Atalanta - Empoli
Two sides who were expected to struggle this term have both enjoyed decent starts to the campaign, but something has got to give when newly-promoted Atalanta host one of last season’s surprise packages Empoli at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
Stefano Colantuono’s boys have been Italy’s yo-yo side for a number of years, so the club formerly known as ‘The Queen of the Provinces’ are hoping to return to their former glory. Four points from the opening two matches will be seen as a positive step to achieving survival, especially as they came against sides with similar ambitions – Ascoli and Catania.
As a result, the Orobici are unlikely to make any changes to their side, although that may also owe something to the injury crisis currently engulfing the club. Nelson Abeijon, Cristiano Doni, Nicola Ventola and Christian Vieri are all likely to miss the game, leaving Colantuono without much of a Plan B.
The summer sale of Francesco Tavano was supposed to result in Empoli returning to the more familiar territory of Serie B, if you believe everything the pundits say, but Gigi Cagni has instead rejuvenated his troops. Luca Saudati’s early form suggests that he could go some way to replacing Tavano’s goals, while David Matteini has also been impressive since joining from Pescara.
Cagni’s only change is expected to result in a promotion to the starting XI for Lino Marzoratti after the on-loan Milan defender only made the bench in the draw with Chievo, despite impressing against Sampdoria. Richard Vanigli, the man who broke Francesco Totti’s ankle in February, is who he will replace due to injury. That should mean that the Castellani outfit line-up with the same 4-2-3-1 formation as their opponents.
Man on fire: Luca Saudati (Empoli) – Handed the task of replacing Francesco Tavano after returning to the club in the summer. Has coped admirably thus far, and was unlucky not to add to his Week 1 goal in the draw with Chievo.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Atalanta (W D - - -) Empoli (W D - - -)
Cagliari - Livorno
Livorno make the long trip down to Cagliari’s Stadio Sant’Elia hoping to continue the Rossoblu’s winless start to the campaign. If the Tuscan outfit show the same form that was on display in their win against Fiorentina then Marco Giampaolo’s men are in for a tough time.
The Amaranto were back to something like their inspired best in the local derby against the Viola, taking home their first points of the season courtesy of a goal from the talismanic Cristiano Lucarelli. Having now netted 44 times in just 73 Serie A appearances for his hometown club, there’s no doubt that the key to the islanders’ success in this game is stopping the No 99.
Lucarelli is likely to find himself with a new partner though, as Daniele Arrigoni – criticised over his starting XI on Sunday by chief Aldo Spinelli – contemplates handing Tomas Danilevicius his first Serie A start for the club. Stefano Morrone is also expected to be handed a recall in place of Luca Vigiani, but the defence should remain unchanged as Samuel Kuffour sits out the second of his three-match ban for elbowing Christian Panucci in Week 1.
Cagliari are also set to ring the changes, with Cristiano Del Grosso possibly handing over his left-back spot to Alessandro Agostini after a less than auspicious start to his Rossoblu career. Daniele Conti should return in place of Alessandro Budel after a one-match suspension, but Antonio Langella’s injury continues to limit Giampaolo’s attacking options.
Having lost to Catania and Reggina – two games that they would have expected to win – the pressure is certainly on Cagliari heading into the game. President Massimo Cellino is known for his itchy trigger finger, so it must be assumed that time is running out on the highly-rated Giampaolo to turn things around.
Man on fire: Cristiano Lucarelli (Livorno) – The 2004-05 Capocannoniere got off the mark for the campaign with a fine header against Fiorentina in a typical all-action display.
Last season: Cagliari 1-1 Livorno
Form guide: Cagliari (L L - - -) Livorno (L W - - -)
Chievo - Lazio
Chievo and Lazio will both be hoping to kick start their seasons after a poor opening two weeks when they meet at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi. While they each harboured European ambitions going into the current campaign, neither side has so far managed the performances worthy of such high aims.
