19 Apr 2009
Today sees another edition of Venezuelan professional football’s top flight, capital city derby clash when Deportivo Italia, managed by Eduardo Saragó, take on Noel Sanvicente’s Caracas FC in the 13th round of the Clausura tournament with a 4pm kick off scheduled.

Caracas will be raring to go after making the Copa Libertadores last 16 thanks to a 1-0 midweek triumph over Everton of Viña del Mar, Chile at the Olympic Stadium here.

Before that, in a 12th round Clausura date, the nine times Venezuelan champions dumped Minerven 3-1 at home with goals coming from José Manuel Rey, Deivis Barone and Emilio Rentería.

Italia, the home side in today’s battle, are also coming off an excellent 2-1 win after taking three points in their visit to Zulia FC thanks to a brace from Cristian Cásseres.

On this occasion, the Blues must bag all three points if they are to have any chance of fighting for top honours in the Clausura. Anything less and they can be virtually discarded.

For Caracas, the match is just as important. The Avila Reds lead the table by a point from Táchira who take on Aragua FC at home and three points clear of chasing Estudiantes (away to El Vigía today) and Zamora (home derby game against Llaneros). Victory for the Reds, therefore, is paramount.

Last Time Out …

Last time Italia and Caracas met was back in the Apertura tournament when the Blues ran out 2-0 winners thanks to strikes from Javi Campos and Cristian Cásseres.

Overall, however, the Avila Reds have the advantage over the combined Dvo. Italia and Italchacao sides with 29 wins, 20 draws and 24 defeats in 73 games played over the years. In total, the Reds have scored 112 goals and conceded 92.

So the invitation is for 4pm this Sunday, April 19 at the Olympic Stadium for the most important derby clash in the Venezuelan capital.