Serie A is back in action this weekend, promising another exciting round of fixtures as the season edges closer to its dramatic conclusion. We’ve highlighted three standout matchups that could have major implications at both ends of the table. Here are my thoughts and suggestions for you to consider.
Before we break down each game, here’s a quick look at the latest title odds. With just three points separating the top two, it appears to be a two-horse race at the moment. Inter Milan remain firm favourites at 1/3, while Napoli can be backed at 95/40.
There’s still plenty of value to be found elsewhere, and you can explore a variety of other markets through the link below.
Click here for all the long-term Serie A outright markets
SATURDAY
AC MONZA v NAPOLI – Click here to bet
AC Monza’s Serie A nightmare continued last weekend with a 1-0 defeat away to Venezia — their tenth loss in twelve league outings. With just two draws sandwiched between that dismal run, the Biancorossi have picked up only two points from the last 36 available. Unsurprisingly, they sit rock bottom of the table on 15 points, and with just six matches remaining, their hopes of survival are fading fast. Eleven points separate them from safety, and time is running out.
Their home form has offered no respite. Monza have managed only one win at Brianteo Stadium all season and are currently winless in five consecutive home appearances (D2, L3). Goals have dried up, belief is low, and the prospect of facing an in-form title challenger makes for a daunting task.
Napoli, meanwhile, are in a rich vein of form under Antonio Conte. A 3-0 win over Empoli earlier this week marked their 20th league victory of the campaign, keeping them just three points behind leaders Inter Milan. The Azzurri are unbeaten in their last six league outings (W3, D3) and have tasted defeat just once in their last 17 Serie A matches.
Crucially, Napoli’s away form has been a cornerstone of their title challenge. They have lost just once in their last 15 away games, winning 8 and drawing the remaining 6 — a run that underlines their consistency on the road. With only two defeats away from home all season, they boast the third-best away record in the league.
Head-to-Head
Napoli are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Monza. Earlier this season, they secured a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture, while last season they recorded a 4-2 victory away from home in this matchup.
Betting
AC Monza 11/1
Draw 9/2
Napoli 2/7
Verdict
Napoli have been formidable on the road, while Monza look destined for relegation. With little fight left in the hosts and confidence soaring in the Napoli camp, this should be a routine victory for the visitors
Suggested Bet: Napoli to Win to Nil – Yes at 8/10
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SUNDAY
BOLOGNA v INTER MILAN – Click here to bet
Bologna’s hopes of Champions League qualification took a knock last weekend after a 2-0 defeat away to Atalanta. The loss ended a seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including six in Serie A, and saw them drop out of the top four. Now sitting in fifth with 57 points, Vincenzo Italiano’s men trail Juventus directly above them by two as they look to reclaim a top-four finish in the final stretch.
Despite the setback, the Rossoblu remain firmly in contention and will look to lean on their superb home form to get back on track. Bologna have suffered just one league defeat at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara all season and have collected 19 points from a possible 21 in their last seven home games, including six straight wins before their 1-1 draw with Napoli.
Inter Milan, fresh from booking their place in the Champions League semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate win over Bayern Munich, return to domestic duty focused on protecting their three-point lead at the top of the Serie A table. Simone Inzaghi’s side remain unbeaten in their last seven league outings (W5, D2), most recently cruising to a 3-1 win over Cagliari.
The Nerazzurri have been solid away from home, picking up 32 points from 16 matches on the road this season and remaining unbeaten in their last six away games in all competitions (W3, D3). That said, they’ve drawn two of their last three Serie A fixtures on the road, which could open the door slightly for Bologna to take something from the game.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, the two sides shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture, while last season, it was Inter who claimed the bragging rights with a 1-0 victory in this encounter.
Betting
Bologna 23/10
Draw 22/10
Inter Milan 11/8
Verdict
Bologna’s impressive home form will make life difficult for Inter, especially after a taxing midweek in Europe. However, Inter’s quality and depth should see them claim a positive result, even if they don’t claim all three points. Expect a tight, tactical battle.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Total – Draw/Inter Milan and Under 3.5 at 7/10
AC MILAN v ATALANTA – Click here to bet
Serie A’s Sunday night showdown brings us a thrilling encounter as AC Milan host high-flying Atalanta at the San Siro, with both sides battling for European qualification in the final stretch of the season.
It’s been a frustrating campaign for Sergio Conceição’s side, who currently sit 9th with 51 points — six adrift of the European spots with just six games to play. Milan are unbeaten in their last three across all competitions and come into this fixture boosted by a dominant 4-0 win away to Udinese last Friday, taking four points from their last two league outings.
At the San Siro, the Rossoneri have been a tough nut to crack, losing just once in their last eleven league matches at home. However, draws have been their Achilles’ heel — they’ve shared the spoils in six of those eleven, winning only four.
Atalanta, meanwhile, returned to winning ways last weekend with a solid 2-0 victory over Bologna after a worrying run of three consecutive defeats. The result was crucial in keeping them in third place with 61 points, but with Juventus and Bologna breathing down their necks, every point now is vital for Champions League qualification.
Interestingly, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have thrived on the road this season, racking up ten wins and claiming 33 points from 16 away matches — the best away record in the league. They’ve also enjoyed recent visits to the San Siro, remaining unbeaten in their last two trips to Milan in all competitions.
Head-to-Head
Atalanta claimed all three points with a 2-1 victory earlier this season, while last season’s meeting at the San Siro ended in a 1-1 draw, with both sides sharing the spoils.
Betting
AC Milan 31/20
Draw 5/2
Atalanta 7/4
Verdict
Visitors Atalanta warrant respect in this contest, especially given their impressive away form — the best in the league. With Milan struggling to convert home draws into wins, this promises to be a closely fought encounter. Atalanta’s efficiency on the road suggests they are well equipped to leave San Siro with at least a point.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Draw at 5/2
Click here for all this weekend’s Italian Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
