Serie A Week 27 - 7/3/10
Cagliari - Catania
Stadio Sant' Elia

These Island rivals face off with very different objectives in mind.

Cagliari will be glad to return to the comforts of their Stadio Sant'Elia home. The Isolani are unbeaten in their last ten home fixtures. However their last two matches were on the road at Udinese and Chievo respectively, and they lost both 2-1.

Massimiliano Allegri's Rossoblu are currently 8th, with 38 points, and still in with a good chance of European qualification. The Europa League is probably the best they can hope for, but that would still be a massive achievement for a club like theirs.

Catania make the short trip from Sicily to Sardinia brimming with confidence after their best display of the season. The Etnei blew Bari away last Saturday-winning 4-0 and playing some champagne football thanks to their South American contingent. Cagliari's youthful backline will have to especially careful around Cristian Llama and Jorge Martinez, who both scored sublime individual efforts against Bari.

Sinisa Mihajlovic has done an excellent job so far, dragging the Elefanti out of the relegation zone without sacrificing their attacking instincts. With the team just four points above the drop zone though his work is far from over.

Both sides have considerable injury problems.

Cagliari miss Francesco Pisano, Daniele Dessena, Mario Brkljaca, Lino Marzoratti and Michael Agazzi, whereas Catania are without Andrea Campagnolo, Gianvito Plasmati, Nicolas Spolli and Giovanni Marchese.

Cagliari's Radja Nainggolan and Catania's Pablo Alvarez are suspended.

Keep an eye on: Jorge Martinez (Catania) - So often Catania's hero, it was Martinez who struck the goal against Roma that secured the club's Serie A status the season before last. He scored a lovely solo goal last week and assisted Cristian Llama's effort with an exquisite backheel.

Last season: Cagliari 1-0 Catania

Form guide: Cagliari (L W W L L) Catania (D W D L W)

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Cagliari (probable): Marchetti; Canini, Ariaudo, Astori, Agostini; Biondini, Lazzari, Conti, Cossu; Matri, Nene

Catania (probable): Andujar; Potenza, Silvestre, Terlizzi, Capuano; Izco, Biagianti, Ricchiuti; Mascara, Maxi Lopez, Llama

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Serie A Week 27 - 7/3/10
Atalanta - Udinese
Stadio Azzurri d'Italia

If Atalanta are to reach survival this season then they cannot afford to drop points against Udinese in this relegation clash.

The Bergamaschi are going through a really difficult spell following defeats to Chievo and Milan. They are now second to last in the table, five points away from survival. Things are getting seriously complicated and the Nerazzurri are starting to feel the pressure.

“They treat us as if we have already been relegated,” commented Bortolo Mutti, referring to the officials. “The game against Udinese will be fundamental for us and I hope we will be a bit luckier this time. We deserve it and have had no luck so far. Look at our past games, Chievo didn't even get a shot on target two weeks ago but then they got a deflection which made them win the game…”

Udinese are also struggling and they expected a much better campaign. Pasquale Marino returned to the Friuli after being replaced for a short while by Gianni De Biasi. However, his return may not be permanent since the Zebrette are looking to hire Alberto Zaccheroni for the next season. The Friulani currently sit four points ahead of the drop zone and were undeservedly defeated by Inter at the weekend.

“Our defeat against Inter was unfair,” noted Marino while President Giampaolo Pozzo blamed the referee for the final score. “On Sunday we will go out to win the game exactly like Atalanta. We are improving and this will be a key game for us,” added Mauricio Isla.

The Bergamaschi will be without Simone Padoin, suspended, and Fabio Ceravolo, injured. Nicola Amoruso and Tiberio Guarente are not 100 per cent fit so they may not make it for this clash. Up front Simone Tiribocchi is favoured over Ernesto Chevanton.

For Udinese, Gaetano D'Agostino is out for two months while Alexis Sanchez picked up an injury which could rule him out for three weeks. Considering these injuries Marino will probably switch to a 4-4-2 strategy with Antonio Floro Flores up front and Gokhan Inler on the right flank.

Keep an eye on: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese) - The Friulani star man keeps on scoring and is comfortably leading the Capocannonieri chart with 19 goals, four more than Diego Milito. Udinese can always rely on him and Di Natale has proved he won't let them down.

