Out of form Atalanta welcome Siena to Bergamo for a Week 24 encounter with plenty at stake. The Tuscan minnows’ point against Torino last time out has pushed them out of the relegation zone and they will be keen to build on that against a side who have managed to pick up just one win in their last nine matches.

For a while it had looked as though Luigi Del Neri was repeating his Chievo miracle with Atalanta, as he made an impressive start to life on the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia bench. However, their recent form is down there with the worst of them and they are slowly but surely creeping closer to the bottom half of the table. Nonetheless, they have lost only twice in front of their own fans this term, while Siena have picked up just two victories on their travels.

Given those statistics, Atalanta will be confident of getting their campaign back on track – and Del Neri will be delighted that he can do so with an almost full-strength side. Moris Carrozzieri and Costinha remain injured though, but there is likely to be just one change to the side which was hammered 3-0 by Lazio. Daniele Capelli is suspended after picking up one yellow card too many, so Manuel Belleri is tipped to start just his seventh game of the campaign.

Siena boss Mario Beretta has gradually turned things around for the Bianconeri since returning to the club in place of the sacked Andrea Mandorlini back in November – yet the job is only half done. He’ll be grateful to have one of his key players back for such a crucial game, as Simone Loria is likely to return to the starting XI after missing his first match of the campaign against Torino last weekend. The 31-year-old, formerly of Atalanta, is Siena’s joint second top scorer this term and is expected to replace Valerio Bertotto.

Manuel Coppola, who has made just one Serie A appearance for the club, is also likely to come into the team as January signing Houssine Kharja is banned. However, although Simone Vergassola has served his suspension, the experienced midfielder is currently injured and won’t be making the trip to Bergamo.

Meetings between the sides in the Italian top flight couldn’t be more even, with both outfits picking up a solitary victory amongst a glut of draws. The Orobici netted their win in the corresponding fixture last term, courtesy of goals from Luca Ariatti, Christian Vieri and Carrozzieri, but a 1-1 draw seems to be the most common scoreline for those of you thinking of having a flutter.

Keep an eye on: Massimo Maccarone (Siena) – The former Middlesbrough striker is the Bianconeri’s most likely source of goals and he will need to be on form if they are to pick up anything from this game.

Last season: Atalanta 3-1 Siena

Form guide: Atalanta (L D W D L) Siena (L W L W D)

Atalanta (probable): Coppola; Belleri, Rivalta, Pellegrino, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, De Ascentis, Tissone, Langella; Doni; Floccari

Siena (probable): Manninger; Rossettini, Loria, Portanova, De Ceglie; Jarolim, Codrea, Coppola; Locatelli; Maccarone, Frick
Прогноз Kappara : фора 1 (0) 1.45 , Аталанта больше 1.0 1.45 . А вообще договорная ничья самое то

Basement club Cagliari will be looking to make up some ground on the sides above them when they welcome Lazio to the Stadio Sant’Elia. The Sardinian minnows have only picked up three victories this term, but the Biancocelesti are far from strong on their travels with just one win to their name.

However, Delio Rossi’s boys should be full of confidence after a resounding victory over Atalanta last weekend which eased them further away from the drop zone. If they are to kick-on and challenge for a spot in Europe then this is the type of game that they must be winning so it comes as no surprise that Rossi is likely to stick with largely the same starting XI which netted three times without reply against the Orobici.

The only change is expected to be the return from suspension of Serbian ace Aleksandar Kolarov, who will replace new boy Stefan Radu. Tommaso Rocchi and Goran Pandev will continue their partnership at the expense of January arrival Rolando Bianchi, who has impressed as a substitute but not to the extent that he can split up the 17-goal duo.

The home side are also expected to make limited changes, despite falling to a disappointing 2-1 loss at Palermo last time out. Michele Ferri picked up an injury in that game so he sees his place go to Francesco Pisano, while Daniele Conti is suspended which gives Portuguese youngster Vitor Gomes the opportunity to make his first appearance for the Rossoblu. Coach Davide Ballardini will be relying heavily on Pasquale Foggia to produce the goods though, as the Azzurri international will be keen to make an impression against the club who own him.

Previous meetings between the sides in recent years had largely been pretty even before Lazio won the last two clashes, with four consecutive games finishing all-square. Rocchi was Cagliari’s tormentor earlier this season with a brace to help his side emerge with a 3-1 victory, while he also netted in the 2-0 success a year ago. However, prior to that Lazio hadn’t beaten the Isolani since 1999 in League action.

