These sides were expected to battle against relegation, but instead find themselves going head-to-head for a Europa League spot.

Few thought Cagliari could repeat last season’s extraordinary run, while Bari were fresh from Serie B with a limited budget, but they are currently locked together on 32 points. At the same time, they both need a good result after last week’s disappointing defeats. The Southerners fell 1-0 at Atalanta after hitting the woodwork repeatedly, while the Sardinians crashed 3-0 to leaders Inter.

The venue could well be crucial this weekend, as Bari have now picked up just two points from their last eight away games in Serie A. It’s going to be very special for several other figures, as Coach Giampiero Ventura was in charge of the Sant’Elia side in 1997-98 to gain promotion, then returned in 2002-03 and was fired in October 2003. Edgar Alvarez is also a former Cagliari player in his first ever Italian campaign, scoring a goal in 15 appearances.

Much of the Galletti’s recent form has been down to Paulo Vitor Barreto, but the Brazilian hitman with 11 Serie A goals to his credit is suspended for this game. With an injury list that includes Alessandro Parisi, Mariano Donda, Vitalii Kutuzov, Andrea Ranocchia, Sergio Almiron, Marco Pisano, Antonio Langella and possibly Leonardo Bonucci, it leaves few options for Ventura. There is still hope of seeing Bonucci on the field despite undergoing surgery for a fractured hand.

Cagliari are also missing several key figures, as Federico Marchetti and Cristiano Lupatelli’s injuries mean Michael Agazzi is the only available goalkeeper. Francesco Pisano and Diego Lopez are also sidelined for this match, but they welcome back trequartista Andrea Cossu following his ban against Inter.

The last time Bari beat Cagliari in all competition, home or away, was a 2-1 at the Sant’Elia for Serie B in September 2001. Gionatha Spinesi got the brace to cancel out Daniele Conti’s strike.

Keep an eye on: Riccardo Meggiorini (Bari) – With Barreto suspended, more responsibility is on Meggiorini’s shoulders to make an impact in Sardinia. He should be joined by January signing Nacho Castillo in an all-new strike partnership, but one with real promise.

Last five in Serie A: Cagliari (W W D D L) Bari (L D L W L)

Last season: Not played

Morale-boosting victories put a smile on their faces last weekend, but who out of these sides will leave the Stadio Massimino with a frown?

Catania are on cloud nine after their shock 1-0 victory away to Lazio, a result that allowed them to leapfrog the Biancocelesti to escape the relegation zone and led to Davide Ballardini’s dismissal. Sinisa Mihajlovic had to watch that game from the stands due to a touchline ban, but he’s back on the bench this Sunday.

Cristian Llama won’t be with him, as he is suspended, while Gianvito Plasmati, Gilberto Martinez and Ezequiel Carboni are all on the treatment table. Maxi Lopez should again start upfront after breaking his Serie A duck with a winner last week.

Atalanta were on a dire streak ahead of their surprise 1-0 win over high-flying Bari, as Simone Tiribocchi saved the day by coming off the bench for a late goal. Il Tir has been on strong form this season, but it’s likely he’ll again be set aside in favour of January signing Nicola Amoruso.

Keep an eye on: Maxi Lopez (Catania) – He was a surprise swoop in the final hours of the transfer window and scored his debut goal in last week’s victory over Lazio. Although inevitably not as sharp as he will be, it seems the striker has really hit it off with his new squad.

Last five in Serie A: Catania (L D W D W) Atalanta (L W L L W)

Last season: Catania 1-0 Atalanta

Bottom of the table Siena are desperate for points as they travel to Veneto to face a solid Chievo side.

The Bianconeri are struggling at the moment and seemingly can’t see a way out. Relegation is a serious concern but Alberto Malesani has already underlined his wish to remain in charge. Last weekend’s home defeat to Sampdoria added pain to their wounds.

“The game against Chievo will be fundamental for us,” claimed President Massimo Mezzaroma. “I met the team and they are all willing to fight for survival and ready to play with determination and anger.” Meanwhile, the players and the Coach have been ordered not to speak to the Press.

Things are going better for Chievo although their recent run has been far from impressive. The Gialloblu were defeated by Genoa at the weekend and are currently 13th in the table.

