We examine three upcoming Serie A matches this coming weekend where we suggest a bet in each game.
With Inter Milan having secured the title, there are alternative markets worth considering, particularly in the relegation battle. Empoli will be hoping to avoid the drop, but currently appear to be one of the favourites to exit Serie A at 5/6 by the end of the season.
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SATURDAY 18 MAY
US LECCE v ATALANTA– Click here to bet
Lecce will host Atalanta at the Stadio Via del Mare this Saturday, hoping to return to winning ways after a disappointing 2-0 loss at home to Udinese last weekend. Currently 13th in the table, the Yellow and Reds appear to be safe from relegation with a 5-point cushion over fellow relegation candidates, with just two games remaining. Having registered only one win in their last seven home games, Lecce would ideally like to end their home campaign on a more positive note this weekend. However, with a home record of six wins, six draws, and six losses, their opponents may fancy their chances of achieving something from the game.
Lecce have averaged 0.94 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 61% of those encounters (11 out of 18).
Atalanta significantly improved their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League with this weekend’s results. After securing all three points with a 2-1 win over Roma, the Black and Blues now occupy 5th place, just four points behind Juventus, who are currently in fourth. With a game in hand, Atalanta has the opportunity to close the gap to just one point, highlighting the importance of their remaining fixtures. The visitors have been in fine form on the road having obtained 10 points from a possible 15 taking their overall tally to 7 wins, 4 draws, and 7 defeats away from home thus far.
Atalanta have averaged 1.55 goals per game away from home this season, with over 2.5 goals slightly favoured at 67% of those games (12 out of 18).
Head- to-Head
Atalanta won 1-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this season with Lecce winning 2-1 in this fixture last season.
Atalanta have a massive incentive entering this encounter, knowing that anything less than maximum points will likely result in the Black and Blues failing to qualify for the Champions League. The hosts appear to have done enough to avoid relegation, giving the visitors a much easier task away from home.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Atalanta at 8/10
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SUNDAY 19 MAY
SASSUOLO v CAGLIARI– Click here to bet
Sassuolo find themselves under tremendous pressure, knowing that time is running out if they are to avoid relegation. Currently 19th on the table, the Black and Greens desperately need maximum points, and even then, there is no guarantee they will exit the bottom three this weekend. The hosts welcome Cagliari following a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Genoa and will look for motivation from the stands, as this will be their last home game at Mapei Stadium this season. At home, Sassuolo have recorded 5 wins, 5 draws, and 8 defeats to date.
Sassuolo have averaged 1.28 goals per game at home this season, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 50% of those encounters (9 out of 18).
Cagliari visit Mapei Stadium this Sunday in the early kick off with an objective of avoiding defeat at all costs. Currently 16th on the log, the Islanders run the risk of getting dragged into the relegation zone at the worst possible time, given how many games remain this season. Cagliari have struggled of late and look a desperate unit away from home by obtaining a meagre 3 points from their last 5 matches on the road. Their most recent game resulted in a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of AC Milan, also marking back-to-back defeats away from home, taking their overall away record to just 1 win, 5 draws, and amassing 11 defeats to date.
Cagliari have averaged 0.67 goals per game away from home this season, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 56% of those encounters (10 out of 18).
Head-to-Head
Cagliari won the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier this season.
This game is difficult to call given the circumstances. Cagliari is in a sorry state at the moment, having registered just one win on the road thus far. Despite the hosts’ recent unconvincing performances, a chance is taken on Sassuolo to breathe fresh hope by utilizing home ground advantage.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Sassuolo at 14/10
AS ROMA v GENOA– Click here to bet
AS Roma will host Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening, desperately hoping to overturn their poor run of form on the domestic front. The Giallorossi enter this weekend following a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Atalanta, placing them 6th on the table and risking not achieving European football status next season. At home, Roma has been solid this season, obtaining 11 wins, 4 draws, and suffering just 3 losses on their own turf. There is no doubt they will look to extend their home record in the hope of securing a better position on the table.
Roma have averaged 2.05 goals per game at home this season, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 56% of those encounters (10 out of 18).
Genoa have made a fine return to Serie A, having already secured their place for next season’s top-flight campaign. The Rossoblu head to the Stadio Olimpico following a 2-1 home win over Sassuolo this past weekend, extending their unbeaten run to three games on the domestic front. Currently 11th in the standings, it’s unlikely they will improve their position, as they trail 10th place Torino by four points. On their travels, Genoa have performed admirably, taking points from 11 out of 18 games on the road, with 4 wins, 7 draws, and 7 losses.
Genoa have averaged exactly 1 goal per game away from home this season, with under 2.5 goals arriving in 56% of those encounters (10 out of 18).
Head- to-Head
Genoa won the reverse fixture 4-1 earlier this season.
The visitors have had a solid campaign and will be satisfied with their achievements this season. Roma, on the other hand, still have European aspirations and will aim for maximum points in their last home game of the season. I fancy Roma to get the job done without conceding.
Suggested Bet: AS Roma to Win to nil, yes at 11/8
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
