In this edition, we’ll try to foreshadow the events of Serie A Round 30 which is jammed between two crucial European midweeks. Even though this weekend won’t feature any major clash between two top sides, the contests will be intriguing all the same.
For instance, Napoli will be looking to make an extra step that puts them even closer to an imminent Scudetto triumph, while two rough Emilian trips await Milan and Juventus. So here are our full predictions for the upcoming Serie A weekend.
Cremonese vs Empoli
The Italian weekend begins on Friday in an encounter between two sides who arguably have little to play for at the moment. Despite last week’s thrilling win over Sampdoria, Cremonese still need a miracle for salvation, while Empoli sit 10 points above the relegation zone.
Nevertheless, this should be a fun one to watch with goals expected on both ends. But we lean towards the Tuscans and their talented band of players.
Prediction: Empoli to come away with an entertaining win.
Spezia vs Lazio
In an interesting Round 30 battle between the two eagles, Spezia will be the clear underdogs when they host one of the most in-form sides in Serie A. In the duel between M’Bala Nzola and Ciro Immobile, which bomber will prevail?
Without European commitments to drain their energy, Lazio will be presented with a golden opportunity to consolidate their second place in the standings, although their Ligurian hosts are no pushovers.
In the duel between M’Bala Nzola and Ciro Immobile, which bomber will prevail?
Prediction: Lazio to snatch a vital victory away from home.
Bologna vs Milan
Sandwiched between two Champions League quarter-final legs against Napoli, one has to wonder how much attention will Milan reserve for their trip to Bologna. But anything less than a fully-focused Rossoneri side will definitely struggle to earn a result at the Renato Dall’Ara.
Thiago Motta’s men are enjoying their finest hour, and they haven’t tasted defeat in their last four outings. The Rossoblu will be gunning to complete a historic home double against the two Milanese giants after stunning Inter last month.
Prediction: Bologna to overcome second-tier Milan lineup.
Napoli vs Verona
Following their midweek defeat to Milan in the Champions League, Napoli will have to turn the result upside-down in the second leg. But despite having a crucial European contest on the horizon, Luciano Spalletti isn’t planning on taking his foot off the pedal in Serie A, and he won’t be satisfied with anything less than a victory against the Verona in Round 30.
The Gialloblu are still hoping to reach the safe zone, but perhaps this won’t be the ideal fixture to pick up points.
Prediction: Napoli to earn a routine victory at the Maradona.
Inter vs Monza
Yet another Champions League participant who needs a domestic victory this weekend. Unlike Napoli, Inter can’t afford to drop any more points, so they’ll be adamant about securing a timely victory over their Lombardian neighbors Monza.
The Biancorossi are without a win in their last four, but their league position remains impressive for a newly-promoted side.
But in the end, the Nerazzurri’s European exploits should serve as a morale booster for Simone Inzaghi’s men, which could make all the difference on Saturday.
Prediction: Inter to earn a hard-fought victory.
Lecce vs Sampdoria
Lecce have completely lost the plot recently, losing their five last outings. Yet, their situation remains significantly better than Sampdoria’s, as the Ligurians currently sit at the very bottom of the table with one foot in Serie B.
Therefore, this encounter at the Via del Mare represents the perfect opportunity for the Giallorossi to end their dreadful period and put themselves back in the winning column. As for the wounded Blucerchiati, their last-gasp defeat to Cremonese was surely a devastating blow to their already low morale, and at this point, they might simply raise the white flag.
Prediction: Lecce to secure a rebound victory.
Torino vs Salernitana
This will be an intriguing clash between the two Granata sides. in recent weeks, Torino haven’t been able to collect as many points as they had hoped for, although their performances weren’t terrible by any means.
Meanwhile, the southerners remain undefeated in six encounters under the guidance of Paulo Sousa, but they have only registered draws in their last five Serie A fixtures heading into Round 30.
So could the trend extend to six?
Prediction: The two sides to share the spoils in an energetic encounter.
Sassuolo vs Juventus
On the back of a surprising defeat at the hands of Verona, Sassuolo are hoping to make a statement when they host Juventus at the Mapei Stadium. Alessio Dionisi’s men have little to play for at this stage of the season as they sit comfortably in mid-table.
As the Bianconeri, we still have more questions than answers regarding their campaign, but Massimiliano Allegri’s men will be looking to pick up three points while they await Wednesday’s crucial verdict on their 15-point penalty appeal.
But with so many distractions, Juventus might drop a couple of points on the road.
Prediction: A cagey draw.
Roma vs Udinese
Despite their inconsistent results, Roma somehow find themselves third in the Serie A standings before Round 30. The Giallorossi suffered a European setback after losing the first leg of their Europa League double encounter against Feyenoord, but they mustn’t lose sight of the situation, as their primary goal must remain a Top Four finish.
Speaking of inconsistency, Udinese have been struggling to pick up the points recently, but they tend to do well against the big boys. However, upsetting the Giallorossi at the Olimpico might be a tall order for Andrea Sottil’s men.
Prediction: Roma with a convincing win.
Fiorentina vs Atalanta
In what could be the most interesting meeting of the Italian weekend, Fiorentina and Atalanta collide at the Artemio Franchi. While the hosts are enjoying a spectacular run, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have lost their balance recently.
Yet, the Orobici might be able to pounce on a full week of preparations to earn a positive result against the Viola who have been occupied in the Conference League.
Prediction: Atalanta to pick up a slim win.
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