“I thought our performance at Marassi was good,” noted Mimmo Di Carlo. “We played well for long spells and had good chances. We were also denied two great chances by Marco Amelia. I am genuinely optimistic about the future.”

The Tuscans could have a radical change to their usual 4-3-3 strategy as Malesani is thinking of fielding a 4-1-4-1 formation. Massimo Maccarone is suspended though so Emanuele Calaiò will start up front. Doubt remains between Paul Codrea and Albin Ekdal.

Chievo should have their strongest side out. However, Elvis Abbruscato picked up an injury which will keep him sidelined for over a month. Up front De Carlo has a doubt to clear between Pablo Granoche and Erjon Bogdani.

Keep an eye on: Emanuele Calaiò (Siena) – The Sicilian is finally getting a chance to start up front and will have to deliver. With Massimo Maccarone out the Senesi’s hopes are all on the former Torino striker.

Last five in Serie A: Chievo (L W D D L) Siena (L L D L L)

Last season: Chievo 0-2 Siena

Juventus are looking to end their terrible crisis as they host Genoa at the Olimpico in a what may be a heated Week 24 clash.

The Bianconeri have been unable to return to victory in recent weeks even though the appointment of Alberto Zaccheroni had a positive impact on the team. Last weekend’s draw at Livorno was yet another disappointing result, but they remain just three points away from the Champions League zone.

“We cannot be happy about our draw against Livorno,” said Alessandro Del Piero. “However, we have to look at the bright side and think that qualification to the Champions League is still close. That is our target and we want to reach it as soon as possible, we cannot afford any further slip-ups.”

Genoa have had a good run recently and collected three important points against Chievo last weekend. The Rossoblu are also dreaming of the Champions League, but more realistically they would settle for a Europa League placement.

“We are recovering positions and I am really happy with 35 points,” noted Gian Piero Gasperini. “Against Chievo it was a balanced game, hard fought and very difficult. Winning it meant a lot and boosted our morale.”

Zaccheroni should stick to the 3-4-1-2 strategy used against Livorno. However, he will make a few changes to the starting formation. Fabio Cannavaro and Fabio Grosso will sit on the bench due to their poor shape. Zdenek Grygera and Paolo De Ceglie will play. Felipe Melo is suspended but Momo Sissoko is back in the middle of the park.

Gasperini has lost Rodrigo Palacio to injury. Raffaele Palladino and Giuseppe Sculli will play even though they picked up minor knocks recently. Robert Acquafresca has flu but will start since David Suazo is struggling. Emiliano Moretti is suspended.

Keep an eye on: Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus) – The Bianconeri captain wants to lead his men to victory. The Old Lady cannot afford to add yet another defeat to their already dreadful run and Alex is hoping to rescue Juve from their crisis.

Last five in Serie A: Juventus (L L L D D) Genoa (L D W D W)

Last season: Juventus 4-1 Genoa

Prepare for a classic relegation dogfight at the Stadio Armando Picchi as Livorno host Bologna. Both these sides have actually climbed out of the drop zone in recent times thanks to some surprisingly sprightly form, but the threat to their safety remains acute.

Livorno are one point above the relegation zone in 17th, whilst Bologna are only two points better off in 14th. Either team could easily find themselves in the drop zone again if they don’t get the right result from this crucial fixture.

Livorno have had a tumultuous time of it lately. Coach Serse Cosmi resigned after the Week 21 defeat to Napoli, despite completely rejuvenating a side that had looked out of their league and doomed before his appointment in October. The reason was belligerent President Aldo Spinelli’s interference, but fortunately the problem was resolved and Cosmi returned to work.

The situation doesn’t seem to have had any adverse affect on the Labronici’s performances. Since Cosmi’s second coming they have held giants Milan and Juventus to draws in consecutive weeks. With the Serie A table as congested as it is however they have to start winning games, especially against direct rivals such as Bologna.

Bologna are in by far their best form of the season – unbeaten in the last five fixtures. The key to their renaissance has been their strikers. After a slow start Marco Di Vaio has began to replicate last season’s heroics in front of goal, and unheralded youngster Henry Gimenez has added the dynamism and imagination that was sorely lacking from the Felsinei’s attacking efforts. The Rossoblu have won only once on their travels all season, although that was a very impressive 2-1 win over Fiorentina in January.

