The biggest story coming out of Serie A this week is that Genoa have sacked their manager Luigi Di Canio and replaced him with former Juventus and Roma manager Luigi Del Neri. Neri becomes Genoa's sixth manager since November 2010. Di Canio's sacking came as little surprise given Genoa's board has a reputation for being impatient. Genoa currently sit in tenth with 9 points from 8 games which is not a dreadful run but they threw away a 2-0 lead against Roma on Sunday and ended up getting beat 4-2, it is that kind of performance that Genoa's board and the clubs fans simply do not tolerate. The new man, Luigi Del Neri is vastly experienced and at 62 this is his fiftteenth managerial position, including a spell at Genoa's bitter rivals Sampdoria. He has however been welcomed as a positive appointment and he should at least keep Genoa in the division.
On the pitch and the traditional fixture list is apparent this week with 2 games on Saturday and 8 on Sunday. The first of Saturdays games sees Siena host Palermo. Both teams haven't won in their previous two outings now after Siena suffered two defeats in a row after they were beaten 2-1 by Atalanta whereas Palermo have drawn their last two including a 0-0 at home to Torino last weekend. Both teams are in need of points but they likely hood is they will share them here in what is sure to be a trappy affair. Draw - Two struggling teams share the spoils.
The second of Saturday's games sees A.C Milan host Genoa in Luigi Del Neri's first game in charge of Genoa. Milan are in turmoil with just two wins from their opening eight games. They suffered their fifth defeat of the season last weekend as they were beaten 3-2 by Lazio. Genoa are in a slightly better position having won 2 of their opening fixtures and only losing 3 including a 4-2 defeat away to Roma last Sunday evening. Both of these two will be desperate for a victory but it is Allegri's side who might just edge it. They were slightly unfortunate to lose against a very good Lazio side and could bounce back at home against a Genoa side who's defensive frailties were all to evident last Sunday. Home Win - Much needed win for Milan.
Sunday's first game sees champions Juventus travel to Catania. Juve showed again that they are the best team in the league by brushing aside second placed Napoli 2-0 last weekend. They have now not been beaten in 48 league games, an astonishing record. Catania are an unpredictable side, they have won 3 and lost 3 of their opening 8 including a 2-0 defeat in the San Siro last weekend. Catania will look to contain Juventus but it is unlikely they are up to the task given they shipped 4 against Bologna 3 weeks ago. Their defence is not the strongest and expect Juve to take full advantage of that. Away Win - Juve make it 8 wins out of nine.
Bologna will be looking to bounce back from a poor display against Cagliari last weekend when they host Inter. Bologna are looking surprisingly poor this season, having lost 5 of their opening fixtures including a 1-0 loss to lowly Cagliari last weekend. Bologna should survive this season but they will have to wait another week to up their points total as they face a very promising Inter side who have won 6 of their 8 games. A comftable 2-0 win over Catania made it four wins in a row and they should make it 5 here against a Bologna side that are struggling. Away Win - Inter continue in good form, Bologna continue in poor.
Fiorentina will look to make it 3 games without a defeat when they host Lazio. Fiorentina have made a decent start with 3 wins, 3 draws and just the two losses. They drew 1-1 away to Chievo last weekend in what they would have seen as a disappointing result given their positive start. They do however face a stiff task here against a Lazio side that have won 6 of their opening 8 and are full of confidence after beating AC Milan 3-2 last Saturday. Two in form strikers meet in the form of Fiorentina's Stefan Jovetic and Lazio's Miroslav Klose. Klose leads the goal scoring chart with 6 but Jovetic is just behind him on five. With both sides playing good attacking football this will be a question of who defends the best.during the 90 minutes. It is Lazio who get the tentative vote given their supurior defence but this will be close. Away Win - Lazio just overcome Fiorentina.
Pescara host Atalanta as they look to move out of the bottom three. The newly promoted side have shown glimpses of quality but their record of 5 defeats from 8 says alot about their chances of staying in the division this season. They suffered their fifth defeat at the hands of Udinese in a 1-0 loss last time out but that was a tough task and they may fair better against an inconsistent Atalanta side. Atalanta won their last game, a 2-1 win over Siena that came on the back of two hammerings at the hands of Torino and then Roma. Atalanta have now won 3 and lost four of their eight games. The main concern for both these sides is that they simply don't score enough goals and that trend might well continue here resulting in a dull draw. Draw - Two teams in indifferent form share the spoils.
