Surprising intruder at Gasperini's press conference and Brazilian curse Roma tried to avoid

Cats - some of the most popular pets and an omen of misfortune if you ask the Brazilians.

Namely, in the press conference ahead of the Selecao's 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash against Croatia, a cat appeared. Their press chief, Vinicius Rodriguez, threw it (literally) off the desk it was lying on, and - given that the "incident" coincided with abysmal results of all Brazil teams (youth and senior) - for people in the largest South American country, that moment brought the Selecao a curse.

A cat - the root of all Brazil's troubles

A similar situation happened yesterday at Gian Piero Gasperini's press conference ahead of the Serie A derby clash between Roma and AC Milan. However, the Giallorossi seem to have learned from Brazil's mistakes.

While the strategist was responding to one of the questions, the sound of a meowing cat interrupted his talk. Yet, the uninvited guest caused the entire room to burst into laughter, and even the often-frowning manager was amused.

"Legendary! Maybe he should answer in my place?" Gasperini asked with a smile spreading across his face.

So, Roma might have avoided inheriting the Brazilians' curse, but it doesn't guarantee them a good result, especially since they face one of their rivals in the title race. The Rossoneri sit two spots and three points behind the Wolfess, and the eventual Milan's win at San Siro would diminish Roma's edge.

Giant between posts saves Napoli again, Vardy's goal fails to spoil Spalletti's debut at Juve

The Giallorossi are in better form, as they won four out of their last five Serie A matches. Apart from that, the victory would move them to the top, as they'd leapfrog Napoli. On the other hand, Massimiliano Allegri's men drew in their two previous games - against Pisa and Atalanta - but are unbeaten since August 23.

The eventual draw would work perfectly for Inter Milan - tied with their city rivals on the table - which face Hellas Verona on the road (14.30). Either way, no matter which team manages to take advantage of Napoli's goalless draw against Como yesterday, a tight race at the top of the Serie A standings will be as exciting as it gets.

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 10

Saturday

Udinese - Atalanta 1-0 (1-0)

/Zaniolo 40/

Napoli - Como 0-0

Cremonese - Juventus 1-2 (0-1)

/Vardy 83 - Kostic 2, Cambiaso 68/

Sunday

14.30: (7.75) Verona (4.50) Inter (1.42)

17.00: (1.65) Fiorentina (4.00) Lecce (5.75)

17.00: (1.97) Torino (3.35) Pisa (4.10)

20.00: (4.10) Parma (3.25) Bologna (2.10)

22.45: (2.10) Milan (3.45) Roma (3.70)

Monday

20.30: (2.40) Sassuolo (3.10) Genoa (3.20)

22.45: (1.60) Lazio (4.10) Cagliari (6.20)

***odds are subject to change***