Last season: Atalanta 3-0 Udinese

Form guide: Atalanta (L W D L L) Udinese (W L L W L

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Atalanta (probable): Consigli; Capelli, Talamonti, Manfredini, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Volpi, De Ascentis, Valdes; Doni; Tiribocchi

Udinese (probable): Handanovic; Isla, Zapata, Coda, Lukovic; Inler, Sammarco, Asamoah, Pepe; Floro Flores, Di Natale

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Serie A Week 27 - 7/3/10
Bari - Chievo
Stadio San Paolo

Bari approach this delicate clash following four straight defeats, which have managed to spoil their brilliant campaign. But Chievo are missing several regulars and may be an easy target for the Pugliesi.

The Galletti are undoubtedly one of Serie A's most exciting sides. However, in recent weeks they seem to have lost their flair. Ultimately, last weekend, they returned from Sicily after conceding four times at the Massimino against Catania. Still, boss Giampiero Ventura is positive about the team.

“If we play like we did against Catania we won't lose many games,” stated the Pugliesi boss surprisingly. “We created nearly ten chances, missed a penalty, but most importantly played good football. Remember we are newcomers in Serie A and what we have done so far has been achieved with plenty of effort and hard work.”

Only two weeks ago, Chievo were seriously concerned about their season. Now, following wins to Atalanta and Cagliari, the Gialloblu feel more confident and relaxed. Last weekend's home win against the Sardinians proved that survival can be achieved at the Stadio Bentegodi.

“That win made the difference in our season,” noted Mimmo Di Carlo. “We earned points ahead of the rainy days. My men did well even when one of us was sent off. Now we have 35 points and we have to see how far we can go.”

Di Carlo won't go far this weekend though as he was the first boss in calcio to be banned for blasphemy after TV evidence. He accepted the punishment but is obviously really upset about it. Chievo will also be missing Mario Yepes, Luciano and Michele Marcolini - all suspended.

Emanuel Rivas is yet to fully recover from his injury and may be replaced by Riccardo Allegretti. Riccardo Meggiorini is also doubtful with Pedro Kamata ready to take his place. Marco Pisano and Alessandro Parisi are fit now but they won't be starting this game as they try to recover match fitness.

Keep an eye on: Paulo Barreto (Brazil) - The Brazilian striker is the revelation of the season for Bari and has so far scored 11 goals. However, after two consecutive misses from the penalty spot he will be angry and eager to make up for it by leading the Pugliesi to victory.

Last season: N/A

Form guide: Bari (W L L L L) Chievo (D L L W W)

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Bari (probable): Gillet; Belmonte, A.Masiello, Bonucci, S.Masiello; Alvarez, Gazzi, Almiron, Rivas; Barreto, Meggiorini

Chievo (probable): Sorrentino; Frey, Mandelli, Morero, Mantovani; Pinzi, Rigoni, Ariatti; Bentivoglio; De Paula, Pellissier

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Serie A Week 27 - 7/3/10
Bologna - Napoli
Stadio Renato Dall'Ara

Napoli will hope to start March in style away to Bologna - having failed to win in the month of February.

Coach Walter Mazzarri retains an extremely impressive record with the Partenopei - losing just once in 19 Serie A matches since he replaced Roberto Donadoni in October. Coincidentally his first game in charge was a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bologna in Naples, Mazzarri's side came from behind to win with a 91st minute winner from Christian Maggio.

Nonetheless, the Vesuviani have drawn too many games - 11 in total, only Lazio have drawn as many. Three of the four games they played in February were drawn, and whilst sharing the spoils against Inter and Roma is acceptable results like their 0-0 away to Siena could prove costly. They are now no longer the pace setters in the Champions League race, but they remain well positioned in 6th, just two points off 4th placed Palermo.

Hosts Bologna are on a high after their most stunning performance of the season. The previously shot-shy Rossoblu went to Genoa, who have scored more goals at home than anyone else this term, and outscored them in a seven goal thriller. The 4-3 win at Marassi was a remarkable feat, and it proved that Coach Franco Colomba has turned the club around.

The Felsinei have now lost just one of their last eight league encounters and climbed eight points clear of the relegation zone. Whilst they are not safe yet a comfortable mid-table finish should be within their reach.

Marco Di Vaio, Massimo Mutarelli , Andrea Pisanu and Stephen Appiah remain on the Bologna injury list.

Napoli's Andrea Dossena, Fabiano Santacroce and Gianluca Grava are similarly indisposed.