Keep an eye on: Pasquale Foggia (Cagliari) – The 24-year-old has a point to prove to Lazio after barely being given a chance with the Biancocelesti. A good performance will also boost his bid to make Italy’s Euro 2008 squad.

Last season: Cagliari 0-2 Lazio

Form guide: Cagliari (L W D D L) Lazio (D D W L W)

Cagliari (probable): Storari; Pisano, Lopez, Bianco, Agostini; Biondini, Vitor Gomes, Parola; Foggia, Jeda; Matri

Lazio (probable): Ballotta; Behrami, Siviglia, Cribari, Kolarov; Mudingayi, Ledesma, Manfredini; Mauri; Pandev, Rocchi

It will be a relegation battle between Empoli and Catania at the Stadio Castellani in Week 24. But while the Tuscans have been outstanding recently, the Sicilians are hoping to end their negative run of results.

In last week’s round, Empoli came away from Naples with an unexpected 3-1 win. The Azzurri are now out of the relegation zone and are looking to overtake Catania in the table. The Sicilians are in full crisis having lost four of the last five games. On Sunday afternoon they were beaten 2-1 by Fiorentina and showed little sign of improvement.

In last year’s first ever top-flight encounter between the two sides, Empoli managed to triumph 2-1 in a game masterminded by Sergio Almiron and Nicola Pozzi.

Empoli Coach Alberto Malesani is delighted with his team’s performances. Beating Napoli away was a great achievement for them, but it came at a high price. Striker Pozzi badly injured his cruciate ligament and is expected to be out for the rest of the season. Defender Felice Piccolo will also miss the tie due to suspension.

Malesani is considering a switch to a 4-4-1-1 formation. Goalkeeper Davide Bassi could, once again, be preferred to Daniele Balli. Veteran Francesco Pratali should cover in defence for Piccolo.

Antonio Buscè and Sebastian Giovinco will play wide on the flanks. Attacking midfielder Ighli Vannucchi will make his return after a ban, while Luca Saudati will be the lone striker.

It will be a special game for Rossoblu boss Silvio Baldini, who was once in charge at Empoli. The Coach is hoping his men will be able to turn things around this week, but it does seem like a tough task for the Etnei.

Cristian Silvestri is suspended so either Matias Silvestre or Christian Terlizzi should replace him. Full-backs Rocco Sabato and Gennaro Sardo are injured. The South American duo of Pablo Alvarez and Juan Vargas will then cover the left and right defensive spots.

In midfield Giacomo Tedesco is in competition for a place with Marco Biagianti. After missing last week’s game due to injury, Gionatha Spinesi will return at the centre of the visitors’ trident alongside Giuseppe Mascara and Jorge ‘Malaka’ Martinez.

Keep an eye on: Sebastian Giovinco (Empoli) – The 21-year-old midfielder has been unstoppable recently. The ‘Atomic Bug’ has netted three so far and is looking for more…

Last season: Empoli 2-1 Catania

Form guide: Empoli (L L L W W) Catania (L D L L L)

Empoli (probable): Bassi; Raggi, Pratali, Marzoratti, Antonini; Buscè, Marchisio, Budel, Giovinco; Vannucchi; Saudati

Catania (probable): Polito; Alvarez, Stovini, Terlizzi, Vargas; Baiocco, Edusei, Gia.Tedesco; Mascara, Spinesi, Martinez

Roma and Fiorentina have both stumbled in recent weeks but now seem to have recovered their footing. Neither side will want to let themselves or their fans down by losing more points on their rivals for a Champions League spot in this game.

The Giallorossi have all but surrendered the Scudetto to Inter since Christmas, mostly due the awful away record that has seen them fall 11 points behind the leaders. They have picked up just one win in their last five games on their travels, hardly the form of potential champions.

However, at the Stadio Olimpico they have kept the hope alive by winning every match except one, the 4-4 draw with Napoli four months ago, since losing to Inter way back in September. In fact, they haven’t even conceded a League goal in the capital since the first game of December. With the added confidence boost from their Champions League win over Real Madrid in midweek, the fans will be hoping they can maintain that great home record.

Brazilian defender Juan returns to the starting line-up after his injury with Matteo Ferrari expected to be the man to make way, while Daniele De Rossi should also play after shaking off his illness to feature against Real on Tuesday. That means second-choice goalkeeper Gianluca Curci is the only player on Coach Luciano Spalletti’s injury list, although they will be without the suspended Amantino Mancini. Ludovic Giuly should take his place after being handed a starting place in midweek.

Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli will be without Alessandro Potenza, Massimo Gobbi and Christian Vieri for this crucial encounter. Tomas Ujfalusi should come back into the team at right-back to replace Potenza. The core of the side is available, but there is still one further change expected by the Viola. Surprisingly young Serbian midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic, scorer of their first in last week’s win over Catania, could be replaced by Fabio Liverani, who returns from injury.