This seasons surprise package Sampdoria host Cagliari as they look to return to winning ways. Sampdoria's bubble hasn't burst but has certainly deflated in recent weeks, after such a promising start they have lost all three of their last games including a 2-1 defeat away to Parma last Sunday. Sampdoria have now won 3, drawn 2 and lost 3. They will be keen to halt the slide against a Cagliari side who managed just their second win of the season last weekend as they beat Bologna 1-0. Despite that victory it is Sampdoria who get the vote, Cagliari don't travel well and Sampdoria will be desperate to recapture their good early form. Home Win - Sampdoria return to form as they beat a poor Cagliari side.
Torino host Parma in a mid table clash. Torino have shown themselves to be a solid unit in this campaign, having drawn the most games of any team in the division with 4, they have proven themselves hard to beat. They drew 0-0 with Palermo last time out to move to ninth in the table, a great achievement for a relatively small club. Parma lie eleventh after beating Sampdoria 2-1 last weekend. They too have gotten the knack of drawing games with 3 to their name. It is more than likely then that the result here will be a draw. Both sides are in decent heart and either could snatch it but both are strong defensively which points to a stalemate. Draw - Both teams leave satisfied with a point each.
Napoli will look to bounce back from their defeat at the hands of Juventus last weekend when they host Chievo. Before last Saturday Napoli looked like the only team in the division capable of overthrowing Juventus. Their record matched the champions of 7 wins out of 8. They were however beaten convincingly by Juventus 2-0 to end their unbeaten run. They face a Chievo side that has finally found a run of form after a dismal start to the season. They drew 1-1 with Fiorentina last weekend to gain their first draw of the campaign. Despite Chievo performing better of late its hard to look past Napoli bouncing back to form here. At home, against a side that ships goals and with a point to prove Walter Mazzarri's men will take all the beating. Home Win - Napoli return to winning ways at the expense of Chievo.
The last game of this weekend sees Udinese travel to the capital to face Roma. Roma are without doubt the most unpredictable side in the division with some truly bizarre results, including last weekends 4-2 victory over Genoa when Totti & Co. were 2-0 down after 20 minutes. Zdenek Zeman has installed a sense of belief in his side and despite the fact they continue to let in plenty of goals they score plenty too. They have now just lost twice this season, recording 4 wins. The return to form of Osvaldo has certainly aided them in reaching this position and expect him to get on the score sheet again in this one. Udinese have had a troubled start, winning just twice. They did manage to beat Pescara 1-0 last Sunday but that was just their second win of the season and the solid look they have been known for in recent seasons appears to be diminishing. The attacking flair Roma possess is sure to cause Udinese plenty of problems and they are taken to win this one by a comfortable margin. Home Win - Roma continue their promising if not strange start to the campaign.
Selected Match Betting:
Roma, Napoli, Sampdoria, Lazio, Inter, Juve & Milan - All To Win: 67/1
Fiorentina V Lazio - Correct Score- Fiorentina 2-3 Lazio: 33/1
Roma V Udinese - Osvaldo To Score First: 4/1
Enjoy The Games!
Friday, 26 October 2012
Friday, 19 October 2012
Game Week 8 - The Top Two Go Head To Head
The Serie A returns this weekend after the International break with all 20 teams in action over Saturday and Sunday. The International break seemed to have come at a good time for Italian football, with transfer talk dying down, Cagliari's farcical stadium saga finished and no new match fixing allegations the season appears to be settling down with action on the pitch being the main talking point for Italian football fans.
We are treated to two fantastic matches on Saturday with the top two meeting as Juventus host Napoli. Both teams come into the clash with 19 points a piece. Both undefeated and have won 6 of their 7 games. Juve beat Siena 2-1 last time out while Napoli beat Udinese 2-1. Close, would be the best prediction for this one but it is Juve who still have the edge. They remain very solid defensively and will be able to stifle Napoli's attacks better than most sides. Upfront their strikers continue in good form and against a Napoli defence that although improved does not look world class they could grab the decisive goal. Expect an entertaining, lively game but Juve will do what Champions do and win 1-0. Home Win - Juve remain top and inflict first defeat of the season on Napoli.