Keep an eye on: Adailton (Bologna) - The veteran Brazilian produced one of the most mesmerising individual displays of the season against Genoa last week. He netted two classy individual goals before securing his hat-trick and the three points with an ice cool penalty conversion.

Last season: Bologna 0-1 Napoli

Form guide: Bologna (D D W L W) Napoli (D L D D D)

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Bologna (probable): Viviano; Raggi, Portanova, Moras, Lanna; Busce, Mudingayi, Guana, Mingazzini; Adailton, Zalayeta

Napoli (probable): De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Rinaudo; Maggio, Gargano, Pazienza, Aronica, Hamsik; Quagliarella, Lavezzi

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Serie A Week 27 - 7/3/10
Palermo - Livorno
Stadio Renzo Barbera

Excitement is high in Palermo as the home side look to take on struggling visitors Livorno in a bid to consolidate their claim on fourth place.

There has been no shortage of good news in the Sicilian capital these past few days. The convincing win against Juventus last Sunday saw the Rosanero propel to a Champions League place, two points clear of Juventus and Napoli.

Then there have been the international call-ups, which have seen a record seven Palermo players leave for international duty - including a first time for keeper Salvatore Sirigu with the Azzurri. And last but not least, a struggling Livorno side travels to the Barbera Stadium this weekend for a game where the Aquilotti are firm favourites to take the win.

Despite all the excitement, coach Delio Rossi will surely be keeping his players in check and preparing for the weekend game, which does in fact pose some dilemmas.

Mattia Cassani is banned for one game after picking up a yellow card in Turin, and his most likely replacement will be Manuele Blasi - but his involvement in the back line poses further question marks for the midfield.

Blasi would have been the first in line to replace the injured Giulio Migliaccio, whom was substituted on Sunday for a muscular problem and is unlikely to recover for this weekend. At this point the front runner appears to be Nicolas Bertolo.

No win since the January 10 and just two points in seven games have seen Livorno drop into the relegation zone, and the spirits of the team are surely not helped by rumours that chairman Aldo Spinelli is considering selling the club after a tenure of 11 years.

There is bad luck for Serse Cosmi with young defender Alessandro Bernardini picking up an injury in his Amaranto debut last Sunday, which will see him sidelined for a fortnight.

Both Davide Moro and Nelson Rivas are banned for this game, which should mean a rare start for veteran Fabio Galante at the back, and Antonio Filippini in midfield. The latter will return to the stadium where he enjoyed a brief loan spell in 2004. There should be no surprises up front with the pairing of Cristiano Lucarelli and Claudio Belluci seeking to beat the sometimes inconsistent Palermo back line.

Keep an eye on: Javier Pastore (Palermo) - During his first experience in Italy the 20-year-old has impressed many with his ability in holding the ball and releasing the Palermo strikers. Chairman Maurizio Zamparini has made no secret of his admiration for the youngster and claimed he wouldn't sell him €50m. With only one goal to his name this season, however, Pastore must look at the Livorno game as a chance to add to his personal tally.

Last season: N/A

Form guide: Palermo (L W L W W) Livorno (D D L L L)

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Palermo (probable): Sirigu; Blasi; Kjaer; Bovo; Balzaretti; Bertolo; Liverani; Nocerino; Pastore; Miccoli; Cavani

Livorno (probable): Rubinho; Perticone; Knezevic; Galante; Raimondi; Pulzetti; Mozart; Filippini; Bergvold; Bellucci; Lucarelli

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Serie A Week 27 - 7/3/10
Sampdoria-Lazio
Stadio Luigi Ferraris

These two sides were the Coppa Italia Finalists last season, but Lazio find themselves on the edge of the relegation zone while Sampdoria push for Europe.

The Biancocelesti have had a tough time this term and the arrival of new boss Edy Reja hasn't so far made much difference. His debut earned a 2-0 win away to Parma, but that was followed by defeat at Palermo and a draw with Fiorentina after leading for almost the entire match. That game was played to a virtually empty stadium due to fans boycotting the club in protest at President Claudio Lotito's management, so Lazio may well be grateful they're playing away from home this weekend.

Tension is fairly high at Marassi as well following a controversial 1-0 loss at Parma. The referee had at first awarded a penalty, then changed his mind without consulting with his linesman, a decision that infuriated Samp. "Someone doesn't want us near the Champions League places," blasted President Riccardo Garrone. "I am stunned and think everyone is amazed by what has happened. It's not the first time we have been penalised by strange decisions."

