Serie A Saturday fixtures yesterday left a bitter experience for two Serie A top teams, Inter Milan and Napoli, as both picked up a defeat while in the other hand, Ac Milan revived themselves by getting a convincing victory.

The Nerazzurri didn’t share the same result as their their city rival this weekend after being pinned back by Catania 2-1, while Napoli surprisingly were beaten by struggling Parma at San Paolo. Milan, who looked to finally found their best suited formation trashed Palermo 3-0 in San Siro, with former Rossanero man, Antonio Nocerino played an important part.

Inter Entering Relegation Zone

Still playing without important players such as Julio Cesar, Wesley Sneijder and Thiago Motta, Inter Milan actually started their away trip to Catania with a bang as Esteban Cambiasso took the lead for the visitor with a fine volley after receiving Douglas Maicon’s cross. However, things changed in the second period as the home team’s counter attacking play twice caught the Nerazzurri defense, causing two goals scored by Sergio Almiron and also a penalty by Francesco Lodi.

The defeat obviously caused problem for Inter as it was their fourth defeat already in the league this season, second in a row under Claudio Ranieri’s regime after the 3-0 battering against Napoli few weeks ago. This result also gave a very bad preparation for Inter ahead of their Champions League tie against Lille in the midweek as now the team are obviously under pressure again to provide result just like the condition that happened when the Nerazurri were still playing under Giam Piero Gasperini.

Napoli Shocked by Parma

The International break apparently didn’t do any good for Napoli this weekend as they failed to continue on their fine run as Parma surprisingly beaten Walter Mazzarri’s side at San Paolo, despite the home team did fielded their best eleven. Having attacking trio of Ezquiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani starting the game the home team were obviously seeking for a quick lead but things were very tight especially in the first period as both teams failed to score a goal.

Things got more interested in the second period when Parma took the lead through Gobbi, which got replied by substitute, Giuseppe Mascara around 19 minutes later. However, the 1-1 scoreline didn’t last that long as five minutes later, the visitor strike again, this time through Modesto, who stumped Sebastian Giovinco’s fine cross. Despite the extremely offensive setup that Napoli set in the final minutes, the score line remain unchanged and the Partenopei picked up their first home defeat this season.

Milan Revives Against Palermo

Massimiliano Allegri kept his promise in revitalizing his squad after the international break as the return of Robinho in the starting line up obviously played a big part in the Rossoneri’s performance on Saturday night. Lining up Antonio Nocerino, Mark Van Bommel and Alberto Aquilani in the midfield, Milan looked very dominant on that area as both Aquilani and Nocerino played a huge part in the first goal which the latter scored.

Nocerino’s simply tap in from Aquilani’s flick header gave the goal that the home team needed as things could start getting frustrating should Milan kept on wasting the goal scoring chances they got. The first goal simply improved the Rossoneri’s confidence as in the second half, two more goals from Robinho and Cassano sealed the convincing victory for the Red and Black squad, which could really marked their revival for the season.

photo credit: batrax

Failing to keep his place as a coach at As Roma, didn’t stop Vincenzo Montella in pursuing his career in Serie A as the former striker has been officially announced as the new coach of Catania, replacing Diego Simeone, who resign after the season ended.

Catania beat the competition of Chievo Verona, who reportedly also keen on acquiring Montella to lead the Flying Donkey, after their previous coach, Stefano Pioli, took Palermo’s offer recently.

Reports stated that Montella is set to be presented on Friday, June 10, which officially be the first day on the job for the ex-Roma youth team tactician, who replaced Claudio Ranieri at the Giallorossi in the second part of the season. Although, it may seem as a downward step for the former Sampdoria and Roma star, still getting the trust to manage a Serie A side this summer can pretty much be considered as a plus for a rookie coach such as him.

Rumors in Italy said that the reason Catania opted for Montella is because the Sicilian team are looking for someone who can play their 4-3-3 formation for next summer, and the ex-Roma coach seems fit enough to take the job. The ex-Italian international striker is being contracted for two years but surely everything will depends on the way that the young tactician managed his team and getting the result, the management asked.

This job will definitely be a task for Montella as although the pressure in coaching Roma supposedly bigger, but in Serie A there are no guarantees even for lesser team’s tactician that they can spend a long time there. Although their target is not as high as big clubs, teams like Catania usually have their own standard that needs to be fulfilled in a season, and when that target can’t be reached, than a sacking is not a difficult thing to do.

photo credit: Catatan Bola Photo Gallery

The coaching carousel in Serie A continues with the news that Chievo have hired Domenico Di Carlo for a second time and that Catania have hired Vincenzo Montella.

Di Carlo returns to Chievo after a difficult time at Sampdoria last season.

