This weekend, we focus on three key Serie A fixtures, providing insights and betting options for your consideration.
Before diving in, let’s take a look at the latest outright odds: Inter Milan remains the firm favourite to defend their Serie A title, priced at 5/6. Current league leaders Atalanta are close behind at 3/1, followed by Napoli at 7/2. The rest of the field is available at odds of 25/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term Serie A outright markets
SATURDAY
CAGLIARI v ATALANTA – Click here to bet
Cagliari will hope to turn their fortunes around when they host Atalanta at the Unipol Domus this Saturday. The Sardinians are coming off a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Fiorentina last weekend, extending their poor run of form that has seen them secure just one win in their last seven Serie A appearances. Davide Nicola’s men sit 15th in the table with 14 points and will be desperate for a positive result knowing they are just two points above entering the relegation zone.
Home Form: W2 D3 L3
Cagliari has performed slightly better at home, earning 7 points from their last four matches at the Unipol Domus. The hosts have averaged 1 goal per game across their 7 home matches, but worryingly, they have conceded 14 goals at a rate of 1.75 per game on home soil this campaign.
Atalanta will head into Saturday’s clash as the leaders of Serie A, holding a two-point advantage over Napoli with 34 points. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has been in scintillating domestic form, boasting a remarkable nine-game winning streak in the league. However, Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat at home to Real Madrid in Europe marked the first time Atalanta had been beaten in 15 matches, also ending their nine-game winning streak across all competitions. Despite this setback, their impressive run in Serie A continues, with their latest triumph, a 2-1 victory over AC Milan last weekend, solidifying their title credentials.
Away Form: W5 D1 L2
On the road, Atalanta has been equally impressive, remaining unbeaten in their last five league appearances and winning four consecutively. The Nerazzurri have been prolific in the goal-scoring department, having found the net 16 times at an average of 2 goals per game on their travels, while conceding 8 at an average of 1 per game.
Head-to-Head
Atalanta has dominated this fixture in recent times, winning four of their last five encounters. However, last season, Cagliari managed to secure a 2-1 victory in this fixture.
Betting
Cagliari 9/2
Draw 33/10
Atalanta 6/10
Verdict
Having scored an impressive 10 goals in their last four league appearances away from home, there is little to suggest that this trend won’t continue against Cagliari this weekend. Atalanta are in excellent form at present, and given their strong attacking play, they should have the measure of Cagliari on Saturday. With their recent form and firepower, the visitors will be confident of extending their lead at the top of Serie A.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Atalanta at 6/10
UDINESE v NAPOLI – Click here to bet
Udinese will be looking to build on their recent victory when they host Napoli at the Bluenergy Stadium this Saturday. The Bianconeri returned to winning ways last weekend, securing a 2-1 win away to Monza, which ended a run of five matches without a victory, including four consecutive defeats. Currently sitting 9th in the standings with 20 points, Udinese will aim to continue their upward momentum and strengthen their position in the middle of the table.
Home Form: W4 D0 L3
Udinese have been solid at home, earning 12 points from their seven matches at the Bluenergy Stadium. They have scored 8 goals and conceded an equal number, averaging 1.14 goals per game both in attack and defence. Although they’ve been difficult to break down at times, they’ll face a tough challenge against a strong Napoli side.
Napoli are currently 2nd in the standings, trailing league leaders Atalanta by two points with 32 points. The Azzurri will be eager to bounce back after two consecutive defeats, having lost 1-0 at home to Lazio last weekend, following a 3-1 defeat to the same opponents in the Coppa Italia three days prior. Despite these setbacks, Napoli remains a formidable force in Serie A and will be determined to get back on track on the road.
Away Form: W4 D2 L1
Napoli have been impressive on their travels this season, remaining unbeaten in six of their seven away league appearances. They’ve won four matches and drawn two, scoring 9 goals and conceding just 4 at an average of 0.57 goals per game on the road. Their strong defensive record will be crucial in securing a positive result away to Udinese.
Head-to-Head
Napoli has dominated this fixture in recent encounters, winning five of their last seven encounters against Udinese. The last time they met, both teams shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw in this fixture last season.
Betting
Udinese 4/1
Draw 26/10
Napoli 15/20
Verdict
Despite their recent setbacks, Napoli are still in contention for top spot. They have one of the strongest overall forms in the league, particularly on the road. With an excellent record away from home and a solid defensive unit, I’m inclined to take my chances on the current price for the outright.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Napoli at 15/20
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SUNDAY
AC MILAN v GENOA – Click here to bet
AC Milan host Genoa this Sunday in a pivotal Serie A clash at the San Siro. The Rossoneri will be determined to build on their 2-1 victory at home against Crvena Zvezda in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, a result that strengthens their bid for qualification to the next round. Domestically, they will look to rebound after a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Atalanta last weekend, which ended their four-game unbeaten streak in the league. Currently sitting 7th in the standings with 22 points, Milan are just outside the European qualification spots and will view this match as a crucial opportunity to reignite their push for a top-six finish.
Home Form: W4 D2 L1
Milan have been formidable at the San Siro this season, remaining unbeaten in six of their seven home matches. They have scored 13 goals at an impressive average of 1.86 per game while maintaining a resolute defence, conceding only four times. Paulo Fonseca’s men will look to capitalize on their strong home form against a Genoa side that has struggled for consistency on the road.
Genoa enter this match on an impressive five-game unbeaten streak in Serie A, which includes two victories and three draws. Last weekend, they played out a goalless stalemate at home against Torino, their third consecutive draw at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Currently sitting 14th in the standings with 15 points, Genoa have shown resilience in recent weeks but will face arguably their sternest test to date against AC Milan.
Away Form: W3 D0 L3
While Genoa have secured three victories away from home this season, inconsistency has plagued their travels. They have scored just five goals on the road, averaging under a goal per game, while conceding 10 at an average of 1.66 per match. To come away with points, Genoa will need to tighten up defensively and take advantage of any opportunities that come their way.
Head-to-Head
AC Milan remains unbeaten in their last six league meetings against Genoa, recording four victories and two draws. Last season, the two sides played out a 3-3 draw in this fixture, while Milan secured all three points with a 1-0 victory in the reverse encounter.
Betting
AC Milan 4/11
Draw 9/2
Genoa 15/2
Verdict
AC Milan’s strong home record and defensive solidity at the San Siro, highlighted by five clean sheets in their last six league appearances at home, make them firm favourites to secure all three points this weekend. While Genoa’s recent unbeaten run highlights their resilience, their struggles on the road and lack of firepower suggest they may fall short against this high-quality Milan side.
Suggested Bet: AC Milan To Win To Nil, Yes at 23/20
Click here for all this weekend’s Italian Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
