Week 8 Results
Fiorentina 2 – 1 Bari
Parma 0 – 0 AS Roma
Bologna 0 – 0 Juventus
Chievo 2 – 1 Cesena
Genoa 1 – 0 Catania
Lazio 2 – 1 Cagliari
Lecce 2 – 1 Brescia
Udinese 2 – 1 Palermo
Inter Milan 1 – 1 Sampdoria
Pressure eases on Mihajlovic
Sinisa Mihajlovic’s job was on the line when Fiorentina took to the field against Bari. Mhaijlovic, a former Scudetto winner with Lazio, was struggling in his new job, as Viola was stranded in the relegation zone. Reports from Italy suggested that the match against Bari was his final chance; a loss in this match could have gotten him sacked. Former Brazil coach Dunga was being linked with Fiorentina.
Mihajlovic’s fears were dispelled for now, as his team secured a 2-1 win, with Marco Donadel and Alberto Gilardino grabbing a goal each. Bari ‘keeper Gillet put in another brilliant performance but was unable to stop these two goals. Bari drop into the relegation zone after this result.
A sigh of relief for Mihajlovic
Old Lady let down by strikers
Juventus’ mini revival was halted, as they failed to get past a determined Bologna defence. A 0-0 draw prevented Juve from climbing into top-4, while keeping the host’s unbeaten home record intact. Juventus’ best opportunity came in the first half when they were awarded a spot kick; replays showed Milos Krasic blatantly diving over Daniele Portanova. However, Vincenzo Iaquinta failed to convert the penalty, as Emiliano Viviano made a wonderful save.
Marco Storari pulled off another great save near the end, as Juve were left frustrated. The Juve Sporting Director was quick to defend the Serbian winger, saying, “Milos is a good lad and suffers many fouls during each match. Instinctively he tried to avoid contact with Portanova and fell. There was no contact as can be seen from the images.” Amauri’s injury will further add to Juve’s attacking woes.
Donkeys from Verona still flying high
Chievo Verona has continued their impressive form this season with a last gasp win over Cesena. The “flying donkeys” moved to the 4th spot in the table after Cyril Thereau scored in injury time.
Defender Steve Van Borgen was sent off in the second half for Cesena. Chievo took the lead in the 33rd minute when Cesar turned in a sublime Pellisier cross. Cesena came back via a gaol from Luis Giminez.
Ranieri on the verge of losing his job?
Claudio Ranieri, who led Roma to a second place finish last season, could be on his way out. After Roma’s dour 0-0 draw with Parma, the “Tikerman” is under scrutiny. The Lupi lacked creativity upfront, with both Marco Boriello and Totti having off-days. The latter was replaced in the end of first half by Ranieri. Mirko Vucinic was involved in a war of words with Parma coach Paquale Marino after the former kicked at Morrone.
Roma have been linked with Frank Rjikaard as Ranieri’s potential replacement. Parma remains fixed at the 20th place, having never won a game since the opening day of this season.
No defence is capable of stopping Eto’o right now
Nerazzuri fail to beat Sampdoria
Internazionale failed to defeat Sampdoria despite creating many chances. Stefano Guberti put Sampdoria ahead in the 62nd minute after Cassano robbed Chivu off the ball. Inter had to depend on Samuel Eto’o to bail them out. The Cameroonian striker leveled the score in the 80th minute from a Coutinho assist.
The match was a late kick-off and was played under heavy downpour. The rain made it difficult for both teams to keep up the tempo. Eto’o has now scored 15 goals in 13 matches for Inter; with Diego Milito injured, the Nerazzuri is needs him to continue his purple patch. Wesley Snijder’s contract wrangle seems to have affected his performance, as he was insipid throughout the match.
Friulianis continue to recover
Udinese had lost each of their first four games, ending up rock bottom in Serie A table after these fixtures. A fine turnaround since then has seen the club from Friuli garner three wins in their last four matches. Against Palermo, Udinese raced to a quick lead in the 9th minute, as Mehdi Benetia took advantage of confusion in the Palermo penalty box to stab in from six yards. Antonio di Natale extended their lead with a converted spot kick in the 52nd minute. The complexion of the match changed in 64th minute, when Andrea Coda was sent off. Palermo staged a late fightback, but in vain, as Udinese hung on to a crucial win.
Lazio, table toppers once again
Edie Reja’s team maintained their fine streak of form with a 2-1 win over Cagliari. Stefano Mauri has been one of the main driving forces behind the Aquile till now; his brilliance was evident when he set up Sergio Floccari’s opening goal in the 21st minute. He also doubled the lead, albeit with a fortunate goal, in the 52nd minute. The ball hit his chest before going into the net.
Mauri, perhaps the best player in Serie A right now
Alessandro Matri scored his fourth goal of the season to make it 2-1. Lazio themselves could have won 3-1, as Thomasso Rocchi failed to convert a Mauri assist in the dying minutes of the match. The blue side from Rome has been propped up by the impressive form of their midfield. Stefano Mauri, Hernanes and Christian Ledesma have been sizzling in the games so far. Reja was quick to dismiss title talks saying “But this team shows great character and determination. Obviously talk of the scudetto is wide of the mark”. Milan can cut Lazio’s lead at the top to two points if they manage to beat Napoli on Monday.