16.-17.10. 2010. Scottish Premier League Preview

Aberdeen v Hearts

• Hearts haven't beaten any other side more times than Aberdeen in the SPL (22).
• Darren Mackie has scored in four of his last six games against Hearts in all competitions.
• None of the last four league games between these sides has seen a home win.
• The last seven league clashes between the sides at Pittodrie have produced only eight goals.
• No player has assisted more goals in the SPL this season than Suso Santana.
• Hearts have won three of their last four away games.
• The Dons have lost four of their last five league games at Pittodrie.

Hibernian v Kilmarnock

• Hibs have won four of their last five matches at home to Kilmarnock in the SPL.
• Hibernian won both matches at home to Killie last season 1-0 thanks to a goal in the final 15 minutes.
• The Hibees have not won any of their last seven matches at home in the SPL, their longest such run since February 2002.
• Killie have lost only one of their last four league games on the road.
• Conor Sammon has scored in each of his last three league appearances.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle v St Johnstone

• This will be the first meeting between these two sides in the Scottish top flight.
• Caley Thistle have won four of their last five games against the Saints in all competitions.
• Inverness have not won three consecutive league matches since December 2007.
• Only Celtic (7) have scored more goals from set pieces this season than Inverness (5).
• However no side has conceded fewer goals from dead ball routines than the Saints (1).

Rangers v Motherwell

• Three of the four league meetings between the sides last season ended in a draw.
• Rangers dropped more points against Motherwell last season than any other side in the SPL.
• Kyle Lafferty has scored a brace in both of his appearances at Ibrox against Motherwell.
• Rangers have lost just two of their last 55 league games at Ibrox.
• The Steelmen have won three straight matches on the road in the SPL. They have never won four on the bounce.
• No side has conceded fewer goals in open play this season than Motherwell (2).

St Mirren v Hamilton

• The Saints have failed to score in their last six meetings with Hamilton.
• The eight meetings between the sides in the SPL have produced just eight goals.
• St Mirren have only scored more than once in one of their last 15 league matches.
• Should they score in this match, the Accies will have found the net in six consecutive SPL matches for the first time in their history.
• Five of Hamilton's six goals this season have come in the first half.

Dundee Utd v Celtic

• Celtic have lost just two of their 42 SPL meetings with Dundee United, though both of these came at Tanndice.
• It is 13 years and 23 matches in all competitions since the Bhoys last failed to score at Tanadice.
• Neither Rangers nor Celtic have conceded a league goal after the 60th minute this season.
• Celtic have won all 15 league matches under Neil Lennon.
• The Bhoys have shipped just two goals in their six away matches with Neil Lennon as manager in the SPL.
• The Tangerines have hit four goals in the opening 15 minutes of SPL matches this season (the most), while Celtic have conceded two of their three in this period.

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16.-17. 10. 2010. Spain - Primera Division preview

Athletic Bilbao v Real Zaragoza

• Athletic have won only one of their last six league meetings with Real Zaragoza, losing two and sharing the points three times.
• Athletic are unbeaten at home in their last seven games with Zaragoza.
• However, the last three meetings between these two sides at the San Mames were draws.
• Zaragoza have scored only one goal in their last six visits to Athletic's ground in La Liga.
• The Basque side have won only one of their last five league games, losing the last two against Barcelona and Valencia.
• Real Zaragoza are winless in their last eight fixtures - four draws and as many defeats.
• Away from home, Zaragoza have picked up only one point from their last three league fixtures, failing to score in the process.

Atletico Madrid v Getafe

• Atletico Madrid have picked up only one point from their last three meetings with Getafe in La Liga, as result of a 1-1 draw in February 2009, before losing twice last season.
• The balance at the Vicente Calderon between these two sides is perfectly even: two wins for each and two draws, with the guests having the better in the last meeting last May.
• Atletico have scored one goal in each of their last four league games, enough for a win and a draw.
• At home, the Colchoneros have alternated wins and defeats over their last five league games.
• Getafe have won their last two games without conceding a single goal - the last time they won three in a row and kept three clean sheets in the process was between October and November 2007.
• Atletico currently have the best goals to shots ratio in this competition (19.2%).

