Cavani is out against Inter

Napoli's goal-machine Edison Cavani will miss Inter game due injury. He had sprained his ankle in Villareal game.

It's a big blow for Napoli before meeting with Scudetto rivals.

Goran Pandev likely to replace him.

Napoli list of players ; De Sanctis, Rosati, Colombo, Aronica, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Grava, Fernandez, Fideleff, Dossena, Gargano, Hamsik, Inler, Maggio, Zuniga, Chavez, Lavezzi, Mascara, Pandev, Santana

Guidolin's Udinese with an alternative squad

Udinese's coach Guidolin has decided to left captain Di Natale at home before Celtic game at Europa Cup.

Also Guidoin planning to start with an alternative eleven. He had mentioned even before Cagliari game that his players are tired. Against Cagliari , Udinese players really looked tired and barely were running on the field. In Cagliari players affected a lot from the heat.

Important defender Domizzi has stayed in Italy and ineligible Gabriel Torje.

U-21 international Fabbrini will start in first eleven.

Udinese haven't a lot of options on the forward zone due injuries. 17 years old Davide Marsura might replace Di Natale.

Udinese squad : Handanovic, Padelli, Romo; Armero, Basta, Benatia, Ekstrand, Danilo, Neuton, Pereyra; Abdi, Asamoah, Badu, Battocchio, Doubai, Isla, Pinzi; Fabbrini, Marsura

Udinese (probable) : Handanovic; Ekstrand, Danilo, Neuton;Basta, Pinzi, Battocchio, Badu, Pereyra; Abdi e Fabbrini.

Great results by Italian teams at Champions League

In ''Group of Death'' Napoli got 2nd place and have collected four points after two difficult games.

in San Paolo Napoli showed a great performance and passed Villareal with early two goals. There were question marks about the Napoli's Villareal test after Chievo and Fiorentina games but Napoli have proved that they are not out of form.


Ranieri's Inter came back to Italy with three points from Moscow away. Ranieri using players in their ideal roles. Especially at first half Inter played really good. At 2nd half was almost throwing away 0-2 score advantage but Zarate had said the final word.

It's certain all players likes to work with Ranieri , they all giving their bests. Ranieri is not trying ''weird formations'' , he's using his ideal formation and using players in their ideal roles. Since his arrival Inter have won their last two games.At Saturday night Inter will have another difficult test against Napoli.

Napoli - Villareal Official Line-ups

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Zuniga, Inler, Gargano, Dossena; Hamsik, Lavezzi; Cavani

Villarreal: Diego Lopez; Zapata, Musacchio, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Català; Cani, Senna, Bruno Soriano, De Guzman; Nilmar; Rossi

CSKA - Inter Official line ups

CSKA Moscow: 30 Gabulov; 14 Nababkin, 24 V. Berezutski, 4 Ignashevich, 6 A. Berezutski; 22 Aldonin; 26 Oliseh, 10 Dzagoev, 9 Vagner Love, 17 Mamaev; 8 Doumbia

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 55 Nagatomo, 6 Lucio, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 20 Obi; 11 Alvarez; 7 Pazzini, 22 Milito

Team of the month

Nobody could expect such a great performance from Atalanta. Atalanta have reached to Serie A this season. After betting scandal their idol and captain Doni banned for three years and Atalanta have started to Serie A with -6 points.

At four games Atalanta have collected 10 points, without the penalty they would be leaders of Serie A.

Team is playing with a lot of passion like they are fighting for relegation and we are close to end. Most of the relegation candidates have bad starts to league and try to save themselves from relegation zone in the last weeks of the league.

Atalanta started excellent and playing enjoyable football. New Argentinian transfers German Denis and Maxi Moralez linked great and showing very impressive performances.

Atalanta taking the things serious from the beginning and it seems 6 points penalty won't effect them for relegation battle.

So far they are most reliable team of Serie A and according to us Atalanta is team of the month with their excellent results and impressive passion.

Mazzarri : Napoli has changed

After a successful start Napoli are ready to host Spanish Villareal.

These two teams faced last year in Europa League , Villareal passed Napoli at 2nd round games with 2-1 and 0-0 scores.

But much changed. Napoli were not taking serious European League (even barely reached to 2nd round from the group.) and Napoli didn't have such a deep squad.

Villareal has changed to , but on negative way. They have lost some key players and didn't make enough transfers. Villareal aren't the same team of last 4-5 years.

Napoli had two impressive performances in a row against Manchester City and Milan. But after it have collected only one point at two games.

Against Chievo , Napoli have played with a mixed squad due give rest to key players, but against Fiorentina (at home) Napoli played with best possible eleven and didn't impress.

It's ''Group of Death'' and Villareal game is very important for Mazzarri's team.

Good news for Napoli that Villareal's Italian goal-machine Giuseppe Rossi will miss Napoli match.

Napoli will miss important winger Christian Maggio and midfielder Dzemaili.

Ranieri is ready for his Champions League debut

Inter have started to UEFA Champions League with a shocking result with losing at home to Trabzonspor.

The last week Gasperini sacked and Ranieri took the control. Ranieri will make his UCL debut against CSKA in Moscow.

Inter will miss Douglas Maicon, Wesley Sneijder and Stankovic. Diego Forlan is cup-tied.

Pazzini & Milito duo likely to start up-front.

Good news for the Rossoneri

The news made Allegri happy , Zlatan Ibrahimovic has joined to full training session and might start in first 11 against Plzen at Wednesday's UCL game.

