologna really tough to beat at the own pitch, while Juve has more quality in team – no doubt about that. Still I wonder how this game will go. Bologna will not hide back, I see no reason for that, Okay they might be happy with a point, but they can keep momentum rolling on and get to 38 points already, forget about relegation and think about even European football next season if other results will go their way. Juve – will they go for three points? Yup, I do think so, they do have ability to beat any team at any given time in the league, with all players okay and in team Conte ill try to exploit that riches. So, Bologna +1 is good option and I might take it as a bet, but will need to see official team news, more closer to actual kick off. update: Due to Gilardino being okay I will recommend and also make official bet on Bologna +1 @ 1.72 1 unit, more adventurous players might go on +0.75. Siena – Cagliari Team news: Hosts: Banned: Injured: Vergassola, Pozzi – both replaceable Doubtful: Guests: Banned: Rossetini very imp full back Injured: Conti – imp midfielder -replaceable Doubtful: Sau is a doubt – very imp/key striker Analysis: Relegation duel! Despite Cagliari being almost in safe position (by t he way the play they really deserve to be higher up the table) while Siena will eat grass to shorten the gap to safe places which now stands at only 2 points (Genoa) but also 8 behind the pack of teams that are a bit higher. So, what is to make of this game? I reckon Siena will have to “do” the game, and that is really not their cup of tea, they rather play opposite style and with standings on the table, Cagliari will have the pleasure to sit back and hit them on counter attacks. So basically early goal can change that, but this is purely speculation. On other side, both teams have some hot attackers in their teams, Siena new man Emeghara looks like top player, while Sau is keeping his form on high, while also Ibarbo showed his skills in last game where he put 3 to Samp net. So both can score really. Missings won’t play any role here, both can compensate all the players that are out, what is important is Cagliari midfield quality, I believe they are far above Siena at this point and this could be turning point, but on other hand, Siena often offers opposition all the possession and hit them on the counters, if that will be the case here , I reckon boring game is on cards with limited scoring chances. If they play the other way – which I doubt really they will be in position to have troubles with creating the play and getting hit with counter attacks. Looking at h2h – Siena has not lost in recent history to Cagliari at home. Overall I believe this one is made for live betting or value betting. If I had the choice I would say Cagliari – they are better team overall, they are under no pressure, or at least under far less pressure that Siena who needs at least a point if not three, so guests can play their natural game and exploit any nervousness in Siena team if they don’t score early goal. For now: no bet game Napoli – Atalanta Team news: Hosts: Banned: Injured: Britos repl. def. Doubtful: Guests: Banned: De Luca - winger repl. Injured: only long term injured Doubtful: Analysis: Not such an easy game for Napoli. Napoli is now in a bit of a funk, their game play is not nearly at their optimum and goal scoring represents huge problem for them at the moment and they paid the price for that against Chievo. Atalanta looks better lately and despite I still can say they are playing okay, they are now tactically stronger and can play with more variations that before January transfer window. Napoli in this case, despite spending a lot on Armero and Calaio look weaker at this point. As that they have let the momentum out and it shows, losses to Plzen in EL games, inability to press Juve at home (probably predicted), but even more no pace in their game anymore and Cavani out of form – last goal coming in 27.1. game vs. Parma away (for example same player scored 12 goals in previous 10 games before that Parma game). So this will hurt them. Even more as they are now out f title race, but what seemed as logical before – CL qualification – is not new battle for them. Milan in form and Fiorentina hot atm, means they will need to improve to play in CL next season (Inter and Lazio probably don’t have any chances of fighting for that spot next season). I believe Atalanta will come here for a point, that is their main goal, but they look to have rediscovered Denis, sure two attackers tactics suits him as he has more breathing space now with Livaja taking of pressure on him. But game style and quality of performances are still not on that level you would want to bet on them. So speculation regarding this game are next: can Cavani rediscover his form, can Napoli play with more cojones and can they get back to winning ways, probably answers are in dark, but I do think that they are better team here and they need just a early goal to take command of the game. Still in these conditions and even more at offered lines I have to love the +1 on Atalanta that is offered. But for now it is a no bet game – we need to see what line-ups will be available to coaches before kickoff. Pescara – Chievo Team news: Hosts: Banned: Injured: Sforzini, Modesto imp midf, Capuano imp def, Rizzo very imp midf – new transfer, Zauri very imp def – new transfer, Weiss key winger/att midf Doubtful: Perin – key player one of better goalies in league Guests: Banned: Injured: Sardo, Spyropulos – both replaceable Doubtful: Analysis: After Fiore game Chievo was held under much higher regards in my book, they played really well and despite losing the game, left a good impression after seeing the game, continuity of this game was shown in Napoli game, so I can say they are now almost at their optimum, two good displays against two strong teams, can’t be consequence. Pescara on other side, team