Verona Vs Inter
Following their return to top flight Italian football Verona got off to a flying start and boasted the best home record in the league at one point. However in 2014 the Gialloblu’s form has dipped slightly, winning just 3 of their last 10 matches. Inter on the otherhand are showing clear signs of improvement following the arrival of Hernanes, who has managed to add much more stability and class to their midfield. This will be a close match however I reckon the visitors can win this.
Prediction 1-2
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Atalanta Vs Sampdoria
Both these side were involved in impressive results last weekend, after Atalanta beat a stumbling Lazio side at the Olimpico while La Samp showed real grit to come back from two goals down to win 4-2 against Livorno. With these sides sitting on equal points in the Serie A standings, this is a tough one to call, and that is why I am going for a score draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Milan Vs Parma
Seedorf’s shaky start at the helm of the Rossoneri continued following an away defeat to Udinese in Week 27 and a thumping against Atletico Madrid, a match which will probably be their last Champions League fixture for a number of years. Parma’s superb form continued as they extended their unbeaten run to 15 matches to climb to 6th in the standings. Donadoni’s side could potentially be as high as 4th the the moment, should they win their game in hand, which speaks wonders about the great season Parma are having. Milan better be on their toes if they are to avoid defeat at the San Siro.
Prediction 2-2
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Cagliari Vs Lazio
Cagliari will be pleased with their overall form this season and should survive another season in the Serie A as they sit 8 points above the drop zone. Lazio’s inconsistent start under coach Reja, who was brought in just before the holidays, seems to have continued as the were knocked out of the Europa League last week and also lost at home to Atalanta. Both sides will settle for a draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Livorno Vs Bologna
Despite taking an early two goal lead, Livorno lacked the experience among their ranks to resist a second half onslaught from Sampdoria and subsequently lost 4-2 to remain in the relegation zone. Livorno take on fellow relegation candidates Bologna who are just two points ahead of them in what is a crucial fixture for both sides. Considering these two sides form I predict another score draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Sassuolo Vs Catania
Serie A’s bottom two sides battle it out in what will be one of their few remaining chances to grab three vital points in their desperate bid for survival. Truth be told neither side really deserves to remain in the Serie A after a very lacklustre season. I predict a goalless draw which pile further pressure on these two sides.
Prediction 0-0
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Fiorentina Vs Chievo
Fiorentina were downed by Asamoah’s gem of a goal at the Juventus stadium in Sunday’s early afternoon Serie A fixture, but showed real grit on Thursday night to draw 1-1 in a repeat fixture, with Mario Gomez finding a late equaliser after several months out injured, this time in the Europa League. Chievo climbed three points above the bottom three following their second win in three outings and will hope to maintain their good run of form and avoid the drop come May. You can be sure that Montella’s limited squad will be fatigued considering their injury list and congested fixture schedule, however they should still have enough to win this.
Prediction 2-1
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Genoa Vs Juventus
Genoa’s positive run of form came to abrupt end as they were defeated on their travels to relegation candidates Chievo. Il Griffone’s spirits will not be dampened too much though considering the major improvements made this season compared to recent years. La Juve are just weeks away from securing their third consecutive Scudetto, which is undoubtedly an impressive achievement for any side but is perhaps slightly less than what was targeted by the Juve regime at the beginning of the season, as they conceded a late Europa League goal and now face an uphill task of securing a quarter finals place. I reckon Genoa should have enough to secure a point here.
Prediction 1-1
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Torino Vs Napoli
Despite Torino’s superb form this season, their usual deadly attack was rendered impotent by a solid Inter back line as they failed to cause any trouble at the San Siro and returned to Turin empty handed. Napoli rode their luck and struck at the death to maintain their chances of securing second place when they downed Roma at the San Paolo. This should be a close encounter between two sides who can really attack and are also prone to leaking in soft goals. Enticing score draw expected.
Prediction 2-2
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Roma Vs Udinese
Roma were extremely unlucky not to return back to the capital with atleast a point as they failed to take their chances and conceded from a late Napoli counter attack. The Romans are still favorites to finish the season in second place however cannot afford any room for complacency. Udinese’s inconsistent season continued as they managed to fend off an equally poor Milan side at the Stadio Friuli, thanks to a Di Natale strike. The Zebrette really must be wondering how they will cope once the star front man retires at the end of the season. Home win expected.
Prediction 3-1
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