This weekend signals the final games for Serie A before the winter break, making a positive result even more crucial. A win will breath positivity into teams as we head into the New Year, but sitting on a defeat for two weeks leads to a bleak outcome for 2014.
The undoubted tie of the round is the Milan derby. Always one that Italian football fans look out for on the calendar, and although both sides are not at their best this season, it still promises to contain all the ingredients of a Milan derby.
Inter come off the back of a rare defeat at Napoli, only their second this season. The loss will come as a blow to their Champions League ambitions, and the Nerazzurri now need to get back to winning ways as they hope to get back on track and hunt Napoli down again. Goals are not a problem but they will be looking for their defence to regain their form after leaking four last time out.
Milan picked up a credible draw against title contenders Roma last time out, a result that will give them massive confidence heading into the derby. They managed to breach one of Europe’s top defences twice and the Rossoneri will hope they can kick on from that result with the derby a perfect opportunity to do so.
However, Allegri’s side have struggled for wins all season, with just four so far and are not mid table for no reason. It’s almost impossible to call this one, but I’m going for a shock Milan win in this historic game. Rather than call this one though, you might be better off seeing the latest football odds available elsewhere.
Leaders Juventus extended their lead at the top last week but they face a tricky tie away at Atlanta who have only lost once at home all season and have a mean defence at home. I fancy the home side to take a point in that one. After falling further behind last week, Roma will be looking to close the gap on Juve as they take on rock bottom Catania at home. Catania are pointless on their travels and you would be a very brave man to bet against a home win, that looks a home banker.
Towards the bottom, surprisingly Udinese are slipping further and further towards the drop zone and they face a big test this weekend as they travel to Livorno who sit eighteenth in the table. Udinese have won just once away from home all season and defeat to Livorno would see them well and truly in the relegation battle. Surely they must turn it around soon and I think this weekend may be the time for them to change their fortunes, away win for me.
Verona host Lazio as both sides harbour European hopes this season. Verona have been stunning at home this season, winning seven and losing just once whilst Lazio are yet to win on the road. I fancy Verona to keep up their good home form and take the win.
So I’ve predicted a weekend of shocks, but it’s an unpredictable season this time around, so who knows what could happen.
By Henry Chard
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