Carpi vs Udinese
Carpi will be pleased with a hard earned point in Rome as they held a toothless Lazio at bay, however remain 5 points from safety. Udinese get their year off to a good start with a good home win over a tough Atalanta side to join them on 24 points in the standings. I reckon Carpi can hold out again.
Prediction 1-1
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fiorentina vs Lazio
La Viola’s impressive run continued as they comfortably beat Palermo in a tough Renzo Barbera stadium while Lazio were held at the Olimpico by lowly Carpi, in what was a frustrating day for Pioli’s men. I predict an important win for Paolo Sousa’s side as they chase down league leaders Inter.
Prediction 2-0
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Roma vs Milan
After taking an early two goal lead Roma were once again sloppy as they allowed a stubborn Chievo side back into the game and eventually scored an 86th minute equaliser thanks to winger Pepe. Milan are having an equally poor season as they missed a handful of chances and suffered the consequences when Giaccherini breached the Rossoneri defence to score a late goal to add further pressure on Mihajlovic’s shoulders. Must win for the home side.
Prediction 2-1
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Inter vs Sassuolo
Mancini’s side have now won 1-0 nine times, proving that his side know how to grind out results as they did exceptionally well to beat a tough Empoli side on their travels to climb back to the top of the Serie A table. Sassuolo were held at home by a well organised Frosinone side as they dropped two important points which they can perhaps blame on the festive hangover.
Prediction 1-0
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Atalanta vs Genoa
Atalanta were beaten on their travels to Udine however remained 9th in the standings. Genoa did too little too late as they went 0-3 down to derby rivals Sampdoria only to find the net twice late on to the frustration of the home crowd. Coach Gasperini is under a lot of pressure to turn things around, however I predict a defeat for his side in Atalanta
Prediction 2-1
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bologna vs Chievo
Bologna pulled off the surprise result of the new year as they beat a wasteful Milan team at the San Siro to climb 7 points clear of the relegation zone. Chievo showed great determination to peg Roma back twice and snatch a vital point as they look to secure another season of top flight football as early as possible. I reckon this will be a close affair and both sides will be happy to settle for a point.
Prediction 1-1
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Frosinone vs Napoli
Once again newcomers Frosinone put in a gritty display to hold an in form Sassuolo side at bay at the Mapei Stadium to edge closer towards safety. Napoli started 2016 with a positive home win over a determined Torino side in what was an exciting game at the San Paolo on Wednesday night. Frosinone’s team spirit make them a tough nut to crack and I reckon they will put Sarri’s side all the way.
Prediction 1-2
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Verona vs Palermo
Verona continued were they left off last year at the bottom of the table after they were swept aside by a dominant Juventus in Turin. Mandorlini’s men have yet to win a game this season and their first win can come against this inconsistent Palermo side who are fresh from a home defeat to Fiorentina. This is a must win for the Verona however I predict a draw.
Prediction 1-1
Torino vs Empoli
Torino seem to be missing that little something special which saw them climb steadily up the table late on last season and finish in an admirable 9th place. Despite a determined performance Il Toro were comfortably beaten in Naples leaving them among the bottom half of the table. Empoli will wonder how they failed to take at least a point on Wednesday afternoon as they dominated possession for long spells and also created a number of fine goal scoring chances only to be held by Inter’s stubborn defense. Close game expected.
Prediction 1-1
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sampdoria vs Juventus
Sunday night seems the reigning champions travel to nearby Sampdoria who are fresh from an important win over derby rivals Genoa, in what was a thrilling encounter, with Soriano and Eder both grabbing a goal. Juventus sent a clear message to all rivals about their intentions for 2016 with a thumping 3-0 win over lowly Verona as Allegri looks to win his second Scudetto as Juve boss. Montella’s side won’t be easy to break down, however I reckon the Old Lady have enough to grind out a result.
Prediction 1-3
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
