Serie A, Week 28 preview and fixtures: Can Catania rekindle the title race?

Before that important European qualification meet at the Olimpico, there's more than a few games to keep you occupied, including that nasty game for Juventus as Catania hit Turin, and a ding-dong relegation six-pointer in Sicily. Here's a full run-down of round 28:

Friday, March 8

8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET

Genoa v AC Milan

The long Serie A weekend kicks off at the Luigi Ferraris in Genoa, as Davide Ballardini's side look to extend their five point buffer above the relegation zone after the new coach suffered his first defeat in charge against Roma last weekend. Milan might have half an eye on a little meeting with Barcelona in mid-week, but having not lost a league game since before Christmas, storming into third place in the process, they should take victory.

Saturday, March 9

8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET

Udinese v AS Roma

Both of these teams have ambitions of European qualification, though they've both struggled for consistency. Udinese have only won thrice in their last seven while Roma have won three on the bounce under their stand-in coach Aurelio Andreazzoli. An interim boss who might actually keep his job, who'd have thought it?!

Sunday, March 10

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

Atalanta v Pescara (12:30 p.m. local, 6 a.m. ET)

By the standards they set last season, Atalanta have disappointed this campaign. But, pretty safe in mid-table, they'll be expecting to beat a Pescara side who will be led by youth coach Cristian Bucchi for the first time, after he was confirmed as Cristiano Bergodi's replacement. The delfini are five points adrift and are drinking at the last chance saloon. A win is required.

Juventus v Catania

After taking a point from their meeting with Napoli at the San Paolo last Friday, Juventus are pretty nailed on for the title. Catania could cause them some problems as they continue their European charge, though with them having the traditional Sicilian homesickness this season, Walter Mazzarri may just be clutching at straws.

Chievo Verona v Napoli

Speaking of Mazzarri, his team travel to the notorious Marc'Antonio Bentegodi to face a Chievo team which have been typically dour this season, having lost only three times at home. But, with Chievo winless since January, the Neapolitans really ought to pick up the win they need to delay Juventus' trophy presentation as long as possible.

Cagliari v Sampdoria

Do we really have to do this match? 10th travel to 14th, with the only point of interest being Samp's mini revival under Delio Rossi. They've lost only once this year.

Palermo v Siena

Rub your hands together with glee, it's a messy relegation scrap at the Renzo Barbera as Palermo look to win their first game since November, and Gian Piero Gasperini his first match since being reinstated by Maurizio Zamparini. Both sides are currently five points a drift, and it's quite literally a must-win for both sides.

Parma v Torino

Another one which won't be topping the viewing figures, these two sides are level on points in the table, and are pretty much safe. Parma will be looking to end their winless run of eight games.

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

Andrea Stramaccioni spared his blushes and possibly saved his job by coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Catania in the last round, keeping them within a point with rivals Milan and that final Champions League spot. Bologna won their last two and are more or less secure. You'll probably want to watch the other game...

Lazio v Fiorentina (8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET)

At the same time Lazio host Fiorentina in a fifth vs sixth Europa League clash. Both teams have the potential to play brilliant football, but both have amazingly patchy form of late, meaning we could see a big scoreline. Or a 0-0. But hopefully a big scoreline.