This weekend, we examine three exciting Serie A encounters and suggest a bet for each match.
But first, let’s review the current outright pricing: Defending champions Inter Milan are the firm favourites at 8/11, with Juventus closely behind at 11/4. AC Milan have drifted to 8/1 as the next best, while Napoli are fourth favourites at 10/1. The rest of the field is priced at 18/1 or better.
Click here for all the long-term Serie A outright markets
Get your money back if your team loses to an injury time penalty.
Introducing Tough Luck Insurance from World Sports Betting. Bet on football matches with confidence, and if your team loses to an injury time penalty, we’ll return your stake as free bets.
*Valid for Pre-Match and Live in Play events up to 90 Mins.
T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000. Single/Straight bets only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘ Tough Luck Insurance ’
SATURDAY
LAZIO v AC MILAN– Click here to bet
This weekend, Lazio will host AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico in a fixture that has consistently delivered drama over the years. The Eagles, currently sitting 9th in the Serie A standings after two matches, will be eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Udinese last weekend. Last season, Lazio averaged just 1.21 goals per game at home, leading to relatively low-scoring affairs in Rome. Their recent record against Milan at the Stadio Olimpico has been less than favourable, with three defeats in their last five league encounters.
AC Milan head to Rome after an underwhelming start to their campaign. The Rossoneri have yet to secure a win this season, opening with a draw at home against Torino, followed by a 2-1 defeat to Parma last weekend. Worryingly, AC Milan has shown uncharacteristic defensive fragility, conceding an average of two goals per game. This raises concerns about their defensive solidity ahead of this clash. Currently sitting 14th in the standings, newly appointed head coach Paulo Fonseca will be eager to secure a positive result on Saturday, aware that the pressure is building despite this being an early stage of the season.
Head-to-Head
AC Milan secured the double over Lazio last season, winning 1-0 in this fixture and 2-0 in the reverse encounter.
Betting
Lazio 37/20
Draw 5/2
AC Milan 29/20
Prediction
AC Milan have struggled to convince under Paulo Fonseca, and things could deteriorate further this weekend. Despite their historically favourable record in Rome, there’s little value in backing a side that has yet to find its footing this season.
Suggested Bet: Draw No Bet, Lazio at 21/20
NAPOLI v PARMA– Click here to bet
After a difficult start to the season, Napoli redeemed themselves with an emphatic 3-0 victory at home against Bologna last weekend, temporarily lifting them to 10th in the league standings. This strong response from Antonio Conte’s side will have given them a much-needed boost in confidence as they prepare to face Parma at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium this Saturday. Notably, there have been no draws in the last ten encounters between these two teams at this venue, with the hosts holding a slight edge, having secured 6 wins and 4 defeats during that period.
Meanwhile, Parma enter Saturday’s clash in Naples yet to taste defeat, having registered an impressive 2-1 victory over AC Milan in their most recent outing this past weekend at home. This result places them 5th in the standings with one win and one draw to date. It has been a strong start from the Crusaders since their return to top-flight football, but they will be well aware of the threat Napoli poses this Saturday. Yet to keep a clean sheet, the visitors will be keen to tighten up at the back following Napoli’s ruthless performance in their previous match, which showcased the sort of attacking intentions Parma can expect from the hosts this weekend.
Head-to-Head
These two last faced each other in the league during the 2020/21 season, when Napoli managed to secure the double by winning 2-0 in this fixture and replicating the same scoreline in the reverse match.
Betting
Napoli 8/15
Draw 7/2
Parma 5/1
Prediction
I’m not convinced we will see many goals in this match. Napoli won’t be underestimating Parma, especially after their impressive performance against AC Milan. While the hosts are likely to have the upper hand, I’m not confident enough to back them on the outright at current price. Instead, my preference would be for the visitors to fail to get on the score sheet.
Suggested Bet: Parma Totals, Under 0.5 at 13/10
SUNDAY
JUVENTUS v AS ROMA– Click here to bet
After last season’s disappointment, Juventus appears to have hit the ground running this time around. Currently at the top of the standings, Juventus have been ruthless in their performances, winning both of their opening encounters without conceding a goal. Their most recent outing saw them deliver a dominant display with a 3-0 victory away to Verona, bringing their average to an impressive 3 goals per game so far. This Sunday, they face familiar foes Roma, hoping to capitalize on Roma’s poor start to the season, as the visitors have yet to impress going into match day 3.
Languishing in 15th position on the table, it is safe to say that Roma have yet to get their campaign off the ground. With no wins from their two league appearances, the Giallorossi have managed to secure only one point so far. Their most recent match ended in a surprising 2-1 defeat at home to Empoli, leading head coach Daniele De Rossi to express his frustrations with the team’s performance after the game. Unfortunately for them, things don’t get any easier as they head to Allianz Stadium to face arguably the best team in the league at present. Roma will need a very quick turnaround if they are to walk away with anything positive from this encounter.
Head-to-Head
Juventus secured a 1-0 victory in this fixture last season, while both teams settled for a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.
Betting
Juventus 8/10
Draw 27/10
AS Roma 15/4
Prediction
Given the gulf in form between these two sides, it is difficult to make a case for Roma here. Juventus have been dominant in their performances and are rightly favoured as they enter this clash in Turin.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Juventus at 8/10
Click here for all this weekend’s Italian Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
