This weekend, we turn our attention to three Serie A matches, offering insights and betting options for each encounter.
Before doing so, let’s review the latest outright odds: reigning champions Inter Milan remain the favourites to retain their title at 9/10, closely followed by Napoli at 9/4 and Juventus in third at 13/2. AC Milan completes the top four fancies at 16/1, while the other contenders are priced at 18/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term Serie A outright markets
SATURDAY
UDINESE v JUVENTUS– Click here to bet
As Udinese prepare to welcome Juventus in the evening kick-off at Bluenergy Stadium, they will be looking to return to winning ways after suffering a disappointing 3-2 defeat away to Venezia midweek, despite having held a 2-0 lead in the first half. Currently sitting 7th in the Serie A standings with 16 points, Udinese have shown resilience at home, where they have managed to secure four wins from their opening five matches in Udine. With an average of 1.6 goals per game at home, Udinese will take comfort in the fact that Saturday’s opponents, Juventus, have looked particularly vulnerable at the back in their last two outings.
Juventus arrives in Udine having obtained just two points from their last two outings, most recently a rather disappointing 2-2 result at home against Parma midweek, marking back-to-back draws in the league while conceding 6 goals in the process. Despite falling slightly out of favour, they remain in the hunt at the top end of the table with 18 points, placing them 6th in the standings. The Old Lady remains unbeaten away from home this season, managing 8 points in their opening four matches on the road and averaging a rather impressive 2.5 goals per game in the process.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Juventus secured a convincing 3-0 victory in this fixture, while Udinese won the reverse encounter 1-0 at the Allianz Stadium.
Betting
Udinese 16/5
Draw 23/10
Juventus 1/1
Verdict
Despite what previous meetings may indicate, the prospect of both teams finding the back of the net certainly appeals here. Juventus has shown some defensive frailties, conceding an average of three goals in their last two matches. With the Champions League looming just three days later, Udinese will likely see this as a chance to capitalize on any distractions.
Suggested Bet: both Teams to Score, Yes at 11/10
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 ’
SUNDAY
NAPOLI v ATALANTA– Click here to bet
Napoli will be looking to maintain their dominant form as they prepare to face Atalanta in the early afternoon at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this weekend. Coming off an impressive 2-0 victory away at AC Milan on Tuesday evening, Napoli currently occupies 1st place in the standings with a solid 25 points from their opening 10 games. The Partenopei have been particularly strong at home, winning all five of their league encounters in Naples and boasting an average of 2.2 goals per game. With important Serie A fixtures ahead, Antonio Conte will be eager to extend their healthy lead by maintaining their impressive winning streak this Sunday against a very talented Atalanta side.
On the other hand, Atalanta enters this match following a clinical midweek 2-0 win against Monza, which has put them in 3rd place with 19 points. Despite their solid form at home, the Orobici have struggled on the road this season, managing only 7 points from a possible 15 with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats. Averaging 1.4 goals away from home, they will be keen to improve their away record and replicate the strong performances to which we became accustomed to seeing from them last season.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Atalanta claimed all three points in this fixture with a 3-0 victory, while Napoli won the reverse match 2-1 in Bergamo.
Betting
Napoli 21/20
Draw 26/10
Atalanta 27/10
Verdict
This particular fixture often produces entertaining football between these two teams, with five of their previous seven league meetings featuring goals from both sides. This weekend should be no different, given the goal-scoring form we have seen from both teams this season.
Suggested Bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score, Over 2.5 and Yes at 21/20
INTER MILAN v VENEZIA– Click here to bet
Inter Milan continue their pursuit for top spot in Serie A as they host Venezia at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza this weekend. Coming off a commanding 3-0 victory away at Empoli on match day 10, Inter currently occupies 2nd place in the standings with 21 points, trailing Napoli by just 4. The Nerazzurri have been decent at home, winning three, drawing one, and suffering one defeat at the Meazza while averaging an impressive 2.8 goals per game. With Champions League commitments looming just three days later, where they will take on the mighty Arsenal, Simone Inzaghi will be keen to secure another three points against a Venezia side that they have traditionally dominated over the years.
In contrast, Venezia arrive in Milan having registered just their second league win of the season in their most recent outing, after clawing their way back from a 2-0 deficit to go on to win 3-2 at home against Udinese. Despite the positive result and an unbeaten run of two matches, the Winged Lions still find themselves in the relegation zone, 18th in the table with 8 points. The Arancioneroverdi have had a torrid time on the road this season, accumulating just 2 points from a possible 18, with 2 draws and 4 defeats. Averaging 0.83 goals per game away from home, they will need to find a way to break through Inter’s solid defence if they hope to pull off an upset in what appears to be a daunting fixture for the visitors.
Head-to-Head
Inter Milan achieved a double against these two teams when they last met in the 2021/22 season, winning 2-0 in the reverse encounter and then following it up with a 2-1 victory in this fixture.
Betting
Inter Milan 2/11
Draw 7/1
Venezia 15/1
Verdict
Given what we’ve observed this season, there’s a notable disparity in quality between these teams. Inter should comfortably secure all three points, and a clean sheet seems probable considering Venezia’s struggles away from home.
Suggested Bet: Inter Milan Win to Nil, Yes at 5/6
Click here for all this weekend’s Italian Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