that has really no identity, even more as they are now under new coach and they played okay defensive game against Atalanta, but yeah, attackingly they are still on Serie B level. So it is a clear relegation game, both need points, but in this case this is a good think for Chievo as the set up to this game is just fantastic for them. Chievo are counter attack team and Pescara needing points that means – along with possible missing of Capuano, Zauri and Balzano in Pescara back line – huge edge for them. Fast transition and they will surely be more dangerous as their opponents. Another main difference here is unity – Chievo are more compact team and not a bunch of individuals as Pescara is. I do think that lot of players at Pescara already know that they are going down, so possibility of looking good for scouts and looking out for not getting injured is present. I do believe Chievo are favourites here and books got it correctly this time, but Chievo 0 is good one, sure they are bad away, but under this circumstances they are the team to bet on. Still need to see condition of players before taking anything. Fiorentina – Genoa Team news: Hosts: Banned: Injured: only long term Doubtful: Guests: Banned: Injured: Olivera, Nadarevic, Flores – replaceable, Matuzalem – imp def., Frey – very imp goalie – but good replacement in Tzorvas, Boriello very imp striker Doubtful: Analysis: Both teams need points. Fiorentina for their late surge towards CL places, whereas Genoa are still in danger zone and only 2 points above relegations spots. What can be said about those two, Fiorentina looks to have finally found the rhytm they lost and also Jovetic is back in his old form. Genoa on other hand plays a weird football game, but I can say they don’t lack the fighting spirit in their team, they surprised with good game against Milan despite missing some crucial players for them (Kucka is back in midfield – key player) and in reality quality of finishing decided that one, same can be said about Roma game, where they created a lot vs. favoured Roma team but lost it at the end due to red card. For this one it will be mainly midfield duel, and Fiore has major strength there and also after long time all are there, no missings in that line which is foundation of Fiore success. Genoa as said, lack creative power and also relies just too much on Gilardino and that is their weak point. OVewrall I believe this game will be won by Fiorentina, they are simply better team and lack and there will be no lack of motivation at both sides, Fiore want money of CL playing and with Napoli current form they got legitmate shot to get there. Genoa on other hand weak team overall with no real strength on any part of the team – probably defensive midfield is best covered with them and they will pray that Frey will have his day. Line is set on -1.25 and that is IMO unplayable, so we will have to go for live betting, where I believe -1 is safe line, but can be voided, while -0.75 if we can reach it is the bet for this game. Books got it good this weekend and don’t allow any good pre game bets or better they are rare and give odds around 1.75. Advice: only live betting and lower line for Fiore, they should win it. Sampdoria – Inter Team news: Hosts: Banned: Injured: Palombo – replaceable utility player , Gastadello – very imp def. Doubtful: Guests: Banned: Juan Jesus . def imp Injured: Milito, Nagatomo – all key players out for the season it seems + long term injured Doubtful: Alvarez * might be back Stankovic (injured in last game) and Samuel key def missed most of the season – Stankovic out, Samuel on bench Analysis: Sampdoria slowly lost its optimal form, it could have been seen in last three games that they are in decline and proof of that was bad performance against Cagliari. Inter bad play and bad form and this one looks as hard to predict game. But if both Samuel and Stankovic return that will be a huge boost to Inter and their coach. Situation is set up that way: Samp seem to have saved themselves already and can miss a point or two, while Inter now needs a positive result for battling it for the CL spots. It is true that they are not in best condition but getting back those two heavy weights of their team should be a huge boost for them. Other thins is Cassano situation, if he plays Inter can do well as they need him badly. With only Palacio on board that can score goals they will again rely on their midfield unit to score or pass the ball. Inter has superb defensive midfield unit but lack creative power and on other hand we have similar team who has one of stronger midfields with Obiang, Poli, Krsticic..and that means battle. It is purely speculative thinking but I reckon Inter might have it easier here as they need those points, whereas Sampdoria can do well without them really. Still with game of two teams that are not at their optimum, Sampdoria still looking better and incredibly – they have far better attack as Inter at this moment. With Icardi, Eder and Maxi they can score against any team in league, but how they will play this game is beyond me, if they will be motivated to get back to winning ways, they can do that, surely against this piss poor Inter team. But on other hand Inter is an institution and they just might get a result of the pitch - handicap for them is also Spurs game in midweek where probably we have to see who will play for them and only then make decision about this match. Torino – Lazio Team news: Hosts: Banned: Diop replaceable att. Injured: Doubtful: Ogbonna key/very imp def – missed most part of recent games also not in best form Guests: Banned: Hernanes – key att midf Injured: Klose key att, Konko very imp def, Brocchi replaceable, Dias very imp def., Floccari – imp attacker Doubtful: Analysis: Two safe teams battle it out! Torino showed in most parts of the season that they are tough to play against team, despite not the best results