Saturday's second game sees AC Milan travel to capital to face Lazio. Lazio beat Pescara 3-0 a fortnight ago and have now won 5 of their 7 games and sit in third place. Milan's return to form was short lived as they lost the Milan derby 1-0. They have won just two of their opening seven and have lost four of them. The pressure on manager Allegri continues and reports in Italy suggest that he only remains in the job as a suitable replacement is not available. Like the previous game this one will be close but the disarray that Milan are in at the moment makes them hard to be confident about, Lazio meanwhile seem to go from strength to strength and they look set for an important victory. Home Win - Lazio heap more misery on Milan.
The first of eight games on Sunday see's Cagliari host Bologna. Despite their stadium dispute being resolved Cagliari remain in deep trouble just one place off the bottom of the table and just one win all season.That win was gained in their last game, a 1-0 win over Torino. Bologna have had a disappointing start to the season and were beaten 1-0 by Fiorentina last time out. They could well bounce back here though against a poor looking Cagliari side. Away Win - Bologna make it two out of two at the expense of Cagliari.
Chievo host Fiorentina as they look to overcome a difficult start to the season. Eugino Corini's men were tipped for a Europa league place this season but with just 2 wins and 5 loses this campaign they don't look the force they were last season. They did however manage to gain their second win of the season in their last game, a 2-1 victory over Sampdoria. Fiorentina also won last time out beating Bologna 1-0 to gain their third win of the season. Chievo have not had an easy start to the season given their fixture list and they face another difficult task against a Fiorentina side who will be challenging for a European place come May. Away Win - Fiorentina beat a stumbling Chievo.
Inter buoyant after their win in The Milan Derby now host Catania who themselves earned a good win a fortnight ago. Inter's 1-0 derby win saw them stay in fourth with five wins from their seven fixtures. They look to have completely shaken off the nightmare of last season and although they may not have the depth to make a title challenge they will certainly be in the running for a Champions League place. Catania have had an inconsistent start, winning three, drawing two and losing two. They did put on a good performance by beating Parma 2-0 last time out but this represents a different challenge against an Inter side full of confidence. Home Win - Inter continue their great form at the expense of Catania who are struggling to put a run of good results together.
Torino travel to Palermo looking to continue their surprisingly good start to the season. Despite losing 1-0 to Cagliari last time the newly promoted side have won two and drawn three of their opening 7 and sit in mid table. Palermo have had a poor start to the season and despite changing manager continue in indifferent form, a 1-1 draw with Genoa last time say them gain just their fifth point of the season after losing four of their opening games. Torino's bubble may have burst with that Cagliari defeat but Palermo are not on top form at the moment this looks set to be a cagey affair that will most likely end in a draw. Draw - Two wounded sides share the spoils.
Two teams will both look to avoid back to back defeats when Sampdoria travel to Parma. Sampdoria have fared the best of the newly promoted teams with 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 loses. Their one nil defeat at the hands of Chievo last team out may show that they will not be competing for a European place this season but they look a good solid outfit and expect them to be in the division next season. Parma too should stay in the division but are on a dreadful run with just the one win from their opening 7 games. They were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Catania a fortnight ago. That was an away game however and Parma are traditionally strong at home, that maybe enough for them to gain a point against a wobbling Sampdoria. Draw - A game neither team wants to lose ends in a stalemate.
Udinese are another team struggling for form. They have won just once this season and suffered another defeat last time out as they were beaten 2-1 by Napoli. The heights that the team from Udine reached last season look to becoming further away with each passing game. Their lack of goals seems to be becoming an increasing issue with Di Natale not firing on all cylinders Udinese do look a much weaker side. Defensively though they are solid and are certainly going to survive this season. The kick start they need may come this weekend as they host Pescara. Pescara have looked promising in spells during their short time in the Serie A but they were brought down to earth by Lazio two weeks ago as they were beaten 3-0. That was their fourth defeat of the season and they like the other promoted clubs look to have hit a blip. Udinese should win this one although it maybe by a much smaller margin than people may predict. Home Win - Udinese scrape a win with a good defensive performance.
