Champion’s league hopefuls Juventus and Roma will be looking to pick up after a disappointing round last week, which saw the bianconeri fall to a shock defeat versus struggling Lecce and Claudio Ranieri sacked. Elsewhere possibly Serie A’s two most exciting teams will go head to head, whilst there’s only the small matter of the top two teams squaring off at the San Siro…

Saturday 26th February (2045 CET)

Juventus (7) v Bologna (12)

Bologna continue to defy the odds and find themselves comfortably mid-table despite on-going administerial difficulties. A mixed week saw them shock Palermo, before being beaten by Roma means they’ll be hoping to continue Juventus’ indifferent form. For Gigi Del Neri, anything but a win, will really be a catastrophic result as they look to get over that shock loss v Lecce last week and stay within touching distance of the 4^th champions league spot.

Sunday 27^th February (1230 CET)

Catania (17) v Genoa (10)

In Sunday’s early match Genoa will certainly start as favourites and continue their winning streak. Victories against Sampdoria and last weekend versus Roma have catapulted the team into the top half of the table. The pressure will really be on Catania who can’t afford to lose any points at home to put some breathing space between themselves and the bottom three.

Sunday 27^th February (1500 CET)

Cesena (19) v Chievo Verona (13)

As we begin to near the crucial end of the season, every home game becomes twice as important. Cesena will be looking for revenge after losing in the last minute to the Flying Donkeys earlier in the season, whereas the away side need to break a winless streak that’s stretched back to their magnificent victory against Napoli in early Feb.

Bari (20) v Fiorentina (11)

Sinisa Mihajlovic will see this as the perfect opportunity to build up some momentum and confidence to even stage a late late European assault with the likes of Montolivo and Mutu back. As for Bari, the southerners have only taken four points this calendar year, scoring a paltry three goals and losing 8 out of the last 9 games.

Cagliari (9) v Lazio Roma (4)

This week Lazio rubbished reports that they are quietly breaking away in the race for the final Champion’s League spot, yet the capital club have been incredibly efficient and kept four clean sheets in their last five games. Cagliari are a formidable opposition for any away team though, who put four past Chievo at home a couple of weeks ago. This match could perhaps be the Match-day’s upset unless Lazio come with their scoring boots.

Brescia (17) v Lecce (15)

Two teams that have been struggling this season, that are finally starting to show signs of stepping up to the plate. Brescia were the first team to muzzle Udinese since November, whilst Lecce scored an incredible victory against Juventus and move up the table. This is an incredibly important tie for all the relegation teams that Brescia must get something out of, if they are to stand a chance of staying up.

AS Roma (6) v Parma (15)

Vincenzo Montella’s debut game as Roma manager produced a 1-0 victory away from home. More than that though, the clean sheet they managed was very impressive. In his first match at home though, L’aeroplanino will need to build on this and prove why he’s not merely a stopgap coach. Parma are in wretched form of late, and will look to former Laziale Hernan Crespo to spoil the party.

Palermo (8) v Udinese (5)

Many might be looking ahead to Monday night’s epic clash between the top two sides, but this match might prove to be the game of the round. Attacking, exciting and in form are some of the words that can be used to describe both these teams, who will also want to return to winning ways. With only 9 draws all season between them, expect a cracking clash with plenty of drama and highlights.

Sunday 27^th February (2045 CET)

Sampdoria (14) v Internazionale (3)

All eyes will be on Giampaolo Pazzini who makes his return to the Marassi. Inter have been in great form of late and scythed down the deficit between themselves and Milan at the top of the table under Leonardo. The last gasp defeat midweek in Europe to Bayern will certainly have been a blow though, but with both Napoli and Milan playing a day later, the motivation will be there to jump into second place, only two points off a miraculous come back! Sampdoria meanwhile have been steadily sliding down the table since losing both Cassano and Pazzini. Can they produce a shock?

Monday 28^th February (2045 CET)

AC Milan (1) v Napoli (2)

Without doubt the showcase match of the round. First entertains second in arguably the most unlikely of top of the table clashes at the start of the season. Alexandre Pato’s inspiring goal and timely return to form could prove to be key in a match full of match winners. Napoli though haven’t come away from the San Siro with all three points for 25 years, since Diego Maradona was playing. They’ll be hoping their new legend-in-waiting Cavani can put an end to that…