Serie A, week 22 preview and fixtures: 10 reasons to pay attention

RDespite what looked to be a plethora of good matchups last weekend -- Fiorentina v Napoli and Roma v Inter are just two examples -- Serie A just wasn't that exciting last round. Sure, Juventus dismantled Udinese, but the most interesting match was the surprising draw between Palermo and Lazio.

With that in mind, we turn to Week 22. Nothing looks particularly compelling. No derbies. No meetings between sides in the top six. The best we've got are relegation six pointers, being played out between Sampdoria - Pescara and Cagliari - Palermo. Still, there are always reasons to watch Serie A.

Saturday, January 26

Lazio v Chievo Verona (6 p.m. local, 12 noon ET)

Reason to watch: to determine if Vladimir Petkovic really is that good, or if he's just got lucky with Miroslav Klose staying healthy for much of the season. (Hint: if Lazio drop points again this weekend, he's probably not really that good)

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

Reason to watch: to see how Ciro Immobile performs against the side who gave him his start in Serie A. The last time these clubs met, Immobile scored the only goal for Genoa in a 3-1 loss.

Sunday, January 27

all matches at 3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET unless otherwise noted

Bologna v AS Roma (12:30 p.m. local, 6:30 a.m. ET)

Reason to watch: The reverse fixture saw Alberto Gilardino score in the 90th minute to complete a 3-2 Bologna comeback. Thus began Maarten Stekelenburg's descent into madness.

Atalanta v AC Milan

Reason to watch: Stephan El Shaarawy is bound to score again this season. This may be the week.

Cagliari v Palermo

Reason to watch: Gian Piero Gasperini has managed to hang on since September. What magic trick will he pull this week to save himself from the unemployment line?

Catania v Fiorentina

Reason to watch: the perfect mask worn by Vincenzo Montella, formerly in charge of Catania, is finally starting to slip. But will his fashion sense follow?

Parma v Napoli

Reason to watch: Edinson Cavani

Sampdoria v Pescara

Reason to watch: in anticipation of your bet on who Delio Rossi will punch next paying off.

Udinese v Siena

Reason to watch: the zebrette either score a bunch or concede a bunch. Either way, goals!

Inter Milan v Torino (8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET)

Reason to watch: maybe Andrea Stramaccioni will give Marko Livaja another start.