Bologna Vs Udinese
Bologna will be relieved to have secured a vital point on their travels to Sampdoria on the weekend, just their sixth point on their travels to date. Udinese have been pretty dire this season as they continue to struggle and now sit just 3 points above the drop zone. Guidolin is having a much harder time this season as the wholesale changes made over the summer seem to have left an unpluggable hole in his side. Just two points separate these two sides and I’m going for a score draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Cagliari Vs Fiorentina
Cagliari were minutes away from a historic victory however were undone by a late Milan surge to lose 1-2 in front of their home crowd. Fiorentina were involved in a six goal thriller on Sunday evening when rivals Genoa made the short journey south, with Aquilani grabbing an impressive hat trick to ensure his side maintain their positive run of form. Tough call, however Fiorentina should have enough to beat this weak Cagliari side.
Prediction 1-2
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Milan Vs Torino
Milan showed real grit to come back from a goal down to beat Cagliari in the dieing minutes and put a massive smile on the face of new coach Clarence Seedorf. The Rossoneri desperately require a positive run of form if they are to stand any chance to finishing among the top three and Torino are just the side to test their mettle. Il Toro are flying high this season with Cerci proving to be a real gem as they saw off a tough Atalanta side to maintain their 8th place in the Serie A standings. Slim home win expected.
Prediction 2-1
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Genoa Vs Sampdoria
Genoa were involved in a spectacular display of football on Sunday night when they held out for a 3-3 draw on their travels to Florence. Sampdoria were also held at home by a determined Bologna side, via a 90th minute penalty to the obvious fury of the home crowd. This should be an extremely exciting contest between these local rivals and I am backing the home side to take this.
Prediction 2-1
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Atalanta Vs Napoli
Despite a resilient performance last weekend by Atalanta they still left Turin empty handed but will take courage from their recent form which sees them sit 7 points above the bottom three. Napoli were rendered impotent by lowly Chievo at the San Paolo and will be kicking themselves for not making the most of Juventus’s dropped points later on that evening. I predict the southerners will be in for another tough afternoon.
Prediction 1-1
Catania Vs Livorno
Catania will be pleased to have held a poor Inter side to a bore draw at the San Siro in a match which Catania didn’t even have one attempt at goal. Livorno secured just their fourth win of the season to leap frog the Sicilians in the standings as the Serie A’s two bottom sides face off in what is a crucial match that one side must win if they are to stand any chance of survival.
Prediction 1-1
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Chievo Vs Lazio
Chievo put on an extremely disciplined performance playing some fantastic catenaccio football to leave Naples with an important point and frustrate Benitez’s side no end. Reja’s second stint at Lazio has so far been positive with another hard earned draw on Saturday night against the reigning champions. Reja is one extremely determined tactician who will be encouraging his side to win this fixture, however I reckon Chievo have enough to hold out for a draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Roma Vs Parma
Roma edged closer to league leaders Juventus with a soild away win in Verona, who until last weekend had the second best home record in Italy. Coach Rudi Garcia has done a fantastic job so far this season in keeping his men in touch with La Juve and will take no chances when this tough Parma side visit the capital, fresh from an important win over Udinese at the Tardini Stadium, to climb to 7th in the standings. Expect an exciting encounter against two attacking minded sides.
Prediction 3-1
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Sassuolo Vs Verona
Despite a positive run of form just before the Christmas break which saw Sassuolo climb out of the bottom three, the Serie A newcomers are back in the drop zone following a poor start to 2014. They will fancy their chances when a struggling Verona side visit, who have been equally poor so far this year. Both sides will be happy to share the spoils which is why I am backing a bore draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Juventus Vs Inter
Sunday night sees the clash of the titans between two of Italy’s greatest rivals as Inter visit the Juventus stadium. These sides current form could not be contrasting, with the reigning champions flying high and well on course to secure their third title, while the Nerazzurri require urgent reinforcements before the close of the transfer window if they are to save face this season. You can expect the visitors put up a fight, however I predict a convincing home win.
Prediction 3-1
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