lately, especially their defence is not on level that it was before they are playing team that is in big decline and even more will show fatigue problems and add to that miss out on two key players Klose and Hernanes. I do believe that is quite enough reasons to take Torino. They played badly last game, but also it has to be said, they played not with best line-up, no Barreto and Meggiorini and also key player Cerci was banned. So I do expect them pumped up in this game. Looking at both teams they are overall strong defensively and probably even Lazio won’t play offensive football themselves, even more if they will play with strong line-up against Stuttgart in EL game. Now I can say that Torino defence looked a bit weak lately, but generally looking they played good games against Cagliari where they did not deserve to lose it, while against Palermo they hit the post and missed at least three clear ones. So I really can’t speak about losing their form. Lazio on other hand, despite still looking solid at back, miss spark in attack, Klose is not out for some 5 games and it shows heavily, if we don’t take into account Europa league games, their form in Serie A is poor and even more looking at displays. In last games, where they had only one lucky win against Pescara (two long range efforts) they played badly and did not create much. So I believe Torino 0 is very good bet in this case and it must be taken. Milan – Palermo Team news: Hosts: Banned: Constant wing back - replaceable Injured: Pazzini key / very imp att. + long termers Doubtful: Guests: Banned: Injured: long term + Baretto, Miccoli key att – not in form, Dossena very imp left midf Doubtful: Analysis: Handicap here is huge, but to be honest so is the difference between those two teams. Milan in one of better spells this season, while Palermo really look as relegated team already. But this game will be influenced by Milans game against Barca, they lost it 4-0 and how their mood is right now is matter of discussion, but surely it will be hard for them to be 100% into preparation for this match. Looking at injuries Costant will be missed on left side but probably De Sciglio will be moved on that side with Abatte playing on right, with Balotelli back, nobody will notice absence of Pazzini, but still I believe Pazzini is more important to Milan as Ballotelli. He is true central striker, while younger of two, like to wonder about the pitch, but at the end of the day, Milan has superb attack. Palermo this season (I read it one article) has had more coaches (4) than wins in Serie A (3) and that do speak a lot about them. They simply don’t have the right mixture and lack quality overall this team. Two seasons ago they were hot with Pastore, Balzaterri, Ilicic in superb form and Miccoli scoring goals with no problem. Now they rely on Ilicic to pass the ball and overall don’t have players that can be considered top player in league. Transfers they made pre season and during January window were motly useless and added depth and not added value and this is the result of it. Still despite major difference between those two I wont play Milan on this big hcp, it is just my way of thinking really, but I don’t like such big favourites to bet on, so my advice is live betting again, but in this case, hoping for no goals in 1^st half, I do believe Milan will win this game, they have far more tactical variations as in beginning of the season and far more quality in their ranks, so IMO they will beat Palermo even if they have really bad day. Roma – Parma Team news: Hosts: Banned: Injured: Destro - imp att., Pjanic – key att midf, Torosidis – new man important right sided utility man Doubtful: Guests: Banned: Injured: Mariga imp midf new transfer, Coda replacable defender, Mesbah, Padallino – both replacable due to big squad Doubtful: Analysis: Parma finally won the game after 8 games without three points, while Roma under Andreazzoli continues playing differently, not impressing me with performances but getting the results. In last game they were a bit unlucky not to win it, as they were the better team but overall they showed limited game. Again more defensive Roma as the one we know from before. Also missings (Destro and Pjanic) and awful form of Osvaldo will be shown in this match. Florenzi is now playing in more advanced role but that is simply not enough IMO. Parma on other hand finally won the game and played good football, leaving it late but deservedly getting all three points. But this one will be intriguing game, I believe lines are set correctly and even more with Roma stlye (take the lead and close down), playing big hcp`s is probably out of the question – even against Genoa they were lucky to win it with two goal margin. So it is kind of hard to predict what will happen here, and I don’t recommend betting on this game with pre game bets. Good thing for the bet is usually good results for Roma at home vs. Parma, but that is simply not enough for me to take a gamble on them, basically with this game style, Roma miss 3/5 of their main attacking weapons. Advice: no bet pre game

[saimon76]

Re: Serie A > 16th - 17th March Nothing really to add from the monstrous preview of Azzurrini; nothing attract me and cannot feel confidence in any of the "easy" predicted win by bookies, apart from Fiorentina that if is able to play as always, can trash also Genoa. But i expect a very close grifone side; a point can mean salvation at the end of the games; but La Viola should take this. Napoli unbackable for me given their awful form and given the fact that there should be problems in the dressing room. Siena will not receive any gift from Cagliari that will have a terrible schedule coming, and they are not very safe yet; maybe 1x game. Sampdoria is without objectives, however Inter can be strecthedplaying always with the same, and having also Juan Jesus out. I think there is value in the 1x sign