Serie A returns this weekend with another thrilling slate of fixtures, and we’ve highlighted three key matchups that promise plenty of drama. Here’s our analysis, along with potential betting opportunities to consider.
Before diving into each preview, let’s take a look at the latest outright odds. Following last weekend’s results, Inter Milan are now favourites to lift the title at 15/20, with Napoli close behind at 15/10. Atalanta are priced at 7/1, while the rest of the field is available at 33/1 or higher.
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SATURDAY
NAPOLI v INTER MILAN – Click here to bet
The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona will take centre stage this Saturday as Napoli hosts league leaders Inter Milan in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash. With just one point separating the two, Napoli sits second in Serie A with 56 points from 26 matches (W17, D5, L4). However, last weekend’s 2-1 defeat away to Como ended their 10-game unbeaten streak, which included seven wins and three draws. Napoli boasts the second-best home record in the league, accumulating 28 points from a possible 36 (W9, D1, L2). In their last five home games, the Azzurri have won three, drawn one, and lost one. They remain unbeaten in their last four at home, securing 10 points from a possible 12.
Inter Milan secured their place in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia following their 2-0 triumph over Lazio this past Tuesday. The victory will have boosted their confidence as they now turn their attention to Serie A. Inter will arrive in Naples looking to extend their slender lead at the top of the standings. The Nerazzurri sit on 57 points from 26 matches (W17, D6, L3) and returned to winning ways last weekend with a 1-0 victory over Genoa. However, February was an inconsistent month for Simone Inzaghi’s men, as they managed two wins and suffered two defeats. They will be eager to start March on a high note with a crucial victory. Away from home, Inter has the third-best record in Serie A, collecting 27 points from a possible 39 (W8, D3, L2). However, they have lost their last two away fixtures without scoring, falling to Fiorentina and Juventus. Interestingly, only one team has found the back of the net in seven of Inter’s last eight league away games—an important trend to consider for this encounter.
Head-to-Head
Last Five League Meetings: Napoli W1, Draws 2, Inter Milan W2
Earlier this season, the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the San Siro. In their most recent encounter in Naples, Inter secured a commanding 3-0 victory last season.
Betting
Napoli 21/10
Draw 22/10
Inter Milan 15/10
Verdict
Napoli’s strong home form and Inter’s recent struggles on the road set the stage for a compelling encounter. Considering the tight league standings and both teams’ recent fixtures, this one has the makings of a low-scoring affair.
Suggested Bet: Totals – Under 2.5 goals at 7/10
UDINESE v PARMA – Click here to bet
Udinese will look to extend their four-game unbeaten streak when they welcome struggling Parma to the Stadio Friuli on Saturday. The hosts come into this match off the back of a 1-0 victory over Lecce, securing consecutive wins after their previous 3-0 triumph over Empoli. Kosta Runjaić’s side currently sits 10th in the table with 36 points from 26 matches (W10, D6, L10). At home, Udinese has been solid, picking up eight points from a possible 15 in their last five home outings (W2, D2, L1). Overall, they have registered 20 points from 39 on offer in Udine (W6, D2, L5).
Parma, meanwhile, ended a four-match losing streak with a surprising 2-0 victory over Bologna last weekend. That result lifted them out of the relegation zone, where they now sit in 17th place with 23 points from 26 matches (W5, D8, L13). Despite their recent win, Parma’s away form remains a major concern. Cristian Chivu’s side has failed to win any of their last six away fixtures, conceding 14 goals while collecting just one point (D1, L5). Overall, they have been poor on the road this season, earning only eight points from 13 matches (W1, D5, L7).
Head-to-Head
Last Five League Meetings: Udinese W2, Draws 1, Parma W2
Earlier this season, Udinese claimed all three points in a thrilling 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture. Interestingly, they won by the same scoreline in this matchup last season in Udine.
Betting
Udinese 8/10
Draw 27/10
Parma 7/2
Verdict
With Udinese in solid form and Parma struggling on the road, the hosts should have the upper hand in this encounter. Parma’s defensive frailties, combined with Udinese’s recent resurgence, suggest only one outcome this weekend—I’m backing a home win.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Udinese at 8/10
SUNDAY
AS ROMA v COMO 1907 – Click here to bet
Roma will look to maintain their strong recent form when they welcome Como to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. The Giallorossi have won three consecutive matches across all competitions and remain unbeaten in their last five outings (W4, D1). Last weekend’s commanding 4-0 win over Monza propelled them to 9th place in the table with 40 points from 26 matches (W11, D7, L8), leaving them seven points adrift of European contention. Roma’s attack has been firing on all cylinders, scoring seven goals in their last two appearances. Their home form has also been exceptional, winning nine of their last ten matches at the Olimpico in all competitions (W9, D1). In Serie A, they hold the third-best home record, amassing 25 points from a possible 39 (W8, D1, L4).
Como enters this clash on the back of an impressive 2-1 victory over Napoli last weekend, marking their second consecutive league win. Cesc Fàbregas’ side has defied expectations, recently defeating top-six opposition in back-to-back weeks with victories over Fiorentina and Napoli. They will be hoping to claim another big scalp when they face Roma in the capital. Currently sitting in 13th place with 28 points from 26 matches (W7, D7, L12), Como has struggled away from home. They have managed just one win in their last nine road trips, collecting six points from a possible 27 during that span. Overall, they have taken just ten points from their 13 away fixtures this season (W2, D4, L7).
Head-to-Head
Como won the reverse fixture earlier this season with a clinical 2-0 victory in the sides 1st meeting since 2003.
Betting
AS Roma 19/20
Draw 26/10
Como 3/1
Verdict
Roma’s home form, coupled with Como’s overall struggles on the road, makes this a difficult task for the visitors. The hosts should have too much quality and are expected to claim a comfortable victory.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – AS Roma at 19/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