Di Carlo won plenty of acclaim when he guided low-budget Chievo to mid-table finishes between 2008 and 2010. But his stint at Sampdoria got off to a bad start then Samp were beaten by Werder Bremen in the UEFA Champions League play-offs. After failing to get Sampdoria out of the group stages in the Europa League, Di Carlo’s was on borrowed time. So it was no surprise when he was fired in March.

Di Carlo takes over for Stefano Pioli who went to Palermo.

Vincenzo Montella is the new coach of Catania after impressing during a caretaker stint at Roma last season.

Montella replaces Diego Simeone, who left Catania earlier this month after less than six months in charge. Even though Montella steered Roma to sixth place in Serie A after taking over from Ranieri, he was not offered the job on a full-time basis.

photo credit: Wonderlane

The coaching carousel in Serie A continues with one coach leaving and two new ones being hired.

Leaving is Diego Simeone from Catania after just four and a half months in charge. Simeone kept the Sicilian side up in style and a club statement said he had achieved “brilliant results” but he has departed with his staff because of “international ambitions”.

Arriving is Stefano Pioli who has been named the new manager at Palermo following the departure of Delio Rossi. Pioli who guided Chievo to 11th place in Serie A before leaving the club earlier this week.

A statement from Palermo read:

“Stefano Pioli is the new coach of Palermo. The Italian tactician has signed a two-year contract with a the option of a third”

Rossi left parted Palermo this week despite leading them into the final of the Coppa Italia and qualifying for Europe, where they will play in the Europa League next season.

Expected to be hired is Marco Giampaolo who Cesena are set to name as their new manager this week. Cesena have been looking for a replacement for Massimo Ficcadenti, who left the club after helping them avoid relegation last season. Giampaolo has been out of the game having left Catania by mutual consent in January.

photo credit: izzie_whizzie

Two current Serie A top teams, Lazio and Ac Milan earned themselves a hard fought victory in the early matches in the league despite taking a rather comfortable scoreline in the bag.

The Biancolesti fans need to thanked their young striker Libor Kozak, who scored a brace to bring down Fiorentina. Meanwhile, 10 men Milan not only survive a very difficult and provocative night in Sicily but they also grabbed all three points against Catania in a controversial match.

Lazio Return to Winning Ways

Aiming to recover from their poor run of defeats in the league, Lazio successfully earned the three points they have been longing for after defeating their visitor, Fiorentina, 2-0 with both goals scored by their young striker, Libor Kozak. The victory lift the Biancolesti spirit ahead of an important battle against the current league leader, Ac Milan, in the midweek game especially after the Aquiloti slumped into two defeats before beating the Viola.

Starting the game with a very low morale, Lazio seemed to lose their creativity especially since their coach Eduardo Reja decided to rest their talismanic midfielder Hernanes in the game. The first period ended in a stalemate with both teams were clearly looking lost as the game looked dull and the players are unbelievably lack of creativity. However, facing a much more troubled Fiorentina side, the luck finally arrived in the second half for the home team as they earned a penalty kick that was beautifully finished by Kozak in the 69 minute.

10 Men Milan Stunned Catania

Meanwhile, a very controversial game was seen in Sicily when the home team Catania host the current league leader, Ac Milan, that are looking to extend their lead at the top of Serie A. Just as coach Massimiliano Allegri predicted in the press conference, the match against the Sicilian side did turned out to be a really scrappy and odd game for he Rossoneri, that might be feeling a little bit harmed by some of the harsh decisions made by the referee.

Knowing that they can’t match Milan’s quality, Catania played a very smart and rather intimidating football in which it actually managed to disturb the Rossoneri’s flowing game as the away team were forced to earn many fouls. Despite the untidiness of the game, it was the Serie A leader did managed to create the best chances in the first period through Robinho and Antonio Cassano, who failed to hit the back of the net despite already having plenty of space.

Ending the half in a stalemate, the Rossoneri started the half in the same manner as the first which is looking immediately for the winning goal to let the nerve settle down. However, instead of getting what they are looking for, things actually turned really bad for the away team as they were forced to play with a 10 men after their new signing Mark Van Bommel was harshly sent off for a second yellow card despite the replay showed that it wasn’t a card worthy tackle.

Fortunately for Milan, their winning mentality seemed to creep already into their players mind as despite playing with a man less, they managed to break the dead lock through Robinho’s follow through on Ibrahimovic’s thundering free kick that was spoiled by Catania keeper, Andujar. Having taken the lead, the Rossoneri decided to strengthen their defensive unit and put in Massimo Oddo in place of Antonio Cassano.

Deep into the second half, Milan’s bad luck with injury continues as their captain, Massimo Ambrosini, was forced to leave the field after suffering an injury which could rule him out for the midweek match along with Van Bommel. Once again as the crisis seemed to hit them again, the Rossoneri showed a true champion spirit as they finally scored the second goal that completely sealed the match through their main striker, Ibrahimovic, who finished off an easy tap in from Robinho’s awesome assist.

