Sep 26, 2012: AC Milan vs Cagliari
Despite the fact that the season has only just started, the Rossoneri come into the fixture in a must-win situation because they have lost three of their first four Serie A games this season. In fact, Milan have yet to win in front of their home fans, after having been on the wrong end of shocking 1-0 defeats to Sampdoria and Atalanta at the San Siro. Furthermore, Massimiliano Allegri's men were held to a frustrating goalless draw against Anderlecht at the same venue in the Champions League. Rivals Cagliari have also struggled so far this season, but will be boosted by their 1-1 draw at Palermo in their latest league fixture (Cagliari were sanctioned with a default 0-3 defeat after home fans attended their weekend fixture against Roma).
Probable Starting Line-ups:
Milan - Abbiati, Abate, Bonera, Mexes, Mesbah, Nocerino, De Jong, Montolivo, Emanuelson, Pazzini, El Shaarawy
Cagliari - Agazzi, Perico, Rossettini, Astori, Pisano, Ekdal, Conti, Nainggolan, Thiago Ribeiro, Pinilla, Ibarbo
Prediction: Milan 2-1 Cagliari
Sep 26, 2012: AS Roma vs Sampdoria
As was the case last season, Roma continue to be rather inconsistent this term, as after inflicting a superb 3-1 defeat upon Inter at the San Siro, they fell to a 3-2 defeat to Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico in their following fixture. Regardless, the Romans have reinforced their squad with plenty of quality this season and could well fight at the top of the table. They may experience some problems against highfying Sampdoria, but should rack up the three points. While Roma count with a strong attack, their defence leaves a lot to be desired. They will have to correct this situation in order to match it with the big guns this season. As for newly-promoted Sampdoria, they really don't have much to lose in their visit to the Italian capital, but they will definitely fancy their chances of at least grabbing what would be a precious point.
Probable Starting Line-ups:
Roma - Stekelenburg, Piris, Burdisso, Castan, Balzaretti, Florenzi, Rossi, Pjanic, Lamela, Destro, Totti
Sampdoria - Romero, Berardi, Gastaldello, Rossini, Costa, Munari, Maresca, Obiang, Krsticic, Pozzi, Estigarribia
Prediction: Roma 2-2 Sampdoria
Sep 26, 2012: Chievo vs Inter Milan
When Inter's board decided to promote former Primavera coach Andrea Stramaccioni to the hot seat many questions were asked, and while lots of positives have come from his appointment, Inter are definitely playing well below their potential. The Nerazzuri come into Wednesday's fixture with extremely low morale, after their embarrasing 2-0 loss to lowly Siena at the San Siro on Sunday. However, Inter are a completely different side on the road, with a perfect four-out-of-four record in all competitions this season. Stramaccioni is likely to field a relatively similar side to the one that lost to Siena, but the game will call for the return of aging captain Javier Zanetti. Rivals Chievo have shown few strong points so far this season, and unfortunately for them are unlikely to match Inter's firepower.
Probable Starting Line-ups:
Chievo - Sorrentino, Frey, Dainelli, Cesar, Jokic, Vacek, L. Rigoni, Hetemaj, Thereau, M. Rigoni, Pellissier
Inter - Handanovic, Ranocchia, Juan, Zanetti, Pereira, Guarin, Gargano, Nagatomo, Sneijder, Milito, Cassano
Prediction: Chievo 1-2 Inter
