FIVE out of five in Serie A, our man in Rome Marco Di Cosmo (@scioltz) is back with more picks for this weekend.
Carpi v Torino | Saturday 17:00 | BT Sport Europe
Carpi obtained their first home points of the season against Napoli a week and half ago but they were incredibly defensive throughout the match that night.
That match has typified their play this season and it's cost Fabrizio Castori his job. While I'm not a fan of that style of play or Castori the decision to sack him is very difficult to understand. This man brought a bunch of players from Lega Pro to the Serie A without any budget and without even a stadium (Carpi play in Modena, a small city near Carpi).
Before that Napoli game they were unfortunate to lose against Fiorentina and Inter and while it's true they've only picked up two points so far this season their fixture list has been very tough.
After everything that's gone on I suspect the players will be mourning the loss of their former coach and we won't be see a kick-on effect that sometimes arrives with a new coach.
Opponents Torino are a fine and mature team and are challenging big sides for the top spots in Serie A. I think they have the quality to win away at Carpi and while we shouldn't see lots of goals they'll have enough to take the three points.
Empoli v Sassuolo | Sunday 11:30 | BT Sport Europe
Sassuolo are another team who are doing incredibly well in Serie A so far. Their President has even claimed they could win the title this year, and despite this being a little excessive, I still reckon his side have enough quality to finish in a Top 10 position. Forward Domenico Berardi is back from injury and he is quickly becoming one of the most promising Italian talents.
Empoli have only picked up one point in three games at home having suffered losses against Chievo and Atalanta. Their recent loss to Frosinone was also worrying and while they did draw with Napoli that was before Maurizio Sarri's side found their feet.
Sassuolo have the best away record in Serie A at the moment with two wins and a draw against AS Roma at the Olimpico where they could definitely have got something more. Back them in the Double Chance market. It's a banker for me.
Juventus v Bologna | Sunday 17:00 | BT Sport 2
Juve are back in business! After picking up six points in their opening two games in the UCL, the bianconeri look the most credible side to get out from that difficult group and they will now focus their strength on domestic business.
The four in a row champions are 10 points behind Inter and are just off the the relegation zone. That's incredible for such a strong team and I'm pretty sure they'll quickly get out of this mess.
They host Bologna who will struggle to stay in Serie A as they have a lack of quality upfront. I'll get with the bianconeri in the handicap market despite the exertions of their European match played on Wednesday.
Lazio v Frosinone | Sunday 17:00 | BT Sport Extra
Lazio finally seem to have found their way with the return of Lucas Biglia and the resurrection of Felipe Anderson. On Sunday they host Frosinone who have performed really well in recent days and whom I've praised as an example of a small team playing offensive and modern football in a constructive manner.
I don't think they'll dismiss their pressing style of play here so we might see an enjoyable game on Sunday. They could even score a goal as Lazio's defence will be affected by injuries and fatigue after the Europa League on Thursday but overall I reckon their quality should be too much for Frosinone but expect goals.
Best Bets
Carpi v Torino – Torino to win (13/10 Sportingbet)
Empoli v Sassuolo – Sassuolo +0.5 (7/11 BetVictor)
Juventus v Bologna – Juventus -1.5 (7/9 BetVictor)
Lazio v Frosinone – Lazio to win and Over 2.5 Goals (10/11 Boylesports)
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