OUR man in Italy Marco Di Cosmo (@scioltz) gives us his three best bets for Sunday's action.
Cesena v Roma | Sunday 19:45
The awful giallorossi run continues after a disastrous performance against Fiorentina earlier in the week where they were trashed 3-0. This was just three days after another home defeat against Sampdoria.
I don’t envisage a good end to the season for Roma. Lazio are in better form and should finish above them.
Roma travel to Cesena on Sunday where the home side should be confident after beating Lazio and holding Inter and Juventus this season. Rudi Garcia's side have a number of absences and I’m not sure they can step up from their recent performances. I'll back Cesena on the Double Chance market.
Lazio v Verona | Sunday 19:45
Lazio are one of the form sides in Serie A just now. Since Felipe Anderson returned from injury they've been flying with five straight wins and are on the coat-tails of Roma.
As I wrote some weeks ago, they have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League, especially if they can keep the young Brazilian perfectly fit.
I'll say it again, he is the best talent in the league (with Paul Pogba), and the next big thing to come in world football. If Lazio do play real entertaining football, Maurizio Pioli’s team rely on Anderson and he can guide them to a Top 3 finish.
Verona’s recent run should be enough for them to avoid relegation. They've had two draws and two victories in their last four games and are now 11 points above the relegation zone.
This team is nowhere near to last season squad though, and I don't think Lazio will have problems in taking all the three points. I'll back them to win in an Over 2.5 Goals match due to their dodgy defence.
Udinese v Fiorentina | Sunday 19:45
Udinese are not the most entertaining team in Serie A, with coach Andrea Stramaccioni clearly relying on their defensive performances and Toto Di Natale goals.
Despite the talent in the old Italian international this team is among the worst attacks in Serie A. Their home performances are really unpredictable, as they have been able to hold Juventus and beat Napoli, while losing to smaller teams such as Genoa and Verona.
I do trust the bianconeri to do well in this match though. Fiorentina have recently destroyed Roma 3-0 at the Olimpico, but the capital club is clearly in crisis nowadays so I wouldn't read too much into that. I also think la Viola will rest players after the high numbers of matches they have been through recently.
The Egyptian international Mohamed Salah could be benched, and I am confident Udinese are capable of avoiding defeat here.
Best Bets
Cesena v Roma – Cesena Double Chance (13/10 Bet365)
Lazio v Verona – Lazio win and Over 2.5 Goals (10/11 Paddy Power)
Udinese v Fiorentina – Udinese Double Chance (7/10 Coral)
Your View?
Who are you backing in Italy on Sunday? What do you think of Marco's picks?
Let us know in the comments box below.
