Lazio vs Juventus
Lazio were eventual winners in Atalanta following a seven goal thriller in which new front man Immobile grabbed an early debut goal. Juventus’ new star signing Higuain also made an instant impact scoring the winner over rivals Fiorentina to get the champions off to a winning start. I expect a close game but reckon Juve’s superior defense should ensure they leave Rome with three points.
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Napoli vs Milan
Napoli’s blushes were sparred thanks to a double by Belgian front man Dries Mertens as they conceded two first half goals against newly promoted Pescara. Milan were quite fortunate to beat Torino in a thrilling game which ended 3-2, mainly due to a Bacca hat trick. I predict a home win.
Napoli to win
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Inter vs Palermo
Inter have started off on the wrong foot after losing 2-0 to a much more organised Chievo side. Frank De Boer’s side seem to have a long way to go if they are going to challenge for Champions League football come May. Palermo were beaten 0-1 at home by a better Sassuolo side as the Sicilians seem to be in for a long, tough season. I cannot see anything but a home win.
A home win
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Cagliari vs Roma
Despite taking the lead mid-way through the second half the Cagliari were unable to hold back a late Genoa surge and ended up losing 3-1. Even though Roma looked rather lackluster in the first half, they came flying out of the blocks in the second, scoring four unanswered goals to get off to a flying start. The Sardinians will put up a fight but Spalletti’s side should win this.
An away win
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Crotone vs Genoa
Crotone will be kicking themselves after conceding a late Destro goal to leave Bologna empty handed. Genoa came from behind to snatch all three points and get their season off to a flyer. The Ligurians must be at their best when they face the Serie A newcomers on Sunday as they make the long journey South.
A draw
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Fiorentina vs Chievo
Some can argue that Fiorentina were Juventus’ equal on Saturday evening and if it were not for the late Higuain strike La Viol a would have left Turin with a point. Sousa will demand an immediate response when his side face Chievo, fresh from an impressive 2-0 win over Inter. I reckon this will be a close game but the home side should win.
Prediction 2-1
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Sampdoria vs Atalanta
Star front man Muriel grabbed the lone goal to secure three vital points for his side on their trip to Empoli while a double from Yannick Kessie was not enough as Atalanta lost 3-4 in a real thriller against Lazio. This will be a close game which I predict will end in a home victory.
A home win
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Sassuolo vs Pescara
After a great win last season Sassuolo got off to a winning start thanks to a first half Berardi penalty. Di Francesco will demand maximum concentration from his side as they look to make easy pickings of newcomers Pescara who bravely kept Napoli at bay.
A home win
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Torino vs Bologna
Torino were a penalty away from leaving Milan with a point however front man Belotti was unable to score a convert the late spot kick. Bologna made the most of their limited chances to earn a late win over newcomers Crotone. My money is on a home win.
A win for Torino
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Udinese vs Empoli
After surviving a first half onslaught Udinese’s defense crumbled in the second half as a relentless Roma attack knocked four past their frustrated goalkeeper Karnezis to lose 4-0 at the Olimpico. Empoli were frustrated when a more organised Sampdoria side snatched all three points, the frustration clearly showing with veteran front man seeing red late on. I am going for a bore draw.
A draw