Atalanta host Siena with both teams having been beaten last time out. Atalanta were beaten 2-0 by Roma, their second defeat in a row. They have now won just two games this season and look to be really struggling. Siena meanwhile were beaten 2-1 by Juventus in a tight affair and they will have taken confidence from that performance. They remain bottom of the table however, though the main reason for that is the points deduction they suffered at the start of the season. They like Atalanta have won just twice this season. With the form of both teams poor its a very tricky game to call, the safest stance is a draw. Draw - Two struggling sides share the spoils.
The final game of the weekend sees Genoa host Roma. Genoa's 1-1 draw with Palermo two weeks ago gained them their 10th point of the season and they now sit in eighth after losing just 2 of their opening seven fixtures. They have begun the season well after a disastrous end to the last campaign which nearly saw them relegated, they look sure to avoid that this time round. The enigma that is Roma managed to bounce back from their thrashing at the hands of Juventus to beat Atalanta 2-0 last time out. Zeman's men have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their 7 games. They remain a side full of talent and promise but at the same time remain a side that is always likely to concede. Genoa's lack of goals and lack of a goal threat this season may mean that Roma's defence is given an easy time on Sunday evening and with an attacking line up that is almost certain to score Roma could nick this one. Away Win - Roma just get past Genoa who don't challenge Roma's defence enough.
Selected Match Betting:
Roma, Udinese, Inter, Fiorentina, Bologna, Lazio & Juventus - All To Win : 152/1
Genoa V Roma - Correct Score : Roma 2-1 Genoa: 7/1
Lazio V Milan - Klose To Score 1st: 9/2
Enjoy The Games!
We are treated to two fantastic matches on Saturday with the top two meeting as Juventus host Napoli. Both teams come into the clash with 19 points a piece. Both undefeated and have won 6 of their 7 games. Juve beat Siena 2-1 last time out while Napoli beat Udinese 2-1. Close, would be the best prediction for this one but it is Juve who still have the edge. They remain very solid defensively and will be able to stifle Napoli's attacks better than most sides. Upfront their strikers continue in good form and against a Napoli defence that although improved does not look world class they could grab the decisive goal. Expect an entertaining, lively game but Juve will do what Champions do and win 1-0. Home Win - Juve remain top and inflict first defeat of the season on Napoli.
Saturday's second game sees AC Milan travel to capital to face Lazio. Lazio beat Pescara 3-0 a fortnight ago and have now won 5 of their 7 games and sit in third place. Milan's return to form was short lived as they lost the Milan derby 1-0. They have won just two of their opening seven and have lost four of them. The pressure on manager Allegri continues and reports in Italy suggest that he only remains in the job as a suitable replacement is not available. Like the previous game this one will be close but the disarray that Milan are in at the moment makes them hard to be confident about, Lazio meanwhile seem to go from strength to strength and they look set for an important victory. Home Win - Lazio heap more misery on Milan.
The first of eight games on Sunday see's Cagliari host Bologna. Despite their stadium dispute being resolved Cagliari remain in deep trouble just one place off the bottom of the table and just one win all season.That win was gained in their last game, a 1-0 win over Torino. Bologna have had a disappointing start to the season and were beaten 1-0 by Fiorentina last time out. They could well bounce back here though against a poor looking Cagliari side. Away Win - Bologna make it two out of two at the expense of Cagliari.
Chievo host Fiorentina as they look to overcome a difficult start to the season. Eugino Corini's men were tipped for a Europa league place this season but with just 2 wins and 5 loses this campaign they don't look the force they were last season. They did however manage to gain their second win of the season in their last game, a 2-1 victory over Sampdoria. Fiorentina also won last time out beating Bologna 1-0 to gain their third win of the season. Chievo have not had an easy start to the season given their fixture list and they face another difficult task against a Fiorentina side who will be challenging for a European place come May. Away Win - Fiorentina beat a stumbling Chievo.
