Serie A, Week 29: Napoli and Fiorentina compete for crazy comeback award

The changes appeared to work, with Genoa getting a lot more time on the ball than at any time in the first half and actually coming close to forming attacks. Juan Vargas provided them with their first shot on target, his free kick going straight at Viviano.

Genoa seemed to be heartened by their goal, Cristobal Jorquera coming close with a dipping 25 yard strike that completely evaded Viviano.

The match started off well for Napoli, with the partenopei finally managing to score a goal. Of course, Atalanta practically gift-wrapped the goal and pushed it into the recipients’ hands. Luigi Giorgi tripped Juan Zúñiga on the edge of the area, setting up a penalty chance for Edinson Cavani. El Matador hadn’t scored in eight matches, but Atalanta’s gift allowed him to break his duck and give Napoli the early advantage.

But, Napoli being Napoli, they couldn’t find a way to increase their lead. Twenty minutes in, Marek Hamsik managed to miss a header from six yards out, skying it high over the bar. A few minutes later, the Slovak got his shot on target, but Andrea Consigli barely had to move, easily gathering the ball.

Goals: Stoian 88 (C) Théréau 92 (C)

An Ilicic grasscutter took a divot and almost deceived Abbiati as the second half got underway. Ilicic then saw a shot ricochet off a Milan defender and into the path of Dybala. The Argentine was played onside because of the deflection and his sidefoot forced Abbiati into saving with his feet.

Milan ended the game as a contest on 66 minutes. M’Baye Niang broke down the left flank and his low cross hit two Palermo defenders en route to Sorrentino spilling the ball straight out to Balotelli, who fired into the roof of the net from point blank range.

While Cagliari were marginally the better team in the first half, that was reversed as Siena chased the win which would see them out of the relegation zone in the second. Just past the hour another Ângelo cross found Emeghara’s boot in the box, though his contact was poor and it was caught by Agazzi.

Other than that there were very few openings created at all, barring a late scare for the hosts in stoppage time when Nenê dribbled into the area down the right, though his low cross was blocked by Pegolo before it could be tapped in.

Local authorities released an extreme weather warning early Saturday evening, with the risk of flash floods very likely.

Motorists have been advised to stay off the roads due to a prediction of heavy snow and rain. The city has a history of flooding in recent years. No new date as of yet has been announced to play the game.

The Rossoneri have won their last seven home games in Serie A. They have also won this fixture quite comfortably (3-0 and 3-1) the past two seasons. Palermo surrendered a two goal lead and let Milan salvage a 2-2 draw at the Renzo Barbera back in Week 10. Arguably, that was during a period when Milan were wobbling and Massimiliano Allegri’s position was under threat. Having now stabilised their domestic form, Allegri’s side are unbeaten domestically in 2013 and have set their sights as high as second.

AC Milan injuries and suspensions

There was some doubt about whether this game would actually go ahead with the recent ongoings in the Vatican, though thanks to some decisive action from the Cardinals -- who clearly wanted to see some top quality Serie A action -- the Pope was elected quickly and the match is on.

AS Roma Injuries and Suspensions

Whatever Rolando Maran said to his side during the interval must have brought out the performers hidden deep inside Catania. For the next 45 minutes, they put on a marvelous song and dance routine, very nearly eclipsing the dreadfully boring show put on during the first act. The rossazzurri did allow Udinese to sing a little song of their own, but for the most part, the home side hogged the spotlight.

Don’t want a kiss, don’t want a touch, just want a goal in for us

With two sides like this, it is difficult to predict how this match will go. Whilst Genoa have lost their last two and Fiorentina have won them, Genoa haven’t played particularly badly during this time, whilst Fiorentina have struggled to put a run of results together since the beginning of December however if they repeat last week’s performance, they should have no problems and could consign their opponents to the drop zone once again.

Fiorentina Injuries and Suspensions

He said: “We will not hide the difficulties of this game, but at the same time we won’t rule anything out either. Letting Juventus get close to our penalty area would not be wise, so we aim to attack them and be pro-active.

Conte has labelled this “a tough match” and dubbed Bologna “the most in-form team in the Division.”

But what of the mental state of Cavani and Hamsik? That’s what the people really need to know!

Match Date / Time: Sunday, March 17 at 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET