Serie A continues this weekend with another exciting round of fixtures. We’ve highlighted three key matchups for your convenience that are sure to grab your attention. As always, here are our insights, as well as potential betting options for you to consider.
Before delving into those, let’s take a look at the latest outright odds: Inter Milan remain the favourites to defend their Serie A title at 8/11, with current league leaders Napoli close behind at 5/4. Third-placed Atalanta are available at 12/1, while the rest of the field is priced at 50/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term Serie A outright markets
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SATURDAY
VERONA v ATALANTA – Click here to bet
Verona will be hoping to build on their 1-0 victory over Monza when they host Atalanta at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi. That much-needed win ended a four-match winless streak, boosting their confidence as they aim to climb above their current 13th-place standing with 23 points. However, Verona’s home form remains a concern, having lost four of their last five matches at home. Their defensive vulnerabilities have also been exposed far too often, conceding 13 goals in their last five home appearances. They will need a disciplined and resolute performance to contain an attack-minded Atalanta side, which will be determined to get back on track.
Atalanta, meanwhile, have seen their form dip, failing to win in their last three matches across all competitions. Their most recent setback, a 1-0 defeat to Bologna in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, has halted their momentum. Despite this, Atalanta still sit comfortably in third place in Serie A with 47 points and will be looking for a swift response to strengthen their Champions League ambitions. On the road, Atalanta have been superb, losing just once in their last fourteen away matches in all competitions (W9 D4 L1), a remarkable run that should give them confidence heading into this fixture.
Head-to-Head
Atalanta have dominated recent meetings between these two sides, winning four of their last five encounters. They triumphed 6-1 in the reverse fixture earlier this season and will be confident of another victory, having secured a 1-0 win in this fixture last season.
Betting
Verona 5/1
Draw 7/2
Atalanta 8/15
Verdict
Despite recent struggles, Atalanta should have the quality to edge past Verona in this matchup. Verona’s home form is shaky at best, while Atalanta’s superior quality in attack and impressive away record should see them walk away relatively comfortably with all three points this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Result And Totals, Atalanta And Over 1.5 at 15/20
EMPOLI v AC MILAN – Click here to bet
Empoli will be looking to end their dismal run of form when they host AC Milan at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Saturday. The hosts have now gone eight league matches without a win, accumulating just 21 points from 23 games, placing them 16th overall. Their defensive frailties were laid bare in last weekend’s 4-1 loss to Juventus, making it clear that Empoli have serious issues at both ends of the pitch. Conceding 17 goals in their last 8 matches, Empoli’s survival hopes are hanging by a thread, and this fixture against one of Italy’s top clubs looks set to test them even further.
AC Milan, on the other hand, will be hoping to return to winning ways after their 1-1 draw against Inter Milan last weekend. Sérgio Conceição’s men currently sit in eighth place in Serie A with 35 points and are still in the race for a top-four finish. However, Milan’s away form has been a concern, as they have lost their last two consecutive matches on the road in all competitions. Their attacking quality remains one of their strongest assets, but they must ensure their defensive vulnerabilities do not come to the fore against an Empoli side desperate for points.
Head-to-Head
AC Milan have dominated this fixture, winning the last three meetings between the two sides. They claimed a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season and also triumphed 3-0 in this fixture last year.
Betting
Empoli 9/2
Draw 29/10
AC Milan 7/10
Verdict
Despite their recent struggles on the road, Milan should have more than enough to overcome a struggling Empoli side. Their superior squad depth, attacking quality, and overall experience will be key to securing a much-needed win. At 7/10 for an outright win, I am willing to bite.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, AC Milan at 7/10
SUNDAY
NAPOLI v UDINESE – Click here to bet
Napoli will look to extend their unbeaten run when they host Udinese at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday night. Antonio Conte’s side have been in sensational form, remaining unbeaten in their last eight matches, with seven wins and one draw. The 1-1 draw against Roma last week ended their seven-game winning streak but still left them firmly in control of Serie A, sitting at the top of the table with 54 points, three ahead of Inter Milan. Napoli have been particularly strong at home, winning nine of their last eleven league games at the Maradona, and will view this as yet another opportunity to continue their charge for the Serie A title.
Udinese, however, arrive in Naples off the back of a much-needed 3-2 victory over Venezia, which ended a five-match winless run. Despite the win, Udinese remain inconsistent and have major defensive concerns, conceding 10 goals in their last six matches. Sitting in 10th place in the standings with 29 points, Udinese have shown plenty of attacking intent this season but will need to be much more disciplined defensively to challenge Napoli, who have been ruthless in front of goal, particularly at home.
Head-to-Head
Napoli remain unbeaten in their last seventeen league meetings with Udinese, including a 3-1 triumph in the reverse fixture earlier this season. In the previous campaign, Napoli secured a 4-1 win in this fixture, extending their run to ten consecutive league victories at home over Udinese.
Betting
Napoli 4/9
Draw 15/4
Udinese 13/2
Verdict
Napoli’s superior form, home advantage, and attacking prowess make them clear favourites for this match. Udinese will need a near-perfect performance to pull off an upset, but Napoli’s relentless form suggests they will continue their charge at the top of the table.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Napoli -1.5 at 5/4
Click here for all this weekend’s Italian Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
