This weekend, we turn our attention to three Serie A matches, offering insights and betting options for each encounter.
Before we do, let’s review the latest outright odds: reigning champions Inter Milan remain the favourites to retain their title at 8/11, closely followed by Napoli at 3/1 and Juventus in third at 8/1. Atalanta completes the top four fancies at 10/1, while the other contenders are priced at 25/1 or higher.
Click here for all the long-term Serie A outright markets
Get your money back if your team loses to an injury time penalty.
Introducing Tough Luck Insurance from World Sports Betting. Bet on football matches with confidence, and if your team loses to an injury time penalty, we’ll return your stake as free bets.
*Valid for Pre-Match and Live in Play events up to 90 Mins.
T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000. Single/Straight bets only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘ Tough Luck Insurance ’
SATURDAY
CAGLIARI v AC MILAN– Click here to bet
Cagliari welcomes AC Milan to the Unipol Domus, hoping to find some much-needed momentum in what has been a challenging Serie A season for the Rossoblu. The hosts are currently struggling near the bottom of the table, where they occupy 16th place with 9 points from 11 games, having managed just two wins in their last eight league encounters. Their latest league appearance resulted in a 2-1 defeat away to Lazio, marking their third consecutive league loss. At home, the Red and Blues have managed to secure just the one victory from their opening six exchanges, securing just 5 points overall from a possible 18.
Cagliari have averaged 0.66 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals dominating in 67% of those encounters (4 out of 6).
AC Milan will head to Sardinia to face Cagliari this weekend, aiming to keep pace with the teams directly above them in Serie A. Currently 8 points adrift of leaders Napoli, this season has been a bit of a roller coaster for Paulo Fonseca’s men. Milan returned to winning ways last weekend with a 1-0 victory away to Monza, followed by an impressive 3-1 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League. Domestically, Milan currently sit 7th in the Serie A standings with 17 points from their first 11 games. On their travels, the Rossoneri have secured 2 wins, 1 draw, and suffered 2 defeats in Serie A. With a particularly favourable record against Cagliari, Fonseca will fancy his side’s chances to build on their recent momentum as they aim for a third consecutive away win across all competitions for the first time this season.
AC Milan have averaged 1.4 goals per game away from home this season, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 80% of those matches (4 out of 5).
Head-to-Head
Last season, AC Milan completed a double over Cagliari, winning 3-1 in this fixture and following it up with a 5-0 victory in the reverse encounter.
Betting
Cagliari 9/2
Draw 3/1
AC Milan 7/10
Verdict
Despite Milan’s lack of consistency in the league this season, the visitors should come away with a win here. Cagliari’s inability to find the back of the net against stronger opposition this season certainly makes it easier for the visitors, and at 7/10 for an away win, that is good enough for me.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, AC Milan at 7/10
JUVENTUS v TORINO – Click here to bet
Juve host city rivals Torino at the Allianz Stadium this weekend, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both sides in this fierce local rivalry. Juventus come into this match looking to solidify their position in the top half of the table, currently sitting 6th in Serie A with 21 points after 11 matches played. Having ended their domestic winning drought, Juventus secured a 2-0 victory away to Udinese over the weekend, followed by a 1-1 draw midweek away to LOSC in Europe. They’ll be eager to maintain momentum and build on their improving form. At home, Juventus remain unbeaten in the league, securing 10 points from a possible 18 by winning two and drawing four in their first six league matches at the Allianz Stadium this season.
Juventus have averaged 1.16 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals dominating in 67% of those encounters (4 out of 6).
Torino will make the short trip to Turin, sitting mid-table in 10th place after suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Fiorentina. Despite showing flashes of potential this season, they have struggled to convert opportunities into points, losing four of their last five league games. Their inconsistency has been a significant concern, and they will need a strong performance to compete with their more illustrious neighbours, particularly on their travels this weekend. With two wins, one draw, and three defeats away from home, Il Toro will be hoping to improve their record against the ‘Old Lady’ this weekend, a fixture they have struggled to gain much of a foothold in over the years.
Torino have averaged 1.66 goals per game away from home this season, with over 2.5 goals dominating in 67% of those encounters (4 out of 6).
Head-to-Head
Last season, Juventus won this fixture 2-0, while both teams settled for a point apiece in the reverse encounter, which ended 0-0.
Betting
Juventus 6/10
Draw 29/10
Torino 11/2
Verdict
As with most derbies, form pretty much goes out the window knowing that there is usually significant motivation from both sides to perform on the day for bragging rights. This should be no different, and I’m expecting a tightly contested encounter between the two. The hosts, Juventus, should edge this one out in the end, with limited goals involved.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals, Juventus and Under 2.5 at 85/40
SUNDAY
INTER MILAN v NAPOLI – Click here to bet
Inter Milan will be looking to assert their dominance when they welcome table-toppers Napoli to Milan in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Currently second in the table with 24 points, Inter has been in fantastic form, buoyed by their latest 1-0 victory over Venezia, which maintained their solid unbeaten run of six matches, consisting of five wins and one draw on the domestic front. Moreover, their midweek 1-0 triumph over Arsenal in Europe further bolstered their confidence, as they continue to impress on the continental stage. At home, the Nerazzurri have secured 13 points from a possible 18 in Serie A, with four wins, one draw, and one defeat this season. With home-ground advantage, the mighty Black and Blues will have the opportunity to return to the top of the table should they walk away with maximum points against Antonio Conte’s side this Sunday.
Inter Milan have averaged 2.5 goals per game at home this season, with over 2.5 goals dominating in 67% of those encounters (4 out of 6).
Napoli will be looking to protect their spot at the top of the Serie A table when they visit Milan this weekend. Despite a disappointing 3-0 setback at home to Atalanta last Sunday, Antonio Conte’s side has looked solid this season, with only one point separating them from their hosts for the weekend. The Partenopei can ill afford to follow up last week’s performance with another poor result this Sunday, as it would see them relinquish their position at the summit of the table. Away from home, they have secured 10 points from a possible 15, with three wins and a draw—a respectable record they will hope to improve on match day 12.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Inter won the reverse encounter 1-0, followed by a 1-1 draw in this fixture between the two teams.
Betting
Inter Milan 17/20
Draw 11/4
Napoli 16/5
Verdict
Given the stakes involved, I think we are in for another tightly contested encounter on Sunday. Over 2.5 goals have featured in only two of the last 11 league meetings in Milan between these two teams, and considering the importance of this particular fixture, under 2.5 goals seems like the better option.
Suggested Bet: Totals, Under 2.5 at 10/11
Click here for all this weekend’s Italian Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
