Chievo Vs Napoli
Chievo will be pleased with the outcome of Gamesweek One following the away point gained at the tough Tardini stadium in Parma, however they face a harder test on their home soil when a Napoli side, brimming with confidence, visit on Saturday afternoon. Napoli wasted little time in tearing apart a decent Bologna side with Callejon scoring on his home debut and Hamsik bagging a double to quickly silence an doubters that this side isn’t as explosive as it was in previous seasons following the departure of Cavani this summer. Away win expected here.
Prediction 1-2
Juventus Vs Lazio
While not their most spectacular of victories, La Juve will be pleased that they left Sampdoria with all three points following a crucial goal by new signing Carlos Tevez. Grinding out results like these are what brought success to Conte’s side these past two seasons. Lazio put on a spirited display as they beat a tough Udinese side at the Olimpico and will be looking towards this fixture as a way of making good for their humiliating defeat to Juventus in the Italian Super Cup only two weeks ago. Despite this my money is on a home victory.
Prediction 3-1
Roma Vs Verona
Roma put on a confident display during their travels to Livorno last weekend despite the departure of two key squad members this summer, with a third, Erik Lamela, who departed to Spurs earlier this week. New coach Rudi Garcia has done well so far and will expect his men to win all three points this weekend when Verona visit the capital. The newcomers did exceptionally well in the opening match of the new Serie A campaign to humble the mighty Rossoneri thanks to two Luca Toni’s strikes. I predict a home win for the Giallorossi.
Prediction 2-1
Atalanta Vs Torino
Atalanta lost on their travels to Cagliari last weekend despite taking an early lead while Torino did well to comfortably beat new boys Sassuolo. This will be a close match between two sides keen to distance themselves from the bottom three as soon as possible and avoid a relegation scrap towards the end of the season.
Prediction 1-1
Bologna Vs Sampdoria
Bologna stood little chance last weekend as they were torn apart by a dominant Napoli side while Sampdoria put Juventus to the test and only succumbed to the slimmest of losses. I predict that this will be an exciting encounter with at least three goals between these two teams, however I reckon that the home side should have enough fire power to see off La Samp.
Prediction 2-1
Catania Vs Inter
Despite battling hard Catania left Florence empty handed but will not be disheartened following a positive performance against one of the leagues top teams. Inter were far from impressive as they struggled throughout most of the game to break down a stubborn Genoa side at the San Siro. Two late goals sealed the points for Mazzarri’s side. This will be a much bigger test for the new coach and I reckon they will be lucky to leave Sicily with a point.
Prediction 2-1
Genoa Vs Fiorentina
Genoa were pretty poor against an average Inter side last weekend, in a game which they created very few chances and relied more often than not on the excellent goalkeeping of 20 year old Perin. La Viola still require room for improvement, as their important home win against Catania showed on Monday night. They acquired several new reinforcements over the summer and Montella’s side still require more time to gel. This will be a close match which I predict will end in a draw.
Prediction 1-1
Milan Vs Cagliari
Milan will be relieved to have qualified for the group stages of the Champions League and will now need 100% focus in order to bounce back and get their domestic campaign on track following their loss to newcomers Verona last Saturday. Cagliari will be pleased with their home win over fellow strugglers Atalanta but will be lucky to leave Milan with anything.
Prediction 2-0
Sassuolo Vs Livorno
These two newly promoted clubs were given their expected drubbings by more experienced Serie A sides in Gamesweek One and have a long, difficult season ahead of them. They are also both considered to be the early relegation favorites and will look towards this fixture as a chance to get some points on the board. Last season, when these sides met in Serie B, each secured a home victory over the other but on this occasion I am going for a bore draw.
Prediction 0-0
Udinese Vs Parma
Udinese seem to be slow starters and have not won any of their competitive fixtures so far this season. Experienced tactician Guidolin will see this match as an ideal opportunity to grab their first win and will look to captain Di Natale to lead his men to victory. Parma were far from impressive as they were held at home in a bore draw against Chievo. Home win expected here.
Prediction 2-0
