Livorno Vs Udinese
As predicted, Livorno stood little chance on their travels to the Capital last weekend, where they succumbed to two first half Klose goals. Udinese were beaten on their home soil by an organised Torino side, despite a number of improved performances. Just a handful of points divide these two sides residing in the bottom half of the Serie A standings, hence I predict a score draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Cagliari Vs Napoli
Cagliari fought hard and held on for a well deserved point to climb six points above the bottom three. They will be cautiously optimistic about their survival chances before the Christmas break, however must remain focused as a red hot Napoli side visit Sardinia after a thumping victory over Inter. Rafa will ensure his men do their utmost to end 2013 on a high. Away win expected here.
Prediction 1-2
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Bologna Vs Genoa
Bologna remained in the drop zone following a thrashing on their travels south to Florence. Genoa were moments away from another vital victory but were denied by a late De Luca strike. Considering both sides recent form and league position, I am tempted to back the visitors in a narrow away win.
Prediction 0-1
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Atalanta Vs Juventus
Atalanta will be delighted to have left high flying Genoa with a hard earned point following a late strike by De Luca. The Nerazzurri have not been bad this season and possibly deserve a better place in the standings. La Juve bounced back well following their shock exit from the Champions League as they aim to secure the Serie A crown as early as possible. Atalanta will be a tough nut to crack for Conte’s side, however I reckon they have enough to leave with all three points.
Prediction 0-2
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Verona Vs Lazio
Verona will be pleased to have left Sicily with a point on Saturday evening to collect just their fifth point on the road. The Tuscan side have been extremely poor on their travels but formidable at home and boast the second best record in the Serie A. Lazio have been far from their best this season, with coach Petkovic struggling to find the right balance in his side. Their comfortable home win over Livorno will not be enough to ease the pressure off his side, who desperately need a positive result before the Christmas break.
Prediction 2-1
Roma Vs Catania
Roma were unable to close shop and secure their second victory at the San Siro this season as Milan fought back to claim a well earned draw in what was a exhilarating game on Monday night. Catania were involved in a bore draw on Saturday evening as they remain rooted to the bottom of the Serie A standings. Emphatic home win expected here to end 2013 on a high for the Romans.
Prediction 3-0
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Sampdoria Vs Parma
La Samp have been an re-invigorated following the arrival of new coach Mihajlovic and maintained their great start under his tenure with an impressive win on their travels to Chievo. They have now collected 11 points in five games and will welcome this inconsistent Parma side as a opportunity to end the year in mid-table. Parma were held to a bore draw by Cagliari and will fancy their chances as they make the short trip to the Luigi Ferraris.
Prediction 2-1
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Sassuolo Vs Fiorentina
As expected, Sassuolo were pummeled at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday evening as they felt the full force of a bruised Juventus side. Fiorentina put on a marvelous footballing display as Borja Valero and Giuseppe Rossi ran rampant and tore a weak Bologna side apart in Florence. This should be an exciting encounter as Sassuolo have finally found their feet in the Serie A and Montella will ensure his side do their utmost to end the year on a high.
Prediction 1-2
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Torino Vs Chievo
Torino put on an extremely disciplined display as they sat back and absorbed countless assaults before countering at lightning speed to hit two past a hapless Udinese side in their own back garden. Il Toro have had a very good campaign so far and deservedly sit in 7th place. Chievo’s recent positive run of form, which saw them climb out of the drop zone, came to an abrupt end when they were downed at home by La Samp. I expect another dominant display from Torino on Sunday afternoon.
Prediction 3-1
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Inter Vs Milan
The Serie A has one final fixture lined up before it takes it’s customary two week festive break and most pundits would not have wished for anything better, as the two giants from Milan battle it out for three vital points as well as bragging rights until they meet again in May. Neither side has been spectacular, however both will be doing their utmost to give their fans an early Christmas present. Expect goals, blood and sweat in what I predict will be an hard earned draw for both sides.
Prediction 2-2
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