After four consecutive wins, including their fantastic 5-1 demolition of Cagliari, the Gigliati’s defeat to Milan and 2-2 draw at Atalanta saw them risk losing their place in the top four. However, things look like they could be back on track after their win over Catania, but they will need to take that form on their travels with them. They have managed to hold off the threat of the Rossoneri so far and will be desperate to maintain their three-point advantage in the race for Champions League qualification.

Keep an eye on: Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina) – The Romanian forward has been in sensational form recently and it will be interesting to see how he plays after the criticism he received for his showboating against Catania.

Last season: Roma 3-1 Fiorentina

Form guide: Roma (W W L W L) Fiorentina (W W L D W)

Roma (probable): Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Juan, Tonetto; De Rossi, Pizarro; Giuly, Perrotta, Taddei; Totti

Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Ujfalusi, Dainelli, Gamberini, Pasqual; Donadel, Liverani, Montolivo; Santana, Pazzini, Mutu

It has been a shaky season for both teams and the pressure is on. Milan need a victory to keep up with Fiorentina in fourth, while Palermo boss Francesco Guidolin remains on thin ice.

The Rossoneri looked set to complete a remarkable comeback by catching the Viola in the standings, but two straight draws against the less than unstoppable Livorno and Parma have left them three points adrift of that target. What’s worse, the Champions League resumes this week with the trip to Arsenal, so Carlo Ancelotti must balance his squad over the two commitments. Considering how badly they played in the first half against Parma without Andrea Pirlo, that is a worrying prospect.

The Sicilians actually have a pretty good record against Milan since returning to the top flight, earning a 3-3 draw in 2005 and coming away with a shock 2-0 victory last term. They also beat the Rossoneri with a last-gasp Fabrizio Miccoli free-kick earlier this season.

Alexandre Pato should be back in the side after his ankle injury, but Nelson Dida seems to be out for the count after bizarrely picking up a back injury on the Tardini bench. The goalkeeper tried to stand at half-time and seized up, eventually needing a stretcher to take him away. Zeljko Kalac dislocated a finger, but has recovered to pull on his gloves – albeit gingerly. We won’t see Ronaldo again this season, as surgery for a snapped left knee tendon rules him out for at least nine months.

Guidolin kept his job after a slender 2-1 win over bottom of the table Cagliari, but Palermo did not play at all well and have a long way to go before convincing furious President Maurizio Zamparini. At least he can welcome back Amauri, Miccoli and Roberto Guana from bans, so Edison Cavani should return to a wider role. Bosko Jankovic scored his first Serie A goal last week, but is on the bench.

Keep an eye on: Alberto Fontana (Palermo) – The 41-year-old Rosanero goalkeeper was predominantly responsible for their victory over Cagliari and will have his work cut out for him against Milan’s superstars.

Last season: Milan 0-2 Palermo

Form guide: Milan (W W W D D) Palermo (L L W L W)

Milan (probable): Kalac; Cafu, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Emerson, Ambrosini, Serginho; Kaka; Inzaghi

Palermo (probable): Fontana; Zaccardo, Biava, Barzagli, Balzaretti; Guana, Migliaccio, Caserta; Cavani, Miccoli; Amauri

Udinese are back on track in the battle for Champions League qualification and will look to stay on course as they entertain a Genoa outfit still smarting from a derby defeat.

After losses against Juventus and Napoli, three points at Reggina was a vital tonic for Udinese. The Zebrette began the season looking for survival, but were starting to dream of recreating 2004-05’s Champions League qualification before a costly fortnight. Pasquale Marino’s side have dropped to sixth and know that they will need to put together an impressive run to challenge a confident Fiorentina and resurgent Milan.

While Marino continues to insist that the main objective is securing their Serie A status, it would surely now be a failure should the Friulani fail to at least book a place in next year’s UEFA Cup. A win over Genoa would be a vital statement of intent for that aim and would help fend off an in-form Sampdoria for another week.

Daunting as the trip to Udine may be, the game can’t come soon enough for Gian Piero Gasperini’s Genoa. The Grifone will be desperate to erode memories of a tight derby defeat against Sampdoria and re-launch their bid for an unexpected UEFA Cup spot.

The Rossoblu are 10th and are still looking over their shoulders at the relegation dogfight, but the next fortnight presents very winnable games against Napoli and Cagliari and Gasperini will look to take seven points from the next three outings. To do so, he will first need to address Genoa’s reluctance to hit the net on their travels – ever the polite guests, they have scored just eight times on their travels all term.