Barcelona v Valencia

• Barcelona have drawn with Valencia 38 times in the top-flight, more than against any other opponent.
• Barcelona are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Valencia in La Liga: four wins for the Blaugrana and two draws.
• Valencia have failed to score in five of these fixtures, netting two at the Mestalla in April 2009.
• The Blaugrana are on a run of three consecutive wins at home against Valencia, in which they have scored an average of 4.3 goals per game.
• Barca have picked up only four points from their last three fixtures at home, scoring only two goals in the process.
• The last time they had as many points after the first six match-days was in 2008-09 and in 2003-04 (when they won their last domestic title).
• Valencia have not drawn in their last 10 league games away from home (six defetas and four wins).
• Five of Valencia's 11 goals this season have been scored in the first 15 minutes of play.

Deportivo La Coruña v Osasuna

• Deportivo have not scored more than a single goal in any of their last eight meetings with Osasuna in the league.
• Osasuna have failed to score in four of their last five meetings with Deportivo.
• Deportivo are still winless in this campaign, and are on a run of three consecutive defeats.
• At home, the Galicians have won only one of their last nine games.
• Osasuna have lost their last 11 games away from home in La Liga, failing to score on eight occasions.
• Deportivo are yet to score a goal in the first half this season in La Liga.

Hercules v Villarreal

• These two sides have met 13 times so far in all competitions: Hercules lead by nine wins to one, with three draws.
• However, this will be their first meeting in La Liga; the last time they met was in the Copa del Rey in September 2002, and the team from Alicante won 2-1.
• Hercules have a record of two defeats and a win at home in the top-flight - the win against Sevilla was their first on their home soil in La Liga.
• After losing against Real Sociedad in the opening game of this campaign, Villarreal have notched up five consecutive wins, including the two away at Levante and Malaga.
• Last season they had only three points after the first six match-days of La Liga, while two seasons ago the Yellow Submarine were joint-top on 16 points from the opening six fixtures.
• Villarreal have been the most prolific side before half time so far in this campaign (10 goals scored).
• Brazilian striker, Nilmar is currently La Liga's top-scorer with five goals.

Levante v Real Sociedad

• This will be the fifth meeting between these two sides in La Liga: Levante lead by two wins to one, although Real Sociedad won their last meeeting, in March 2007.
• Levante have won only one of their last 13 games in the top-flight, and have drawn their last two with Real Madrid and Osasuna.
• Levante have not scored more than a single goal over their last six league fixtures.
• Levante have picked up only two points from their last five La Liga games at home.
• Last Saturday's win against Espanyol ended a run of three consecutive defeats for Real Sociedad in La Liga.
• Away from home, Real Sociedad have picked up only one point in three fixtures this season (2-2 against Almeria).

Malaga v Real Madrid

• Last May's 1-1 draw at La Rosaleda ended a run of 11 consecutive wins for Real Madrid against Malaga in La Liga.
• However, Malaga's last win at home against the Merengues was in September 1983 (6-2); since then, Real have won six times, with as many draws.
• Malaga have managed only two wins in their last 17 league games, both away from home.
• Real Madrid are on a run of 13 consecutive unbeaten games - 10 wins and three draws; one of these draws was against Malaga last May (1-1).
• Away from home, the Merengues have conceded more than one goal in only one league game in 2010 (a 4-2 win against Getafe).
• However, they have been held to a draw in three of their last four league games on the road.
• Both sides share the best attack of this competitions (12 goals scored so far).
• Real Madrid are the only side yet to concede a goal in the first half in this competition.
• Malaga have won only two of the five games in which have taken the lead this season, losing eight points from leading situations.
• Real Madrid have a 100% record in the four games in which they have been ahead.

Mallorca v Espanyol

• Mallorca are unbeaten agains Espanyol over the past two seasons (two wins and as many draws).
• At home, Mallorca are unbeaten in their last 10 meetings with the Catalans (eight wins and two draws).
• The Balearic side have not conceded a goal in four of their last five league games at home.
• Overall, Mallorca have kept four consecutive clean sheets at home in La Liga; the last time they managed a run of five consecutive clean sheets in the top-flight was between September and October 1989.
• Espanyol have alternated away defeats and home wins over their last nine games in La Liga; their last draw came last April in the derby with Barcelona.
• Four of the nine goals conceded by Espanyol this season have come in the last 15 minutes of play - a league-high.

