Serie A action continues this weekend where we take a closer look at three exciting fixtures, providing insights and potential betting options for your consideration.
Before diving into the weekend’s action, let’s take a look at the latest outright odds: Inter Milan remain firm favourites to defend their Serie A title, priced at 4/7. Current league leaders Atalanta are close behind at 26/10, with Napoli following at 4/1. The rest of the field is available at odds of 40/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term Serie A outright markets
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SATURDAY
FIORENTINA v NAPOLI – Click here to bet
Saturday’s Serie A action delivers a thrilling encounter as Fiorentina welcome title-chasing Napoli to the Artemio Franchi Stadium. With both teams enjoying strong campaigns, this clash promises high stakes and plenty of drama.
Fiorentina come into this match on the back of a 2-2 draw away to Juventus, showcasing their resilience as well as an attacking threat. Currently 5th in the standings with 32 points from 17 matches (W9, D5, L3), the Viola have their sights set on solidifying a European spot. At home, Raffaele Palladino’s men have been a tough nut to crack all season, losing just once on the domestic front in eight games, scoring an average of 2 goals per game during this period having scored overall.
Napoli meanwhile, are second in the table, level on points with leaders Atalanta but trailing on goal difference. The Azzurri have accumulated 41 points from 18 matches (W13, D2, L3) and enter this fixture riding high after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Venezia, their third consecutive league win. Antonio Conte’s side has been formidable on the road this season, winning six of their nine away games (D2, L1) while netting 14 times at an average of 1.56 goals per match away from home.
Head-to-Head
Napoli have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings, losing just one of their last five encounters in all competitions (W2, D2). In league play last season, Fiorentina secured a 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture, while both teams had to settle for a 2-2 draw in this encounter.
Betting
Fiorentina 85/40
Draw 9/4
Napoli 14/10
Verdict
Napoli’s recent form and superior head-to-head record make them slight favourites, but Fiorentina’s home resilience could prove decisive. This clash could be a closely contested affair, with both sides likely to find the net.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score, Yes at 17/20
HELLAS VERONA v UDINESE – Click here to bet
Saturday’s Serie A clash sees Hellas Verona hosting Udinese at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi in what promises to be a pivotal encounter for both sides.
Hellas Verona will enter the New Year on a high after a stunning 3-2 victory away to Bologna on Monday evening. It was a vital result for the Gialloblu, who currently sit in 16th place with 18 points from 18 matches (W6, D0, L12). While they remain just four points above the relegation zone, Verona’s determination to maintain their top-flight status has been evident in their recent performances. However, at home, Verona have recorded three consecutive defeats, worryingly failing to score in two of those. The Gialloblu have secured just 9 points from a possible 27 on home soil, conceding a staggering 22 goals at an average of 2.44 per game, while scoring 11, averaging 1.22 goals per game.
Kosta Runjaic’s Udinese are in 9th place with 24 points from 18 matches (W7, D3, L8). The Bianconeri are unbeaten in their last two league outings, including a 2-2 draw with Torino and a solid win over Fiorentina. While their form has been mixed, they will look to build on this momentum and strengthen their position in the top half of the table. On their travels, Udinese have won back-to-back games in Serie A, netting 12 goals at an average of 1.33 per game in the league, while conceding 15, averaging 1.67 goals per game on the road.
Head-to-Head
Recent meetings between the two sides have been relatively even, with Verona recording two wins and two draws in their last five Serie A encounters. Last season, they played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture, while Verona secured a 1-0 victory in this corresponding match.
Betting
Verona 21/10
Draw 85/40
Udinese 31/20
Verdict
Hellas Verona’s home struggles stand in stark contrast to Udinese’s recent run of form. Although the Gialloblu may take confidence from their victory over Bologna, Udinese’s momentum could potentially give them the edge in this encounter.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Udinese at 31/20
SUNDAY
AS ROMA v LAZIO – Click here to bet
Sunday night’s Derby della Capitale promises to be a thrilling encounter as AS Roma take on Lazio in a Serie A clash that could have significant implications for both sides’ seasons.
Roma come into this match sitting in 10th place with 20 points from 18 matches (W5, D5, L8). The Giallorossi have been in better form recently, remaining unbeaten in their last three outings across all competitions (W2, D1), with their most recent match ending in a 1-1 draw away to Milan. At home, Roma are on a four-game winning streak in all competitions, though their Serie A record at the Stadio Olimpico is more mixed, having won five and lost four, with no draws. They’ve netted 18 goals at home, averaging 2 goals per game this season, and will look to maintain that attacking momentum in this crucial derby.
Lazio have been in excellent form, sitting 4th in the standings with 35 points from 18 matches (W11, D2, L5). The Biancocelesti are unbeaten in their last two Serie A fixtures (W1, D1), including a hard-fought 1-1 draw against league leaders Atalanta. Away from home, Lazio share a similar record to Roma, as they are yet to register a draw on their travels, having won five and lost four of their nine away matches this season. On the road, they’ve scored 15 goals, averaging 1.67 goals per game, and will look to improve their consistency as they push for a top-four finish.
Head-to-Head
Roma and Lazio will meet for the 184th official edition of the Derby della Capitale, with the Giallorossi having the upper hand recently. Last season, both teams shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture, while Roma secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory in this encounter.
Betting
AS Roma 15/10
Draw 23/10
Lazio 39/20
Verdict
This clash is always unpredictable, but with Roma’s strong home form and Lazio’s solid position in the top four, it promises to be a tight and intense affair. Roma have the upper hand in recent home encounters, but Lazio’s clinical attacking play and solid defensive displays this season could see them come away with something for their efforts.
Suggested Bet: Draw No Bet, Lazio at 11/10
Click here for all this weekend’s Italian Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
