Italian Serie A: Gameweek 1 Preview

Here we go again! The 2020/21 Serie A football season gets underway on Saturday evening. The big question is, is there anybody to stop Juventus' domination? The Old Lady will be vying for a record 10th consecutive Scudetto. Inter Milan, Atalanta and Lazio prevailed as serious title-contenders but struggled to maintain consistency. Nonetheless, 38 rounds await and only time will tell if anyone can stop Italy’s black and white army. Let’s get to this weekend’s fixtures!

Saturday 19 September

Fiorentina 9/10
Draw 26/10
Torino 29/10
(18:00)

The last four seasons have been average at best for Fiorentina. They have strengthened this transfer window with Alfred Duncan, Pol Lirola, Christian Kouame and Giacomo Bonaventura. The Viola managed just five wins from 19 games at home last term and that’s something that desperately needs to improve starting Saturday. Torino – much like their opponents – blow hot and called throughout the season. With four wins on the road last season, they too, will be looking for a strong and bright start to the new season. However, Fiorentina ended the 2019/20 season on a positive note and looked excellent in pre-season too. Back the hosts to capitalize on home advantage.

Hellas Verona 9/4
Draw 49/20
Roma 23/20
(21:45)

Hellas Verona had a pretty decent run at home last term. Nine wins from 19 games might not sound that great but with the players at their disposal and their lack of depth, I truly believe that they did a good job to claim ninth spot on the standings. Roma had a slow start to the season last year and will be looking to rack up the points from the get-go. They have done some good transfer business snapping up Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pedro on a free. I’m expecting a cracking contest here with Both Teams to Score – Yes – looking well worth a punt at 13/20.

Sunday 20 September

Parma 36/10
Draw 3/1
Napoli 13/20
(12:30

Parma had their impressive moments last season and two of those was beating Napoli home and away but their lack of consistency ultimately led to an 11th place finish. You just never know what to expect from this team. Napoli disappointed as they failed to challenge for the title and while many players have left, they have only signed Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen. With that being said, I’m leading towards Parma upsetting the applecart, so back them on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 11/10.

Genoa 9/10
Draw 51/20
Crotone 29/10
(15:00)

In one of the least exciting matchups, Genoa and newly-promoted Crotone will go toe-to-toe. The hosts ended their Serie A campaign last season four points above the drop in 17th place. Crotone claimed second place in Serie B but finished 18 points off the eventual winners, Benevento. The last three meetings between these sides have produced three goals. To sum it up, this is the complete opposite of a goal fest. Get on the Totals: Under 2.5 Goals market at 17/20.

Sassuolo 1/1
Draw 28/10
Cagliari 24/10
(18:00)

Sassuolo did well to finish eighth last season with only Serie A giants ahead of them, including, Juventus, Atalanta, Inter Milan, Lazio, Roma, AC Milan and Napoli. This term they will be looking to build on that, so I’d keep a close eye on them. Cagliari started the 2019/20 season like a house on fire but those flames died out. The lack of depth and quality hindered their chances but it’s a new season and they will be looking to make a bright start once again. The last four meetings have seen 13 goals between these sides. Take Over 2.5 Goals at 11/20.

Juventus 1/4
Draw 47/10
Sampdoria 17/2
(20:45)

Juventus left it close last season with Inter Milan finishing in second place, just a point adrift of the champions. However, take nothing away from the Old Lady’s emphatic win as they should be just as tough to dethrone this term. Sampdoria struggled on their travels and I simply can’t find any stats that give them a glimmer of hope come Sunday evening. Juve on the (-1) Handicap at 7/10 is there for the taking, get on!

Monday 20 September

AC Milan 11/20
Draw 34/10
Bologna 17/4
(20:45)

We round off gameweek one at the San Siro with AC Milan playing host to Bologna. The Rossoneri showed glimpses of their old selves as they grinded their way to sixth place last season. There is not much to write home about when it comes to their opponents. AC Milan have won eight of the last nine meetings against Bologna and should add to that. The home win should be added to all multiples.

TREBLE @ 33/10 

Hellas Verona vs Roma BTTS 13/20
Juventus (-1) Handicap 7/10
AC Milan Win 11/20

Written by Aaron Crowie