Racing Santander v Almeria

• There is perfect balance between Racing and Almeria in La Liga: both sides have won twice, with as many draws.
• However, Almeria are unbeaten against Racing in the past two seasons, having beaten them twice at Sardinero, two draws complete the record.
• Racing have picked up only one point from the last three match-days of this competition, winning only once this season.
• A 2-0 win at the Riazor against Deportivo in their last away fixture ended a run of eight winless games for Almeria on the road.
• Racing are yet to score a goal in the first half this season in La Liga, and have conceded the most in the first 15 minutes of play (four).
• Overall, Racing have conceded eight goals in this campaign, seven of which were shipped before half-time.

Sporting Gijon v Sevilla

• Sporting Gijon have won against Sevilla 25 times so far, more than against any other side in La Liga.
• Sevilla have won four of their last five league meetings with Sporting Gijon.
• However, the Andalucians never scored more than one goal in their last six visits to Sporting at the Molinon.
• Sporting have won only one of their last 16 league games (vs Mallorca in September); eight defeats and seven draws complete the record.
• Sevilla have not shared the points away from home in their last 23 league games (12 wins and 11 defeats, including against Hercules in their last game on the road).
• Sevilla have gained six points from trailing situations this season, winning two of the three games in which they have been behind in so far.

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16.-17.10. 2010. Italy - Serie A preview

Bari v Lazio

• Bari had the better of Lazio in both fixtures last season by 2-0.
• Prior to that, the Biancocelesti had won three times in a row against Bari in the league.
• Last October's win was the first for Bari against Lazio at home after a run of 14 consecutive games without a victory (eight draws and six defeats).
• Bari have managed only one win from their last five Serie A fixtures.
• However, at home Ventura's side have won four of their last five games, drawing the other and conceding only one goal in the process.
• Away from home, Lazio have won five of their last six league games between this season and last.
• Six of the eight goals scored by Lazio in this campaign have come in the second half; the Biancocelesti are yet to score a goal in the first 30 minutes of play this season.

Brescia v Udinese

• Udinese have won three of their last four Serie A meetings with Brescia, with the Rondinelle having the better in the other.
• Brescia have picked up only one point from the last three occasions when they have hosted Udinese in the top-flight (1-1 in November 2002).
• Brescia have not shared the points in their last 10 Serie A games; this season, the Rondinelle have won three, with as many defeats.
• At home, Iachini's side have won five of their last six fixtures in the top-flight, beating Palermo and Roma in the 2010-11 campaign.
• Away from home, Udinese have picked up only two points from their last five games in the league between this season and last.
• Udinese have managed only one win in their last 23 games on the road in Serie A (2-0 at Livorno in April 2010).
• Six of Brescia's seven goals this season have been scored during the first half.
• Udinese have lost each of the four games in which they have been down so far this term.

Cagliari v Inter

• Cagliari have managed only one win in their last 20 Serie A meetings with Inter (2-1 at home in May 2009).
• The Sardinian side have already drawn four times 0-0 this season.
• Cagliari have won only one of their last eight home fixtures, sharing the points in four of the last five.
• Inter have failed to score in their last two league fixtures; the last time the Nerazzurri did not score for three consecutive times in Serie A was in the 1998/99 season.
• Inter boast the best defence of this competition - only three goals conceded so far.
• Cagliari have conceded three goals from corner situations this season - a league-high.

Catania v Napoli

• Catania have failed to scored in nine of their last 12 league meetings with Napoli.
• However, the Sicilians are unbeaten at home against Napoli in the top-flight, as a result of five wins and four draws.
• The Partenopei have scored only two goals in total in their nine previous visits to Catania in Serie A.
• Catania are still unbeaten at home in 2010 (nine wins and five draws); their last defeat at the Massimino came in December 2009 (0-1 vs Livorno).
• Napoli have picked up seven of their 11 points this season away from home, as a result of wins against Cesena and Sampdoria and a draw in Florence.
• Napoli boast the joint-best attack of the Serie A 2010-11 (12 goals alongside Juventus).
• Napoli have already lost seven points from leading situations, as many as they have gained from trailing in this campaign.

