Serie A Round 7: Roma remain perfect, Juve top Milan

Just after the hour mark, another set piece chance presented itself to the visitors, Giuseppe Rossi’s free kick parried away from danger by Marchetti in the Lazio goal.

As in the first half, Lazio had the majority of the ball but chances were again few and far between, Hernanes forcing a save from Neto in the Viola goal after a neat run and shot.

Goals: Pirlo 15’, Giovinco 69’, Chiellini 75’.

Goals: Muntari 1’, 90’.

Kick off was delayed for 20 minutes after police closed roads to stop rival fans from clashing. As a result, the Verona team bus was caught in traffic and late in arriving to the ground.

Diego Perez tried to conjure up an equaliser, but no-one was on the end of his pull back in the box. Hellas quickly doubled their advantage just short of the half hour mark. Iturbe was given a licence to run at the Bologna defence and he unleashed a 25 yard shot which nestled in at the near post.

Palladino and Cassano combined to put the ball in the net on 21 minutes, but play was called back for an offside decision. Cassano wasn’t too pleased about the decision.

Rosi should have added a fourth, but drilled over when one one one. Magnanelli then received two needless cautions in quick succession to compound Sassuolo’s miserable afternoon.

Inter increased their pressure, playing perfectly into Roma’s hands. Somewhere on the sidelines, Rudi Garcia wore an evil grin. Or we imagine he did, anyway.

The match ended with Roma playing out their final ten minutes down a man, after Federico Balzaretti shown a second yellow for a foul on Alvarez. By that point, however, Inter were worn down and unable to take advantage of their extra man.

So it seems that, particularly seeing how this match is being played in Turin, all three points should easily be taken by the Old Lady. That’s certainly what the bookies are favoring. Except they seem to be forgetting one thing...Lady Luck.

Juventus injuries and suspensions

Something’s gotta give on Saturday at the San Siro: either Inter will lose, or Roma’s perfection will be tarnished. Whatever the outcome, both sides will almost certainly remain in contention for a Champions League spot, and chatter about a scudetto will likely continue. Both squads remain weaker than some of their rivals, but it helps that neither Inter nor Roma have to expend energy on European competition, able to fully focus on Serie A.

Rudi Garcia is not only a quality tactician, he also is good at player management, rotating his squad, giving chances and making them all feel like part of one big giallorossi family. For this match, Garcia will have to do without Maicon, while super sub Adem Ljajic is a doubt.

Napoli injuries and suspensions

Out: Christian Maggio (injured). In doubt: Raúl Albiol, Gonzalo Higuaín.