As with previous outside bets, last week’s unfortunately failed to produce a win, but our two main tips ensured that the intended return to winning ways was achieved.
Lazio looked set to cruise to their first away win of 2011 when Sergio Floccari gave the Romans a fifth-minute lead at Bologna, but they collapsed in spectacular style with former Lazio youth player Marco Di Vaio scoring two impressive goals against his old club. Erratic Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate will miss the next three Lazio fixtures after striking one of the referee’s assistants after the final whistle, while key defender Andre Dias’ red card means he will also miss the game against Fiorentina on Saturday.
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| Mauro Zarate clashes with Bologna players on Sunday |
Eddy Reja’s sides often fade during the second half of the season following a strong start, and this will most likely be the case this season unless Lazio can bring in some reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
As expected, Inter’s visit to Udinese proved to be the game of the weekend. Francesco Guidolin’s men became the first team to defeat the Milan side since Leonardo took charge, coming from behind to win 3-1. Udinese are making a lot of friends by virtue of the open, attacking style which they are currently employing and it’s a shame they were knocked out of the Coppa Italia last week, as it would have been fitting to see them rewarded with some silverware this campaign.
Leonardo will also have to contend with some suspension headaches for the visit of Palermo on Sunday, as bookings from the Udinese game ensure the unavailability of Chivu, Stankovic and Cordoba.
Roma overtook city rivals Lazio, moving into third place thanks to a 3-0 win over Cagliari. This was an important win against a side they have had problems with in the past. Second-placed Napoli also kept the pressure on leaders Milan by beating likely relegation candidates Bari 2-0.
AC Milan responded well on Sunday evening, maintaining their four-point lead with a 2-0 win over Cesena. New signing Antonio Cassano appears to have settled in well at Milan, and he is linking well with Ibrahimović and Robinho up front – an ominous sign for their title rivals perhaps?
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| Cassano and Ibrahimović celebrate the final goal in Milan's 4-4 thriller against Udinese |
See you back here for this weekend’s tips, which will be posted on Friday.
Serie A - Week 21 results
Udinese 3-1 Inter
Bari 0-2 Napoli
Bologna 3-1 Lazio
Chievo 0-0 Genoa
Fiorentina 1-1 Lecce
Sampdoria 0-0 Juventus
AC Milan 2-0 Cesena
Palermo 1-0 Brescia
Parma 2-0 Catania
Roma 3-0 Cagliari
