ROME resident Marco Di Cosmo (@Scioltz) is back to attack the weekend’s action from Italy’s top tier. Can he continue his stunning Serie A form?
Sampdoria v Juventus | Saturday 17.00 | BT Sport 2
Juventus registered an important home win over Fiorentina, as we predicted in midweek. This weekend the Bianconeri travel to Genoa for a clash against Sampdoria with Tuesday’s Champions League game against Real Madrid now on the horizon.
Max Allegri’s table toppers need just one point to secure the Serie A title and I’m not expecting him to push his team too much on Saturday. Juve will almost certainly make a raft of changes with the Madrid match in mind.
So considering the Old Lady only need to draw, I’m happy to put my faith in Samp to get something from this match. Taking the 8/13 from Coral on Sampdoria in the Double Chance market looks the best option.
Sassuolo v Palermo | Saturday 19.45 | BT Sport 2
Sassuolo are currently enduring their worst run of the season (W2-D1-L8) and their last defeat against Roma worsened what’s been a fantastic home record so far this season. Lazio and Fiorentina have also been to the Mapei Stadium and come away with maximum points during that rotten run.
But previous to that Roma loss, I suggested a bet on the Double Chance market against Torino and Sassuolo were consistent enough to pick up a draw. And I’m prepared to say that Sass are unlikely to lose.
Palemo are a good side but they’re very poor travellers and I just don’t see them winning here. I just can’t see Sassuolo surrendering quite as easily as they did against Roma, either.
The Double Chance is a banker at 1/2 (Ladbrokes) but I also like the chances of the hosts at 7/4 (Betfred). I’m also going to get involved with goals; both teams like to play an offensive style and neither convinces defensively.
With the likes of Paulo Dybala and Domenico Berardi on show, Over 2.5 Goals has to be considered at 11/13 (888 Sport).
Roma v Genoa | Sunday 11.30 | ESPN
Sure, Roma won 3-0 in Sassuolo last time out but I just don’t see them recapturing their early season form. Sass were really poor on Wednesday and the capital club just haven’t shown enough significant improvement over recent weeks to warrant support.
As I said in their last home game against Atlanta, I don’t trust Roma defensively and I was even confident Atalanta could cause them problems despite boasting one of the weakest attacks in the league.
Genoa are a much more entertaining team than the Neroazzurri. They usually rely on fast and aggressive football with plenty of talent in attacking positions. Argentinian Diego Perotti will be missing but they deserve plenty of respect.
Rome could win here and it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise but the odds on the Giallorossi are prohibitive and they do not reflect the true likelihood of a home success. So at a bigger price, I’ll happily back Genoa simply to score a goal.
The Grifoni scored three in the San Siro and have found the back of the net 24 times in 16 games away from home this season. I cannot see why they shouldn’t continue that trend here. We can back Over 0.5 Genoa Goals at 4/7 (Betway)
Napoli v AC Milan | Sunday 19.45 | BT Sport 1
If we were talking about this game on any other day I’d say that Napoli would tear Milan apart without any worries. However, this fixture takes place on Sunday night and Rafa Benitez is unlikely to be entirely focussed on the match with an important Europa League semi-final coming up on Thursday.
Napoli have displayed some excellent football in recent times and even when they’ve been struggling I’ve said they’re well capable of beating anyone. Yes, anyone!
Now, I’m not expecting Milan to beat them but I’m thinking they could easily find the net in Naples. Jeremy Menez missing certainly won’t help their cause and does make me doubt the Rossoneri a little.
So the best route to bet here is siding with goals; with the home win priced a little short, I’ll take a Napoli win and Over 2.5 Goals at 11/10 with Betfair.
Best Bets
Sampdoria v Juventus – Sampdoria double chance (8/13 Coral)
Sassuolo v Palermo – Sassuolo to win (7/4 Betfred)
Sassuolo v Palermo – Over 2.5 Goals (11/13 888 Sport)
Roma v Genoa – Genoa to score Over 0.5 Goals (4/7 Betway)
Napoli v AC Milan – Napoli to win and Over 2.5 Goals (11/10 Betfair)
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