Inter buoyant after their win in The Milan Derby now host Catania who themselves earned a good win a fortnight ago. Inter's 1-0 derby win saw them stay in fourth with five wins from their seven fixtures. They look to have completely shaken off the nightmare of last season and although they may not have the depth to make a title challenge they will certainly be in the running for a Champions League place. Catania have had an inconsistent start, winning three, drawing two and losing two. They did put on a good performance by beating Parma 2-0 last time out but this represents a different challenge against an Inter side full of confidence. Home Win - Inter continue their great form at the expense of Catania who are struggling to put a run of good results together.
Torino travel to Palermo looking to continue their surprisingly good start to the season. Despite losing 1-0 to Cagliari last time the newly promoted side have won two and drawn three of their opening 7 and sit in mid table. Palermo have had a poor start to the season and despite changing manager continue in indifferent form, a 1-1 draw with Genoa last time say them gain just their fifth point of the season after losing four of their opening games. Torino's bubble may have burst with that Cagliari defeat but Palermo are not on top form at the moment this looks set to be a cagey affair that will most likely end in a draw. Draw - Two wounded sides share the spoils.
Two teams will both look to avoid back to back defeats when Sampdoria travel to Parma. Sampdoria have fared the best of the newly promoted teams with 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 loses. Their one nil defeat at the hands of Chievo last team out may show that they will not be competing for a European place this season but they look a good solid outfit and expect them to be in the division next season. Parma too should stay in the division but are on a dreadful run with just the one win from their opening 7 games. They were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Catania a fortnight ago. That was an away game however and Parma are traditionally strong at home, that maybe enough for them to gain a point against a wobbling Sampdoria. Draw - A game neither team wants to lose ends in a stalemate.
Udinese are another team struggling for form. They have won just once this season and suffered another defeat last time out as they were beaten 2-1 by Napoli. The heights that the team from Udine reached last season look to becoming further away with each passing game. Their lack of goals seems to be becoming an increasing issue with Di Natale not firing on all cylinders Udinese do look a much weaker side. Defensively though they are solid and are certainly going to survive this season. The kick start they need may come this weekend as they host Pescara. Pescara have looked promising in spells during their short time in the Serie A but they were brought down to earth by Lazio two weeks ago as they were beaten 3-0. That was their fourth defeat of the season and they like the other promoted clubs look to have hit a blip. Udinese should win this one although it maybe by a much smaller margin than people may predict. Home Win - Udinese scrape a win with a good defensive performance.
Atalanta host Siena with both teams having been beaten last time out. Atalanta were beaten 2-0 by Roma, their second defeat in a row. They have now won just two games this season and look to be really struggling. Siena meanwhile were beaten 2-1 by Juventus in a tight affair and they will have taken confidence from that performance. They remain bottom of the table however, though the main reason for that is the points deduction they suffered at the start of the season. They like Atalanta have won just twice this season. With the form of both teams poor its a very tricky game to call, the safest stance is a draw. Draw - Two struggling sides share the spoils.
The final game of the weekend sees Genoa host Roma. Genoa's 1-1 draw with Palermo two weeks ago gained them their 10th point of the season and they now sit in eighth after losing just 2 of their opening seven fixtures. They have begun the season well after a disastrous end to the last campaign which nearly saw them relegated, they look sure to avoid that this time round. The enigma that is Roma managed to bounce back from their thrashing at the hands of Juventus to beat Atalanta 2-0 last time out. Zeman's men have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their 7 games. They remain a side full of talent and promise but at the same time remain a side that is always likely to concede. Genoa's lack of goals and lack of a goal threat this season may mean that Roma's defence is given an easy time on Sunday evening and with an attacking line up that is almost certain to score Roma could nick this one. Away Win - Roma just get past Genoa who don't challenge Roma's defence enough.
Selected Match Betting:
Roma, Udinese, Inter, Fiorentina, Bologna, Lazio & Juventus - All To Win : 152/1
Genoa V Roma - Correct Score : Roma 2-1 Genoa: 7/1
Lazio V Milan - Klose To Score 1st: 9/2
Enjoy The Games!
Friday, 5 October 2012
Game Week 6 - The Milan Derby & Another Managerial Casualty
After mid week European football for several Italian clubs its back to the domestic programme this weekend with all 20 teams in action over two days, 2 games on Saturday two on Sunday.
