This is football the Italian way

This is football the Italian way

Another full programme of football games in Italy, and so the expectation grows that there will be little change at either end of the table with 13 matches remaining. Realistically, the matches to most excite sports betting fans arrive towards the end of the weekend but never rule out a turnaround with live betting options. Just ask Fiorentina in the Europa League!

WEEK 26 SUNDAY:

Napoli vs Atalanta

As Atalanta dream of Europe, Napoli dream of an unlikely Juventus slip-up (and even then Roma stand in their way). Impressively, Atalanta are 19 points better off than where they were at this stage last season and are unbeaten in five. Should they triumph in Naples, they will only be three points behind their opponents – although remember that  this is a Napoli side who have not lost for 14 league games!

Juventus vs Empoli

With a seven-point lead at the summit and one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals, these are good times for Max Allegri’s men. Their home winning streak of 29 straight league wins is only bettered in Europe by the Barcelona side which won 39 home games in a row from 1958-1960. What chance do fourth-from-bottom Empoli have against the Old Lady?

Palermo vs Sampdoria

Time is running out for Palermo, even if they are the most likely of the bottom three to pull clear. If they are to pull clear, clashes like this are must-wins. Can they show the same spirit that Sampdoria have shown this season, picking up 16 points from trailing positions, more than any other Serie A club?

Chievo vs Pescara

After two wins and a draw, Napoli proved too strong for Chievo last weekend. Will they bounce back as what should seem as a home banker may prove more difficult than first thought? Bottom club Pescara should be bouncing after securing only their second victory of the season last weekend – in truth, it was only their first win as those three points were awarded to them after Sassuolo fielded an ineligible player.

Crotone vs Cagliari

Four defeats in a row without a goal, Crotone are really struggling. Yet there remains a spirit about Davide Nicola’s side. And they should remember the Sardinians have failed to win any of their last 10 games away from home.

Genoa vs Bologna

How Genoa must wish they could turn back the clock. Their 5-0 hammering at Pescara was not only embarrassing, but it also led to coach Ivan Juric being sacked. Bologna don’t have much to smile about, either, after four successive defeats. This is a clash of sides struggling for confidence.

Lazio vs Udinese

One win in eight means Udinese are probably glad their autumn form gave them a buffer between themselves and the strugglers. At the other end, Lazio have got work to do to close in on the chasing pack, but a European berth remains a distinct possibility for coach Simone Inzaghi. Their young side, helped by the reliable goals of Ciro Immobile, shows real promise.

Sassoulo vs Milan

Milan have even more work to do but will be encouraged after on-loan Gerard Deulofeu notched his maiden goal in Serie A in their 2-1 victory over Fiorentina. They now host a Sassoulo side who have won three away games on the bounce. After a torrid first half of the season both in terms of results and injuries, coach Eusebio Di Francesco has overseen an improvement.

WEEK 26 MONDAY:

Inter Milan vs Roma

Fourth vs second and hold onto your hats for an exciting finish – these two sides have scored more goals in the final 15 minutes than any other Serie A club this season. Inter will have no doubt who to keep quiet, though. Edin Dzeko has found the net in eight straight games, overtaking the club record set by Francesco Totti and Rodolfo Volk.

WEEK 26 TUESDAY:

Fiorentina vs Torino

What a week to forget for Fiorentina. First, a defeat at Milan, then a Europa League collapse at home to Borussia Monchengladbach as they threw away a 3-0 aggregate lead. Fail to defeat a Torino side who trail them by five points and, their best source of goals, striker Nikola Kalinic may be sold.

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