Unlike its predecessors, this weekend won’t feature a major tilt between two Calcio heavyweights. Instead, the big boys are expected to collect routine wins against smaller opposition. But sandwiched between two European midweeks, this round could witness some surprising results, especially if some of the top managers decide to rotate their formations ahead of their continental commitments. So here are our full predictions from all ten Serie A fixtures from Round 23.
Sassuolo vs Napoli
On Friday, Sassuolo and Napoli will clash heads at the Mapei Stadium in the matchday’s curtain-jerker. With 15 points ahead of their closest chaser, and a Champions League fixture on Tuesday, perhaps Luciano Spalletti would consider resting some of his finest stars, opening the door for a possible upset.
But at this point, even the Partenopei’s substitutes would have enough talent and confidence in the tank to secure an away victory, although Alessio Dionisi’s men have been displaying signs of improvement in their last three outings.
Prediction: Napoli to extend their winning run.
Sampdoria vs Bologna
For one reason or another, the unlucky Sampdoria haven’t been able to pick up wins this season, even following their tactical revamp under Dejan Stankovic. Nevertheless, the Blucerchiati are displaying their combative mindset every weekend, and earned a well-deserved draw when they hosted Inter last Monday.
So perhaps Lady Luck will finally smile upon the Ligurians who are still seeking their maiden home victory of the Serie A campaign.
For their part, Bologna have done extremely well under the tutelage of Thiago Motta, but a safe midtable spot could see them dropping their guard down.
Prediction: Sampdoria to snatch the win.
Monza vs Milan
Week after week, Monza have been confirming their status as the ultimate surprise of the Serie A season, and they will be looking to confirm it once again with a solid display at home against Milan in Round 23.
With two wins in a row between the league and the Champions League, Stefano Pioli’s side is finally regaining balance, but this supposed revival remains fragile, and it could all shatter with a defeat at the U-Power Stadium.
Raffaele Palladino has been a true master when it comes to squad selection, while the Rossoneri’s physical battle against Tottenham may have taken its toll on the team.
Prediction: Monza to pull off an upset victory.
Inter vs Udinese
Thankfully for Inter, the team has found the right balance recently, even if the Scudetto title could be out of reach. But their low point of the campaign was arguably their 1-3 defeat at Udine back in September.
So even though the Beneamata’s thoughts could be slightly distracted by their upcoming Champions League encounter against Porto, they will be eager to avenge themselves when they host Udinese on Saturday night.
On the other hand, Andrea Sottil’s men have utterly lost their early-season momentum, and look destined to drop further in the standings.
Prediction: A convincing win for Inter.
Atalanta vs Lecce
This season, Atalanta is easily the best Serie A squad that isn’t participating in European competitions. Therefore, Gian Piero Gapserini’s men seem adamant about rectifying the situation by securing a Top Four finish.
Last weekend, La Dea outplayed Lazio at the Olimpico Stadium in what was a major statement in the race for Europe. However, picking up points against smaller clubs like Lecce is equally important, and Gasperini knows it too well.
Prediction: Focused and sharp, Atalanta will complete the job.
Fiorentina vs Empoli
In a surprising twist of fate, Fiorentina are lagging behind their Tuscan rivals Empoli in the Serie A table ahead of their Derby clash on Round 23. The Viola’s domestic form has been catastrophic lately, but a victory against a local foe could be the ideal recipe to kickstart a revival, especially following their rampant Conference League win in Portugal.
This will not be easy, but Vincenzo Italiano can rely on a deeper squad to seal a victory in the second half.
Prediction: Fiorentina’s substitutes to make the difference.
Salernitana vs Lazio
From the Tuscan Derby, to Claudio Lotito’s former Derby. With both sides coming off a loss, Salernitana and Lazio will want to avoid a defeat at all costs, which could lead to a cagey affair.
The capital side has been painfully inconsistent this campaign, but Maurizio Sarri should have enough talent among his ranks to pull off a result against the struggling southerners.
Prediction: Lazio to secure a rebound win.
Spezia vs Juventus
Following a mini-crisis in January, Juventus have regained their balance in their recent outings and collecting positive results, even if some of their performances leave much to be desired.
For their part, Spezia haven’t been able to perform at their best recently, with the defense leaking goals since the departure of Jakub Kiwior toward Arsenal, while the attack is missing the strong physical presence of M’Bala Nzola.
But while the Aquilotti aren’t to be underestimated at the Alberto Picco Stadium, the Bianconeri should eventually break the hosts’ resistance.
Prediction: A labored victory for Juventus.
Roma vs Verona
Despite the undeniable gulf in talent between the two sides, this one could be closer than what many expect. Whenever Roma and Verona clash heads in Serie A, we’re often in for a treat, and this Round 23 contest shouldn’t be different.
In the reverse fixture, it was the young Cristian Volpato who came off the bench to seal the win for the Giallorossi, so one would always expect José Mourinho to find himself a hero in his superior squad.
Prediction: Roma to emerge victorious in a back-and-forth affair.
Torino vs Cremonese
On Monday night, Torino and Cremonese round off the weekend with an interesting battle in Turin. Astonishingly, the Tigers are still searching for their first Serie A win of the season, and based on their courageous displays, they could earn it on any given Sunday (or Monday).
Nonetheless, upsetting the Granata at the Grande Torino Stadium won’t be an easy task by any means, as Ivan Juric’s side possesses superior technical attributes, which should be enough to see off the Grigiorossi.
Prediction: Torino to secure a win with a commanding display.
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