Also Bonera and Antonini are back from injuries. Ambrosini still has shoulder problem but he had mentioned that he's feeling good and can get his chances against Plzen.

Massimo Ambrosini also hopes to be back for the match with Viktoria Plzen, though there is little chance of seeing Robinho, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Alexandre Pato, Gennaro Gattuso, Mathieu Flamini or Philippe Mexes.

Pippo Inzaghi is ineligible for the Champions League.

Robinho, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Alexandre Pato, Gennaro Gattuso, Mathieu Flamini or Philippe Mexes are still out.

Finally

Three gians of Italy finally got their first wins.

AC Milan have serious injury problems. The Rossoneri have 10 injured players. Six of them first 11 players and Allegri were having troubles , especially in forward zone.

Finally Milan managed to get first three points at Serie A against Cesena. Cassano spent a lot of effort for his team's victory , well Milan midfielders had a good game.

Inter visited Bologna with their new coach Ranieri and deservedly won the game. Ranieri used a smart formation against Bologna. Inter were having defencive issues and Ranieri's system made Inter's defence much more solid.

Roma visited Parma , at the first half Parma played better but couldn't create goal chances. Roma were lucky to get three points from Parma. Luis Enrique's team aren't impressing at all but these three points were important. Luis Enrique is trying a ''Barça model'' on Roma but it doesn't work. Watching Roma has no difference to watch ''Barcelona in slow-motion''

Napoli and Juventus were clear favourites , both teams dropped two points. It was Milan and Inter's week.

New Coach , First 3 points

Can a team change in three days? Inter started to season with terrible results. After five win-less official game coach Gasperini sacked and Ranieri took the control.

Gasperini is an offencive minded coach and always pushed his team to play 3-4-3 and offencive football. Even players were not happy with him. It was obvious.

We have watched two different Inter in three days. Against Novara an Inter with full of exhausted players.

and against Bologna , all Inter players fought well.

Ranieri has used 4-4-2 formation. Nagatomo started as a RB and Chivo as a LB. Even choises on the midfield were defencive. Zanetti , Cambiasso and Obi are hardworker players and they can cover gaps when opponents attacks. Coutinho started as a RM but mostly during the game he had played behind the Forlan and Pazzini.

Inter had important missings before Bologna game , it seems players are happy with Ranieri and Ranieri's system worked great in Inter.

Players showed a lot of passion after Gasperini's departure. It was something like a message.

Inter deserved to win and they have celebrated their first win at Serie A.

News for Saturday's Round

Italian teams having a hard schedule , especially the teams which are playing on European Cups. Thats the reason of injury problems and cricis.

Those three teams will play 2nd group games at UCL.

Inter will have a trip to Russia to face with CSKA Moscow.

Milan will host Czech team Viktoria Plzeň

and Napoli will face with Villareal at home.


Ranieri will make his first Serie A debut with the Nerazzurri.

He will need to face with some troubles on his first game. Sneijder , Stankovic , Cordoba, Douglas Maicon, Thiago Motta and Andrea Poli are injured and will miss Bologna trip. Also Ranocchia is suspended.

Ranieri will use 4-3-1-2 formation.

Bologna will miss Cherubin,Raggi and Gimenez. Loria and Diamanti are doubtful.

Goalkeeper Francois Gillet has an injury and his game-time decision. Agliardi likely to replace him.

AC Milan having much bigger problems.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Alexandre Pato, Robinho, Luca Antonini, Daniele Bonera, Massimo Ambrosini, Gennaro Gattuso, Mathieu Flamini and Philippe Mexes all are injured and Allegri will make additions to squad from the youth team. Also Nesta can be rested due up-coming UEFA Champions League game.

El Shaarawy and Cassano likely to stop up-front. Inzaghi will sit on the bench. Old fox didn't play nearly a year and he's not fit.

Visitors Cesena will miss their GK Antonioli, anyway he hasn't played any official game yet at 2011-2012 season in Serie A.


Mazzarri gave rest to his star players against Chievo. Mazzarri might make some rotations but &90 he will start with his famous offencive trio Lavezzi - Hamsik and Cavani.

Maggio has a minor injury and likely to sit on bench. He will give another chance to defender Fideleff and will send Aronica to bench.

Fiorentina will miss Gilardino and defender Kroldrup.

Inter sign Claudio Ranieri

The Nerazzurri have replaced Gasperini with experienced coach Ranieri. Ranieri has agreed a two years contract.

Ranieri have worked with Parma , Chelsea, Juventus and Roma.

Inter had to make a first move while season started and there are a lot of up-coming important games. Gasperini was a mistake , his system wasn't suited with Inter's squad.

After a disastrous start Gasperini sacked and Inter replaced him with experienced coach Ranieri.

LASTEST NEWS FROM WEDNESDAY SERIE A ROUND

CESENA-LAZIO
CESENA: Ceccarelli and Martinez from first minute.

LAZIO: Manager Reja will use his 4-2-3-1 with Lulic as LB. CB-Biava is out and in his place will play Stamnkevicius. Matuzalem – Brocchi from first minute, while in trio of midfield will play Gonzalez and Sculli will start from bench.

CHIEVO-NAPOLI

CHIEVO: Pellissier 100% out. In attack will play Moscardelli and Paloshci while playmaker will be Cruzado.

NAPOLI: Dossena out as his father died. Lavezzi, Campagnaro are not called up, while Hamsik and Cavani will rest. In defence will be Fernandez, Fedeleff and Aronica, while in attack will start Pandev from first minute. In midfield will play Maggio-Inler-Gargano-Zuniga.

