Chievo vs Cagliari
Chievo were outplayed by reigning champions Juventus and despite a brave display were second best on the night. Cagliari were demolished on their travels to Turin as the Sardinians continue to struggle on the road, having the second worst away game record in the league. Just one point separates these two sides but I reckon the visitors lack the bite needed to earn a point here.
1-1
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Udinese vs Napoli
Udinese will be pleased with the herd earned point picked up just before the International break in Genoa as La Zebrette look to avoid a relegation scrap come May. Napoli continue to slide down the standings after being held at the San Paolo by a stubborn Lazio side. I predict another disappointing draw in Udine for the visitors.
Prediction – 1-1
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Juventus vs Pescara
Juve’s march towards their sixth consecutive Scudetto continued as they beat Chievo to remain four points clear of second placed Roma. Pescara continued to struggle in Italy’s top flight as they were smashed 0-4 by fellow relegation candidates Empoli. There will only be one winner on Saturday night.
Prediction – 3-0
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Sampdoria vs Sassuolo
Sampdoria will be delighted with the hard earned point picked up in Florence while’s Sassuolo’s poor season continued as they were trounced 0-3 at home by Atalanta as the minnows from Modena are now just six points above the bottom three. I predict a close game and am backing a score draw.
Prediction – 1-1
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Atalanta vs Roma
After a few years of dismal football Atalanta moved to 5th in the Serie A standings after an impressive 0-3 win over Sassuolo thanks to three first half goals. Roma were equally superb when Bologna made the short journey to Roma two weeks ago as a Salah hat-trick gave his side a comfortable win. This will be a tough game for the visitors though I reckon they have just enough to edge this.
Prediction 1-2
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Bologna vs Palermo
Both these sides lost their respective fixtures prior to the International break, with Bologna now just a handful of points above the relegation zone while the Sicilians are already knee-deep in the fight for survival. I expect a close game but the home side should win this.
Prediction 2-1
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Crotone vs Torino
Crotone are another side who can’t seem to catch a break this season, once again collapsing in the final minutes of the game to concede three goals in the last 15 minutes at the San Siro. Torino continued to impress this season as they made easy work of a poor Cagliari side to send their fans into raptures as the game ended 5-1. I have no doubts the home side will put up a fight however the visitors should have enough to win this.
Prediction 1-2
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Empoli vs Fiorentina
Empoli crept out of the bottom three after trashing fellow relegation candidates Pescara 0-4 on their travels while Fiorentina dropped even more points after being held at home to Sampdoria in what was a frustrating afternoon for Sousa’s men. The home side will fight hard and end the game with a point.
Prediction 1-1
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Lazio vs Genoa
Lazio’s positive run of form continued after they held out for a draw in Naples in what was a real test of character for Inzaghi’s side, who moved up to 4th. Genoa maintained their mid-table position following a 1-1 draw at home to Udinese. I am backing the home side to win this.
Prediction 2-0
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Milan vs Inter
Arguably one of the world’s greatest football derbies takes place on Sunday evening as Milan host city rivals Inter at the San Siro. The Rossoneri have shown a lot of improvement in recent months as the squad settles into Montella’s footballing philosophy, and deservedly sit 3rd in the standings. Despite a number of reinforcements brought in over the summer Inter are being managed by their third manage in four months and have really struggled to settle this season. Baptism of fire for new coach Pioli and I am backing a home win.
Prediction – 2-1
