Between various investigations and last-gasp transfer dealings, Italian football has no shortage of events outside the pitch. But amid all the chaos, another exciting weekend of football awaits us in the peninsula, with a thrilling clash between Napoli and Roma serving as the cherry on top. So who will prevail in the Derby del Sole? And will Milan finally manage to reach the light at the end of an increasingly dark tunnel? Here our full predictions for Serie A Round 20.
Bologna vs Spezia
On Friday, the matchday kicks off with an overlooked, yet interesting battle between Bologna and Spezia. This will be a special occasion for Thiago Motta who was in charge of the Aquilotti last season.
The Ligurians are enjoying a decent campaign, but following the departure of their star defender Jakub Kiwior to Arsenal, and in the absence of their main talisman M’Bala Nzola, earning a result at the Renato Dall’Ara will be a complicated mission for Luca Gotti’s band.
Prediction: Bologna wins exciting contest.
Lecce vs Salernitana
In a heated southern battle, Lecce and Salernitana will be eager to get three vital points to maintain a comfortable cushion that separates them from the relegation zone.
While the Giallorossi will have the home advantage at the Via Del Mare Stadium as well as a superior recent form, their visitors arguably have more depth and talent in their ranks. We expect this one to be a razor-tight contest.
Prediction: The two sides will settle for a draw.
Cremonese vs Inter
Poor Cremonese. They ended the first half of the Serie A campaign without registering a single win, and now they’ll have to host an angry, wounded Inter side in Round 20.
Following the appointment of Davide Ballardini, the Tigers were able to collect a point in Bologna, ending their losing streak in the process. But against their Lombardian neighbors, they will have to pull off an exceptional display to avoid a defeat, as the Nerazzurri will be looking to avenge their recent loss to Empoli with a commanding display at Giovanni Zini Stadium
Prediction: Cremonese’s courageous display won’t be enough. Inter to return home with three points.
Atalanta vs Sampdoria
Unfortunately for Sampdoria, they haven’t been able to collect points recently despite their improved outings under the guidance of Dejan Stankovic. The Blucerchiati have been incredibly wasteful in front of goal.
On the other hand, Atalanta have scored a combined 11 goals in their last two Serie A appearances. So despite their well-documented troubles at the back, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side possesses enough firepower upfront to outscore their opponents.
Prediction: Atalanta to win what could turn out to be a goal-fest.
Empoli vs Torino
Following their victory over Inter last Monday, the morale at Empoli is undoubtedly sky-high at the moment. But as we often point out, Paolo Zanetti’s men enjoy their trips more than their home fixtures due their ability to exploit spaces and launch scathing counter attacks.
Therefore, predicting the outcome of this one is particularly difficult, but we’ll lean towards the visitors who will have their opportunity to register their second away win on the row on the back of an impressive victory in Florence last Sunday.
Prediction: Torino to snatch a slim win.
Milan vs Sassuolo
Every weekend, we tip Milan to bounce back with a victory to pull themselves out of their ongoing crisis. Yet, the situation is getting increasingly bleaker with every passing week. So at this point, the Rossoneri’s future is shrouded with mystery.
With Ismael Bennacer serving a one-match suspension, Stefano Pioli’s mission becomes even more complicated against a team that enjoyed remarkable success against the Diavolo in the last decade.
However, it should be noted that Sassuolo are also enduring crisis of their own, with the team unable to collect a victory in their last nine outings, and now find themselves just above the relegation zone.
Therefore, this contest will allow one club to breath a sigh of relief while deepening the wounds of his opponent. But who will it be?
Prediction: Once again, we’ll side with the defending champions.
Juventus vs Monza
Despite their off-pitch crisis, Juventus displayed an exciting brand of football against Atalanta last week. So if they can replicate their performance this weekend, they should be able to avenge themselves against the team which handed them their first defeat of the Serie A campaign.
Keep an eye on the duel between Angel Di Maria and Armando Izzo, as the two men look to settle the score following their famous scuffle of the U-Power Stadium.
Prediction: Juventus for the win.
Lazio vs Fiorentina
While it won’t be the main showdown of the Round 20 (the honor goes to the following fixture), the encounter between Lazio and Fiorentina should be a real thriller between two managers who aspire to play progressive football.
Following their demolition job of Milan last Tuesday, Maurizio Sarri’s men should rightfully be the obvious favorites. However, consistency isn’t exactly one of their renowned traits, which leaves an opening for the Tuscans to pull off an upset in the capital.
Prediction: An underwhelming draw as the two teams cancel each other out.
Napoli vs Roma
In the biggest clash of the weekend, Napoli host Roma at the Maradona Stadium for the highly anticipated Derby del Sole. This will also be a fascinating tactical contest on the dugout between Luciano Spalletti and José Mourinho.
The Giallorossi have been hitting their stride recently, but at this point, going against the runaway leaders would be almost foolish, especially when playing on their own turf.
Prediction: Another step towards an inevitable Scudetto triumph for Napoli.
Udinese vs Verona
On Monday night, Udinese and Verona will round off the weekend with an interesting encounter between two sides who emerged victorious in their most recent outings. The Zebrette finally managed to end their their negative streak with an away win at the Luigi Ferraris, but their performance was anything but impressive.
On the other hand, the Gialloblu have been gaining momentum recently, and even an away point at the Dacia Stadium would be helpful in their determined attempts to escape the relegation zone.
Prediction: Udinese and Verona to share the spoils.
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