FIORENTINA-PARMA

FIORENTINA: Montolivo starting from first minute despite his problems with club. The other two midfielders will be Behrami and Vargas. Tactic will be the same 4-3-3 with Silva as striker in place of injured Gilardino. The other strikers will be Jovetic and Cerci. Cassani and De Silvestri are in balance with Cassani little bit favorite to start while other defenders will be Natali, Gamberini and Pasqual.

PARMA: Valiani and Pelle will lose the game due to injury. Best in-from player till now, Giovinco is suspended. In attack is a big “alarm”. The only players available are Crespo, Biabiany and Floccari.

GENOA-CATANIA

GENOA: Mesto and captain Rossi will lose this encounter due to injuries. In defence will play Grandqvist, Kaladze in centre. Bovo and Merkel are back and ready to play. The tactic will be the same 4-3-1-2 with Jorquera as playmaker behind duo Palacio and Pratto.

CATANIA: Almiron will rest, while Llama, Legrottaglie, Izco and Paglialunga will lose the game. Suazo is called up and will seat on bench.

JUVENTUS-BOLOGNA

JUVENTUS:
Juventus improved defensive line with Lichtsteiner as RB, Chiellini and Barzagli as CB and De Ceglie as LB. In midfield Pirlo and Marchisio. In attack Krasic-De Piero-Vucinic and Pepe.

BOLOGNA: Defenders Garics and Rickler are called up even if their fitness form is not good. In defence due to emergency will play from first minute CB-Antonsson. Diamanti also starting from first minute.

LECCE-ATALANTA
Oddo recovered, but he is out of form. Probably he starts from bench. The same players of last game will play today.

ATALANTA: Lucchini, Pettinari, Ardemagni, Ferreira Pinto, Ferri, Minotti will lose this encounter. The same team as against Palermo will play today with the only change as Capelli will play from first minute in place of Lucchini (as CB).

MILAN-UDINESE

MILAN: Inzaghi starting from bench. Bonera lost the game due to injury. In defence will play Abate-Nesta-Yepes-Zambrotta, with Thiago Silva moving in midfield. In attack the same Pato-Cassano.

UDINESE: Asamoah is in called up list and he will meet Milan, the team that he liked to play this year. Barreto is still out, while in attack from first minute will play Di Natale who always score against Milan.

PALERMO-CAGLIARI

PALERMO: Manager will start with 4-4-2. Pinilla from first minute in place of Hernandez. Alvarez out due to injury and in his place can be Zahavi from first minute.

CAGLIARI: 20 players will travel to Palermo. El Kabir miss due to injury. The same players as in last game will play from first minute.

Official : Gasperini Sacked

Inter have officially confirmed that Gian Piero Gasperini has been sacked after disastrous start to season.

Who will be Inter's new coach? There are rumours on Ranieri and Delio Rossi.

Expected or unexpected result from Inter ?

Inter have started to season with new coach Gasperini with big expectations.

They've sold Eto'o too Anzhi but replaced him with two sensational signings ; Copa America winner and Atlético Madrid's star Forlan and Lazio's wonderkid Zarate.

As we have mentioned even before pre-season games Gasperini wasn't the right choise for Inter.

Inter had a terrible run with five game win-less streak. More important Inter players looked exhausted against Novara like they have no desire to play. That's truth that players have lost confidence on their coach Gasperini.

Today Gasperini has gambled again with his 3-4-3 formation and unexpected player choises. He had started with Castaignos instead of Pazzini.

Ranocchia and Chivu played awful in 3-4-3 formation.

Inter didn't look like a team. All players who are on the field looked independent without a consistence like they never played together before.

Serie A new-comers Novara played an very intelligent game. They held Inter on the midfield zone and showed solid defencive performance. Their counter-attacks were extremely dangerous.

It was great victory for Novara against Inter.

About Gasperini , Inter President Moratti has mentioned that he will think tonight and make his decision about Gasperini's future tomorrow.

According to our predictions result was expected.

Mazzarri will make rotations against Chievo

Napoli's coach Mazzarri has decided to give rest to his some key players against Chievo.

Napoli have started to season perfect. Winning against Cesena and title holder Milan , and at Champions League grabbing a point from Manchester City in England.

Napoli played three games in a week and Chievo will be their 4th game in 10 days.

After Mazzarri's decision Ezequiel Lavezzi,Campagnaro and Andrea Dossena haven't joined the group for Verona trip. Maggio is in group but probably he will sit on the bench. Also match-day Mazzarri might make another rotations on his team.

Chievo will miss Sergio Pellissier due injury. Defender Sardo is back from suspension.

NOVARA - INTER

Last game:
(Cagliari-Novara 2-1)
Novara lost the last encounter against Cagliari (2-1) when Cagliari was in control all the time and has many chances to take the lead early, but they opened the score only at 38’ with Thiago Riberio, scoring his first goal in Serie A. Cagliari remained in control and even doubled the lead, but goal was disallowed. After the break Novara started pushing, but it was Cagliari who was dangerous and close to 2-0. This happened only at 86’ when Larrivey decided the game but before the goal, Cagliari lost many chances. Novara showed bad defensive line. Midfield in the only one to work at the moment with Pinardi “man of the match”, but in attack is a lack of scorer. Jeda is performing bad, while Morimoto scored a casual goal. Granoche had no idea how to change the game.