The first game of the weekend sees Chievo host Sampdoria. Chievo remain win less since the opening day of the season and were hammered 4-1 by Palermo last weekend. They face a Sampdoria side who suffered their first defeat of the season losing 1-0 at Napoli. Sampdoria have proven themselves the surprise package of this season whilst Chievo have been disappointing. In Verona though Chievo are usually strong and will give a wounded Sampdoria a test, its likely this one will end in a stalemate. Draw - Chievo improve but only enough to get a draw against Sampdoria.
Genoa host Palermo in Saturday's later game. Genoa have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their six games and but remain a side on the up after a solid 0-0 draw with Udinese last weekend. They will look to continue their good performances in recent weeks with victory over a Palermo side who gained their first victory of the season last weekend, beating Chievo 4-1. Palermo had just one point to their name before that victory but will be buoyed by their great victory last time out. Another very tricky puzzle to call with both teams form confusing, a draw seems likely. Draw - Genoa and Palermo battle out a share of the spoils.
Sunday's first game sees Roma host Atalanta at The Stadio Olimpico. Both teams were thumped last time out, Roma beaten 4-1 by Juventus as Zeman's attacking tactics failed completely and Atalanta were on the end of a 5-1 loss to newly promoted Torino. Before those two dreadful results both teams had started the season ok. Roma being their usual inconsistent selves winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 2. While Atalanta have won 2, drawn one and lost 3 of their opening games. Juve's dismantinling of Roma was perhaps predictable, Torino thumping Atalanta was not. Both teams will want to bounce back but it is Roma who look the stronger of the two sides and they get the vote. Home Win - Roma add to Atalanta's woes.
Catania were another side on the end of a hiding last weekend when they were beaten 4-0 by Bologna. They host a Parma side buoyed by a great 1-1 draw with AC Milan. Catania have only won two games so far this campaign and will be low on confidence after being so comfortably beaten. Parma have drawn their last 3 games 1-1 and remain a stubborn outfit set for a mid table position this time round. The indifferent form of both sides points to another draw for Parma and another poor result for Catania. Draw - Two normally solid sides fight out a low scoring draw.
After their great win against Catania, Bologna now travel to Florence to play Fiorentina. Bologna's 4-0 win over Catania was just their second win of the campaign having lost 3 and drawn 1. They face a tough task here against despite Fiorentina being beaten 2-1 by Inter last weekend. The Viola have made an ok start winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 2 but at home they are unbeaten in a run that has seen them take points of Juventus. Fiorentina should record their third win of the season here. Home Win - A return to familiar surroundings sees Fiorentina bounce back to form.
Promoted Pescara host Lazio as the hosts look to make it three wins in a row. Despite their poor start to the season Pescara have looked promising in performances and they are not turning that into results with victories over Palermo and then Cagliari last weekend. They look like they could avoid the drop this season if continuing in the same form. They look set to suffer a set back here though against a strong looking Lazio side. Lazio bounced back from their defeat at the hands of Napoli by beating Siena 2-1 last weekend. They have now won 4 of their opening 6 and are sure to be fighting for a Champions League place come the end of the season given the players they have at their disposal. This will be a test for Lazio but they should overcome it. Away Win - Lazio just edge victory over Pescara.
Torino host Cagliari who have a new man at the helm following the sacking of Massimo Ficadenti this week. Ivo Pulga, a former Cagliari player now takes charge of the sardinians in his first managerial post. He certainly has a job on his hands with Cagliari win less this season and with just two points to their name. They face a Torino side who provided the shock of last weekend by thrashing Atalanta 5-1 to gain their second win of the campaign. Like Pescara and Sampdoria, Pescara have settled well into the Serie A despite a difficult start they look set to rack up another win here with Cagliari in disaray. Home Win - Torino make it win number 3 with victory of Pulga's Cagliari who look in real trouble.
It is Siena's turn this weekend to do what is looking increasingly impossible, beating Juventus. Siena have won just two games this season and were beaten 2-1 by Lazio last time out. In comparison the Juventus juggernaut just keeps rolling, they smashed Roma 4-1 last weekend and look sure to make it 6 wins out of 7 here. Siena do perform well against the big boys but this will be a step to far against a Juventus side who remain head and shoulders above anyone in the league at the moment. Away Win - Another comfortable win for Juventus.