Chievo have been particularly disappointing following their early elimination from the Champions League and the subsequent departure of star striker Amauri to Palermo. The Brazilian could be especially missed for this game due to the absence of fellow forward Sergio Pellissier through injury.
Add to that the injury to Lorenzo D’Anna, Luciano’s suspension for his red card against Empoli and Victor Obinna’s four-month ban, and the Clivensi line-up has a slightly makeshift look to it. Giuseppe Scurto, Simone Tiribocchi and Salvatore Bruno are expected to deputise in their place.
However, Chievo Coach Beppe Pillon will be more concerned with his team’s overall form than the individual players. On paper, opening fixtures against relegation candidates Siena and Empoli looked like an agreeable way to start the season. But in reality just one point from a maximum six against two of Serie A’s weaker sides has set early alarm bells ringing in Verona.
Those bells are also starting to be heard by the Lazio fans. While city rivals Roma have stormed to the top of the table the Biancocelesti have struggled early on. Admittedly in Milan and Palermo they have faced two of the early pace-setters, but with an 11-point penalty to make up they can’t afford to go another week without getting some points on the board.
With Valon Behrami and Massimo Mutarelli both still injured, Gaby Mudingayi and Christian Manfredini should both start. Winger Manfredini should be especially keen to impress on his return to the ground where he made his reputation. The Bentegodi is also familiar for Lazio defenders Massimo Oddo and Sebastiano Siviglia, who both made their top-flight debuts for Chievo’s city rivals Verona.
Man on fire: Tommaso Rocchi (Lazio) – The fan favourite has been on excellent form since his call-up to the Italy squad and scored his first goal of the season on Sunday.
Last season: Chievo 2-2 Lazio
Form guide: Chievo (L D - - -) Lazio (L L - - -)
Fiorentina - Parma
Parma will be hoping to build on their respectable start and compound Fiorentina’s misery at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. The Viola have suffered two major blows early on and are yet to pick up their first points after defeats to Inter and Tuscan rivals Livorno.
Before the derby loss, Coach Cesare Prandelli had claimed that a bad result could start a crisis at the club due to their huge 19-point penalty. Three defeats in a row would definitely have some fans looking nervous, but Parma should be an easier encounter than the previous two.
However, the injuries to Mario Santana and Giampaolo Pazzini leave them a bit short of attacking options, meaning youngster Riccardo Montolivo should start behind Luca Toni. Alessandro Potenza is also expected to make his first start for the club as Manuel Pasqual’s red card against Livorno means he is suspended.
Parma have their own absences though, and given their lack of depth, Stefano Pioli could have by far the biggest task ahead of this match. Fernando Couto, Jorge Bolano, Zlatan Muslimovic and veteran Luca Bucci are all injured to give Pioli a distinct lack of available experience.
While one point from their opening two matches doesn’t sound great, considering their limited resources it is far from disastrous. The Crociati competed well with a superior Milan side and probably deserved a point from that game, and not many teams would have fancied a trip to hugely confident Torino in Week 1. So one point is a respectable if unspectacular start, and the fans will be happy if they can earn one more in Florence.
Unfortunately Parma will once again be reminded of better times after being haunted by Daniele Bonera on Sunday. Sebastien Frey, Alessandro Potenza, Manuele Blasi, Adrian Mutu and Viola Coach Prandelli have all spent time at the Tardini before moving on to Fiorentina.
Man on fire: Domenico Morfeo (Parma) – The former Fiorentina playmaker will be keen for revenge against the club that twice dumped him. He has been by far Parma’s best player so far and didn’t deserve to be on the losing side against Milan after giving the likes of Gennaro Gattuso a tough time.
Last season: Fiorentina 4-1 Parma
Form guide: Fiorentina (L L - - -) Parma (D L - - -)
Messina - Reggina
Despite being two of the favourites for relegation this season both Messina and Reggina have made decent starts to their 2006-07 campaigns. Neither team will want to give that up in the traditionally heated Derby dello Stretto at the San Filippo.