These clubs met in Week 5 at Bologna’s Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, ending in a 2-0 win for the home side with goals from Daniele Portanova and Di Vaio.

Livorno will be without captain and talisman Cristiano Lucarelli, who is suspended, whereas his strike partner Francesco Tavano and defender Leonardo Miglionico are injured.

Bologna’s lengthy injury list contains Massimo Mutarelli, Emiliano Viviano, Nicola Mingazzini, Marcelo Zalayeta and Andrea Pisanu.

Keep an eye on: Henry Gimenez (Bologna) – The young Uruguayan has made quite a name for himself of late with a spectacular scissor kick against Fiorentina and both goals in the 2-1 win over Bari. If that form continues he could be the difference between relegation and safety for Bologna.

Last five in Serie A: Livorno (W L L D D) Bologna (W D W D D)

Last season: Not played

Napoli will be looking to bounce back against the Italian champions after suffering their first League defeat under Walter Mazzarri last week.

The Partenopei were an incredible 16 games unbeaten in Serie A until a number of fishy circumstances conspired against them in Udine.

Napoli lost 3-1 to Udinese, but the refereeing was a shambles, so much so that fans will wear masks of Pierluigi Collina in protest on Sunday.

The defeat was particularly bruising as Napoli had the chance to break a team and individual record while up north.

Mazzarri was just one game away from equaling a club record for most consecutive useful results on the road.

Morgan De Sanctis, the Napoli goalkeeper, was also just three minutes from breaking Dino Zoff’s record for not conceding a goal.

However, there is still a lot for the Partenopei to be positive about going into this fixture. Napoli are unbeaten at the San Paolo this season and have only let in seven goals in front of their home fans.

Ezequiel Lavezzi is also back after over a month out, giving Mazzarri another option going forward. The 24-year-old has scored twice in his last two games against Inter, giving Jose Mourinho something extra to think about.

The Special One insists he wasn’t concerned by the Nerazzurri’s inability to beat 10-man Parma on Wednesday, but Julio Cesar later revealed that the team was a little upset.

Inter extended their lead at the top of Serie A and remain unbeaten in 12 matches. Interestingly, the Nerazzurri have conceded fewer goals on their travels than at home this season.

Keep an eye on: Wesley Sneijder (Inter) – Inter are yet to lose when the Dutchman starts, making him perhaps the most important player on the team. His sheer command of the game should cause Napoli’s defence plenty of problems.

Last five in Serie A: Napoli (W D W D L) Inter (W D W W D)

Last season: Napoli 1-0 Inter

Parma will want to build on the momentum gathered against Inter in midweek and pile yet more misery on beleaguered Lazio.

The Gialloblu were unlucky to get just a point off the Italian champions after Valeri Bojinov gave them a lead early in the second half.

Mario Balotelli soon equalised for Inter, but Francesco Valiani’s sending off prevented the home side from pushing on for a winner.

Nevertheless, the resolve Parma showed in the final stages certainly demonstrated that they have the backbone to get out of their recent crisis.

Francesco Guidolin’s side haven’t won since December, but things look as if they are turning around as the season approaches the final straight.

Lazio will be hoping the same can be said for them after Claudio Lotito decided to shake things up in the capital after a run of five games without a win.

Davide Ballardini got the sack on Wednesday and was replaced by former Napoli Coach Edy Reja who had been in Croatia managing Hajduk Split.

Lotito has given Reja carte blanche, meaning he can pick Cristian Ledesma, the Argentine midfielder, who was allegedly never available to Ballardini.

Reja also looks set to revert to the 3-5-2 formation that served him so well in his four years with Napoli, sealing two promotions and qualification for the UEFA Cup.

Keep an eye on: Sergio Floccari (Lazio) – If there’s one man capable of firing Lazio out of the bottom three, it’s definitely January signing Sergio Floccari. The 28-year-old has scored three in his first four appearances for the Biancocelesti this season.

Last five in Serie A: Parma (L D L L D) Lazio (L L D D L)

Last season: Not played