Serie A returns this weekend with another thrilling slate of fixtures. We’ve selected three standout matchups that promise plenty of excitement. As always, we provide our analysis along with potential betting options for you to explore.
Before delving into those, let’s take a look at the latest outright odds: Inter Milan remain the favourites to defend their Serie A title at 8/10, with current league leaders Napoli close behind at 27/20. Third-placed Atalanta are available at 10/1, while the rest of the field is priced at 50/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term Serie A outright markets
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SATURDAY
LAZIO v NAPOLI – Click here to bet
Lazio will be aiming to continue their impressive run when they host Serie A leaders Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. The Biancocelesti have hit their stride with two consecutive wins, including a dominant 5-1 demolition of Monza last weekend, lifting them to 4th place in the standings with 45 points from 24 matches. Lazio boast the fourth-best home record in the league, securing 24 points from a possible 36, and have lost just once in their last four home league encounters. They will be eager to maintain their momentum against a Napoli side that has struggled to get the better of them in recent meetings.
Napoli travel to Rome unbeaten in their last nine league outings (W7, D2) but have recorded consecutive 1-1 draws in their last two fixtures. Antonio Conte’s men have found Lazio to be a tough opponent in recent seasons, failing to win any of their last five meetings against the hosts. However, sitting at the summit of Serie A with 55 points from 24 matches and just one point ahead of Inter Milan, Napoli will be determined to claim maximum points to maintain their lead at the top. The visitors have been formidable on the road, suffering just one defeat in their 12 away games this season, collecting 27 points along the way.
Head-to-Head
Lazio have been a tough challenge for Napoli, who have failed to win any of their last five encounters. Earlier this season, Lazio claimed a 1-0 victory in the reverse encounter, while last season’s meeting in this fixture ended in a goalless draw.
Betting
Lazio 7/4
Draw 9/4
Napoli 7/4
Verdict
Napoli’s impressive away record suggests they are well-equipped to challenge Lazio, but the hosts’ strong home form and recent dominance in this fixture could make this a tricky affair. With both teams in solid form, a tight contest is expected.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams To Score – Yes at 5/6
SUNDAY
UDINESE v EMPOLI – Click here to bet
Udinese will be looking to build on their recent unbeaten run of two when they host a struggling Empoli side at the Bluenergy Stadium on Sunday. The hosts are currently 10th in the Serie A standings with 30 points from 24 matches and come into this fixture following a 1-1 draw away to Napoli last weekend. However, Udinese’s home form has been concerning, with just five points secured from a possible 21 in their last seven outings (W1, D2, L4). They will need to improve significantly to overcome an Empoli side desperate for points.
Empoli, on the other hand, have endured a dismal run, failing to win any of their last nine Serie A matches (D2, L7). A 2-0 home defeat to AC Milan last weekend further highlighted their struggles, leaving them in 17th place with 21 points from 24 games. Roberto D’Aversa’s men have found slightly more joy on the road compared to their home form but have still managed just one point from their last four away fixtures (D1, L3). With their survival hopes hanging by a thread, Empoli must produce a much-improved display to stand a chance against Udinese.
Head-to-Head
Udinese have dominated recent encounters, remaining unbeaten in their last six meetings with Empoli (W2, D4). The two sides shared the points in a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture earlier this season, mirroring the exact scoreline from this matchup last season.
Betting
Udinese 19/20
Draw 12/5
Empoli 33/10
Verdict
Given Udinese’s home struggles, this match presents an opportunity for Empoli to snatch a much-needed result. However, their recent form suggests that Udinese should have enough to edge past the visitors, offering them an opportunity to extend their recent unbeaten run to three.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Udinese at 19/20
JUVENTUS v INTER MILAN – Click here to bet
Following their 2-1 triumph over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Tuesday, Juventus return to domestic action with a crucial showdown against Inter Milan on Sunday. The Bianconeri are in strong form, enjoying a three-match winning streak across all competitions. They currently sit 5th in Serie A with 43 points from 24 matches, but an 11-point gap separates them from Sunday’s opposition, Inter. Thiago Motta’s men will be keen to close that gap, especially after securing a 2-1 away victory over Como last Friday. Juventus remain unbeaten at home this season, earning 22 points from a possible 36 (W5, D7), and will look to extend that record against one of their fiercest rivals.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, are in 2nd place, just one point behind Napoli, with 54 points from 24 matches. Simone Inzaghi’s men returned to winning ways on Monday with a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, bouncing back from their previous 3-0 defeat to the same opponents just four days prior in Florence. That loss was their only defeat in their last nine appearances across all competitions, with four wins and two draws in their last seven domestic outings. Boasting the best away record in Serie A, Inter Milan could become the first team to defeat Juventus in the league this season. They have collected an impressive 27 points from a possible 36 on the road, showcasing their strength away from home. With just 14 league encounters remaining, Inzaghi will be well aware that his side cannot afford to let Napoli extend their lead at the top, making this a must-win fixture in their title pursuit.
Head-to-Head
Inter Milan are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Juventus, recording two wins and three draws across all competitions. Earlier this season, the two sides played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in the reverse fixture, while last season’s encounter in Turin ended in a 1-1 draw.
Betting
Juventus 23/10
Draw 23/10
Inter Milan 13/10
Verdict
Both teams are in good form, making this a tightly contested affair. Juventus’ unbeaten home record could potentially give them a slight edge, but Inter’s attacking prowess ensures they are always a threat. A close match with limited goals is expected.
Suggested Bet: Totals – Under 2.5 Goals at 15/20
Click here for all this weekend’s Italian Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
