Brave Parma go down fighting...

I had a weekend glut of games with three main pieces of televisual footballing entertainment. First up came Fiorentina on Saturday night. They edged past Torino courtesy of a couple of penalties. The first was given to Bobo Vieri to allow him to get his 200th Italian goal while the second went to Adrian Mutu who delivered his traditional "cucchiaio" - a cheeky chip down the middle of the goal as made famous by Francesco Totti. In between times a low Vince Grella strike had given Toro hope.

In truth, the Granata were a bit unlucky. Both penalties were a bit shady (the first more than the second). It is the second time in as many weeks that the Viola have been the beneficiaries of such dodgy decisions. They were lucky to beat Parma the week before after a delayed reaction Vieri tumble in the box. At least I am honest enough to admit it.

My second game was Udinese v Milan or, as you might call it, a return to earth over Pato. The Brazilian wonderkid had a much quieter time than he did on his debut. But it was ridiculous to expect any different. The Friuli boys are a very well-organised side and thoroughly deserve their league position. Milan are better with their new line up and a late, late Alberto Gilardino strike means a Champions League finish is still on the cards.

Finally, I suffered heartache with Parma. To say Mimmo Di Carlo's men were hard done by would be an understatement. They played with great organisation and no little attacking flair to lead Inter 2-1 with minutes to go. Then Fernando Couto leapt to clear on the goalline and brushed the ball with his arm. It was probably a penalty but it was hard to tell. Ibrahimovic converted and then he added insult to injury by scoring the winner. The post-match handshakes must have been hard to take for the Parmigiani.