Serie A action continues this weekend, where we’ll take a closer look at three intriguing fixtures and potential betting options for your consideration.
Before diving into the match previews, let’s review the latest outright odds: Inter Milan are still the favourites to defend their Serie A title at 4/6, with current league leaders Napoli following closely at 7/4. Third-placed Atalanta can be backed at 11/1, while the rest of the field is priced at 100/1 or higher.
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SATURDAY
COMO 1907 v ATALANTA – Click here to bet
1907 will welcome Atalanta to the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia this Saturday in a Serie A clash with both sides having contrasting fortunes in their recent matches. Como come into this match after an impressive 4-1 victory over Udinese, lifting them to 13th place in the league with 22 points from 21 matches (W5, D7, L9) At home, they have managed 15 points from 10 games (W4, D3, L3), showing solid attacking form with 17 goals scored but conceding 16. While Como will be confident after their big win, they will face a tough challenge against one of Serie A’s best teams.
Atalanta, however, are reeling from a disappointing 3-2 loss to Napoli last weekend, a result that saw them remain in 3rd place with 43 points from 21 matches (W13, D4, L4). Despite that domestic setback, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side responded emphatically in the Champions League, thrashing Sturm Graz 5-0, showcasing the sort of attacking depth and quality Gian Piero Gasperini has at his disposal. On the road, Atalanta has been strong, accumulating 21 points from 11 matches (W6, D3, L2), scoring 18 goals and conceding 9. The visitors will look to bounce back from their domestic defeat with a statement performance in Serie A.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, Como secured all three points with an impressive 3-2 victory away to Atalanta. Como’s most recent home clash dates back to 2004, when the two sides met in Serie B, with Atalanta claiming a 3-0 victory that day.
Betting
Como 16/5
Draw 27/10
Atalanta 9/10
Verdict
Given how the earlier meeting between these two went, this does appear to be one of the more entertaining games to watch this weekend. Como have been a bit of an enigma this season, making it hard to predict their performances, but I do think we’ll see contributions from both teams, especially considering that this particular market has landed 7 out of 10 times at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia this season.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score, Yes at 8/11
NAPOLI v JUVENTUS – Click here to bet
Napoli will host Juventus this Saturday at the Stadio Diego Maradona in a top-of-the-table Serie A clash. Gli Azzurri are coming off an impressive 3-2 victory away to Atalanta, marking their sixth consecutive league win and solidifying their position at the top of the table with 50 points from 21 matches (W16, D2, L3). However, they remain just 3 points ahead of 2nd-placed Inter Milan, who have a game in hand. At home, Napoli have been dominant, accumulating 24 points from a possible 30 (W8, D0, L2), averaging 1.5 goals per game with 15 scored and only 6 conceded. Their attacking force, led by Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay, has been relentless, and they will look to continue their strong form in this crucial fixture.
Juventus, on the other hand, are in 5th place with 37 points from 21 matches (W8, D13, L0), remaining unbeaten in Serie A this season. They will come into this game off the back of a 2-0 win over AC Milan, having followed that up with a goalless draw away to Club Brugge in the Champions League. Away from home, Juventus have struggled to find victories, managing four consecutive draws in the league and seven overall in their last eight matches across all competitions. They have accumulated 18 points from 10 away games (W4, D6), scoring 17 goals and conceding 8. Despite their unbeaten run, their inability to convert draws into wins will be a concern as they face a high-flying Napoli side.
Head-to-Head
Earlier this season, these two sides played out a 0-0 draw in Turin, while last season, Napoli secured a 2-0 win in Naples, marking their fourth consecutive victory over Juventus on home soil.
Betting
Napoli 23/20
Draw 85/40
Juventus 28/10
Verdict
I have a feeling Juventus’ unbeaten run in the league is about to come to an abrupt end this weekend. While their form has been impressive, I believe Conte’s side will pick up where they left off last weekend and maintain their already comprehensive record over Juve.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Napoli at 23/20
SUNDAY
US LECCE v INTER MILAN – Click here to bet
US Lecce will host Inter Milan at the Stadio Via del Mare on Sunday in what looks to be a challenging match for the home side. Lecce are coming off a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Cagliari last weekend, marking their third league loss in their last five games. Marco Giampaolo’s men are currently 17th in the league with 20 points from 21 matches (W5, D5, L11), struggling to keep their heads above water in the relegation battle. At home, they have picked up 13 points from 10 matches (W3, D4, L3), but their poor goal-scoring form has been a concern, as they have only netted 9 goals at home while conceding 17, leaving them with a goal difference of -8 at the Via del Mare.
In stark contrast, Inter Milan are in excellent form. Following a midweek 1-0 victory away to Sparta Prague in the Champions League and last weekend’s 3-1 win over Empoli, Simone Inzaghi’s side remain unbeaten in their last 15 league matches, with 12 wins and 3 draws. Inter currently sit 2nd in Serie A with 47 points from 20 matches (W14, D5, L1), just 3 points behind leaders Napoli. Their away form has been exceptional, with Inter boasting the second-best record on the road in Serie A, having accumulated 23 points from a possible 27 (W7, D2, L0). They remain unbeaten on their travels, scoring 25 goals in their 9 away games, averaging an impressive 2.78 goals per match, while conceding just 5.
Head-to-Head
Inter Milan have won their last 5 league meetings against Lecce, including a 2-0 victory in the reverse encounter earlier this season and a 4-0 win in this fixture last season.
Betting
Lecce 8/1
Draw 9/2
Inter Milan 7/20
Verdict
Inter’s incredible away form and overall strength should see them secure their sixth consecutive head-to-head win over Lecce. Chasing top spot will be their incentive, and given how both teams have fared this campaign, the visitors should secure a relatively comfortable victory in the end.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Inter Milan -1.5 at 19/20
Click here for all this weekend’s Italian Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