Tactical news and missing:
Novara tactic is 4-3-1-2. They are used to play with one playmaker and in these first 2 games they used Pinardi as playmaker. He proved to be right man, but today he will miss due to injury. Tactic will remain the same 4-3-1-2, but will be many changes. In defence in first two games, RB-Morganella was too slow and offered no guaranty in defence making many errors. He played very bad against Chievo and Cagliari too, so he will be benched today and his replacement will be Della Fiore (ex-Parma) and this makes a downgrade as well as the last one played no minute til now and lack match fitness. CB-Lussuzo will move on the right, while other CB-Paci will cover left side. LB-Gemiti despite to his bad form and performance will start against from first minute as there is no other option. All in all defensive line remains weak and power is 6/10. Best player till now, Pinardi will lose the game and his replacement will be Rigoni. The last one has to prove himself, but I rate this downgrade too. In attack return Meggiorini (youth Inter) who will start from first minute, but coming from injury, he can’t be at top form (I rate his form 60%). The other striker will be Morimoto.

NOVARA (4-3-1-2)
Ujkani
Della Fiore-Lissuzo-Paci-Gemiti
Marianini-Porcari-Giorgi
Rigoni
Meggiorini-Morimoto

Bench: 31 Fontana, 5 Ludi,14 Morganella, 2 Giorgi,18 Marianini, 27 Jeda, 20 Granoche
Injured: Pinardi
Suspended: none

Last game:
(Inter-Roma 0-0)
Both Inter and Roma played too tactically and this resulted in a boring first half with not much dangerous chances from both side. Inter played 3-5-2 with Sneijder acting everywhere while Roma used 4-3-3 with many surprises as Taddie and Perrotta played as LB-RB. Final score 0-0 was the fairest one as said above teams feared to lose and didn’t risk much. Roma was close to goal after the break, while Inter was close to goal only some minutes before the end of game when Roma was tired already. Intyer didn’t play bad, but for the moment under 3-5-2 players are too confused and many of them out of roles. Ranocchia as RB didn’t worked. Sneijder as CM didn’t worked too, while Zanetti and Cambiasso ore still out of form. Forlan too sterile, while the only one to start creating danger was Zarate who came from bench. Still argentian was never close to score.

Tactical news and missing:
The tactic will remain the same 3-5-2, 3-4-1-2. Sneijder will be used as CM, and at same time as playmaker too. In defence will return Chivu who will play as RB and this time Ranocchia will move as CB together with Lucio. In midfieldermanager lost the hope to recover Stankovic and midfield will be the same as against Roma with Nagatomo as RM and Obi as LM. In centre will play Cambiasso, Zanetti and Sneijder. In attack will return Pazzini from the first minute and this will be his first Serie A game, while second stiker will be Forlan. I would like to see Zarate from first minute as argentinian showed to love to strat scoring and is more motivated, but manager Gasperini looks like is in love with Forlan. Milito will benched and can play during game.

INTER (3-4-1-2)
Julio Cesar
Lucio-Ranocchia-Chivu
Nagatomo-Zanetti-Cambiasso-Obi
Sneijder
Pazzini-Forlan

Bench: 12 Castellazzi, 25 Samuel,42 Jonathan, 11 R. Alvarez,77 Muntari, 22 Milito,28 Zarate
Injured: Maicon (5 days), Thiago Motta (10 days), Poli (10 days), Cordoba (10 days), Stankovic (5 days)
Suspended: none

Info:
Game will be played on artificial grass. Novara-Inter is a kind of derby. Stadium is sold out. Referee stats are 0 games with Novara and 11 games with Inter (7 wins 4 draw 0 loss )

Edy Reja is staying at Lazio

After unexpected lose against Genoa game and fans rude behaviour ; Edy Reja wanted to resign from Lazio job but Lazio President Claudio Lotito has rejected his resignation and did not let Reja go.

Lotito did defend his coach.

Today Reja's manager confirmed that Reja is staying at Lazio and said : Reja will not resign and he doesn't go anywhere from Lazio.

As known that Reja already have problems with fans. He had mentioned that Lazio fans don't like him.

But Reja desires to continue with his Lazio job.

Napoli - AC Milan Preview

An early meeting between two biggest favourites of the Scudetto.

Both teams coming from European Champions League games with successful results.

Milan held Barcelona in Camp Nou with 2-2 score and Napoli held high-flying Manchester City with 1-1.

Now both teams focused on the big game of sunday.

Mazzarri's side started to Serie A with Cesena victory. Against Manchester City ; Napoli played a great game. Napoli would have won in England if they had some luck.

It's too early to talk but it seems title race will be between Napoli and Milan.

Lavezzi had an injury but he's in Mazzarri's list before the Milan game.

Argentinian star has chances to play , probably Mazzarri will give a final decision before the game. If he doesn't start with Lavezzi , Pandev likely to replace him.

Napoli (probable) 3-4-2-1 ; De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Inler, Gargano, Dossena; Hamsik, Pandev (Lavezzi) ; Cavani

Rossoneri have a lot of troubles with the list of injured players. Allegri's team have stopped ''Best Team of the World'' at UEFA Champions League game but number of the injured players giving headache to Milan's coach before Napoli clash.

Ibrahimovic , Robinho , Flamini , Gattuso , Inzaghi are all injured. Ambrosini has shoulder problems and will miss 3 weeks. Also Prince Boateng has pain on his ribs and he will miss Napoli game. New comer Taiwo is still injured and Zambrotta have small chances to play.

Allegri will start with Pato & Cassano duo up-front and Seedorf will play behind them. Antonini will replace Zambrotta.

