With an international break looming on the horizon, this is the perfect time to cherish every Calcio match on display this weekend. Thankfully, Serie A will pull out the big guns before fading away for a couple of weeks, with two MAJOR back-to-back showdowns on Sunday. Of course, we’re talking about the Derby della Capitale and the Derby d’Italia. So who will prevail in these two tilts? And how about the other eight fixtures of Round 27? Here are our full predictions for what should be a fascinating Serie A weekend.
Sassuolo vs Spezia
The Serie A action begins on Friday with a meeting between the two clubs who delivered the biggest upsets in the previous round. Sassuolo overcame Roma in a thrilling goal-fest at the Olimpico, while Spezia stunned Inter at home. So which side will build on last week’s heroics and collect another win?
On the back of three victories in a row, the Neroverdi certainly look like the favorites to extend their impressive streak, especially with Armand Laurienté delivering superb displays and Domenico Berardi gradually regaining his form.
Prediction: Sassuolo to outscore their visitors.
Atalanta vs Empoli
On the contrary, the other Friday fixture will feature two clubs that aren’t enjoying their best days. Surprisingly, Atalanta only gained one point in their last four outings, while Empoli haven’t tasted victory since their shocking win at the Giuseppe Meazza on January 23 – that’s seven matches without a win.
But while the Tuscans remain in a relatively safe position, La Dea can’t afford another negative result, especially in front of their supporters in Bergamo. Surely the vastly-experienced Gian Piero Gasperini can find a quick solution for his mini-crisis.
Prediction: Atalanta do just enough to earn a timely win.
Monza vs Cremonese
This will be an encounter between two newly-promoted clubs who are enduring extremely contrasting campaigns. While Monza have cemented themselves as one of the main Dark Horses of the league, Cremonese already have one foot in Serie B.
While we can never completely write off the Tigers, Raffaele Palladino’s men remain the clear favorites, especially when they play on their own turk at the U-Power Stadium.
Prediction: Monza to earn a convincing victory.
Salernitana vs Bologna
Since taking over at Salernitana, Paulo Sousa remains undefeated, with a victory and two draws on his record. The Portuguese will be gunning for a home victory in Round 27 when his side hosts the dangerous Bologna who remain one of the most difficult jigsaws to solve in Serie A.
While the Granata are pushing to maintain a decent gap from the relegation zone, the Emilians need a victory that keeps them in the hunt for an unlikely, yet possible European spot.
In the end, the two sides could end up nullifying one another.
Prediction: A positive draw.
Udinese vs Milan
This will be the reverse fixture of the maiden Serie A contest of the season. Back then, the Rossoneri won the opener in a thrilling fashion, but their defense campaign hasn’t been as prosperous as the first sign suggested. For their part, Udinese were in the midst of a free-fall, but they managed to rebound with an away win at Empoli last weekend.
Although winning in Udine is never an easy task, Stefano Pioli’s men have been able to recharge the batteries with a quiet midweek, which should allow them to assert their authority at the Dacia Arena.
Prediction: Milan to make a statement with a convincing win.
Sampdoria vs Verona
While we’re tempted to call this one a “Last chance showdown”, a victory for Sampdoria would hardly change their grim situation. Nonetheless, it could serve as a morale-boosting win that might inspire a late miraculous escape.
But realistically speaking, the Blucerchiati are almost doomed at this point, so this encounter represents a great opportunity for Verona to deliver the death blow for their deeply-wounded relegation foes while maintaining the chances of catching up with Spezia.
Will the Gialloblu seize the golden opportunity?
Prediction: Enthusiastic Verona to snatch important victory.
Fiorentina vs Lecce
Following a mid-season depression, Fiorentina are now back on the right track, currently riding a three-match win streak. Nonetheless, this mini-comeback is too late to revive their hopes of reaching the European spots, so their best bet remains the cup competitions.
Therefore, the Viola might be slightly less determined in their next Serie A fixtures, opening the door for Lecce to pull off one of the biggest upsets in Round 27.
Prediction: Lecce to shock Tuscany.
Torino vs Napoli
When it comes to the league leaders, feel free to bet against Napoli at your own peril. Now surely Ivan Juric and his band of superb players can never be underestimated, and this certainly won’t be an easy task for the Partenopei.
Nevertheless, the imminent Italian champions will likely steamroll past the majority of their Serie A opponents between now and the end of the season.
Prediction: Napoli to win by two goals.
Lazio vs Roma
We’ve now reached the truly anticipated part of the weekend. When it comes to these two hated rivals, not even the Eternal City is big enough for both of them, and perhaps the same goes for the Champions League. The intense battle for the Top Four spots adds an extra twist to an already nerve-racking battle.
Regardless of European results, it feels that Maurizio Sarri is finding his groove lately, and the win over Napoli serves as a perfect case in point. On the other hand, things haven’t been too smooth for José Mourinho, who will also be serving a touchline ban.
Nevertheless, the Derby della Capitale tends to favor the struggling side, so let’s see if this edition will remain loyal to the tradition.
Prediction: Roma to pull off the victory.
Inter vs Juventus
Finally, Serie A Round 27 ends with a true clash of the titans, as Inter host Juventus at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. Despite last week’s defeat to Spezia, the Nerazzurri should be in a good mood after booking their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.
As for the Old Lady, it has been another puzzling campaign in Turin on all levels, but the team tends to reserve its best for the Derby d’Italia. So can the Bianconeri complete the league double over their arch-rivals?
Prediction: This could unfold as a cagey affair that ends in a stalemate.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |