Serie A Super Saturday: Catania Grab Last-Gasp Goal Against Juventus For 2-2 Draw

Despite the ever-desperate attempts from Antonio Cassano, who even managed to miss a free header, it was Robinho, who’d also already missed something like 100 chances, that put the ball in the net. A long pass upfield landed with Cassano, who’d been kept onside by Francesco Bega. Cassano slotted the ball over to Robinho, who had a one on one with Brescia keeper Michele Arcari. There was nothing Acari could do as the Brazilian danced around him to give Milan the goal they so desperately needed.

Milan could have used that penalty, however, since it appears they can’t find a way to put the ball in the net otherwise. Antonio Cassano tried mightily, but despite having a free header couldn’t get the shot on target. Perhaps it’s time to wash the hair, Cassano. As for Brescia, they’ve managed to find an attack, surprisingly enough, but are resorting to much falling over in the box in hopes of that ever-elusive penal.

It looked as though the visitors would have an easy time of it after Júlio César was sent off in the 22nd minute. Up a man, playing against substitute keeper Luca Castellazzi, taking points off Inter should have been no problem. Zárate’s penalty may not have been flawless, but Castellazzi could do nothing about it, and it looked as though Lazio would easily find the win.

Except, well, Lazio were Lazio. Despite everyone in the known universe knowing the danger that is Wesley Sneijder on a set piece, Lazio conceded one just outside the area, with the midfielder sending his shot over and into the top corner of the net. Fernando Muslera got a finger on it, but could do nothing to prevent the equalizer, which came just before the halftime whistle.

And what a goal, too, the striker easily getting behind two Lazio defenders, making Giuseppe Biava in particular look absolutely foolish. Nando Muslera came rushing out to meet Eto’o, but the Cameroonian easily sidestepped the spastic keeper to put the ball in the back of the net.

If Lazio manage to keep the lead -- not that it should be that difficult, with Inter down to ten men -- the three points will put them even with the nerazzurri, tied for third place in Serie A. What a season for last year’s champions, out of the Champions League and possibly unable to do more than earn a place in next year’s qualifiers.

Should Napoli stumble again this week against Palermo, Inter Milan will have the opportunity to take second place with a win over Lazio. The former scudetto chasers must keep their heads in the match, therefore, and do whatever they can to make sure Edinson Cavani scores against the team foolish enough to sell him. Unfortunately for Napoli’s chances, a couple players lost their heads in last weekend’s frustrating match, meaning captain Paolo Cannavaro and forward Ezequiel Lavezzi will play no role in this match. Fans of the partenopei will find little comfort in seeing Giuseppe Mascara and Emilson Cribari step in instead.

Palermo Bench: 99 Benussi, 36 Darmian, 80 Carrozzieri, 29 Garcia, 94 Acquah, 77 Kurtic, 4 Kasami.

AS Roma just beat Chievo Verona 1-0 to keep hold of sixth place and the last Serie A European position. In just a few minutes, seven matches will kick off on this crazy Serie A Saturday, with one of the most interesting matchups taking place at the San Siro. Inter and Lazio are battling for third place, with a Lazio win moving them even on points with last year’s winners. But with Samuel Eto’o, who missed the Coppa Italia semifinal on Tuesday with an ankle injury, Maicon, and Diego Milito all returning to the Inter starting XI, it seems unlikely that the visitors will make much of an impact.

Inter bench: 12 Castellazzi, 7 Pazzini, 17 Mariga, 20 Obi, 23 Materazzi, 26 Chivu, 27 Pandev

With Italy still a Catholic nation, no matches will be played on Sunday this week, seeing as it’s Easter and all. Nothing can be shifted to Good Friday, either, so all ten matches of Week 34 will be crowded into one amazing Saturday. Fortunately for lovers of Serie A, the games will at least be staggered, so everyone who considers themselves a total football nerd can get in at least four matches. And then when Juventus - Catania finally kicks off, it’ll be the perfect time for a nap -- something that match will surely provide.

I wonder if the only way Roma fans can cope with this mess of a season is to make bitter jokes about their club? Or at least, attempt to make witty remarks about Mirko Vučinić and his absolute inability to finish at times. For goodness sake, the great John Harkes was even declaring DC United midfielder Branko Bošković the best Montenegrin in the world. That’s what happens when you miss two open goals in two matches. But with Juventus creeping up on Roma, trying to sneak into European play, Roma must win this clash against the Flying Donkeys to salvage anything from this season. Technically Chievo aren’t yet safe, but with so many other teams desperate to be relegated, they’re also not scared.