Serie A Weekend Betting Preview, 20-21 September
Serie A moves into Week 4, and the table is starting to take shape. Some traditional heavyweights have made early statements, while others are still hunting consistency as momentum becomes key. This weekend offers a mix of high-profile clashes and tricky tests for teams aiming to climb the standings. Here are three key fixtures, along with a suggested bet for each.
In the latest outright market, Napoli remain clear favourites at 21/20, with Inter Milan next in line at 7/2 and Juventus further back at 5/1. AC Milan are trading at 7/1, Roma at 17/2, while the rest of the field is priced at 45/1 or higher.
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SATURDAY
VERONA v JUVENTUS – Click here to bet
Verona sit uncomfortably in 17th place with just two points from their first three outings. Paolo Zanetti’s men battled to a goalless draw at home against Cremonese on Monday, following an earlier stalemate and one defeat. Goals remain in short supply, with the Gialloblu scoring just once this season while conceding five in return. Their problems at the Stadio Bentegodi stretch back to last term, as they are now winless in seven consecutive league matches at home. With such a poor record, confidence will be fragile, especially against a side they have consistently struggled to match in recent years.
Juventus, by contrast, are flying high in 2nd place with three wins from three, trailing only champions Napoli on goal difference. Igor Tudor’s side have navigated a congested schedule impressively, highlighted by Tuesday’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, snatching two goals deep into stoppage time to secure a vital point. In Serie A, they come off the back of a thrilling 4-3 victory over Inter Milan, showcasing both their attacking quality and occasional defensive vulnerability. Seven goals scored and just three conceded illustrate a balance that still favours the Bianconeri, who also have the momentum on their side. Given their strong record in this fixture, Juventus will see this as another chance to bolster their early title challenge.
Head-to-Head
Juventus did the double over Verona last season, winning 3-0 at the Bentegodi and 2-0 in Turin. They are unbeaten in seven against the Gialloblu (W6 D1).
Betting
Verona 11/2
Draw 3/1
Juventus 4/7
Verdict
Verona’s lack of firepower and fragile home record make this a daunting assignment. Juventus will be buzzing after their midweek heroics in Europe, snatching a dramatic 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund with two goals deep into stoppage time. Riding high on confidence and in fine domestic form, they have the quality to take maximum points here.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Juventus at 4/7
UDINESE v AC MILAN – Click here to bet
Udinese have enjoyed a bright start to the season, picking up seven points from their opening three matches to occupy 4th place. A 1-1 draw at home against Verona set the tone before an eye-catching 2-1 victory away to Inter Milan, followed by a hard-fought 1-0 win at Pisa. Kosta Runjaic’s men appear a much-improved unit compared to last season, when they stumbled badly in the run-in with three straight defeats and just one point from their final five home games. Momentum has clearly shifted, and the Zebras will hope their new-found resilience translates into a positive result in front of their own fans. However, this fixture has proven a difficult one in recent years, with Udinese failing to win any of their last three encounters against Milan.
AC Milan arrive in Udine sitting one place below their hosts in 5th with six points on the board. A shock 2-1 opening day defeat to Cremonese was quickly erased by back-to-back victories, including last weekend’s 1-0 home success against Bologna. Those results marked consecutive clean sheets, showing signs that Massimiliano Allegri’s side are beginning to settle into their stride. With four goals scored and just two conceded so far, Milan look compact and clinical, the hallmarks of a side aiming to challenge near the top again. Victory here would move them into the top four, and with recent dominance in this fixture, confidence will be high in the Rossoneri camp.
Head-to-Head
Milan have won their last three meetings with Udinese, completing a league double last season with a 1-0 home win and a 4-0 rout in Udine.
Betting
Udinese 33/10
Draw 26/10
AC Milan 17/20
Verdict
Udinese’s form deserves respect, but Milan’s pedigree and defensive organisation make them hard to oppose. With both sides keeping things relatively tight so far, the visitors may edge another low-scoring contest.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – AC Milan at 17/20
SUNDAY
LAZIO v AS ROMA – Click here to bet
Lazio head into the Derby della Capitale hoping to bounce back after a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Sassuolo last weekend, which leaves Maurizio Sarri’s men in 12th place with just three points from three games. Their only win came at the Olimpico, a commanding 4-0 victory over Verona, while both away trips have ended in disappointment. A curious pattern has emerged this season, all of Lazio’s goals have come at home, while they have yet to find the net on the road and all three goals they have conceded so far have been away from the Olimpico. Replicating their home defensive solidity will be key on Saturday, but their inconsistency poses a real challenge in such a high-profile clash.
Roma also tasted defeat last weekend, falling 1-0 at home to Torino in a result that ended a proud 12-match unbeaten run at the Olimpico (W11 D2) stretching back into last season. Despite that setback, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side sit in 6th place with six points from two wins and a single loss. Goals have been scarce in their fixtures so far, with just two scored and one conceded, highlighting their defensive solidity but also a lack of cutting edge in attack. This fixture, while technically away, still falls on their home turf, ensuring no loss of familiarity. With early momentum still on their side, Roma will look to assert themselves against their city rivals in what always promises to be a fiery encounter.
Head-to-Head
Roma claimed four points against Lazio last season, winning 2-0 in their “home” fixture before a 1-1 draw in this reverse clash. Each of the last six league meetings has seen under 2.5 goals, underlining how tight this derby tends to be.
Betting
Lazio 37/20
Draw 9/4
Roma 33/20
Verdict
This derby rarely explodes into goal-fests, with caution usually prevailing and margins tight. Lazio’s home form adds intrigue, but Roma look the more stable of the two despite last week’s slip. A cagey affair seems likely with chances at a premium.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Totals – Draw/Roma and Under 2.5 at 12/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