Messina have been particularly surprising so far. After only retaining their Serie A status due to the Calciopoli scandal’s relegation of Juventus, they are unbeaten after the first two matches. In Udinese and Ascoli they may not have faced the best the Division has to offer, but few would have predicted they would be in sixth place in the table at this early stage.
With new striker Christian Rigano opening his account against Ascoli things are looking good and his performance will be even more important with Stefano Floccari out injured. The Giallorossi seem to have banished the defensive frailties that plagued them last term. However, the injuries to Mathew Olorunleke and Marco Zoro, as well as Alessandro Parisi’s suspension for his red card on Sunday, could stretch their back line to near breaking point.
Reggina will make the short trip across the Messina Straight on a high after earning their first win of the season in Week 2. Even without star man Giandomenico Mesto, who is still out with the injury he picked up in the first match with Palermo, they have managed five goals in two games - a record only beaten by their high-flying opening day opponents. Boss Walter Mazzarri is suspended.
With both teams eager to hold on to their good start for as long as possible it should be an interesting day in Sicily. The usually tense encounter should be even more so with the two teams already aware they could be in close competition for places come the end of the season.
Man on fire: Rolando Bianchi (Reggina) – The striker surprisingly leads the Capocannoniere charts at this early stage after following up his opening day hat-trick with a fourth goal against Cagliari on Sunday.
Last season: Messina 1-1 Reggina
Form guide: Messina (W D - - -) Reggina (L W - - -)
Milan - Ascoli
It looks like an in-form Milan will have an easy life hosting Ascoli at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Week 3. The Rossoneri could erase their points handicap by winning this home game, but this could turn out to be trickier than it first may seem. Milan have a reputation for struggling to break down organised defensive sides and this may be the case against Ascoli.
Last season’s match at San Siro ended 1-0 for Milan and the goal was scored by Filippo Inzaghi. But the Bianconeri did their best playing the home game at Ascoli Piceno where, under a rainstorm, they managed to get an incredible 1-1 draw.
Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti seems satisfied with what the team has done up to now. The first target for this season is to delete their point deduction and a victory would see them move on to one point after three games.
However, Ancelotti may decide to rest a few key men by employing his rotation system. Marcos Cafu might make his return on the right, while Daniele Bonera, Kakha Kaladze and Alessandro Nesta are fighting for a place in the centre of defence. Marek Jankulovski and Serginho are both left-back options.
Massimo Ambrosini could play his second match this season, with Kaka or Clarence Seedorf sitting on the bench. With Alberto Gilardino injured and very likely to miss the game, Ricardo Oliveira and Filippo Inzaghi should form the attacking duo.
Ascoli Coach Attilio Tesser will probably find it difficult to sleep the night before the match. He will have a lot on his mind, trying to work out strategies to try and stop Milan. It is possible that the Ascoli boss may decide to adopt a 4-5-1 formation based on counter attack. Giampiero Perrulli, who scored against Messina last Sunday, may take the place of Michele Paolucci. Sasa Bjelanovic may be the lone striker for the Bianconeri.
If Ascoli manage to keep it tight in the first half then a miracle could become a reality. Otherwise a ‘goleada’ from the Rossoneri is to be expected.
Man on fire: Ricardo Oliveira (Milan) – With Gilardino struggling for fitness, the Brazilian will probably claim a starting place. After scoring on his debut and performing well against Parma, he now has the opportunity to show the fans that he his worthy of his £13m transfer.
Last season: Milan 1-0 Ascoli
Form guide: Milan (W W - - -) Ascoli (L D - - -)
Palermo - Catania
An enchanting tie is expected at the Stadio Renzo Barbera for the Sicilian derby between surprise League leaders Palermo and Catania. It will be a real battle between two enemies who will give everything – and more – over what promises to be a heated 90 minutes of football.
After 44 years, Palermo and Catania are facing each other in a Serie A derby. The last tie was played on October 14, 1962 and ended 1-1. The most recent derby was played in Serie B when the Rosanero won 5-0 and got promoted at the end of the season. Catania and its fans are still tormented by that harsh defeat and are hungry for revenge.
