Congrats, everyone! You’ve managed to survive the last international break of the season. Now let’s get to business, shall we? Although we’re still eleven rounds away from the end of the campaign, Napoli are already on the cusp of sealing a historic Scudetto title, but the reigning Serie A champions Milan will try to derail their charge in the biggest of Round 28. Elsewhere, the other top sides will resume their open melee for European spots. So we’ll attempt to predict the outcomes of what should be a thrilling weekend in Calcio.
Cremonese vs Atalanta
In this contest, Marco Carnesecchi will have a major role to play against his parent club. But even if the impressive young goalkeeper delivers another brilliant display between the sticks, one would still expect Rasmus Hojlund and company to bag one or two goals.
Although Gian Piero Gapserini’s men endured a tough period, they should have enough in the tank to put down the resilient Tigers.
Prediction: Atalanta to overcome brave Cremonese
Inter vs Fiorentina
Whenever these two sides collide, fireworks are almost guaranteed. In the reverse fixture, Inter prevailed in dramatic fashion at the Artemio Franchi, so will Fiorentina return the favor at the Giuseppe Meazza?
Based on the Nerazzurri’s recent inconsistent form, this could be the perfect timing for the Tuscans to strike and snatch a headline-stealing victory and morale-booster ahead of the Coppa Italia semi-finals.
So can Vincenzo Italiano’s men seize the opportunity and pounce on Inter’s defensive absentees?
Prediction: An entertaining draw
Juventus vs Verona
At the moment, Juventus are one of the most in-form sides in Serie A, so they will obviously be the heavy favorites when they host Verona at the Allianz Stadium in Round 28.
Although we can never rule out an upset from the relegation strugglers, it’s difficult to imagine how the Gialloblu would manage to overcome the immense gulf in quality that separates them from their hosts.
Prediction: Juventus to collect a routine victory.
Bologna vs Udinese
Following a mid-season skid, Udinese have regained their balance, registering back-to-back wins. In their most recent outing, they outclassed Milan en route towards a remarkable 3-1 win.
Nonetheless, Bologna are no slouches either. Thiago Motta’s men are also enjoying an impressive campaign while delivering an exciting brand of football.
This should be a razor-tight affair, so the home advantage could be just enough to tip the scale in favor of the Rossoblu.
Prediction: Slim win for Bologna.
Monza vs Lazio
On the back of a Derby della Capitale victory, saying that the morale at Lazio is sky-high would be a vast understatement. The Aquile currently sit second in the Serie A standings and will be looking to consolidate their spot with a win over Monza in Round 28.
For their part, Raffaele Palladino’s side remains a complicated puzzle to solve for any opponent, but Maurizio Sarri will resort to his massive experience to outfox his younger compatriot.
Moreover, the capital side has much more to play for than the Biancorossi who reside in the middle of the table, so we expect the visitors to be the slightly more determined party.
Prediction: Lazio to defend a slim lead until the final whistle.
Spezia vs Salernitana
This should be an interesting battle between two sides who are trying their best to maintain a decent gap from the relegation zone. Since the appointment of Paulo Sousa, Salernitana are yet to taste defeat under the guidance of their new Portuguese manager.
On the other hand, Spezia will be missing the services of the suspended M’Bala Nzola, while Emil Holm remains unavailable. These crucial absentees could definitely hurt the Aquilotti’s chances.
Prediction: Salernitana to prevail away from home.
Roma vs Sampdoria
Despite earning a victory over Verona a couple of weeks ago, Sampdoria still have a mountain to climb and no time to waste if they’re still hoping for salvation. So can they pull off a stunning upset at the Stadio Olimpico?
Historically, it won’t be the first (Roma fans would remember the calamitous defeat which cost them the Scudetto title in 2010), but the Blucerchiati no longer possess the likes of Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini. Yet, the Giallorossi aren’t enjoying their finest hour, and surely the Derby defeat left its toll on the squad from a mental standpoint.
Nevertheless, one would expect Paulo Dybala or perhaps Tammy Abraham to drag the capital team out of the dark tunnel.
Prediction: Roma to rebound with a win.
Napoli vs Milan
In the battle between the reigning champions and the imminent champions, this could be a genuine passing-of-the-torch moment.
Nonetheless, Milan won’t make the long southern trip just to take part in a symbolic event. On the contrary, Stefano Pioli’s men will be hellbent on coming away with a positive result that puts them back on track.
But while the Rossoneri have been struggling for consistency, Napoli are yet to pull their guard down despite an outrageous 19-point gap from their nearest foes in the Serie A table. Surely they don’t plan to slow the tempo when they host their northern rivals.
If the Partenopei hit their A-game, it’s hard to envision a Milanese resistance.
Prediction: Napoli to inflict more damage on the defending champions.
Empoli vs Lecce
Empoli and Lecce have many things in common at the moment. Both sides have lost their last four matches as they seem to have run out of motivation after virtually securing their stay in the top flight.
However, their respective tallies (28 and 27 points) remain insufficient to ward off relegation threats once and for all, so they should both consider this Round 28 meeting as a perfect opportunity to put an end to the skid and cement a spot in Serie A next season.
Prediction: Lecce to earn a slightly surprising away win.
Sassuolo vs Torino
With four wins on the trot, Sassuolo are having their most prosperous run in this campaign. As for Torino, they remain both solid and consistent.
The Granata can always collect points against those who reside at the bottom of the table, but usually fall short against the top sides. So it will be interesting to see how they will fare against a fellow mid-table club.
Prediction: The two clubs could well share the spoils on Monday night.
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