Serie A 2012, Week 18 preview and fixtures: What to expect if the world doesn't end

It's the last round of matches before the winter break, and the FIGC has tried to make sure Serie A fans have some tasty treats to hold them through until calcio starts up again. That is, of course, assuming the world hasn't ended before the Friday matches kick off. Although Napoli supporters, at least, just might be hoping for the apocalypse.

Friday, December 21

Pescara v Catania (6 p.m. local, 12 noon ET)

This match will end 3-1. Guaranteed.

Cagliari v Juventus (8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET)

Did we not just see this match? We did. It finished 1-0 and I would like my money back. Thank goodness we get to see it again, less than two weeks later!

Saturday, December 22

all matches 3 p.m. local, 6 a.m. ET unless otherwise noted

Inter Milan v Genoa (12:30 p.m. local, 6:30 a.m. ET)

All eyes on Gigi Delneri and his packing cases. But surely Genoa wouldn't fire him for losing to one of the best sides in Italy -- not when they kept him on after loses to Pescara and Chievo. Still, Enrico Preziosi can cling to the slim threads of his sanity for only so long.

Atalanta v Udinese

There's really nothing witty to be said about two mid-table sides facing off.

Bologna v Parma

Cheese and ham jokes! Go nuts!

Palermo v Fiorentina

How can you resist watching pink and purple kits face off? It'll be more beautiful than a Sicilian sunset. That is, until Palermo start playing.

Sampdoria v Lazio

Lazio will struggle for 80 minutes before finally finding a late goal. They hope, anyway.

Siena v Napoli

A loss to the team currently sitting bottom in Serie A would really top off this week of hell for Napoli.

Torino v Chievo Verona

I tried to leave this match off the schedule to spare you all the temptation to watch. But if you really enjoy matches in which neither side tries to score, well, this one's for you.

AS Roma v AC Milan (8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET)

Lately, these two sides seem to be able to put in goals simply by flicking their eyebrows -- except when Roma played Chievo, natch. But this being calcio, that's likely to translate into a goalless draw when they come together.