Genoa seem to have Udinese’s number. The Rossoblu have triumphed in the two sides’ last three meetings and will have fond memories of their 3-2 win earlier in the season. They won that day courtesy of a Marco Borriello hat-trick, despite playing 40 minutes with 10 men after goalkeeper Rubinho was dismissed.

Udinese have a long injury list, so Marino will have to keep faith in his understudies. Simone Pepe, who scored against Reggina, is suspended so Antonio Floro Flores will probably be unleashed alongside Fabio Quagliarella and Antonio Di Natale. There is a midfield shortage as Raffaele De Martino, Giampiero Pinzi and Christian Obodo are sidelined and experienced defender Giandomenico Mesto is also out of action.

Gasperini will have to find a replacement for Brazilian midfielder Sacramento Danilo after his dismissal in last weekend’s derby – Omar Milanetto is the most likely candidate to fill in. Brazilian defender Wilson will have to wait longer for his debut, as he remains injured.

Keep an eye on: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese) – The tricky marksman is making an eloquent case for a place at Euro 2008 and made the difference against Reggina with a match-winning brace.

Last season: Not played

Form guide: Udinese (L D L L W) Genoa (W L W D L)

Udinese (probable): Handanovic; Zapata, Felipe, Lukovic; Ferronetti, D’Agostino, Inler, Dossena; Floro Flores, Quagliarella, Di Natale

Genoa (probable): Rubinho; Konko, De Rosa, Criscito; Rossi, Milanetto, Juric, Fabiano; Leon, Borriello, Sculli
Прогноз Kappara : тотал больше 2.0 1.65 , Победа 1 в 1 мяч

Serie A Week 24 - 24/2/08 (14.00 UK)
Sampdoria - Inter
Stadio Ferraris
Inter will be keen to prove that they are still top dogs in Serie A after their Champions League disappointment, but they will come up against a Sampdoria team in high spirits at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Last week’s 2-0 win over Livorno saw the Nerazzurri stretch their lead at the top of the table to 11 points, but despite their still-undefeated domestic season, their 2-0 loss to Liverpool in Europe on Tuesday could have knocked their confidence ahead of this potential banana skin. However, they haven’t conceded a single goal in their last five League matches and Coach Roberto Mancini will be doing his best to ensure his team keep focused. The combination of a troublesome injury list and their midweek exertions at Anfield means Mancio is expected to field the same depleted line-up as he did against Livorno. Inter have real problems at the back after Ivan Cordoba picked up a knee injury at Anfield, so he will join Walter Samuel in the stands. Midfielders Olivier Dacourt, Aparecido Cesar and Luis Jimenez are also out and Patrick Vieira is likely to be rested as he continues his return to full fitness, meaning Portuguese youngster Pele should get another chance to impress. In attack David Suazo and Hernan Crespo could give Julio Cruz and Zlatan Ibrahimovic a break as well. Samp captain Sergio Volpi’s return from injury has been halted by a suspension, so Coach Walter Mazzarri should stick with the same central midfield trio of Angelo Palombo, Gennaro Delvecchio and Daniele Franceschini that started last week’s Genoa derby. Vincenzo Montella and Paolo Sammarco’s continued absences mean the rest of the team is expected to be kept the same as well. Morale couldn’t be higher in the Blucerchiati camp following their triumph over city rivals Genoa in the Week 23 Derby della Lanterna. However, Mazzarri must be wondering whether facing a wounded Nerazzurri now is a blessing or a curse. Doria must be prepared for any backlash from their opponents, but will be keen to remind their fans that they haven’t conceded a goal at the Marassi in four matches if you count their ‘away’ fixture in the derby. During that time they have also defeated Napoli, Palermo and a tricky Siena side, setting them on course to secure a place in the UEFA Cup in the process. However, this could be a much tougher task if Inter come out fighting. Keep an eye on: David Suazo (Inter) – The Honduran hitman is making a strong claim for a regular starting place for the Nerazzurri, scoring three times in his last two appearances, and will want to remind Roberto Mancini what he can do ahead of the second leg of their Champions League fixture against Liverpool. Last season: Sampdoria 0-2 Inter Form guide: Sampdoria (D W L W W) Inter (W D W W W)
Sampdoria (probable): Castellazzi; Campagnaro, Sala, Accardi; Maggio, Palombo, Delvecchio, Franceschini, Pieri; Cassano, Bellucci Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Burdisso, Chivu, Maxwell; Zanetti, Pele, Cambiasso, Stankovic; Suazo, Crespo