Cesena v Parma

• Parma have won both previous meetings with Cesena in the top-flight, without conceding a goal, back in 1990/91.
• After picking up seven points from the first three match-days of this campaign, Cesena have lost the ensuing three scoring only one goal in the process.
• Parma also started well, beating Brescia 2-0, but have picked up only two points from the ensuing five fixtures, failing to score in the last two.
• Cesena have conceded seven goals over the first six match-days of this campaign - six of these goals have come after the break, and four in the last 15 minutes of play.
• Cesena are the only Serie A side yet to score from a set-piece this season.
• Parma have conceded five of their seven goals from the penalty spot.

Juventus v Lecce

• The 2-2 draw between these two sides in May 2009 ended a run of five consecutive wins for Juventus against Lecce in the league.
• Lecce have beaten Juventus in Turin only once in 13 previous Serie A meetings; nine wins for the hosts and three draws complete the record.
• Del Neri's side have conceded an average of 2.75 goals in their last four games at home.
• Lecce are unbeaten in their last three league fixtures (draws against Parma and Palermo and a win over Catania).
• Away from home though, Lecce have collected only two points from their last 11 league games.
• Juventus boast the joint-best attack of Serie A (12 goals, alongside Napoli).

AC Milan v Chievo

• AC Milan have won their last seven consecutive games against Chievo in Serie A.
• The Rossoneri are unbeaten against Chievo at the San Siro, in light of six wins (including those in the last two meetings) and two draws.
• After scoring four goals in their opening game against Lecce, the Rossoneri have netted only four more in total over the ensuing five league games.
• AC Milan are still unbeaten at home in 2010 (nine wins and five draws).
• AC Milan have conceded only one goal in their last five games at home.
• Chievo have failed to score in three of their last four match-days of this campaign.
• Chievo have won three of their last four on the road, scoring two or more goals in each fixture.
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic has netted five goals in seven games in all competitions for the Rossoneri, and is waiting for his fourth goal against Chievo in Serie A.

Palermo v Bologna

• Bologna have won only one of their last seven meeting with Palermo in Serie A, three wins for the Rosanero and as many draws complete the record.
• Palermo are unbeaten in their last 17 meetings at home against Bologna; Bologna's last win at Palermo was back in 1934.
• Bologna have never scored more than a goal per game at Palermo in 20 previous Serie A games.
• Palermo havefailed to win in their last four games at home (three draws and one defeat); the Rosanero's last win at the Barbera was last season (3-1 against AC Milan).
• Bologna have won only one of their last nine games in Serie A - seven draws and a defeat complete the record.
• Away from home, Bologna have drawn five of their last six league games.
• Di Vaio has scored four goals in the last four match-days of this campaign; Bologna's captain has already netted three in total against Palermo in Serie A.

Roma v Genoa

• The last five meetings between Roma and Genoa have been won by the home side.
• Roma are unbeaten at home against Genoa since January 1990; since then, the Giallorossi have managed six wins and two draws against the Grifoni at the Olimpico, and have had the better in the last four.
• Since three points have been awarded for the win (1994-95), this is the worst start to a Serie A season for Roma, still on five points after the first six match-days of this campaign.
• Genoa have scored only two goals in their last five away games in Serie A, enough for a draw and a win.
• Genoa have conceded only 20 corners this season - a league-low.
• Genoa have attempted 12 headed shots on target so far, more than any other Serie A side this season.
• Roma have conceded 11 goals in this competition - the worst defence so far this season.

Sampdoria v Fiorentina

• Sampdoria's 2-0 win last February ended a run of three consecutive wins for Fiorentina against the Doriani in the league.
• Sampdoria are on a run of three consecutive draws, and have shared the points in four of the last five match-days of Serie A.
• The Blucerchiati have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five games at home in the league.
• Fiorentina have managed only one win from their last 13 league fixtures between this and last season - five draws and seven defeats complete the record.
• The Viola have picked up only two points from their last seven games on the road, scoring only one goal over the last four.
• Fiorentina have conceded the most goals in the first half so far (six).
• Sampdoria have already lost seven points from leading situations, a joint-high in Serie A.
• Sampdoria have been caught off-side only seven times so far this season, a league-low.

