Serie A Weekend Betting Preview, 13-14 September
Serie A returns from the international break with Week 3 kicking off, giving teams a chance to reset and regroup. Some sides have hit the ground running, while others are still looking to find their rhythm after a fortnight away from domestic action. This round offers an early test of form, with several fixtures standing out for their potential outcomes. I’ve highlighted three clashes to watch, each with a suggested bet to consider.
In the latest outright market, Napoli remain favourites at 12/10, with Inter Milan close behind at 27/10 and Juventus at 6/1. AC Milan are 7/1, Roma 15/2, while the rest of the field is priced at 40/1 or greater.
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SATURDAY
JUVENTUS v INTER MILAN – Click here to bet
Juventus have made an ideal start to the new Serie A campaign, collecting maximum points from their opening two fixtures. A 2-0 home win against Parma set the tone on matchday one, followed by a gritty 1-0 victory at Genoa courtesy of a Dušan Vlahović header. Igor Tudor’s side are yet to concede, with new goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio impressing between the sticks, while Jonathan David wasted no time marking his debut with a goal. Sitting 2nd in the early standings with six points, the Bianconeri will be determined to lay down an early marker in the Derby d’Italia.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, began in emphatic fashion by thrashing Torino 5-0 on the opening weekend, with Marcus Thuram grabbing a brace as Cristian Chivu’s tenure got off to a flying start. However, that momentum stalled on matchday two when Udinese pulled off a surprise 2-1 win in Milan, capitalizing on lapses in concentration despite Inter dominating possession. Sitting 6th with three points in the early standings, the Nerazzurri head to Turin knowing a defeat would leave them trailing their rivals already.
Head-to-Head
Juventus edged their most recent league meeting 1‑0 against Inter in February, but earlier in the previous season the sides played out a dramatic 4‑4 draw in Milan. Historically, the Derby d’Italia has been tight, with six of the last seven clashes in all competitions decided by a single goal or ending in a draw.
Betting
Juventus 17/10
Draw 21/10
Inter Milan 15/8
Verdict
Juventus look organized and difficult to break down under Tudor, while Inter’s attack remains potent but inconsistent. Given the stakes and recent head-to-head record, another tight affair seems likely. A score draw was initially appealing, but I’ve opted for both teams to find the net instead.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 9/10
FIORENTINA v NAPOLI – Click here to bet
Fiorentina’s start to the new Serie A campaign has been underwhelming, with Stefano Pioli’s men struggling to find rhythm in the opening two rounds. A 1-1 draw at Cagliari on the opening weekend was followed by a frustrating 0-0 stalemate away to Torino, where Moise Kean squandered a golden chance on the goal line. New signings such as Robin Gosens and Roberto Piccoli are still bedding in, but the lack of cutting edge in the final third has left La Viola 12th in the standings with just two points and still searching for their first win.
Napoli, by contrast, have begun their title defence with intent and currently sit top of the Serie A standings with six points. A 2-0 opening weekend win at Sassuolo saw Scott McTominay and debutant Kevin De Bruyne on the scoresheet, while Matchday 2 brought a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over Cagliari thanks to Frank Anguissa’s stoppage-time strike. Antonio Conte’s side have combined flair with resilience, making them one of four teams with a perfect record after two rounds.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Napoli did the double over Fiorentina with a 2-1 home win and a commanding 3-0 victory in Florence. The Partenopei are now unbeaten in their last four meetings with the Viola, winning three and drawing one, while scoring at least twice in each of those encounters.
Betting
Fiorentina 95/40
Draw 22/10
Napoli 27/20
Verdict
While Fiorentina remain tough to beat at the Franchi, their lack of cutting edge and failure to capitalize on chances in the opening rounds is a concern. Napoli arrive with maximum points, a title-winning backbone, and attacking upgrades that already look settled. Conte’s men should have enough to extend their perfect start.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Napoli at 27/20
SUNDAY
AC MILAN v BOLOGNA – Click here to bet
AC Milan have begun the season with a mixture of promise and early jitters and currently sit 8th in the Serie A standings with three points. The Rossoneri were caught cold on Matchday 1, losing 2-1 at home to Cremonese despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, leaving Massimiliano Allegri visibly frustrated. They bounced back in week 2 with a 2-0 win away at Lecce, goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic giving the new-look side some rhythm. Milan still need to iron out defensive inconsistencies, but the quality across the squad is evident.
Bologna currently sit 10th with three points and enter this fixture full of confidence after bouncing back from an opening setback. They were narrowly beaten 1-0 away at Roma on matchday one but responded in week two with a 1-0 home win over Como, Riccardo Orsolini scoring the decisive goal just before the hour mark. That victory not only earned their first points of the season but also showcased their resilience. Coupled with last season’s Coppa Italia triumph over Milan, Vincenzo Italiano’s side arrive at the Giuseppe Meazza believing they can make life difficult for the Rossoneri.
Head-to-Head
These two sides met three times in total last season, with AC Milan winning 3‑1 at home and Bologna winning 2‑1 in their home league fixture. Their most recent encounter came in the Coppa Italia final, where Bologna secured a 1‑0 victory in May.
Betting
AC Milan 10/11
Draw 26/10
Bologna 3/1
Verdict
This has all the makings of a cagey contest. Milan boast the quality and home edge but are still adjusting under Allegri, while Bologna arrive buoyed by their recent win and growing belief. Expect a lively battle, with Milan favourites to edge it, though Bologna won’t make life easy.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Total – AC Milan/Draw and Under 3.5 at 8/11
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
