Sadly, Italian football will be in mourning yet again this weekend following the tragic news of Gianluca Vialli’s passing on Friday. The Juventus and Sampdoria legend had been bravely battling cancer for several years, and had managed to put personal agonies aside to reunite with his old teammate Roberto Mancini en route towards Euro 2020 glory. But as they say, show must go on, and that is definitely what Luca would have wanted. So let’s begin our predictions for Serie A Round 17 which will feature a top clash between Milan and Roma.
Fiorentina vs Sassuolo
The Calcio weekend kicks off with what should be an exciting contest at the Artemio Franchi, between two sides who registered disappointing results on Wednesday’s restart.
With World Cup hero Sofyan Amrabat back to the fold, Fiorentina should have enough to dominate the middle of the park and rely on the likes of Christian Kouamé, Jonathan Ikoné to inflict the damage upfront. On the the other hand, the current version of Sassuolo seems to be a far cry from the one witnessed in previous campaigns, with several newcomers yet to prove their worth for the Neroverdi.
Prediction: Fiorentina to bag two or three goals.
Juventus vs Udinese
Between an awakened giant that won the last matches seven in Serie A without conceding a goal and a free-falling dark horse that hasn’t tasted victory in its last seven outings, thr writing seems to be on the wall for this one.
However, things aren’t as straight forward as they might appear at first glimpse, as we all saw how Juventus struggled to earn a last-gasp victory in Cremona. But with World Cup finalists Adrien Rabiot and Leandro Paredes potentially back to the starting formation, Massimilano Allegri’s men should have enough to prevail over their fellow Bianconeri, especially when playing in front of their home crowd.
Prediction: Juventus to eventually find a path to victory.
Juventus vs Udinese: Serie A Preview, Potential Lineups & Prediction
Monza vs Inter
On paper, this should be a routine win for Inter, especially on the back of their recent grand performance against Napoli. However, feel free to underestimate Monza at your own peril. Raffaele Palladino’s men have already staged a shocking upset at the U-Power Stadium, and managed to earn an away point in Florence just a couple of days ago.
Nevertheless, Simone Inzaghi has a deep squad at his disposal allowing him to rotate between his players, a luxury which his opponents do not possess.
Prediction: Inter to earn a hard-fought victory.
Monza vs Inter: Serie A Preview, Potential Lineups & Prediction
Salernitana vs Torino
Sunday’s action will begin in a battle between the two Granata. On paper, Torino should have the stronger lineup, however, Salernitana are a tough nut to crack when playing at home – even Milan were given some scares in the final minutes when their hosts threatened to stage a shocking comeback.
Therefore, the southerners’ die-hard attitude could make all the difference in round 17, consolidating Salerno’s status as one of the most perilous destinations in Serie A.
Prediction: Salernitana to snatch a late win.
Lazio vs Empoli
Following a terrible start to the year at Lecce, Maurizio Sarri’s men can’t afford another misstep when they host Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico. Nonetheless, the Tuscans tend to enjoy their time on the road, and they do possess the right weapons to deliver what would be a calamitous upset for Lazio.
Hence, the Eagles should cautiously approach this one, resulting in a rather cagey affair.
Prediction: The two sides to share the spoils.
Spezia vs Lecce
This should be an exciting battle between two teams embroiled in the relegation dogfight, but nonetheless managed to impress in their last outings. While Spezia eventually wasted a two-goal lead against Atalanta, while Lecce stunned Lazio at the Via del Mare.
So while will should a razor-tight contest, the star partnership of M’Bala Nzola and Emmanuel Gyasi could deliver the goods once again at the Alberto Picci Stadium.
Prediciton: Spezia to pounce on home advantage.
Sampdoria vs Napoli
In the previous round, Sampdoria collected their first win in a very long time while Napoli succumbed to their first defeat of the season. So can the Blucerchiati keep the momentum going at the expense of the wounded southerners?
Well, the home side displayed signs of improvement against Sassuolo, but it remains insufficient to suggest a jaw-dropping victory over the Serie A leaders in round 17.
Prediction: Napoli to rebound with a win.
Sampdoria vs Napoli: Serie A Preview, Potential Lineups & Prediction
Milan vs Roma
On Sunday night, the San Siro Stadium will witness what will be the biggest attraction of the Italian weekend. When Milan and Roma collide, they often end up delivering instant classics. But which side will emerge victorious this time around?
In their recent outings, the two rivals both won but in contrasting fashions. While the Rossoneri displayed entertaining football in Salerno, they were wasteful in front of goal. On the other hand, the capital club adopted a more cerebral approach against Bologna, collecting all three points with minimal effort.
But at the moment, we must say that Stefano Pioli possesses a wider array of weapons in his arsenal compared to José Mourinho, which could make all the difference, especially in the second half.
Prediction: Slim win for Milan.
Verona vs Cremonese
If there’s ever been a six-pointer between two clubs who lie deep in the relegation zone, then look no further. Despite their respectable efforts against Juventus, Cremonese still came out empty-handed, while Verona at least managed to earn a point in Torino, putting an end to their disastrous losing streak.
Although the visitors have proven to be a courageous side, the Gialloblu are arguably more capable in turning the tide in their favor and launch an escape mission.
Prediction: Verona for the win.
Bologna vs Atalanta
On Monday evening, Round 17 will reach its conclusion at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium. Following their hollow performance in Spezia, Atalanta will be looking to bounce back with a solid display at Bologna, but their mission won’t be easy against Thiago Motta’s men.
One could imagine this one going either way, so it’s particularly important for both sides to try to take an early lead and assert some authority over the pitch, but we do lean towards an Oribici victory.
Prediction: Atalanta edge past their opponents.
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