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16.-17. 10. 2010. France - Ligue 1 preview

Auxerre v Bordeaux

• Auxerre won both league encounters against Bordeaux last term.
• This match will be Jean Fernandez's 500th league appearance as a manager.
• The last six Ligue 1 matches hosted at L'Abbe Deschamps stadium have all produced a draw.
• Bordeaux have won just one of their last 12 away games in the top flight.
• Bordeaux have kept a clean sheet in their last three league games, their longest run so far this calendar year.
• 50% of the goals netted by Bordeaux this season in Ligue 1 have come after the 85th minute.
• Wendel has scored three goals in his last three trips to Auxerre in Ligue 1.

Brest v Arles-Avignon

• Brest have won their last three league matches, currently the longest run in Ligue 1.
• Arles-Avignon have lost all of their matches this season in Ligue 1.
• Brest have kept a clean sheet in their last five league matches, currently the longest shutout in Ligue 1.
• Brest have conceded the joint-fewest goals (four), while Arles-Avignon have shipped the most (20).
• The two encounters between both sides last season produced nine goals in total.
• Games involving Brest have produced a league-low 11 goals this term.
• Referee Tony Chapron has shown a total of three red cards in the two Ligue 1 games he has been in charge of this season.
• Alex Dupont has lost just one of his 22 home games as a Ligue 1 manager.

Caen v Monaco

• Caen are unbeaten in their last five competitive encounters against Monaco (two wins and three draws).
• Monaco have opened the scoring in their last three league meetings against Caen but have failed to win these matches (two draws and one defeat).
• Caen have failed to score in their last two home matches in the league.
• Monaco have failed to win their last 13 away games in the top flight, currently the longest winless run on the road.
• Monaco have received the most yellow cards this term (23).
• Youssef El Arabi has scored or assisted 75% of Caen's goals this term.

Marseille v Nancy

• Marseille have won 12 of their 15 home games in the league this calendar year.
• Nancy are one of three teams who are still unbeaten away from home this season in Ligue 1, they have scored the joint-most goals on the road (six).
• Marseille are the only side that have scored in every match day this term.
• Nancy are one of two teams who have yet to keep a clean sheet this season in Ligue 1.
• Marseille have won their last three league encounters against Nancy.
• 90% of the goals conceded by Marseille this term have come in the second half of games.
• Julien Feret has scored or assisted 56% of Nancy's goals this term in Ligue 1.
• Nancy have found the net in their last four trips to Marseille in the league.

Montpellier v Sochaux

• Sochaux have scored a league-high 16 goals this term, already 57% of their total last season (28).
• Montpellier won both of their games against Sochaux last season in the league, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
• Sochaux are one of two Ligue 1 teams that have lost all of their away games so far this season.
• Sochaux have won just one of their last 17 away matches in the league.
• Olivier Giroud has scored three goals in his last two Ligue 1 matches, including two from the penalty spot.
• Games involving Sochaux have seen the most goals so far this season (25).

Nice v St Etienne

• Nice are unbeaten in their last seven Ligue 1 matches against St Etienne, winning five and drawing two.
• However St Etienne have won two League Cup games against Nice recently, scoring six goals in the process.
• Nice have won just one of their last six home games in the league (four defeats and one draw).
• St Etienne have won their last two away games in the top flight, the last time they won three in a row was in 1979/80.
• Gonzalo Bergessio has netted three goals in three competitive appearances against Nice.
• St Etienne are unbeaten in their last seven league fixtures, their longest run since May 2008.
• A league-high 15 different Nice players have been booked this season.

Toulouse v Paris SG

• Toulouse have failed to win their last four league games, losing two and drawing two.
• PSG won 2-0 at Lens on their previous away game in the league, their first victory on the road this calendar year in the French championship.
• Toulouse have won four of their last six league meetings against PSG.
• Paris have lost in their last two trips to Toulouse in the league.
• PSG have kept a clean sheet in their last 586 minutes of competitive football.
• Apoula Edel is the only Ligue 1 goalkeeper who has yet to concede a goal this season.
• PSG have drawn 0-0 more times this season in Ligue 1 (three) than during the whole of last season (two).
• Nene has found the net in his last three away appearances in all competitions.