The only team at the moment that look like they could challenge for Juventus' crown is Napoli who host Udinese. Napoli host the same record as Juventus with 5 wins and a draw including a hard fought 1-0 win over Sampdoria last weekend. Udinese continue to underwhelm this season after picking up just one win from 6. They have drawn their last two after a 0-0 with Genoa. Udinese's Achille's heal this season is that they have not scored enough goals, with Di Natale netting just twice this campaign. That is a great concern for any team that faces Napoli as they will probably concede goals given Napoli's attacking flair lead by the leagues top scorer Edison Cavani. That may well prove to be the difference between the two sides here and as such Napoli get the vote. Home Win - Udinese can't contain Napoli's attack as they slump to another defeat.
The final match of the weekend is one of the biggest of the season - The Milan Derby. The derby this season is made even more interesting given the state of the respective Milan sides. Inter have begun well, with 4 wins and 2 defeats. Their new recruit from Milan, Antonio Cassano has settled well and looks sure to cause problems for the Milan defence. Milan are in crisis with just 2 wins this season and 3 defeats. They have sold a very low number of tickets for this huge game as fans have become increasingly dissolusioned with how the club is being run. Manager Massimilano Allegri has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks and their is a strong rumour in Italy that Pep Guardiola is being offered the largest pay packet in Italian football history to take over at Milan. On the pitch Milan won their last game, a 2-0 win over Cagliari. Inter too won beating Fiorentina 2-1. This will be a fascinating game and it is is Inter who look to have the edge over their rivals for the first time in a few seasons, they might just edge it. Inter Win - Derby joy for Inter as Milan plunge further into crisis.
Selected Match Betting:
Inter, Napoli, Juve, Torino, Lazio, Fiorentina & Roma - All To Win : 47/1
Inter V Milan - Cassano to score last : 7/1
Roma V Atalanta - Correct Score - Roma 3-1 Atalanta: 9/1
Enjoy The Games
The first game of the weekend sees Chievo host Sampdoria. Chievo remain win less since the opening day of the season and were hammered 4-1 by Palermo last weekend. They face a Sampdoria side who suffered their first defeat of the season losing 1-0 at Napoli. Sampdoria have proven themselves the surprise package of this season whilst Chievo have been disappointing. In Verona though Chievo are usually strong and will give a wounded Sampdoria a test, its likely this one will end in a stalemate. Draw - Chievo improve but only enough to get a draw against Sampdoria.
Genoa host Palermo in Saturday's later game. Genoa have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their six games and but remain a side on the up after a solid 0-0 draw with Udinese last weekend. They will look to continue their good performances in recent weeks with victory over a Palermo side who gained their first victory of the season last weekend, beating Chievo 4-1. Palermo had just one point to their name before that victory but will be buoyed by their great victory last time out. Another very tricky puzzle to call with both teams form confusing, a draw seems likely. Draw - Genoa and Palermo battle out a share of the spoils.
Sunday's first game sees Roma host Atalanta at The Stadio Olimpico. Both teams were thumped last time out, Roma beaten 4-1 by Juventus as Zeman's attacking tactics failed completely and Atalanta were on the end of a 5-1 loss to newly promoted Torino. Before those two dreadful results both teams had started the season ok. Roma being their usual inconsistent selves winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 2. While Atalanta have won 2, drawn one and lost 3 of their opening games. Juve's dismantinling of Roma was perhaps predictable, Torino thumping Atalanta was not. Both teams will want to bounce back but it is Roma who look the stronger of the two sides and they get the vote. Home Win - Roma add to Atalanta's woes.
Catania were another side on the end of a hiding last weekend when they were beaten 4-0 by Bologna. They host a Parma side buoyed by a great 1-1 draw with AC Milan. Catania have only won two games so far this campaign and will be low on confidence after being so comfortably beaten. Parma have drawn their last 3 games 1-1 and remain a stubborn outfit set for a mid table position this time round. The indifferent form of both sides points to another draw for Parma and another poor result for Catania. Draw - Two normally solid sides fight out a low scoring draw.
