Sampdoria vs Milan
Lady luck was not on Sampdoria’s side on Sunday afternoon after Giampaolo’s men went 1-2 up just before half time and looked to have unsettled Roma at the Olimpico, only for the game to be temporarily postponed due to a freak downpour, giving enough time for the home side to find their feet and eventually beat La Samp. Milan failed to make their possession count in what was a very tired looking performance, with the Rossoneri eventually losing 0-1 following a late Perica strike. Home side will fancy their chances.
Prediction 2-1
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Lazio vs Pescara
Lazio fought hard and earned an important point in Chievo to remain in mid-table. Pescara will consider themselves unlucky after being denied a number of goal scoring chances by the fantastic Handanovic and eventually crumbled in the last few minutes to allow Inter to snatch all three points. The visitors will not go down without a fight however I predict a home win.
Prediction – 2-1
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Napoli vs Bologna
After a lackluster first half Napoli sprung into life scoring three quick-fire goals to put the game to bed against a shaky Palermo side. Bologna will be delighted with their 2-1 home win over fellow relegation candidates Cagliari. Despite their mid-week Champions League fixture Napoli should have no problem winning this.
Prediction – 3-0
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Udinese vs Chievo
Udinese showed real resolve to make the most of a toothless Milan performance to score late and secure three vital points at the San Siro. Chievo will feel slightly hard done by the two points lost to Lazio however will be satisfied for a point as they look to qualify for European football come May. I predict an exciting game which will end all square.
Prediction – 1-1
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Cagliari vs Atalanta
Cagliari were comfortably beaten in Bologna and the Sardinians are in for a tough season unless they improve drastically could be playing Serie B football next season. Atalanta won their first game and points of the season after coming back from a goal down to beat Torino at home. Bore draw expected.
Prediction 0-0
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Crotone vs Palermo
Crotone are the only side in the Serie A to have not yet collected a single point and the newcomers look to be in for a very tough campaign. Palermo ran out of steam in the second half after keeping Napoli at bay for the first 45 mins. Like Crotone, the Sicilians will be in for a long season unless they improve drastically. I reckon the away side can edge this game between the relegation favorites.
Prediction 0-1
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Sassuolo vs Genoa
Despite a very good start to their season Sassuolo were brought back down to earth at the Juventus stadium after the home side knocked three past their hapless defense in the first 30 minutes of play. Genoa’s game versus Fiorentina was abandoned after 30 minutes after a freak thunderstorm. The visitors have been very solid so far this season but I reckon the home side have enough to win this.
Prediction 2-1
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Torino vs Empoli
Torino were beaten in Atalanta despite taking an early lead while Empoli showed their Serie A experience by comfortably seeing off new boys Crotone to secure their first three points of the season. The home side will fancy their chances.
Prediction 2-1
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Inter vs Juventus
Sunday night sees the clash between two of Italy’s most successful sides as reigning champions Juventus visit the San Siro in what is expected to be a tightly contested encounter. Despite a positive transfer campaign Inter have not found their feet yet and in fact won their first game last weekend. Juventus carried on where they left off last season comfortably winning their first three opening encounters. Despite their mid-week Champions League fixture I reckon the Old Lady has enough to win this.
Prediction 1-2
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Fiorentina vs Roma
Fiorentina’s game was postponed last weekend after a freak downpour as La Viola look to improve on last season’s finish by securing Champions League football. Roma have their own ambitions this season as they attempt to challenge Juventus to the much coveted Scudetto. Both sides have Europa League football commitments on Thursday, however you can expect an entertaining game of football in Florence.
Prediction – 2-1