Milan (probable) 4-3-1-2 ; Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Silva, Antonini; Nocerino, Van Bommel, Aquilani; Seedorf; Pato, Cassano

Besides injuries Milan have old players who can't play every three days anymore or can't show same performance.

Nesta, Seedorf, Van Bommel are tired after Barcelona game and their conditions definetely won't be %100.

H2H in San Paolo ;

25.10.2010 D1 SSC Napoli 1-2 AC Milan
28.10.2009 D1 SSC Napoli 2-2 AC Milan
22.03.2009 D1 SSC Napoli 0-0 AC Milan
11.05.2008 D1 SSC Napoli 3-1 AC Milan
08.04.2001 D1 SSC Napoli 0-0 AC Milan

Napoli gained more confidence after Manchester City name and they're &100 motivated to win against the Rossoneri. Even with missings Milan are still great team but will have difficulties without key names.

Especially Zambrotta , Gattuso , Zlatan and Boateng's missings are big blows. Boateng has such an important role between midfield and forward zone. Antonini's level isn't enough to play for Milan. Aquilani and Nocerino are new players and might have adaptation difficulties.

Cassano's form unreliable.

Mazzarri's side have chances to get three points , if Lavezzi plays they will have more chances against weakened Milan.

A hard and busy schedule waiting for the Rossoneri. After Napoli game , they will host Udinese in midweek.

In a short period to play a lot of difficult games with a lot of missings might give some troubles to Allegri's team.

INTER-ROMA

INTER: Inter lost the last game (4-3) against Palermo in second week of Serie A, while in CHL game against Trabzonspor they were a little bit unlucky to lose 0-1. Anyway considering the loss of Supercup against Milan, bad performance in friendly games, the loss in first league game and the loss in CHL, now for manager Gasperini “alarm” is ringing as this will be most probably his last chance. In case of a negative result the manager will be changed.

Gasperini was known for his 3-4-3 tactic, but this didn’t worked at Inter. He changed into 3-4-1-2 and 4-3-1-2, but the result was always negative.
In his press conference said that his team has enough quality to play again 3-4-1-2. Tobight he will use this tactic to hope to beat Roma.

Tactic and missing:
As said in press conference with the missing of important midfielder Stankovic, the tactic of Inter will be 3-4-1-2.

INTER (3-4-1-2)
Julio Cesar
Lucio-Samuel-Ranocchia
Nagatomo-Zanetti-Cambiasso-Obi
Sneijder
Milito-Forlan

Bench: Orlandoni, Jonathan, Faraoni, Alvarez, Castaignos, Zarate, Pazzini

Missing players: Cordoba, Maicon, Viviano, Th.Motta, Chivu, Stankovic
Balanced players: MILITO 65% - PAZZINI 35%
Team rating (8.5/10, last game was 8.5/10)

Like lineup shows, in defence will be Lucio, Samuel and Ranocchia. Only the last one is rated in good form, the other two are making many errors right now and don’t offer guaranty. In midfield Nagatomo will play as RMID (not a good choice) and Zanetti as CM together with out of form Cambiasso. Obi will act as LMID and his form is rated average right now. The best player till now, Sneijder will move as playmaker in 3-4-1-2 behin MIlito who won the balance with Pazzini and Forlan. From bench I would like to see Zarate, who did rest in CHL game and today will be fresh. The other players for the moment are not in good form.

ROMA: Took new manager and president. New manager as we all know is Luis Enrique (ex-Barca B) the lover of tactic 4-3-3. Till now things are not going positively for him at Roma. Not a good preparation phase. Not positive results in test games. Team is confused and looks out of morale. Too many dislike between player-manager. With short words, Roma right now is not a club yet. In last league game lost (1-2) against Cagliari when even if had the control of the game, never showed real danger and lost too many golden chances. Bad performance from Bojan, bad also from Osvaldo. Totti was average, while the best player was midfielder De Rossi.

INTER-ROMA will be special for Luis Enrique too, because in a defeat case, he will risk the work as manager. In press conference he said that he don’t feel pressure because even if he is sacked he will go to another club, but he hope to continue to be ROMA manager.

ROMA (4-3-3)
Stekelenburg
Rosi-Burdisso-Heinze-Taddei
Perrota-De Rossi-Pjanic
Borriello-Totti-Bojan

Bench: Curci, Kjaer, Cassetti, Gago, Pizarro, Borini, Osvaldo

Missing players: Greco, Juan, Jose Angel
Balanced players:
TADDEI 55% - KJAER 45%
PERROTTA 45% - PIZARRO 35% - GAGO 20%
BORRIELLO 55% - OSVALDO 45%
BOJAN 51% - BORINI 49%
Team rating (8/10, last game was 7.5/10)

Looks like a little bit improvement is made to ROMA lineup. In attack Borriello from first minute is an improvement as Osvaldo looks like need time to get back to old “Serie A” days, while Bojan and Borini are in doubt for a place in attack, but looks like Luis Enrique chose to play with Bojan from first minute. I don’t like defensive line. Rosi in last game made many errors, today he will start from first minute as there is no other choice, Burdisso and Heinze are solid defenders, while Taddei as LB will be a big question as Brazilian is offensive minded and can leave many empty spaces. In midfield out of form player is Perrota in last game was too confused, while De Rossi was man of the match and Pjanic was solid. I still repeat that attack in this game is looking really good, and I would like to see Borini from first minute.