Palermo couldn’t have started the season any better, two victories in Serie A and one in the
UEFA Cup against West Ham. The team is now leading Serie A together with Roma. All the tickets have been sold and President Maurizio Zamparini is expecting a great deal from his side. Coach Francesco Guidolin, who was in charge of Palermo at the time of the last derby, has created a solid team able to fight for prestigious targets.
The starting line-up which played last week’s game should be reconfirmed, even if Ciro Capuano may take the place of Marco Pisano. Newly signed Amauri is likely to be the lone striker. The Brazilian has impressed and will be assisted by David Di Michele and Australian Mark Bresciano. Andrea Caracciolo may find a spot in the second half.
Catania boss Pasquale Marino doesn’t seem to be worried about Palermo’s tactics and will not change his attacking 4-3-3 formation. Gianluca Falsini and Juan Vargas are contenders for the left-back position. Fabio Caserta should start in the midfield alongside former Juventus battler Davide Baiocco.
The attacking trident is likely to be a familiar one with Giorgio Corona and Giuseppe Mascara on either side of central striker Gionatha Spinesi. Considering the value of the two teams, a draw for Catania would be a great result.
Man on fire: David Di Michele (Palermo) – The talented former Udinese striker is the man in form after his two goals against Lazio. His partnership with Amauri and Bresciano is constantly improving and may lead to more success on Wednesday.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Palermo (W W - - -) Catani (W D - - -)
Roma - Inter
The lights are on at the Olimpico and under the spotlight are an ambitious Roma side facing champions Inter in the big match of Week 3. With Milan still suffering with their points handicap, the two teams are the most valid candidates to win Serie A. Francesco Totti and Co have been waiting for this moment for some time and will give their all in an effort to rip the Scudetto shield from the Nerazzurri shirt.
This is the second time that the two teams have met each other this year. Roma and Inter actually played in the Italian Super Cup before the start of the Campionato, with the Nerazzurri sensationally winning 4-3 after being three goals down. Last year’s Serie A clash ended 1-1. Out of all the matches at the Olimpico between the two sides, Roma have won 31 times while Internazionale 24. There have been 20 draws.
The Giallorossi already seem to be at their best after having already won their opening two games which has seen them climb to the top of the table. Coach Luciano Spalletti has created an excellent harmony in the dressing room which is confirmed by the results.
David Pizarro will have a lot to prove after the Chilean playmaker joined Roma this summer following his controversial Inter exit and he’s likely to play after scoring twice in his last two games. Spalletti may have to do without Vincenzo Montella due to a muscle strain. Captain Totti may play as the only striker assisted by Amantino Mancini and Rodrigo Taddei.
It will also be a special match for Inter boss Roberto Mancini, Dejan Stankovic and Hernan Crespo – who have all played for Lazio and will feel the atmosphere of the derby.
Mancini’s side haven’t had a brilliant start to the season. The Nerazzurri will go into the tie following a 1-0 defeat at Sporting Lisbon and a draw against Sampdoria, which really disappointed owner Massimo Moratti. Inter now have to show if they are really up to the Scudetto challenge.
Mancini still has numerous selection doubts though. He has to decide who is going to get the gloves between Francesco Toldo and Julio Cesar. In defence Fabio Grosso is set to start as a left-back while Walter Samuel, who has a Giallorosso past, may find a place next to Marco Materazzi.
Luis Figo will probably make his return on the right wing and Olivier Dacourt, who left the capital outfit for the Milanese in August, should take the place of the injured Esteban Cambiasso next to Patrick Vieira. In attack, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Crespo should once again be the starting tandem – with an upset Adriano sitting on the bench eagerly waiting for his moment.
