Serie A 2013, Week 36 preview and fixtures: Midweek questions to be answered in Italy
The pick of round 36’s action is a Tuscan derby which could see Siena relegated and Fiorentina close in on the Champions League. Meanwhile there’s still an almighty scrap for Europe, and Palermo are in dire need of a win.
Who will join Juve and Napoli in the top three? Will Fiorentina and Roma stay in the Europa League spots? and who will join the delfini in Serie B? Much midweek fun should be had in week 36, potentially providing the answers to some of those burning calcio questions.
Tuesday, May 7
AS Roma vs. Chievo Verona (8:45 p.m. local 2:45 p.m. ET)
Roma are currently in fifth place, and as it stands they'll be spending their Thursday nights in the Europa League. But, only a point above Udinese, they'll look to consolidate their position with a win against a Chievo side floating in mid-table. With the giallorossi unbeaten in their last six in all competitions, Aurelio Andreazzoli continues his push to have the word 'interim' knocked off his job title.
Wednesday, May 8
all matches at 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET unless otherwise noted
Pescara vs. AC Milan (6 p.m. local, 12 p.m. ET)
If you can only pick up two points in over four months of football, you probably don’t deserve to be in Serie A. Sure enough, Pescara have now been mathematically relegated, and are playing their remaining games to salvage any pride possible. AC Milan are in pole position to finish in the third and final Champions League place, though are only four points ahead of Fiorentina.
Sampdoria vs. Catania
Catania's recent form has dropped them right out of European contention, though they can still better their highest ever Serie A finish of eighth-place. They travel to face a Sampdoria side winless in their last eight, six points clear of the relegation zone.
Siena vs. Fiorentina
Siena are desperately clinging to their Serie A status, though could be officially relegated with a defeat this weekend -- painfully at the hands of their Tuscan neighbours, Fiorentina. If they are beaten and Genoa pick up a win against Torino, they'll be sent down to Serie B. As for the viola, they're in fourth and will almost certainly qualify for Europe, though need to close down a four-point gap on Milan to make it into the Champions League.
Torino vs. Genoa
This isn’t a game for anyone who enjoys attractive football. It is a game for sadists who enjoy watching fans writhing around in terror. After four straight defeats Torino have fallen to within two places and four points of the relegation zone, with Genoa a place and a point lower in the table -- albeit with good momentum after two straight victories. A win for either side would practically guarantee survival, though a defeat would cause sleepless nights.
Atalanta vs. Juventus
Atalanta have almost secured their Serie A survival, and Juventus have already sealed the title. I’ve not much more to add.
Inter Milan vs. Lazio
Injury FC host Europa League-chasers SS Klose in a game which sounds infinitely more interesting than it actually will be. Inter have no fit strikers and Lazio aren’t the most offensive side as it is. However, currently three points adrift of the top five, they still have the Europa League to play for.
Bologna vs. Napoli
Bologna are cruising to a mid-table finish, though haven’t won in their last seven games. After being hammered 6-0 by Lazio on the weekend, they have another difficult task at home to Napoli, who would guarantee second-place with a victory. They’ve already wrapped up their Champions League spot.
You quite literally couldn’t get more mid-table than this, as 10th travel to 11th. They’re both reasonably attractive sides, though inconsistency has prevented them from pushing on up the table.
Palermo vs. Udinese
A huge match in Sicily. With Palermo losing 1-0 to Juventus on the weekend, they’re cut three points adrift in the relegation zone. With two other difficult games to come, they really need to win here. It’ll be tough against an Udinese side who have taken five consecutive victories, with their annual charge for Europe in full swing -- just a point behind Roma and the top five.