I am inspired first from H2H between teams. In last years always action, always fast game and goals. Now to turn back to reality I see Inter that want to save themselves in front of fans eyes. Also manager is playing last chance. Team with 3-4-1-2 tactic looks offensive minded, but too weak in defence as Lucio-Samual are making errors and not in good form. Nagatomo as RMID and of course Cambiasso is making errors too. For Roma is the same. Improved attack and offensive minded midfield, with a defensive line composed by Rosi (not in good form, too confused) and Taddei as LB, who is offensive minded and not so fast to turn back in time. I see an open game here and with these kind of defensive problems to see an UNDER would be the big surprise of the year. GL !

Inter Milan - AS Roma Preview

Two ''wounded lions'' Inter and Roma are going to face at Saturday night in Giuseppe Meazza.

Both teams have changed their coaches and playing styles and started to season out of expectations.

Inter have started to season with losing three official games. It's Inter's worst start since 1922.

According to some rumours Gasperini will be sacked after Roma game , even if Inter wins it. A lot of names linked with Inter already.

Problems started with 4-3 defeat to Palermo. Gasperini's 3-4-3 system was under fire. He had changed formation to 4-3-1-2 against Trabzonspor in UCL game but again his team got a shocking defeat.

Now everyvody , board , fans and even players lost their beliefs on Gasperini.


Inter will miss ; Maicon, Motta, Chivo and Stankovic due injuries.

Inter (probable) 3-4-1-2 : Julio Cesar , Lucio , Samuel , Ranocchia , Nagatomo , Zanetti , Cambiasso , Obi , Sneijder , Milito , Forlan


Roma have started to season with shocking Slovan Bratislava games. Roma even couldn't reach to Europa League group stages.

Luis Enrique has full support by American owner of Roma. At the opening game Roma have lost against Cagliari 1-2 in Olimpico.

Roma dominated the game and had plenty of chances but final touches were not successful.

Enrique is trying a new offencive system and Roma bought a lot of new players. They just needs time.

Roma will search for a good result in Giuseppe Meazza to bounce back.

Kjaer likely to make his first debut.

Missings ; Juan , Cicinho and Greco are injured. Left back Angel is suspended.

Roma (probable) 4-3-3 ; Stekelenburg , Rosi , Burdisso , Heinze , Cassetti , Perrotta , De Rossi , Pjanic , Borriello , Totti , Bojan Krkic (Borini)


Luis Enrique's Roma prepared for this game whole week , while Inter played an UCL game and got a shocking result.

Both teams will be eager to win after disastrous results.

Meetings between those two teams always been high scoring games.

Some happy but Mazzarri not

It was a successful and great result against ''high-flying'' Manchester City but Walter Mazzarri isn't happy with this result. Napoli would have score 2nd and win this game but game ended 1-1.

With new sensational transfers Manchester City were playing great and enjoying great results in EPL.

A lot of football experts expected an easy City victory today but Napoli proved them wrong.

Mazzarri's team played a very intelligent game and brave game.

A positive result and one point was very important because Napoli are in the most difficult group of UCL including Bayern Munich and Villareal.

But Mazzarri is regret that his team didn't win this one.

Disastrous Start

First loss was Italian Super Cup against Milan in Beijing.

Last sunday Inter have visited Sicily and have conceeded four goals from Palermo though Palermo have lost their key players as Pastore,Bovo,Goian,Nocerino and goalkeeper Sirigu.

Gasperini's system criticized after Palermo game but he kept defending his system.

Before Trabzonspor game Gasperini had big pressure and couldn't handle with it.


Arguably Trabzonspor are one of the weakest teams of UEFA Champions League but they have managed to get three points from Giuseppe Meazza.

As we mentioned before the season starts, Gasperini will not stay long at Inter . Maybe he will not even see up-coming Roma game.

According to some rumours President Moratti pressuring Gasperini.

Gasperini defended his system and team and mentioned that they were unlucky against Trabzonspor.

Inter and Napoli are ready for group games

Napoli are back into Champions League after 21 years. Mazzarri's team will face with Manchester City which team are spectacular with their big transfers and current form in English Premier League.

While Roberto Mancini's side looking superior , Mazzarri is confident on his team.

Most of Napoli players haven't played in UEFA Champions League before but Mazzarri prepared his team for a great battle.

Especially Mazzarri trusts his forward trio. Cavani , Hamsik and Lavezzi can easily give damage to any team at the moment.


After Palermo defeat Gasperini's 3-4-3 formation criticized and now there's some speculations that Gasperini will start with 4-3-1-2 formation against Trabzonspor.

Trabzonspor is an unexperienced team on UCL. Turkish side made a lot of transfers and team still needs time.

It's a good chance for Gasperini's Inter to forget Palermo game with a victory and starting to UCL with 3 points.

Milan Grabbed One Point From Camp Nou

Milan's coach Allegri has studied this game about a week. Even he didn't risk Seedorf and Zambrotta against Lazio. But bad news came too soon, Zlatan and Robinho got injured. Swedish star will be out of the action a month. Gattuso was suspended.

The whole World expected that Barcelona are going to win 4-0 or 5-0. Even bookies underestimated Milan and offered such odds on Barcelona like @1.20.

Barcelona can be The Best Team of the World at the moment but Milan shouldn't underestimated which team have won more trophies than any other team in the Europe.

Game started with a shock for Barcelona. Pato has scored one of the fastest goals of Champions League history.

After 0-1 , Barcelona controlled the game and kept possession in their usual style.

Barcelona pressure brought the goal before HT , Pedro tied the score.

