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Today all matches of the 32nd round of the Italian championship will be played. Eurofootball.com presents a preview of the most interesting and crucial match, after which the league champions may be revealed. We will also look at the importance of other matches for the tournament table.
These matches will probably be the most important in Italy this season. League leaders "Milan" can secure the champions title with a victory. Their pursuers "Roma" practically have nothing to lose already, but today they need only a win. A draw in this match would mean that with just one point in the remaining two matches, "Milan" would become champions.
Form
The form of the leaders has caused some unrest among their fans in recent times. After draws with "Chievo" and "Modena," Milan's players were crushed 4-0 in the Champions League quarter-final return leg against "Deportivo." This was followed by tough victories against the bottom teams "Empoli" and "Siena," and last round's goalless draw with "Udinese." The latter match was one of the two in which "Milan" failed to score.
"Roma" has played attractive football this season, but they have lacked consistency. The loss to "Bologna" seemed to have shattered their title hopes, but then three consecutive victories followed by a draw in Roma's derby. Finally, the victory against "Empoli" allowed them to narrow the gap to the leaders to six points, thus keeping their theoretical chances alive.
Historical Statistics
"Roma" last celebrated a victory at the "San Siro" stadium 17 years ago, and that time they earned a 2-0 win, but it was overturned by the Disciplinary Commission due to glass thrown at goalkeeper Frank Tancredi. Roma's form at home is much better - their last victory was not long ago, almost exactly a year ago. The most common result in matches between these teams recently has been 2-1, which was how the last three games ended. The opponents who have scored the most goals are Andriy Shevchenko (7) and Francesco Totti (6). By the way, they are also the most prolific players of this "Serie A" season, having scored 21 and 20 goals respectively.
Pre-match Comments
Current "Milan" coach Ancelotti knows his opponent well, as he once won the league with "Milan" alongside coach Fabio Capello several years ago. Capello was the team's strategist at that time, while Ancelotti was still playing on the field. Now they meet as coaches, and Ancelotti admits that this will be one of the most important matches of his career:
"This match is as important to us as the Champions League final. "Roma" is the best opponent in this league, and they deserve to fight for the title, but we have already beaten them and will try to do so again. We are in good shape, and we can secure the title in front of our fans. I can't wait for the match to start. Psychologically, these matches are easier than the one against "Empoli," because we know they could be decisive. At the same time, we have the advantage of being able to fix everything later if something doesn't go well. Every match requires patience, but I think the last minutes will be decisive.
Individual players are always important, and anything can happen when there are so many technically and talented players on the field."
The "Milan" striker and attack leader, Ukrainian Andrei Shevchenko, also desires victory:
"I have never been so close to this title, and now it is within reach. It would be a great end after five years of waiting. I really want to score a memorable goal. However, the match will not be entirely decisive, as if we lose, we will have two more chances. This is not the final - there are three of them."
On the other side of the barricades, Fabio Capello has hope and would like to spoil the celebration for his former club:
"We will go to San Siro, and their fans will already be ready to celebrate. I would like to spoil this celebration. In any case, we have nothing to lose. Looking at the tournament table, "Milan" is in a better position. We can only win and hope for the title, but I don't think they will try to play for a draw. It is too risky, and a goal can come out of nowhere."
Defender Christian Panucci, playing for "Roma," fully believes in victory:
"We've been playing very well lately. It will be very difficult, but these are the matches we must win. I believe we will return home with three points. "Milan" has more pressure than us, and we have to take advantage of that."
Lineups
"Milan" will be without Filippo Inzaghi, and it is unclear if Kakhaber Kaladze will be able to play. Thus, the lone striker will likely be Shevchenko, with attacking midfielders Rui Costa and Kaka supporting him. Former "Roma" star Cafu will play on the right flank.
"Roma" has problems in the attacking department: Injured Montella and suspended Carew won't play. There are some doubts about Cassano due to injuries, but he may help the team. The starting lineup is expected to include young D'Agostino, with Delvecchio battling injuries on the bench, and Corvia, called up from the youth team. In defense, there will be a significant absence of the Romanian Chivu, and doubts remain if Zebina can recover from injury in time.
Predicted starting lineups:
"Milan" (4-3-2-1): Dida; Cafu, Nesta, Maldini, Costacurta; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf; Rui Costa, Kaka; Shevchenko.
"Roma" (4-4-2): Pelizzoli; Panucci, Zebina, Samuel, Lima; Mancini, Dacourt, Emerson, D'Agostino; Totti, Cassano.
Other matches for today:
"Chievo" coached by Luigi Del Neri practically has no goal for this season. They are safe from relegation and won't qualify for European competitions. "Modena" really needs a win today, as they are on the edge of relegation.
"Bologna" is already safe and settled in the middle of the table. For "Empoli," this is one of the last chances to avoid relegation, and a loss would condemn them to a lower league.
Both teams need to collect points but are on opposite sides of the table. "Lazio" is fighting for fourth place with "Inter" and "Parma," so they must win today to stay in the fight. "Reggina" has 30 points like "Modena" and will play additional matches for relegation, so even a draw would slightly improve their situation.
Sitting in fourth place, "Inter" will play away against giant-killers "Lecce." The latter surprisingly defeated "Juventus" 4-3 last round, so this match should not be underestimated. "Inter" is plagued by injuries, and coach Alberto Zaccheroni says they will learn from the mistakes made against "Juve."
Fighting for fourth place, "Parma" will have an easy task as they play at home against fallen "Ancona." If young Gilardino plays well, "Parma" can expect an easy three points.
"Perugia" is close to relegation, and a loss would likely seal their fate. "Juventus" is also not in good spirits - after losing to "Lecce", the whole team was sent to a training camp, and coach Marcelo Lippi said he would leave the club after the season.
The result of this match could determine which of the two teams will claim the spot allowing them to participate in the UEFA Cup next season. "Udinese" has a one-point advantage but must play away today. Last week, "Sampdoria" unexpectedly lost to "Modena," so today they will try to improve their situation with at least a draw.
The teams are separated by three points, and "Siena" will need a victory more urgently. Mariaus Stankevicius' "Brescia" might feel slightly more relaxed in this match, and a draw would probably be enough for them, but Italian football legend Roberto Baggio, bidding farewell to the national team on Wednesday, will likely want to win one of his last matches of his career.