After their great win against Catania, Bologna now travel to Florence to play Fiorentina. Bologna's 4-0 win over Catania was just their second win of the campaign having lost 3 and drawn 1. They face a tough task here against despite Fiorentina being beaten 2-1 by Inter last weekend. The Viola have made an ok start winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 2 but at home they are unbeaten in a run that has seen them take points of Juventus. Fiorentina should record their third win of the season here. Home Win - A return to familiar surroundings sees Fiorentina bounce back to form.
Promoted Pescara host Lazio as the hosts look to make it three wins in a row. Despite their poor start to the season Pescara have looked promising in performances and they are not turning that into results with victories over Palermo and then Cagliari last weekend. They look like they could avoid the drop this season if continuing in the same form. They look set to suffer a set back here though against a strong looking Lazio side. Lazio bounced back from their defeat at the hands of Napoli by beating Siena 2-1 last weekend. They have now won 4 of their opening 6 and are sure to be fighting for a Champions League place come the end of the season given the players they have at their disposal. This will be a test for Lazio but they should overcome it. Away Win - Lazio just edge victory over Pescara.
Torino host Cagliari who have a new man at the helm following the sacking of Massimo Ficadenti this week. Ivo Pulga, a former Cagliari player now takes charge of the sardinians in his first managerial post. He certainly has a job on his hands with Cagliari win less this season and with just two points to their name. They face a Torino side who provided the shock of last weekend by thrashing Atalanta 5-1 to gain their second win of the campaign. Like Pescara and Sampdoria, Pescara have settled well into the Serie A despite a difficult start they look set to rack up another win here with Cagliari in disaray. Home Win - Torino make it win number 3 with victory of Pulga's Cagliari who look in real trouble.
It is Siena's turn this weekend to do what is looking increasingly impossible, beating Juventus. Siena have won just two games this season and were beaten 2-1 by Lazio last time out. In comparison the Juventus juggernaut just keeps rolling, they smashed Roma 4-1 last weekend and look sure to make it 6 wins out of 7 here. Siena do perform well against the big boys but this will be a step to far against a Juventus side who remain head and shoulders above anyone in the league at the moment. Away Win - Another comfortable win for Juventus.
The only team at the moment that look like they could challenge for Juventus' crown is Napoli who host Udinese. Napoli host the same record as Juventus with 5 wins and a draw including a hard fought 1-0 win over Sampdoria last weekend. Udinese continue to underwhelm this season after picking up just one win from 6. They have drawn their last two after a 0-0 with Genoa. Udinese's Achille's heal this season is that they have not scored enough goals, with Di Natale netting just twice this campaign. That is a great concern for any team that faces Napoli as they will probably concede goals given Napoli's attacking flair lead by the leagues top scorer Edison Cavani. That may well prove to be the difference between the two sides here and as such Napoli get the vote. Home Win - Udinese can't contain Napoli's attack as they slump to another defeat.
The final match of the weekend is one of the biggest of the season - The Milan Derby. The derby this season is made even more interesting given the state of the respective Milan sides. Inter have begun well, with 4 wins and 2 defeats. Their new recruit from Milan, Antonio Cassano has settled well and looks sure to cause problems for the Milan defence. Milan are in crisis with just 2 wins this season and 3 defeats. They have sold a very low number of tickets for this huge game as fans have become increasingly dissolusioned with how the club is being run. Manager Massimilano Allegri has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks and their is a strong rumour in Italy that Pep Guardiola is being offered the largest pay packet in Italian football history to take over at Milan. On the pitch Milan won their last game, a 2-0 win over Cagliari. Inter too won beating Fiorentina 2-1. This will be a fascinating game and it is is Inter who look to have the edge over their rivals for the first time in a few seasons, they might just edge it. Inter Win - Derby joy for Inter as Milan plunge further into crisis.
Selected Match Betting:
Inter, Napoli, Juve, Torino, Lazio, Fiorentina & Roma - All To Win : 47/1
Inter V Milan - Cassano to score last : 7/1
Roma V Atalanta - Correct Score - Roma 3-1 Atalanta: 9/1
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