Following a glorious midweek in Europe which saw five Italian clubs reach the semi-finals of continental competitions, the triumphant sides must now pick up some domestic points. However, this won’t be an easy mission in a round packed with major showdowns and inner battles between the top sides. So here are our full predictions for Serie A Round 31 which includes a mouth-watering contest at the Allianz Stadium between Juventus and Napoli and culminates in a clash at Bergamo featuring Atalanta and Roma.
Verona vs Bologna
Kudos to Verona who continue to push towards the safety zone. Salvatore Bocchetti’s men have picked up four points in their last two outings (including a draw at the Maradona) and now sit just three points behind 17th-placed Spezia.
Nonetheless, the Gialloblu will now host the surging Bologna who haven’t tasted defeat in their last five outings. The Emilians still dream of a European spot, and their recent form suggests that it could well be within their reach.
But to sneak into the Top 7, they will have to pick up away points against lowly opposition, starting with their away encounter at the Bentegodi.
Prediction: Bologna to snatch the win.
Salernitana vs Sassuolo
The action resumes on Saturday with what should be a fun encounter between Salernitana and Sassuolo at the Arechi Stadium. With five draws in their last five, the Southerners haven’t won or lost a match for a long while, and they remain undefeated since the appointment of Paulo Sousa. But sooner or later, this strange run is ought to end.
On the other hand, the Neroverdi enjoyed a morale-boosting victory over Juventus last weekend, but consistency isn’t one of their renowned traits. So don’t be surprised if they fail to replicate their inspiring performance this time.
Prediction: Salernitana to clinch hard-fought victory.
Lazio vs Torino
While other top Italian clubs are shining in Europe, Lazio enter Round 31 as THE team to beat in Serie A. Maurizio Sarri’s men have won four on the trot and sit second in the league despite the annulment of Juve’s point deduction.
On the other hand, Torino are without a win in their last four and have been sliding in the standings since the start of April.
While it certainly isn’t in the bag for the capital side, it’s hard to envision them dropping points at the Olimpico against the wounded Granata.
Prediction: Sergej to win the battle of the Milinkovic-Savic brothers.
Sampdoria vs Spezia
At this point, Sampdoria have apparently raised the white flag, succumbing to their inevitable fate. Nevertheless, one would expect them to at least show up for the Ligurian Derby and make a statement, even if their situation remains hopeless.
On the other hand, Spezia are certainly feeling the heat with Verona breathing down their neck. The free-falling Samp represents a major opportunity to collect three points away from home, but the regional derby has different computations.
Prediction: Sampdoria to please their home supporters with a rare victory.
Empoli vs Inter
Despite their Champions League exploits, Inter’s domestic form has been calamitous, to say the least. This weekend, the Nerazzurri travel to Tuscany for an encounter against a team that had already stunned them at the Giuseppe Meazza in the reverse fixture.
However, Empoli is a club that tends to deliver superior results away from home. Moreover, they haven’t been in a radiating form recently.
Prediction: Inter to exact revenge on Empoli.
Monza vs Fiorentina
This should be an entertaining meeting between two mid-table clubs who aren’t feeling any sort of pressure. After upsetting Inter last weekend, the morale at Monza is sky-high.
On the other hand, Fiorentina have booked a spot in the semi-final of the Conference League on Thursday, but one might wonder if they’re able to recharge their energy levels, focus and determination in time for Sunday’s contest.
Prediction: Monza to beat the hung-over Fiorentina.
Udinese vs Cremonese
For the first time this season, Cremonese have collected two Serie A wins in a row, and will be eager to make it three on the bounce when they travel to Udine in Round 31.
Evidently, this won’t be an impossible mission for the brave Tigers who refuse to give in their daunting battle to avoid relegation, as Udinese have little to play for at this point of the season.
The Zebrette have become a shadow of the vibrant side that left us all in awe at the start of the campaign, and we don’t expect them to deliver a thrilling performance this weekend either, but perhaps they’ll do just enough to derail Cremonese’s momentum.
Prediction: A fair draw.
Milan vs Lecce
As things stand before the start of round 31, Milan are outside of the Top four spots in the Serie A standings. The Rossoneri can’t afford another domestic misstep, and they must collect some wins before shifting their attention back to the Champions League and the universally-anticipated Derby della Madonnina.
Although his players have expended loads of energy in the midweek battle against Napoli, Stefano Pioli shouldn’t opt for a major rotation, as this ploy proved to be costly on the domestic level, and it would be the same outcome against a resilient Lecce side.
Prediction: Lecce to snatch a draw against the tired Rossoneri.
Juventus vs Napoli
In the biggest showdown of the round, Napoli will be looking to pick up the pieces following their Champions League elimination, and what better way to lift the morale than by beating their hated rivals on their own turf?
For their part, Juventus still need to avenge their humbling 1-5 defeat at the Maradona Stadium. But Massimiliano Allegri’s men have just returned from Lisbon, so it remains unclear whether they’ll have enough energy to put up a show against the Partenopei.
Prediction: Napoli to regain their balance with a timely victory.
Atalanta vs Roma
After playing 120 minutes on Thursday night, another tough encounter awaits Roma on Monday. José Mourinho’s men have been displaying heart and determination in their recent outings as they continue to advance both domestically and continentally.
For their part, Atalanta are in an abysmal form, but having the luxury of a full week of rest could tip the scale in their favor ahead of what should be a fascinating closing curtain for Serie A Round 31.
Prediction: Atalanta for the win.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |