Azerbaijan, Coppa Italia and are Inter duds?
FIFA have banned Azerbaijan from international competition and it looks probable that the results they have had so far In Italy's group, Group 9, will be annulled. There are positives and negatives in this: Wales will now be only two points clear of Italy but Serbia-Montenegro (Yugoslavia to most of us) will be rid of their disappointing draw with them. Wales will feel especially hard done by, having won twice against them, they lose six points from their total. Italy will lose three points The Welsh will know though that their fate will be decided when they go to Italy, the Azerbaijan issue will then be forgotten and the overall impact is likely to be minimal.
Last night (Tuesday) Milan beat Perugia in the Coppa Italia. The 2-1 success, thanks to goals by Tomasson and Nesta wasn't without controversy. Gaucci, not noted for his diplomatic restraint was furious that his team were denied a penalty. He really should learn to accept that not all decisions can go your way. His team were unlucky though, they pulled a goal back and then hit the bar in the fourth minute of injury time. The rossoneri will now meet the winners of the Roma-Lazio semi-final.
Speaking of which, all religious celebrations in the capital will be forgotten this evening as the giallorossi try to defend a 2-1 advantage from the first leg. This is technically their home game and their recent impressive record against Lazio should see them through. Indeed, on a rain-soaked pitch in Oporto. the biancocelesti handed the UEFA Cup to Porto and followed that up with a disappointing 0-0 draw with Modena. Mancini has had a great season but it looks like the wheels are coming off. They are still secure in fourth place in A though, thanks to Roma beating Parma 2-1 in the Olimpico last Saturday.
Roma have problems though. Cafu and Delvecchio (Marco always seems to score against Lazio) are out and Dacourt and Panucci are doubtful as are Lima and Antonioli. The Cup may be Roma's only way to qualify for Europe next season and Capello has labelled this match as the most important of the season. Interviewed in La Gazzetta dello Sport, Delvecchio said that he agreed with his boss, this game could save a disappointing season for the club. He also expects great resistance form Lazio and reassures Roma fans that they will not sit on their one goal advantage. The last game, which ended 1-1 thanks to a late equaliser by Cassano, will be repeated this evening I think. Can't see Roma losing this.
As for Lazio, Mancini has tried to divert attention from the club's often discussed financial woes by stressing the need to talk about their football. It's not much better though, they have to score at least twice tonight ( away goals count) and this against a backdrop of failing to win in three derby games this season. It doesn't look good for them, a season which promised much is unravelling at the seams.
Looking at the league action, we saw on Eurosport last weekend why Juve will win the scudetto and not Inter. Away to Bologna, Juve were 2-0 down with 2 minutes (plus 5 minutes injury time) remaining but managed to salvage a point. Inter, the home team in the derby, lost 1-0 and never looked like scoring. Cordoba was sent off, the defence is a mess, they have no midfield and Vieri looks like a lost soul. It is to his credit that he has managed to score 24 goals this season, he must look around and wonder what is going on. Getting rid of Recoba would be a start, what a waste of a jersey.
Both Milan clubs lie six points adrift of Juve and even if Roma take anything from the Delle Alpi this weekend, I think Juve have done enough to win the league. Neither are helped by the news that Fabio Cannavaro and Andrea Pirlo will both miss a month at least, possibly ending their seasons. In truth, I think Milan are the better team but in the end you can't argue with the league table. As mentioned at the start of the season, Parma, with a young team, have done well. A UEFA spot is the least they deserve for their endeavours. At the foot of the table, Torino, Como and Piacenza look doomed. One of Atalanta, Reggina, Empoli or Modena will join them.
Next week sees a return of Champions' League action. I'd expect Milan to progress, Juve will surprise Barcelona but Inter are out. Doubt they could beat the Buffs on current form. Finally, good luck to Napoli in Lecce on Saturday.
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