OUR man in Italy, Marco Di Cosmo (@scioltz) looks to continue his hot streak in Serie A with his best Sunday selections.
Atalanta V Napoli| Sunday 21st January 2018, 11:30| BT Sport
This is maybe the most intriguing match of the day. Atalanta have been a tricky opponent for Napoli in recent times, with the Bergamaschi outperforming Partenopei in all of the last four meetings. Napoli could easily drop points here, so it is simply too dangerous to back them to continue their winning run.
What looks more convincing is backing both teams to find the net. Apart from their opening game of the season, Atalanta have always scored at least once at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, while Napoli have the best away record in Serie A. This will be at least 1-1.
Bologna v Benevento| Sunday 21st January 2018, 14:00|
Benevento had found some momentum since their 14-game winless run, but the two week break has not done them any favours.
This is one of the numerous misfortunes they’ve had this season, they’ve often conceded late injury-time goals.
Their January transfer window has not been great either, their best player Lorenzo Ciciretti, looks like leaving while they’ve also lost their captain due to doping suspension. On the other hand, Bologna have managed to keep Simone Verdi in their squad, and this is fantastic news for them.
Back them to win in what looks one of the easiest matches they will have in 2018.
Lazio v Chievo| Sunday 21st January 2018, 14:00| BT Sport
Lazio’s run is continuing with conviction. The more it goes on, the more I admire them. Their attacking play is beautiful to watch , and the talent displayed by Sergej Milinkovic Savic, Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson is something most teams in the world would struggle to stop. Plus they have Ciro Immobile up-top, who’s in the form of his life.
I’m backing a goalfest for Lazio at the Olimpico. Get them to win with Over 2.5 goals at 1.70 odds.
Sampdoria v Fiorentina| Sunday 21st January 2018, 14:00|
One of two Overs bets I like this afternoon. The first is when Sampdoria meets Fiorentina at Marassi. Here, the Blucerchiati have looked brilliant at times, and scoring as never been a problem, even when facing stronger teams like Lazio and Juventus. Expect goals.
Udinese v SPAL| Sunday 21st January 2018, 14:00|
This game should be fun. Especially given Massimo Oddo’s impact as head coach of the Bianconeri. He’s completely changed the team into a goal-scoring machine, while also delivering points and solid results.
SPAL do play some open football and I fancy them to get on the scoresheet. That’s why backing goals seems the obvious choice at the prices.
Cagliari v AC Milan| Sunday 21st January 2018, 17:00| BT Sport
AC Milan have improved a little in recent weeks, but traveling to Cagliari will be harder than the Rossoneri might think.
The Sardinians showed resilience against Juventus, who only managed to get a win late one, having been saved by their goalkeeper on many occasions.
I think Cagliari will give AC Milan a strong test, so taking them double chance is something to consider.
Inter v Roma| Sunday 21st January 2018, 19:45| BT Sport
The biggest match of the weekend could also be the most boring. Inter and Roma are far from their best at the moment and I reckon both coaches will be quite conservative here.
It is true that both teams have tons of talent, and that is the danger as game could explode into life at any minute. But I see both teams taking the defensive approach they’ve shown so far this season.
Best Bets
Atalanta v Napoli – Both Teams to Score (5/6 10Bet)
Bologna v Benevento – Bologna (73/100 Marathon Bet)
Lazio v Chievo – Lazio & Over 2.5 Goals (3/4 Betway)
Sampdoria v Fiorentina – Over 2.5 Goals (43/50 Marathon Bet)
Udinese v Spal – Over 2.5 Goals (19/20 Marathon Bet)
Cagliari v AC Milan – Cagliari Win or Draw (9/10 Unibet)
Inter v Roma – Under 2.5 Goals (6/5 Unibet)