Lens v Rennes

• Lens have failed to win their last six Ligue 1 games, only Arles-Avignon are currently on a worse run.
• Rennes are unbeaten in their last nine competitive matches against Lens, winning five and drawing four.
• Lens have lost their four Ligue 1 games against sides currently ranked in the top half of the table this term.
• Rennes have won three of their four away matches this season in Ligue 1, drawing the other.
• Victor Montano scored in his last two trips to the Felix-Bollaert stadium in the league; his three goals this season have all come on the road.
• Lens have conceded a joint league-high 10 goals at home this term, they are one of four sides who have yet to register a home win.
• A total of three red cards were shown in the two league meetings between Lens and Rennes last season.

Lorient v Valenciennes

• Valenciennes have failed to win their last 10 away games in the top flight, four defeats and six draws.
• Lorient are unbeaten in their last three league encounters against Valenciennes, winning one and drawing two.
• Valenciennes have not kept a clean sheet in the league match day one this season.
• Valenciennes have failed to win their five games against teams from the bottom half of the table this season: four draws and one defeat.
• Lynel Kitambala has netted three goals in his four competitive appearances at the Moustoir stadium this season.

Lyon v Lille

• Lille are unbeaten in their last five competitive matches against Lyon, winning three and drawing two.
• Lyon have won just one of their four home games this season in Ligue 1 (1-0 v Brest).
• Lille are still unbeaten after eight match days, the last time they managed to remain undefeated in the opening eight games was in 2001/02.
• Five of the six Lille away games this season in all competitions have produced a draw.
• Lyon have never conceded more than one goal in a home match in Ligue 1 this calendar year.
• A league-high 91% of Lille's goals have come from strikers this season.
• Gervinho has netted four goals in his last three Ligue 1 starts.
• Jimmy Briand has either scored or assisted 71% of Lyon goals this season in the league.
• Pierre-Alain Frau has scored in his last two appearances against his former club Lyon.

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12-10-2010 20:50 Italy - Serbia

Sustaining The Momentum

Cesare Prandelli's start as Italy coach hasn't been exotically exciting but the former world champions have been more or less consistent and have shown improvement too since their disastrous 2010 World Cup finals.

Their 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland in Belfast on Friday evening saw the Azzurri top Group C with seven points from three matches. It wasn't a particularly impressive performance from Italy but for a side who are in transition, a draw away from home is a point gained rather than two points lost.

However, Prandelli should know that they must try to improvise on that performance and defeat Serbia in Genoa on Tuesday evening. The Eagles lost to Estonia at home on Friday and the former Fiorentina manager has warned his Italy players that wounded Serbia will be looking to bounce back, saying, "That result makes this game all the more difficult because they cannot make a mistake tomorrow. 

"I would have preferred to have avoided a hurt Serbia. But the fact that they have lost against Estonia is a sign that we must be prepared for surprises in this qualifying round because our group is very even.''

Trying To Fly Again

Serbia suffered arguably the worst defeat of Matchday Three in the Euro 2012 qualifiers on Friday as they went down 3-1 to Estonia in Belgrade. That defeat has dragged the Whites to fourth in the table with four points from three matches.

Vladimir Petrovic's side will be desperate for a much improved performance against Italy on Tuesday and more importantly will be keen for a win, which isn't very likely. However, the 55-year-old has demanded that his players step up their game and show their class and calibre.

"This was a real surprise for us and for our supporters,'' he said. "I believe we can improve in Italy provided we limit mistakes. I'm optimistic."



TEAM NEWS

Italy
Daniele De Rossi has already been ruled out of the match after he injured his thigh in a training session. Daniele Gastaldello could be given the nod in the starting line-up.

Serbia
Petrovic could be tempted to make changes to his line-up after Serbia's defeat to Estonia last week. Centre-back Nemanja Vidic is suspended and he is likely to be replaced by Neven Subotic in the line-up.

Prediction

Serbia do have the potential to make it tough for Italy and are also the Azzurri's bogey team. Even though they lost to Estonia in Belgrade on Friday, the Eagles have a formidable squad. Italy have been progressing steadily under coach Cesare Prandelli but may just have to settle for a draw.

Italy 1-1 Serbia

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