On the back of a generally-positive European midweek for Italian clubs, domestic action will resume this weekend in what should be an exciting matchday in Calcio. Aside from the showdown between Napoli and Atalanta, this round won’t feature top clashes, but you can never rule out shocking upsets when desperate bottom-of-the-table sides meet larger opponents. So here are our predictions for all ten fixtures from Serie A Round 26.
Spezia vs Inter
The four-day weekend begins on Friday when Spezia host Inter in Liguria. With a major Champions League tilt in store on Tuesday, Simone Inzaghi could decide to rotate his ranks, while Leonardo Semplici will be relying on the fit-again M’Bala Nzola to inflict some damage.
Nevertheless, the Nerazzurri should have enough talent in their lineup to see off the Aquilotti who have been leaking at the back since the departure of Jakub Kiwior to Arsenal last January.
Prediction: Inter to win by a two-goal margin.
Empoli vs Udinese
This will be an interesting meeting between two sides who started the campaign in thrilling fashion but haven’t been able to secure a victory in a long while. Therefore, it represents a perfect opportunity for one of them to return to the win column. So who will grab the chance?
Although the Zebrette arguably have more renowned players within the ranks, the hosts can always rely on their talented young contingent who make the difference in such razor-tight affairs.
Prediction: Empoli to snatch the win.
Napoli vs Atalanta
Despite his team’s European commitments, Luciano Spalletti isn’t willing to take his foot off the pedal, so you can expect him to unleash his ideal starting lineup for Saturday’s showdown against Atalanta, especially following last weekend’s defeat to Lazio, as a second loss in a row at the Maradona Stadium wouldn’t sit well with the Neapolitan crowds, despite their comfortable lead.
For his part, Gian Piero Gasperini is looking to bounce back as well following a recent miserable run (a single point in the last three matches). So perhaps he’ll take a page out of Maurizio Sarri’s book who proved that the Partenopei aren’t invincible, but one must adopt a rather pragmatic approach to take them off the pedestal.
Prediction: Atalanta to force a cagey draw.
Bologna vs Lazio
This one might just be the most intriguing encounter of Round 26, and Serie A fans surely know why. Bologna have been one of the most entertaining sides of the campaign, while also collecting impressive results.
On the other hand, Lazio will be hellbent on putting their recent European disappointment behind them and maintain their Top Four push. Nonetheless, toppling the Emilians at the Renato Dall’Ara isn’t an easy task by any means. Thus, this one could have a surprise in store.
Prediction: Bologna to win a back-and-forth affair.
Lecce vs Torino
After losing their last two, Lecce will be adamant about collecting some points from this one to maintain a comfortable margin from the drop zone. However, their visitors Torino are pushing for an unlikely European spot, so this is the type of matchup where they must emerge victorious to keep their aspirations alive.
This one could go either way, but the Granata’s superior quality should tip the scale in Ivan Juric’s favor, despite the best attempts of the raucous Via del Mare crowds.
Prediction: Torino to secure a hard-fought victory.
Cremonese vs Fiorentina
Kudos to Cremonese who insist on making their Serie A run entertaining while it lasts, and we expect them to deliver yet another courageous effort in the face of their Tuscan visitors in Round 26.
Sandwiched in between two Conference League ties, Fiorentina might be slightly distracted by their positive European run, but surely they have the personnel to put this match to bed, even if the home side manages to complicate matters.
Prediction: Fiorentina to win a fun contest.
Verona vs Monza
After launching a rescue mission in January, Verona’s momentum has dropped recently. Nevertheless, they remain only three points away from Spezia in the 17th position, so this is the type of contest that should be deemed a “must-win” for the Gialloblu.
For their part, Monza are sitting in the middle of the Serie A table, with very little to play for. Yet, this hasn’t stopped Raffaele Palladino’s men from looking inspired week in week out. Therefore, this won’t be an easy match to forecast.
Prediction: Verona and Monza to settle for a draw.
Roma vs Sassuolo
Following their wins over Juventus and Real Sociedad, the morale at Roma is sky-high. Nonetheless, their Emilian visitors are also riding a two-match win streak, and their ability to shock bigger clubs is well-illustrated.
But despite the Emilians’ positive moment, José Mourinho’s men should be able to overwhelm and outclass Alessio Dionisi’s side en route towards a routine victory.
Prediction: Roma to overpower Sassuolo in midfield.
Juventus vs Sampdoria
This season, Juventus are enduring a true rollercoaster of a campaign. Although we’re in March, we still have more questions than answers regarding Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
But despite all the uncertainty surrounding the Allianz Stadium, surely the Bianconeri wouldn’t miss the opportunity to deepen Sampdoria’s wounds. The Ligurians are enduring a miserable campaign and will also be missing several key players, so they’re unlikely to cause too much havoc in Turin.
Prediction: Juventus to collect three points.
Milan vs Salernitana
The Serie A weekend ends on Monday with Milan hosting Salernitana at the San Siro in the final fixture for Round 26. Despite putting massive effort in North London, Stefano Pioli’s men should have enough time to restore their energy ahead of their domestic challenge.
For their part, Salernitana have certainly evolved following the appointment of Paulo Sousa, but will it be enough to unsettle the reigning Italian champions on their own turf?
Well, not if the Rossoneri showcase the same defensive solidity displayed against Tottenham on Wednesday.
Prediction: Milan to shut down Salernitana’s attacks en route to victory.
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