Chievo Vs Cagliari
After a two week festive break the Serie A returns with three games on Sunday and the remaining seven played throughout Monday. As expected Chievo were hammered on their travels to Torino and remain just a point above the drop zone. Cagliari will be pleased with their progress so far this season and even though they sit in mid-table, they are just a handful of points above the bottom three hence have no room for complacency. Score draw expected.
Prediction 1-1
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Fiorentina Vs Livorno
Montella has got his side playing superb football since the summer and deservedly sit in 4th place. The same cannot be said for Livorno who have been struggling all season and require urgent reinforcements to their squad unless they are to make a swift return to Serie B come May. Comfortable home win predicted here.
Prediction 2-0
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Juventus Vs Roma
The reigning champions currently sit five points above the visitors in the standings and I will be backing them to make it eight by the end of the evening. Even though Conte’s side were embarrassingly dumped out of the Champions League a few weeks ago they remain on course to retain their domestic crown. Even though Roma got off to a flying start this season they have stuttered slightly however remain in second place. Despite the likely return of Totti to their ranks, I reckon the Old Lady will have too much for the team from the Capital.
Prediction 3-1
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Napoli Vs Sampdoria
Despite a number of superb acquisitions over the summer transfer window and experienced tactician Benitez taking over the reigns, Napoli have been dumped out of the Champions League and are 10 point behind the league leaders – not the season club owner De Laurentiis would have expected. After a poor start Sampdoria have improved vastly under the guidance of new coach Mihajlovic and have already added nine points to their name in the first five games under his tenure. This is a must win for the Southerners, hence I am backing a home win.
Prediction 2-0
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Catania Vs Bologna
Both these sides have been extremely poor so far this season and both will hope that the Christmas break has given them enough time to re-group and start afresh in order to avoid the drop. Catania’s form have been the most shocking of these two sides considering they finished 7th last season and now languish at the very bottom of the pack. Score draw expected.
Prediction 1-1
Genoa Vs Sassuolo
Genoa have had a much better start to their season when compared to previous years and their summer reinforcements have proven extremely fruitful to date. Following a poor start Sassuolo have finally found their feet in top flight Italian football and are only a few points from safety hence will look to keep the momentum going to secure safety. Despite Sassuolo having a decent away record I reckon Genoa will prove too much for them.
Prediction 2-1
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Milan Vs Atalanta
Milan’s fortunes so far this season have been extremely mixed to say the least, since although they managed to squeeze into the last 16 of the Champions League their domestic campaign has been disastrous as they sit in 13th place. Their last fixture ended in defeat to arch rivals Inter to give their fans a miserable early Christmas present. Atalanta have also had a poor season and are 4 points above the relegation but just 1 below Milan. I can only see a Milan victory here.
Prediction 2-1
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Parma Vs Torino
Parma will be pleased with their overall performance so far this season, even though they have been inconsistent at times, while Torino have been doing considerably better and deservedly sit in 7th place. Curci has stolen the show this term for his side and will look to keep his superb form going in order to secure a place in next summer’s World Cup. Exciting draw expected.
Prediction 2-2
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Udinese Vs Verona
Udinese have had a stuttering start to their season as Guidolin once again pulls out all the stops to re-organise his side following all the wholesale changes made during the summer as Le Zebrette always seem to do. Verona will be delighted following their return to the Serie A after a number of years in the lower divisions and can thank their superb home form for their comfortable 6th position. Home win expected.
Prediction 2-1
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Lazio Vs Inter
Lazio have done fairly well considering their limited squad and congested fixture list, however coach Petkovic was sacked on Saturday and replaced by former boss Reja who will look as this fixture as a great chance of getting his side back into shape. Inter have also had mixed fortunes so far this term with Mazzarri doing the best he can with the resources available. Without their defensive stalwart, Campagnaro, I reckon Inter will most likely concede a number of goals and that’s why I predict a draw.
Prediction 2-2
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