Roma Vs Inter
Week 26 kicks off with what is expected to be a cracking match between two of Serie A’s top sides. Roma have been superb this season and have managed to keep the pressure on run away leaders Juventus, while Inter have been extremely inconsistent with coach Mazzarri still struggling to find the right balance in his squad. Expect lots of goals and drama in a match which I predict will end in a home victory.
Prediction 3-1
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Cagliari Vs Udinese
Cagliari were fortunate to leave the San Siro with a point on Sunday afternoon after being awarded a fortunate penalty and then absorbing countless Nerazzurri attacks. Udinese’s last fixture also ended in a 1-1 draw when Atalanta visited last weekend. Le Zebrette are a shadow of their former selves as Guidolin struggles to once again gel his side together after the wholesale changes made in the summer. I predict a score draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Atalanta Vs Chievo
Atalanta were undone by a late Di Natale penalty when they travelled to Udine in Gamesweek 25 in what would have been an important win for this side as they look to increase the gap above the bottom three. Chievo won a crucial head-to-head when they beat fellow relegation candidates Catania on their home soil to climb out of the drop zone, albeit by a single point. Eitherway, this will be a close encounter however I reckon the home side can just pip this.
Prediction 2-1
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Genoa Vs Catania
Genoa showed real grit to stop Napoli in their tracks and return from southern Italy with a vital point to maintain their positive mid-table position. Catania remain in the thick of relegation scrap as they proved no match for Chievo. Expect another beating for the Sicilians.
Prediction 2-0
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Verona Vs Bologna
Verona put on a fantastic first half display to pave the way for an important away victory over Livorno to close the gap on Inter in 5th place to a single point. Bologna were beaten at home by a lone Roma goal as they continue to struggle for form and remain just a point above the bottom three. Verona to maintain their positive home form.
Prediction 2-0
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Sassuolo Vs Parma
Sassuolo were minutes away from a priceless draw at the Olimpico but were undone by a Paolo Cannavaro own goal and fell to the bottom of the Serie A standings. Parma were also undone by a late goal to earn a hard fought draw when Fiorentina visited the Tardini stadium on Monday afternoon. The Gialloblu have been superb this season under Donadoni’s guidance and are just a few points away from Europa League next season and that is why I am backing them to return back north with three points.
Prediction 1-2
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Torino Vs Sampdoria
Like Parma, Torino are another side who have exceeded all expectations this season and were left fuming when they were denied a clear penalty at the Juventus stadium last weekend after a spirited derby. Mihajlovic will need to gather his troops after they succumbed to their second defeat on the trot following a great start under his tenure. There is no need to panic in the Sampdoria camp as they sit comfortably above the drop zone, however I predict another loss is on the cards.
Prediction 2-0
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Livorno Vs Napoli
Despite a spirited second half comeback against Verona, Livorno were unable to make up for a poor first half and eventually lost by a single goal. Napoli were extremely poor in their Monday night fixture when Genoa managed to turn on the pressure and grab a late goal to all but end Napoli’s league chances. The Southerners are still firm favorites to secure Champions League football and will take another important step towards this goal by winning on Sunday afternoon.
Prediction 1-3
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Milan Vs Juventus
Milan’s resurrection under new coach Seedorf took another positive step when they left a tough Sampdoria ground with three points, with January’s signings grabbing both goals. The Rossoneri will have to be at their very best if they are to stand any chance of beating this high flying Juventus side, who have been winning ugly in recent weeks maintaining their lead at the top of the Serie A. I predict an exciting score draw at the San Siro.
Prediction 2-2
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Fiorentina Vs Lazio
Sunday evening’s second top encounter is between two sides who have had mixed fortunes this season. La Viola have been one of the surprise packages of the season as they sit just six points below a top three place and have also advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League. Lazio on the other hand have stuttered along this season and even new coach Reja has been unable to keep the Biancocelesti from crashing out of the Europa League against lowly Romanian side Ludogorets Razgrad. Home win expected.
Prediction 2-1
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