We’ll be examining three upcoming Serie A matches this coming weekend where we suggest a bet in each game.
With Inter Milan as runaway winners last season, it’s no surprise they begin the season as clear favourites at 5/8. Juventus are the second favourites at 7/2, followed by last season’s runners-up AC Milan in third place at 7/1. Napoli are next in line at 15/2, with the remaining teams priced at 22/1 or better.
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SATURDAY
GENOA v INTER MILAN– Click here to bet
Genoa’s return to the top flight last season was a success, securing an 11th-place finish. With a balanced record of 12 wins, 13 draws, and 13 losses, the Rossoblu will be eager to build on their momentum. This Saturday, they face a tough test against reigning Serie A champions, Inter Milan, in their season opener. Genoa will take confidence from their strong home form last season, where they collected 30 points from a possible 57, and from their recent performance at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, where they managed to frustrate Inter Milan.
Having successfully navigated their first season back in top-flight football, Genoa have made efforts to strengthen their squad over the summer. Their most notable acquisition is former Marseille centre-forward Vitinha, signed for a fee of €16.00 million, making him the club’s biggest signing of the transfer window thus far.
Genoa enter the opening weekend of Serie A on a winning note, having secured a 1-0 victory over Reggiana in the first round of the Coppa Italia last Friday.
The defending champions begin their campaign away from home this weekend. After clinching their 20th league title, the Nerazzurri will be eager to make a strong start in the opening week. Remarkably, Inter Milan’s away record last season was better than their home form, as they picked up 48 points from a possible 57 on the road, with 15 wins, 3 draws, and just 1 defeat. The Black and Blues adopted an aggressive approach on their travels, averaging 2.36 goals per game in domestic away matches last season.
With 7 new signings at their disposal, Inter Milan have made their intentions clear in the hope of successfully defending their crown.
Inter Milan have yet to play a competitive match since winning the league, but they kept busy with six pre-season warm-up games, remaining unbeaten in five of them, with three wins and two draws.
Head-to-Head
Genoa secured a point in this fixture last season, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw.
Betting
Genoa 5/1
Draw 16/5
Inter Milan 4/7
Prediction
Despite both teams earning a point in this fixture last season, I believe Inter Milan will start their campaign with a victory. However, it won’t be easy, and if they are to secure all three points, it is likely to be by the narrowest of margins.
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin, Inter Milan By 1 at 5/2
AC MILAN v TORINO– Click here to bet
Runners-up last season, AC Milan will kick off their campaign at home against Torino this Saturday. Despite finishing second, there was a significant gap between them and the champions. Milan won 22 games, drew 9, and suffered 7 defeats overall. At home, they accumulated 40 points from a possible 57, averaging 2 goals per game at the San Siro.
It has been a productive transfer window for AC Milan, as they have added four new players to their squad in hopes of bolstering their challenge to compete with Inter Milan this season.
Under the guidance of new head coach Paulo Fonseca, AC Milan have looked impressive leading up to the opening weekend, securing four consecutive wins in pre-season preparation. Last season, Milan made a blistering start, winning 7 of their first 8 league matches. The Rossoneri will be aiming to replicate that form, especially given their comfortable victory over Saturday’s opponents during that period.
Torino finished 9th last season, with a record of 13 wins, 14 draws, and 11 losses. This weekend, they visit the San Siro, hoping to avenge the heavy defeat they suffered on matchday 2 during their last visit. On the road, the Bulls went unbeaten in 10 of their 19 games, securing 5 wins and 5 draws. However, their lack of firepower could be a concern, as they averaged just 0.94 goals per game away from home in the 2023/24 season.
Having acquired Duvan Zapata from Atalanta during the transfer window, Torino will be hoping he can address their previous lack of firepower and significantly improve their goal-scoring capabilities.
Heading into the opening weekend, Torino secured a 2-0 victory over Cosenza in the first round of the Coppa Italia this past Sunday.
Head-to-Head
AC Milan enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 victory over their opponents at the San Siro when they last met during the 2023/24 season.
Betting
AC Milan 7/10
Draw 28/10
Torino 4/1
Prediction
Last season, this matchup delivered an impressive nine goals overall, so here’s hoping for a repeat performance this Saturday! Under Paulo Fonseca, Milan has been quite entertaining, and he’ll be eager for his side to start the season with a win in front of a packed San Siro crowd.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, AC Milan at 7/10
SUNDAY
BOLOGNA v UDINESE– Click here to bet
Last season, Bologna achieved a notable fifth place, earning them a spot in the Champions League group stages. With 18 wins, 14 draws, and only 6 losses, the Red and Blues had a remarkable campaign. This Sunday, they’ll have the chance to start their season on a high note when they face Udinese at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in front of their home crowd.
Bologna has had a notably active transfer window, adding no fewer than eight new players to their squad. This move aims to balance their domestic commitments with the challenge of competing in the Champions League this season.
Following an unbeaten pre-season campaign with 3 wins and 1 draw, Bologna enters Match Day 1 on a strong footing in the hopes of replicating the high standards they set last season.
Last season was particularly disappointing for Udinese, who narrowly avoided relegation by just 2 points after finishing 15th with 6 wins, 19 draws, and 13 defeats. This Sunday, they face Bologna, a team that is currently in form and on the rise. Ironically, Udinese performed better on the road than at home, with 5 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses away from home. They will take some comfort from the fact that they were unbeaten against Bologna last season.
Despite adding several new players to their squad, it seems that Udinese have brought in relatively low-profile talent, which may suggest another tough campaign could be on the cards for the White and Blacks.
Despite their shortcomings, Udinese head into Match Day 1 on a positive note, having secured their place in the next round of the Coppa Italia with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Avellino last Friday.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Udinese earned a point in this fixture, as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Betting
Bologna 19/20
Draw 12/5
Udinese 33/10
Prediction
Given Bologna’s strong performance leading up to Match Day 1, I fancy the hosts in this matchup. At 19/20, there is value in this bet, considering the contrasting form and final standings of both teams from last season.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Bologna at 19/20
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