Match Reports

Lazio v Fiorentina 2-0

goals: Libor Kozak pen 63, 73 (Lazio)

Lazio: Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Diakitè (Stendardo 12), Biava, Radu; Gonzalez (Hernanes 80), Brocchi, Ledesma, Mauri; Kozak, Floccari (Sculli 38)

Fiorentina: Boruc; De Silvestri, Kroldrup, Gamberini, Gulan; Santana, Donadel (Behrami 75), Montolivo; Cerci (Babacar 70), Gilardino, Ljajic (D’Agostino 46)

Catania v Ac Milan 0-2

goals: Robinho 58, Ibrahimovic 85 (Milan)
Catania: Andujar; Augustyn (Ricchiuti 66), Silvestre, Spolli, Capuano; Carboni (Pesce 45); Ledesma, Sciacca (Morimoto 82), Gomez, Mascara; Maxi Lopez

Milan: Abbiati; Bonera, Yepes, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Ambrosini (Jankulovski 75), Van Bommel, Merkel (Emanuelson 46); Robinho; Ibrahimovic, Cassano (Oddo 59)

photo credit: Jan S0L0

Inter Milan are looking to show their true path as one of the Scudetto contender after grabbing another important victory under the new coach, Leonardo, who hasn’t even been in the club for more than two months.

After beating Napoli 3-1 in midweek, the Nerazzurri successfully see off Catania’s challenge at stadio Massimino despite trailing a goal down first before Esteban Cambiasso rescued the team with his two goals.

The result doesn’t actually give an exact image of the game as Catania actually deserved more out of the game especially after creating plenty good goal scoring chances early in the second half that were mostly denied by Luca Castelazzi’s fine display. However, the home team did take an early lead through Gomez after capitalizing on the mess that happened because of Inter players’ inability to clear the ball outside of their box.

However, Inter luck’s seemed to change lately as minutes after that goal, Leonardo’s team did get an equalizer after Cambiasso blast his shot pass Andujar capitalizing on a nice pass from Dejan Stankovic. Just before Catania have time to work on their attacking game once again, Cambiasso once again delivered the winning goal after heading into Maicon’s cross from the right side. This victory was important for the away team as they pulled more points from the teams in front of them not to mention having two games in spare compared the other teams.

Inter’s success in closing their points with Ac Milan could make things more interesting for the league as despite drawing against Udinese in this week’s game, the Rossoneri are still pretty much secure at the top of the league even should the Nerazzurri did manage to get all three points from their two matches in hand. However, it’s still very early to think that Leonardo’s team could keep their fine run in the next few games as at the moment their performances aren’t actually improving much from the Benitez’s regime although they do get the results needed.

photo credit: batrax

AC Milan extended their lead to six points in Serie A despite a 4-4 home draw with Udinese, though SSC Napoli will be hoping to close in on the Rossoneri when they host Juventus later.

Fans at San Siro were treated to an eight-goal thriller as Milan came from behind three times to force a 4-4 draw. Pato cancelled out Antonio Di Natale’s 35th-minute opener on the stroke of half-time only for Alexis Sánchez (53) and Di Natale (66) to put the visitors 3-1 up, but the hosts rallied through a Medhi Benatia own goal (78) and a second Pato strike (82). Germán Denis (89) then grabbed what looked to be the winner with a minute remaining, yet the league leaders salvaged a point via Zlatan Ibrahimović in added time.

It proved a crucial draw as second-placed Lazio lost 2-1 at home against lowly Lecce to slip further adrift of the summit. Fourth-placed Roma also tasted defeat, losing 2-1 at nine-man Sampdoria after losing Júlio Sérgio to a 55th-minute red card, though their hosts finished with nine men following the late dismissals of centre-backs Daniele Gastaldello and Stefano Lucchini.

Inter came from behind to triumph 2-1 at Catania and lift themselves to seventh, while an even more dramatic comeback ended with Fiorentina turning a 2-0 deficit at home to Brescia into a 3-2 win.

Elsewhere, there were victories for Bologna and Cagliari at Bari and Parma respectively, while Palermo and Genoa were held to 0-0 draws at Chievo and Cesena.

photo credit: Jan S0L0

Making a late reinforcement to the squad really gives some problems for Ac Milan lately as after thumping Lecce in their opening match, the Rossoneri have to slow down their step in the league.

After a surprising defeat against Cesena last week, today the Red and Black squad were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against another mediocre side, Catania.

