Bologna Vs Roma
Bologna fought hard at the San Siro but were undone by a late, sublime goal from Mario Balotelli leaving them just a handful of points above the drop zone. Roma were superb as they swept aside a usually resilient Sampdoria side at the Olimpico to keep the pressure on Juventus. Expect a tough match for both sides but I reckon Roma should have enough to win this.
Prediction 1-2
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Livorno Vs Verona
Livorno will be delighted with their hard earned win on their travels to fellow relegation candidates Cagliari, which has lifted Tuscan side out of the drop zone for the first time in months and will be looking for a positive run of form to stave off the drop this season. Verona were downed on their home soil by a much more determined and organised Torino side as they seem to be running out of steam following their fantastic start to the campaign. I predict both sides will be happy to settle for a score draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Chievo Vs Catania
Just one point separates these two sides who occupy 19th and 18th place respectively. Despite better performances in recent weeks they have both been poor so far this season and thoroughly deserve to be in the hole they have dug for themselves. Considering these sides have the worst home form and the worst away form respectively, it really is a tough call and that’s why I’m going for a draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Inter Vs Cagliari
New signing Hernanes seems to have finally blocked the gaping hole in Inter’s midfield as he orchestrated a superb victory over Fiorentina, in Florence, and also Inter’s second win in a week as the Nerazzurri look to make up for their poor start to 2014. Cagliari were downed by Livorno at home and ended the game without captain Conti who will miss this trip to the San Siro. Home win expected here.
Prediction 2-0
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Sampdoria Vs Milan
Despite playing some superb football since Mihajlovic took over the reigns, just before the Christmas break, La Samp had the stuffing knocked out of them at the Olimpico as they were torn apart by a rampant Roma side. They will not be too disheartened though and will rally when this weak Rossoneri side visit the Luigi Ferraris, fresh from an unlucky home defeat in the Champions League on Wednesday night following a series of poor league performances. Star man Balotelli, who has saved Milan so many times this season, is a doubt for this fixture and that’s why I’m backing a home win.
Prediction 1-0
Udinese Vs Atalanta
These sides sit on equal points in the standings and have both been extremely inconsistent so far this season. The home side were unable to maintain their two goal lead as they drew to Genoa in a six goal thriller while Atalanta were thrashed at home by a much more organised Parma side. Home win expected here.
Prediction 2-1
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Juventus Vs Torino
Juventus got back to winning ways last week when they comfortable saw off a stubborn Chievo side at the Juventus Stadium to maintain their comfortable lead at the top of the Serie A. Torino did what their rivals were unable to do last week when they beat Verona away from home in what was a classic comeback in which they scored three goals in 12 second half minutes to leave with three points. This will be one of the best Turin derbies in recent years due to the improved caliber of Torino however I am still backing Juventus to win this.
Prediction 2-1
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Lazio Vs Sassuolo
Lazio’s series of encouraging results came to a crashing halt last weekend when they were convincingly beaten by lowly Catania in Sicily and also in the Europa League against Bulgarian side PFC Ludogorets Razgrad at the Olimpico. Sassuolo were comfortably beaten at home by Napoli and will have to be on their toes if they are not to concede a beating against this bruised Lazio side.
Prediction 2-1
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Parma Vs Fiorentina
Parma were in superb form as they smashed a usually tough Atalanta side to collect their fourth away win of the season and climb to 6th in the standings. Fiorentina were second best when Inter visited Florence last weekend but in the mean time recovered well to win comforably on Thursday night in their Europa League tie. This will be an exciting encounter between two sides who cannot afford to lose.
Prediction 2-2
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Napoli Vs Genoa
Napoli got back to winning ways in Gamesweek 24 when they beat lowly Sassuolo on the road, while Genoa showed real grit to come back from two goals down and hold out for a draw against Udinese. Napoli might be feeling slightly fatigued following their mid-week match in Swansea however I expect should have enough to win this since they simply cannot allow to drop any more points at home if they are to secure Champions League football next season.
Prediction 2-1
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