Man on fire: Francesco Totti (Roma) – This Roma legend becomes inspired when he sees Black and Blue. His stunning goal last season stunned both Toldo and the fans, let’s see what ‘Er Pupone’ has up his sleeve this time…
Last season: Roma 1-1 Inter
Form guide: Roma (W W - - -) Inter (W D - - -)
Sampdoria - Udinese
Sampdoria are in dire need of a win to end a 15-game winless streak, but face an Udinese side also looking to erase memories of recent underachievement and keen to build on last weekend’s victory.
The Blucerchiati are at crisis point. Last weekend’s highly creditable – albeit a little fortuitous – draw with Inter couldn’t mask the growing frustration as Walter Novellino’s men chalked up 15 games since their last Serie A victory. Although Novellino will be happy with the way his side bounced back from an opening day defeat against Empoli, he knows that unless he delivers a long-awaited three points soon his days may be numbered.
Despite a comfortable confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Torino last weekend, Zebrette Coach Giovanni Galeone stressed that he expects a great improvement from his side. The 66-year-old tactician has declared that this will be his last season before retirement and is hoping to go out with a bang. The Friuliani faithful will have been delighted to see their side dominate so thoroughly having lost to Messina in their opener but after last season’s inconsistency they won’t get carried away.
The match has a special significance for the Zenoni family. Brothers Damiano – Udinese – and Cristian – Sampdoria – line up on opposing sides.
Fabio Bazzani and Christian Terlizzi remain injured and are joined on the sidelines by midfielder Andrea Parola who limped off against Inter. Gennaro Delvecchio and Giulio Falcone return after suspension – Delvecchio looks likely to start but Falcone may miss out after Angelo Palombo impressed again last weekend.
Galeone is without Brazilian striker Paulo Barreto, but looks set to play a three man attack after the success against Torino. Marco Motta and Gaetano D’Agostino are injured and won’t feature. Andrea Dossena may get the call to fill in on the left.
Man on fire: Felipe (Udinese) – Highly-rated young defender also showed a deadly side with a stunning volley from an acute angle against Torino last weekend.
Last season: Sampdoria 1-1 Udinese
Form guide: Sampdoria (L D - - -) Udinese (L W - - -)
Torino - Siena
It may be early days but both Torino and Siena will see three points in this Stadio Olimpico clash as a crucial blow in the fight against relegation.
Newly-promoted Torino have been denied a honeymoon period in the top flight. Alberto Zaccheroni’s men scrounged an opening day draw with Parma, but were easily seen off by Udinese last weekend. The experienced Coach must see the visit of Siena as a great chance to get a vital first win. A pre-season spent optimistically eyeing mid-table and reveling in their status as Turin’s top club is over, now the Granata must graft for survival.
They will also hope for better from Christian Abbiati. The talented'keeper's move from Juve was greeted warmly by the Granta faithful, but after a shocking performance against Udinese he's in danger of losing their trust.
Siena are masters of the relegation dogfight. Mario Beretta’s men will be well aware that come May points in games like this are worth their weight in gold. The Robur can count themselves a little unfortunate to have lost 3-1 to Roma last weekend having been reduced to 10 men before the break. Now they will look to show the spirit and grit that allowed them to snatch a first day win over Chievo.
Zaccheroni is still missing Senegalese defender Diaw Doudou who will miss three more matches due to suspension. Oscar Brevi and veteran stopper Giuseppe Pancaro are both out for another week with the same muscular complaint, while ex-Siena midfielder Andrea Ardito will also miss out. Roberto Stellone looks set to take the lone striker role with Elvis Abbruscato warming the bench.
Siena make the trip north without the injured Francesco Cozza and Paolo Negro. Slovenian midfielder Gorazd Zacj is running again but still short of match fitness. Like his brother, Ezio Brevi won’t feature after his elbow on Daniele De Rossi last weekend earned him a red card.
Man on fire: Roberto Stellone (Torino) – Experienced Roman front man netted Toro’s late equaliser against Parma and looked their man threat against Udinese where he was unlucky not to find the net.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Torino (D L - - -) Siena (W L - - -)
Italy Serie A: 20/09/2006
TOTW/F/M Award(s): 1