Almost similar to the game against Cesena, Milan conceded a goal first from Ciro Capuano long range shot, which despite being an awesome shot, questioned mark could still be raised against Christian Abbiati’s positioning on the Rossoneri’s goal. Fortunately, the scenario was not totally the same as last weekend’s game as the home team did manage to equalize just before half time through veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi who managed to break from Catania’s offside trap.

Controlling the game in the second half, the Rossoneri’s impatience again cost them two points as the team looked to rush their every attack making it easier for their opponents in defending Milan’s attack. Catania’s tactics of playing a super defensive football and relying only on the counter, it is very hard for the tired legs of Andrea Pirlo and co to break down the away team’s defense that were filled with nine to ten players in front of goal.

However, just like their coach said last weekend, Milan players impatience was pretty much the key that caused their failure tonight as it was seen how they often opted to play a direct ball in the penalty area instead of trying short passing combination. It’s probably understandable considering the tiredness that the home team’s having after playing a tough game against Auxerre in the Champions’s league last Wednesday.

The injuries of Alexandre Pato, Mathieu Flamini, Massimo Ambrosini and also Robinho’s unfit condition making it harder for Milan as they have limited resources on the bench that can help them turn things around. Surely after this disappointing draw, the Rossoneri will have to work harder as next midweek they will face a tougher opponent, Lazio away at Olympico. Allegri might also hope that at least Robinho could be fit for that match as his team would need every help that they can get to win that game.

Milan v Catania 1-1
Goals: Inzaghi (Milan); Capuano (Catania)
Milan: Abbiati; Bonera, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Boateng, Pirlo, Seedorf (Gattuso 90); Ronaldinho, Inzaghi (Oduamadi 85), Ibrahimovic

Catania: Andujar; Potenza (Alvarez 82), Silvestre, Spolli, Capuano; Carboni (Delvecchio 75); Mascara, Izco, Biagianti, Ricchiuti (Ledesma 60); Maxi Lopez

photo credit: bhhardinge

The Italian Serie A season gets underway this weekend after a 3 month break with some very mouth watering fixtures key among them being the Udinese v Genoa, Fiorentina v Napoli and Sampdoria v Lazio matches.

This will however not be like any other previous season as the strategic buying that most clubs employed means that the league will be more competitive than previously thought. A good example would have to be Juventus.

While Inter still remain as favourites to repeat their epic treble, the Bianconeri cannot be ruled out especially after acquiring some very talented players. Milos Krasic, Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci are just a few of these players.

If the reports doing the rounds are true then the Rossoneri should not be taken lightly either. After signing Amelia, Yeppes Papastothopoulos, Milan are looking to crown it all up by acquiring Ibrahimovic and Robihno. Should they sign these players, then they will be another strong contender for the title.

In my opinion, Roma should have won the title last season. A slight loss of focus saw Inter pip them to their 5th straight scudetto on the last weekend of league action. The Giallorosso have also boosted their squad after landing Adriano and Burdisso amongst other players.

Every league has their traditional title contenders and in this case they are Inter, AC Milan, AS Roma and Juventus. However, there is the chasing pack who could very well spring a surprise this time round.

Napoli, Genoa, Sampdoria, Palermo Fiorentina and Lazio are what i like to call the party poopers. Sampdoria and Palermo fought down to the wire last season and i expect them to do the same this season.

The of course we have the minnows. The teams who don’t stand a chance whatsoever. The list this time includes Lecce, Brescia and Cesena. All these teams were promoted and will be playing with the big boys who will see them as an easy 3 points.

Matches slated for Saturday include:

Udinese v Genoa and AS Roma v Cesena

Sunday’s matches are as follows:

Bari v Juventus

Parma v Brescia

Chievo Verona V Catania

Fiorentina v Napoli

Sampdoria v Lazio

AC Milan v Lecce

Palermo v Cagliari

Defending champions Inter Milan open their account on Monday away to Bologna.

A phone call between Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani and Catania President Massimo Cellino ended a protracted battle that almost saw Massimiliano Allegri’s eminent move to the Rossoneri collapse.

“Despite the disappointment left to us by Massimiliano Allegri following his behaviour towards the end of the season, president Massimo Cellino has released him following a request from Milan”.

The above statement was posted on Catania’s official website. This news is bound to be a breath of fresh air to the Rossoneri faithful who are desperately in need of some good news after a topsy turvy 2009/2010 campaign.

Milan’s problem has never arisen from their coaches. Ancelotti and Leonardo were effective in their own right and hopefully, Allegri can do what they both  failed to do in their tenures, sign young, talented players. Although Milan are yet to officially cement the deal, Catania’s actions demonstrate that progress is indeed being made and it is now only a matter of days until Milan close the deal.

The pressure is now on the club’s  administrative arm to ensure that Allegri has all the tools  he needs including the resources necessary to successfully build a winning team.

Photo credit: from alexrossi43