This might be one of the most boring Serie A rounds we've seen in awhile. Not only is there no real marquee game (sorry Emilia-Romagna, your Meat Derby doesn't count), but the table is starting to look rather set. Unless you're a huge fan of the fight for Europa League, there's just not much to cheer for...
Saturday, April 12
Sassuolo vs. Cagliari
6 p.m. local, 12 noon ET at Città del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia
Three points from safety, Sassuolo look like they're heading right back down to Serie B - but the neroverdi might take advantage of the "instability" that is sure to appear now that Cagliari have sacked their head coach and replaced him with a new head coach that was already the joint-head-coach of the club. Seriously, what sort of crazy owner sacks coaches after a loss to Roma? Have fun with him, Leeds.
AS Roma vs. Atalanta
8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Twelve points safe in second, eight points off first, six straight wins...yawn. After Atalanta's six-game winning streak came to an end last week - against Sassuolo of all sides - this looks like an inevitable three points for Roma. Let's see how they impress next season with midweek football, shall we?
Sunday, April 13
Bologna vs. Parma
12:30 p.m. local, 6:30 a.m. ET at the Stadio Renato Della`Ara, Bologna
Mmm, tasty, cured meats. Bologna managed to score two goals from open play last week and draw with Inter, while Parma remembered how to win after three straight losses. Considering both sides have something to play for - safety and Europe, respectively - this just might be a good game. Or, considering both sides, it just might be dreadfully dull.
Hellas Verona vs. Fiorentina
3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET at the Bentegodi, Verona
Too far from fifth. Too far from third. Too far from caring.
Livorno vs. Chievo Verona
3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET at the Armando Picchi, Livorno
Relegation six-pointer! Both sides have won just once in six games, and both wins came against the same opponent - Bologna. If Livorno could somehow pull this off, they'd be in safety. Plus, Serie A just might lose either Chievo or Bologna, so everyone should be cheering on the hosts.
Napoli vs. Lazio
3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET at the San Paolo, Naples
You would think that a game featuring a side fighting to maintain a Champions League place against a team struggling to get into Europe would be an exciting one. Don't even go into this game with such an illusion. Most likely outcome? A drab 1-0.
Sampdoria vs. Inter Milan
3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET at the Marassi, Genoa
Inter are in a slump once more, having drawn their last three matches and failed to win in over a month. Since Sampdoria have now reached the 40-point mark, about the most exciting aspect of this match involves speculating as to who will take over from Walter Mazzarri next season.
Torino vs. Genoa
3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET at the Stadio Olimpico, Turin
Safety. Comfort. No chance at Europe. Reason to watch? Finding supporting arguments for your assertion that Ciro Immobile, not Mattia Destro, should go to Brazil.
AC Milan vs. Catania
8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET at the San Siro
Catania are seven points from safety and almost certainly readying themselves for Serie B, yet still they felt the need to give Rolando Maran the sack - again. Sure, one point in eight games is rather dire, but perhaps it's not the coach, eh? Clarence Seedorf, meanwhile, now looks rather safe in his position, with three straight rossoneri wins putting them back into European contention - or so Seedorf believes.
Monday, April 14
Udinese vs. Juventus
8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET at the Stadio Friuli, Udin
bianconeri vs bianconeri. Drama! Confusion! Certain Juventus win! Be sure you remember to tune back in on Monday for this must-see match.