Milan were defending and really doing it well. But 2nd half there was nothing to do with David Villa's great goal.

In stoppage time Milan gained a corner kick and Thiago Silva's header gave another shock to Barcelona fans.

Nesta's performance was amazing. Nesta looked best Milan player on the field.

It might be only ''one point'' gained by Milan's side, but while whole World expecting Milan to lose by a big margin , it was a great result for Rossoneri for their big prestige.

Bad News For Rossoneri

Two European Giants are going to face on Tuesday night at 19:45 (CET).

Bad news came from Rossoneri's side. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho will miss Milan's first UEFA Champions League game against Barcelona. Midfielder Gattuso suspended and Flamini is injured.

Mexes and Taiwo are out due injuries.

Pato will replace Zlatan along Cassano.

Seedorf - Van Bommel - Aquilani (Ambrosini) trio should constitute midfield trio.

Serie A First Round Post-game views

Opening game played between Milan and Lazio. Seedorf and Zambrotta were rested before Barcelona game.

Lazio pushed so hard and had an early lead against the title holders. Klose and Cisse have scored on their first Serie A debuts.

Both goals came because of Nesta's mistakes. He couldn't stop Klose and German international netted Lazio's first goal and Nesta just watched Cisse's header.

Milan made a come-back with Zlatan and Cassano's goals. New transfer Aquilani wasn't impressive and had a bad game. Gattuso picked up an eye injury and Van Bommel replaced him.

2nd half Milan looked better but wasted some nice chances with Pato and Cassano.

Reja's Lazio offencively proved that they're really dangerous.


Cesena showed good performance against Napoli till they down to 10 men. Lavezzi netted an early goal and gave to Napoli an early lead against The Sea Horses. Cesena defence just watched Lavezzi.

Napoli were better side after the goal but Cesena warmed up and both teams looked equal.

Cesena did equalise with Guana's goal.

Benalouane recieved 2nd yellow card and sent off. It was the key moment. Mazzarri didn't wait long to change Santana with Hamsik (he didn't start in first 11 due resting for up-coming Manchester City game) and Napoli totally controlled the game.

With Campagnaro and Hamsik's goals Napoli got 3-1 lead and they would have scored more if Pandev and Cavani were lucky.

Roma played terrible against Cagliari. Luis Enrique's team looked totally clueless. Roma still need time but till they find themselfs Luis Enrique might be sacked. Krkic , Gago and Kjaer are good transfers but thats hard to understand how Jose Angel and Osvaldo can play in Roma ?

Roma looked dominant on the midfield but couldn't create goal chances.

Conti scored Cagliari's goal after Angel's silly mistake and after 2 minutes from the goal Jose Angel has ben sent off.

Game become a nightmare for Roma in two minutes. Roma pushed hard to tie the game but conceeded 2nd at 90+4th minute.

Daniele De Rossi closed the game with 90+7' minute goal and Roma have lost their first official Serie A game in Olimpico to Cagliari.

Juventus hosted Parma at their ''new home''. Conte made his first official debut. There were a lot of question marks because Parma had won last three games against The Old Lady.

Juventus played a great game , Parma looked desperate against them. Parma had no chance to answer.

Lichsteiner scored opener with Pirlo's amazing assist. Probably Allegri have watched the game with regret eyes. Pirlo was simply amazing.

Vucinic , Vidal and Krasic started on the bench. Juventus have showed that they are ready for Scudetto race. Even Dutch winger Elia sat on the bench. They have a depth squad and a lot of quality players. Only problem is the defence but it seems Conte will solve it.

Matri was unlucky not to score , he had two great chances but luck wasn't on his side.

Marchisio's goal probably the best goal of the week , Pirlo's assist was magnificent.

Juventus were dominant side and totally deserved to win.

Udinese visited Via Del Mare where they have lost 2-0 last season while they were having an incredible run in Serie A.

Sanchez departure brought a lot of speculations for Udinese , if they didn't sell him maybe Udinese would be in Champions League now. Anyway they have replaced Sanchez with Romanian Messi Gabriel Torje.

Udinese had some problems before Lecce game. Benatia was suspended. Armero and Isla were injured.

But Friulani played very intelligent and passed Di Francesco's Lecce.

Gabriel Torje played great and made an assist to Di Natale.


We have mentioned about Inter before season starts. Gasperini isn't right choise for Inter. I think it proved once again. To play 3-4-3 with such squad is just insane.

Sneijder and Pazzini started on the bench. Zarate - Forlan and Milito started in first 11.

Palermo started to game with a lot of passion and pressure. All Palermo players looked like they are giving %200 performance. First 20 minutes Palermo had dominant performance , Diego Milito have scored the opener.

2nd half started so fast with goals.

Inter couldn't even find time to celebrate their goals , because Palermo were too aggressive and gave fast answers to Inter's goals.

Gasperini's 3-4-3 didn't work well against Palermo. Tough Palermo have lost their key players before 2011-2012 season ; Argentinian star Pastore, goalkeeper Sirigu , defenders Bovo and Goian. Midfielder Nocerino.

Palermo's aggressive game plan worked great and had an excellent victory against Gasperini's Inter.

Stand outs ; Atalanta's Maxi Moralez made a great debut with scoring two goals against Genoa.

Udinese's Gabriel Torje played excellent and his first debut was sensational.

Lazio's strikers Cisse and Klose managed to score against the last Champion on their first debuts.

Juventus's Vidal has scored on his first debut against Atalanta.

