OUR man in Italy, Marco Di Cosmo (@scioltz) looks to continue his hot streak in Serie A with his best Sunday selections.
Sassuolo v Bologna | Sunday 11:30 | BT Sport
Bologna are probably the most out-of-form team in Serie A, failing to win their last seven matches, including resounding defeats to Napoli and Sampdoria.
It is fair to say that Bologna’s first half of the season was much better and that has granted the Rossoblu a safe journey in Serie A action until May.
On the other hand, Sassuolo had an opposite trend, only finding their feet in recent times.
Their home form has still been inconsistent though, but mainly because of misfortunes, such as the number of chances wasted in their defeat against Milan and the red card after a couple of minutes in the game with Chievo.
I think Sassuolo will have the right chance to fire back and given the recent unlucky matches I think they will be determined to do that.
Sassuolo to score Over 1.5 Goals (21/20 William Hill) is the bet.
Chievo v Empoli | Sunday 14:00
This isn’t the most exciting match you would like to see in Serie A but it’s probably worth a try from a betting point of view.
Empoli are the least efficient offensive team I’ve seen in ages, and their difficulty to find the net has been a concern for all season. They have improved a little in recent times but things won’t be easy against such an organised side like Chievo.
It is true that the hosts won’t have any major objectives but still I do not see them conceding early on. That is why it could be a very flat match in the first minutes and a draw in the first half could be the most likely outcome at 21/20 (Betfair).
Inter Milan v Atalanta | Sunday 14:00
My first of three Over 2.5 Goals sections starts here. This is surely the most intriguing match on Sunday as the two sides will play to gain at least fourth sport.
I’ve admired Atalanta so much so far this season, and they are undisputedly the biggest surprise of the season. Their football has been a problem for all kind of teams, as testified by their win against Roma, Napoli, Milan and others.
Atalanta’s strength relies much in the offensive creativity of their upfront trio, while their midfield has guaranteed them quality enough to compete at a higher level.
One of the most interesting players of that midfield, the very best in my opinion, has been sold to Inter in January though, I’m talking about Roberto Gagliardini; in a short time he already changed Inter’s mentality with the Nerazzurri having little difficulties to score against any kind of team.
Apart from Juventus, Inter have scored in their last 14 outings and that is why I expect them to register in a goal-based affair here.
Over 2.5 Goals is 13/15 (188BET).
Pescara v Udinese | Sunday 14:00
Our attention must go to Pescara, as said a couple of weeks ago, with their new manager reshaping the team into an offensive machine.
Their debut under Zdenek Zeman was absolutely stunning in their 5-0 win against Genoa but they could not keep it up against Chievo and Sampdoria where they lost 3-1. Such a defeat also confirms their offensive mentality though, and I do not expect them to change against Udinese.
Those motivations should be enough to make me back Over 2.5 Goals again at 7/10 (188BET). Plus, because of their little chances to avoid relegation they need to go for a win in every game.
Obviously, their defence will be exposed and Udinese’s players have right enough menace about them to be dangerous, at least at the same level.
Palermo v Roma | Sunday 19:45 | BT Sport
Lastly, Roma travel to Palermo in their worst period of all season so far. We left the Giallorossi before the derby fighting for three competitions, but in one week they’ve lost to Napoli conceding their chances for second.
Plus, Roma are in real trouble in both Coppa Italia and Europa League action where they’ve lost the first leg by a two-goal margin. The defeat in the derby was even more painful and maybe it has left some doubt in their minds.
On the other hand Palermo are probably on a more turbulent situation. Their old time president Maurizio Zamparini has officially resigned after 15 years leaving the club in an uncertain situation.
Technically, the Sicilians have little chance to avoid relegation and their seven-point deficit behind Empoli puts them in the same situation as Pescara. That is why they must attempt to exploit Roma’s difficult moment but I do not think that they can stay solid enough at the back.
Over 2.5 Goals is 71/100 at Marathon.
Best Bets
Sassuolo v Bologna – Sassuolo to score Over 1.5 Goals (21/20 William Hill)
Chievo v Empoli – half-time draw (21/20 Betfair)
Inter Milan v Atalanta – Over 2.5 Goals (13/15 188BET)
Pescara v Udinese – Over 2.5 Goals (7/10 188BET)
Palermo v Roma – Over 2.5 Goals (71/100 Marathon)
