Joint leaders face varying tasks

By Paolo Menicucci

The last round of Serie A matches postponed due to the death of Pope John Paul II will be played this weekend, with Italy's three UEFA Champions League representatives all in action on Saturday to ensure maximum recovery time for next week's quarter-final second legs.

Win imperative
Having been the star performers on the European stage, AC Milan will hope to build on their 2-0 defeat of FC Internazionale Milano at home to second-bottom Brescia Calcio. Maximum points are imperative as the Rossoneri look to fend off the challenge of Juventus FC, who visit ACF Fiorentina the same day. Third-placed Inter travel to Bologna FC.

Shevchenko back
Fit-again Andriy Shevchenko played 90 minutes on Tuesday, scoring the second goal, and should line up with Jon Dahl Tomasson in attack with Kaká suspended, as Milan chase a ninth straight league win. With Milan and Juve locked on 66 points, goalkeeper Dida warned against complacency: "We cannot afford to drop points in the Scudetto race so we must only think about Inter after the Brescia match."

Full voice
Fiorentina are just two points above the relegation places but the Viola faithful will be in full voice for a game they regard as the most important in the Serie A calendar. Coach Dino Zoff and five Fiorentina players turned out for the Turin side and are relishing the fixture. Juve's Fabio Capello could rest tired legs ahead of Wednesday's visit of Liverpool FC following the 2-1 Anfield reverse, meaning a likely start in midfield for Alessio Tacchinardi and Gianluca Pessotto.

Sicilian derby
The fight for third spot is equally intriguing with Inter two points ahead of Udinese Calcio (away at AS Roma), three clear of UC Sampdoria (away to Cagliari Calcio) and six above US Città di Palermo who entertain FC Messina Peloro in Sunday's Sicilian derby. Roma and Cagliari must win to retain any hope of Champions League qualification.

Hope for Atalanta
On the back of 13 points from seven matches, Atalanta BC welcome AC Chievo Verona in the knowledge that a victory could lift them off the foot of the table for the first time since September. Relegation-threatened Parma FC and AC Siena are also chasing points at Reggina Calcio and US Lecce respectively, while S.S. Lazio meet AS Livorno Calcio.