Without a doubt Juventus's Andrea Pirlo was the ''player of the week''. He managed Juventus midfield excellent. Served great passes and made two brilliant assists and probably made Milan fans upset and Allegri sad.

Cesena - Napoli Official first 11's

CESENA (4-3-3): Ravaglia, Comotto, Benaoulane, Von Bergen, Lauro; Guana, Colucci, Parolo, Candreva; Eder, Mutu. All. Giampaolo.

NAPOLI (3-4-3): De Sanctis, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica, Maggio, Inler, Dzemaili, Dossena, Santana, Lavezzi, Cavani. All. Mazzarri.

Arbitro: Bergonzi

Cesena will miss goalkeeper Antonioli, Ravaglia will make his first Serie A debut.

Napoli will miss Gargano (suspended) and injured players Britos and Donadel. Marek Hamsik will be rested before Manchester City clash.

AC Milan vs Lazio (Opening game of Serie A Season 2011-2012)

At the opening game of Serie A , title holders AC Milan will host Lazio.

Lets start with Milan ;

Milan have lost Pirlo (transferred to Juventus) and brought two new midfielders , Aquilani and Nocerino. Pirlo wasn't in Allegri's plans though he's a great playmaker. Milan have added two quality defenders to their squad , Mexes and Taiwo. Boriello, Merkel, Sokratis, Onyewu, Oddo, Legrottaglie, Jankulovski have left the team.

Tactic : One of the biggest advantages of Milan that Allegri will not change his formation and will remain 4-3-1-2.

Missings ; Taiwo, Mexes , Flamini,Van Bommel and Robinho doubtful.

Seedorf and Zambrotta haven't called up because of up-coming Barcelona game Allegri has decided to rest them.

Also there are rumours that Zlatan or Pato , one of them might be rested against Lazio.

Milan had a good preparation , have Won two Cups. Trofeo Berlusconi (against Juventus) and Italian Super Cup (against Inter).

Allegri had used all players and had chances to see their forms.

Max Allegri is giving too much important to Barcelona game , and he will field a Milan which have rotations in first 11 and Milan squad is deep enough for it.

While Taiwo is injured and Zambrotta is going to rest , Antonini will get LB position.

Gattuso is suspended in UCL , so he can give %100 against Lazio.

Milan is the biggest favourite of Serie A this season according to bookies and Italian media.

Milan (probable) : Abbiati - Abate - Nesta - Silva - Antonini - Gattuso - Aquilani - Ambrosini - Boateng - Pato (Cassano) - Ibrahimovic

Weakness ; Up-coming Barcelona game and defence's left side (due absence of Taiwo and Zambrotta)

Advantages : Haven't changed formation and have a deep squad with plenty of strikers and midfielders.

Lazio ;

Lazio have lost Muslera,Zarate and Lichsteiner. All were very important players. Konko arrived to replace Lichsteiner. Zarate's departure is a gamble for Edy Reja and Lazio fans still unhappy with this decision.

Reja's Lazio looked very promising for new season. New forwards Cisse and Klose have showed great performances on pre-season game. Especially Lazio looked offencively great.


Lazio have finished Serie A 5th last season and easily reached to groups of Europa League.

Expectations are big from Reja's Lazio but departures of Zarate and Floccari might effect them on long term.

Tactic ; Reja using 4-2-3-1 formation this season and succeeded on pre-season games.

Missings ; Stefan Radu, Lorik Cana, Giuseppe Sculli and Marius Stankevicius.

Goalkeeper Marchetti is suspended , Bizzarri will start in first 11.

Cisse sprained his ankle in training but he's expecting to start against Milan. Also Klose have played on two International games and he had mentioned that he's tired.

If Klose rested , Cisse will play as alone striker , if Klose plays Cisse will play as an AML.

Weakness ; Defencive midfielder position (not enough quality) and defence.

Advantages ; Offencive prosperity and consistence.

Lazio (probable ) ; Bizzarri; Konko, Biava, Dias, Zauri; Ledesma, Brocchi; Mauri, Hernanes, Cissè; Klose

Facts ; Lazio couldn't win in San Siro since 1989 but haven't lost since 2008.

Though Milan are going to give rest to some key players as Seedorf , Zambrotta and Zlatan (or Pato) they have enough depth in their squad.

Milan midfield is working great since Allegri's system succeeded. Boateng linked excellent between midfield and forwards.

We are expecting to see Cassano in 11 instead of Pato (who might be rested for Barça game)

Milan's weakest side will be left flank due of Zambrotta's absence.

Lazio are coming to San Siro with confidence.

Edy Reja ; Milan have incredible potential, but we have the quality to do well and mentioned that Lazio have great attacking options which can give troubles to Milan.

Milan are clear favourite against Lazio but it's gonna be tough one.

Milan midfield is too dominant compared with Lazio's.

Expectations on a fast start by Rossoneri and try to take an early lead at first half.But Lazio's offencive firepower shouldn't be underestimated.

If Milan didn't have Barcelona game , everything would be more clear but now with some rotations Milan might get difficulties against Lazio but Milan are still too strong even with important missings , even match-ups between players and lines containing big quality differences.

Also any negative result might effect Milan before Barcelona game and Allegri knows it very well.

We are expecting both teams to score and Milan's victory here.

Predicted score ; 3-1.

3 New Transfers by Roma before deadline

AS Roma have signed with Fernando Gago from Real Madrid on loan , Danish defender Simon Kjaer from Wolfsburg (who had played in Italy between 2008-2010) on loan and striker Miralem Pjanic from Lyon.