Nonetheless, that was their first defeat in six rounds and Gigi Del Neri's side had the chance to defeat Inter at San Siro, but failed to push hard enough against the nine men. Giampaolo Pazzini and Nicola Pozzi picked up bans in that game, but now return to bolster a front line that has been without Antonio Cassano for almost two months. Luca Castellazzi and the suspended Reto Ziegler are unavailable, so Daniele Mannini steps in.

Lazio's injury list remains packed with Ousmane Dabo, Andre Dias, Mourad Meghni, Pasquale Foggia, Tomas Manfredini and Albano Bizzarri. Stefan Radu has recovered and goalkeeper Nando Muslera returns from his one-match ban against Fiorentina.

Reja caused controversy by dropping Mauro Zarate to the bench, but the Argentine was in fine fettle during a midweek friendly test and should start with Sergio Floccari. Stefano Mauri risks giving up his spot in the starting XI after missing some sitters in recent weeks, moving Francelino Matuzalem into the trequartista role.

You might not want to bet on a draw, as this fixture has ended in a stalemate just once since a spectacular 3-3 on April 21 1996. It also finished goalless on only one occasion since 1976.

Keep an eye on: Mauro Zarate (Lazio) – If anyone can get Lazio out of the doldrums and excite the fans again, it's the Argentine hitman. Snubbed by new Coach Reja and publicly criticised for hogging the ball, his skills are needed now even if he isn't the best at tracking back.

Last season: Sampdoria 3-1 Lazio

Form Guide: Sampdoria (W W W D L) Lazio (D L W L D)

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Sampdoria (probable): Storari; Zauri, Gastaldello, Lucchini, Accardi; Semioli, Palombo, Poli, Mannini; Pazzini, Pozzi

Lazio (probable): Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Stendardo, Radu, Kolarov; Brocchi, Ledesma, Matuzalem; Mauri; Zarate, Floccari

Ref: Brighi

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Serie A Week 27 - 7/3/10
Siena-Parma
Stadio Franchi Montepaschi di Siena

Siena may be propping up the table, but they are in very strong form and hope to cause an upset against a Parma side in freefall.

Many thought the Robur were done for after Alberto Malesani took charge, but they have picked up seven points from the last three rounds, which included holding Napoli to a draw here. Remarkably their best results seem to be away from the Stadio Franchi, where they grabbed two consecutive victories at Chievo and Livorno. Despite this boost, they are still bottom, although now within a point of Atalanta.

Massimo Maccarone is the symbol of Siena's comeback with support from Abdel Ghezzal, although Marcelo Alejandro Larrondo could get a look-in after he came off the bench to change the game with Livorno last week. Defender Cristiano Del Grosso returns from his ban and Marco Malago has now recovered.

Parma can't exactly relax either, as fourth place has quickly turned into a familiar scenario of clinging to mid-table. A controversial victory over Sampdoria last week gave them some respite, but also raised the tension levels, as Coach Mimmo Di Carlo and striker Davide Lanzafame became the first people to be punished under new laws barring "blasphemous" swearing on the pitch. Both were caught out using lip-reading on video evidence.

Blerim Dzemaili and Alberto Paloschi are still out with long-term injuries, but January signing Hernan Crespo is finally fit. He should partner the pacey Jonathan Biabiany and welcome back Luis Antonio Jimenez from a two-match ban for insulting the referee.

Parma have only ever lost here once in the top flight, 2-0 in 2007-08 thanks to a Maccarone brace, along with two wins and as many draws. Curiously both stalemates were 2-2 results in 2005 and 2006.

Keep an eye on: Massimo Maccarone (Siena) – His sensational late goal secured victory in the Tuscan derby with Livorno last week and he is more determined than anyone to save Siena, having already stated it will be his final season at the club. With 10 goals already under his belt, he is only three shy of his Serie A personal best set in 2007-08.

Last season: N/A

Form Guide: Siena (L L W D W) Parma (D L L L W)

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Siena (probable): Curci; Rosi, Cribari, Pratali, Del Grosso; Codrea; Reginaldo, Vergassola, Tziolis, Ghezzal; Maccarone

Parma (probable): Mirante; Zaccardo, Paci, Dellafiore, Lucarelli; Valiani, Morrone, Galloppa; Jimenez, Biabiany; Crespo

Ref: Gervasoni

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