Bologna vs Fiorentina
Bologna lost out to fellow Serie A newcomers Frosinone in Rome and despite the loss the Rossoblu remain 10 points clear of the relegation zone in 10th place. Fiorentina were moments away from dropping two vital points at home to Carpi and will thank newly signed front man Zarate and his wonder strike for securing all three points and maintaining third spot in the standings. I reckon the home side can hold out for a draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Genoa vs Lazio
Despite being outplayed for long spells at the Juventus Stadium Genoa were undone by a deflected Cuadrado strike in what was a disciplined display by Gasperini’s men. Lazio were outplayed by a far superior Napoli side at the Olimpico as Pioli’s men continue to struggle this season and will need to improve drastically if they are to secure Europa League football next season. I reckon Lazio can hold out for a draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Verona vs Inter
Verona secured their first win of the season thanks to a late Pazzini strike against Atalanta to provide a glimmer of hope for their survival prospects as they are now 10 points from safety. Inter once again failed to take their chances and were almost held at the San Siro by Chievo. A lone Icardi strike took the pressure off his side after what was a week to forget. This will be a close game however I predict an away win.
Prediction 1-2
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Milan vs Udinese
Milan have now won five out of their last six fixtures in all competitions as Mihajlovic’s men finally seem to be settling as they hunt for Champions League football. Udinese will be kicking themselves after conceding a 90th minute goal and leave Empoli with a point. I predict a Rossoneri win on Sunday afternoon.
Prediction 2-0
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Frosinone vs Juventus
Frosinone will be delighted with their hard earned win over Bologna to move closer out of the relegation zone while Juventus will count themselves fortunate after beating Genoa at home in a close game and a match were they seemed slightly tired. This will be a close game for the visitors but I predict they have enough to win this.
Prediction 1-2
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Napoli vs Carpi
Napoli maintained their superb run of form to remain at the summit of the Serie A standings after a comprehensive win over Lazio in Rome as Sarri’s men look to win the club’s first Serie A since the days of Maradona in 1990. Carpi were close to pulling off another shock result but were undone by a late Fiorentina goal to remain in the relegation zone. Comfortable home win expected.
Prediction 3-0
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Sassuolo vs Palermo
Both these sides suffered 0-2 defeats at their respective home grounds in Gameweek 23. Sassuolo’s early season momentum seems to be running out of steam while Palermo will need to increase the six point above the relegation zone to avoid a late scare come May. The home side should have enough to win this.
Prediction 2-1
Torino vs Chievo
Torino showed real fighting spirit to come from behind twice and secure an important point away to Sampdoria with front man Belotti grabbing a crucial double for his side. Chievo were outplayed at the San Siro and fortunate not to concede more as they struggled to penetrate far into Inter’s half. The home side really need to win this to restore what is left of their season.
Prediction 2-1
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Atalanta vs Empoli
Atalanta failed to take their chances and even though they took an early lead were punished for their wastefulness and the dismissal of midfielder Boukari Drame half way through the second half as they were eventually worn down by Verona to leave empty handed. Empoli were involved in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday evening as they continue to struggle since returning from the Christmas break. I believe a draw is the most likely outcome.
Prediction 1-1
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Roma vs Sampdoria
Roma continued to make up for lost ground with an important 0-2 win at Sassuolo while Sampdoria were held on their home soil after a late Torino comeback with loanee centreback Ranocchia making a hash of a clearance to gift the visitors with a goal. I am backing the home side to maintain their good run of form.
Prediction 2-1