The Italian Serie A is already starting to take its usual shape with Juventus at the summit and Napoli just behind them on goal-difference. However, it’s only the beginning with another 36 rounds of action to go. Let’s find out what’s good in gameweek three.
Friday 31 August
AC Milan 15/10
Draw 24/10
Roma 7/4
(20:30)
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Saturday 1 September
Bologna 5/1
Draw 29/10
Inter Milan 11/20
(18:00)
Bologna have been dismal with a draw and a defeat from their opening two matches and are one of three teams that are yet to find the back of the net. Inter Milan were held to a 2-2 draw at the San Siro against Torino last time out and will be desperate to earn their first win of the season. I know the Nerazzurri haven’t been at their best but they should do enough to come away with all three points against a goalless Bologna side. The away win is tipped.
Parma 16/1
Draw 57/10
Juventus 2/11
(20:30
Newcomers Parma were narrowly defeated 1-0 at SPAL 2013 and will now face table-toppers and defending champions Juventus. The Old Lady have won two on the bounce, scoring five goals without Cristiano Ronaldo finding the back of the net, so you can only imagine what this team will be capable of once CR7 hits form. Take Juve on the Half-time/Full-time win at 11/20.
Sunday 2 September
Fiorentina 6/10
Draw 3/1
Udinese 9/2
(18:00)
Team morale will be high in the Fiorentina camp after they made the perfect start to the campaign last weekend, annihilating Chievo 6-1 at home. Their opponents, Udinese, dug deep to see off Sampdoria 1-0 at the Dacia Arena. However, the Viola have won the last 11 meetings at home against Udinese and after their triumphant victory last time out, they should have the confidence to make it back-to-back wins. Get on the home victory.
Atalanta 5/10
Draw 33/10
Cagliari 11/2
(20:30)
Atalanta are playing some brilliant attacking football but would’ve been disappointed after taking a first-half 3-1 lead at Roma and conceding two late goals to settle for a 3-3 share of the spoils. In hindsight, that is a good point but knowing you were on the brink of victory leaves a bit of a sour taste in your mouth. Cagliari remain without a win after two matches but earned an exciting 2-2 draw at home against Sassuolo last time out. The Islanders are usually poor travellers. Last season they lost 11 of their 19 games on the road, scoring just 15 times. Atalanta look a banker bet!
Sassuolo 21/20
Draw 9/4
Genoa 26/10
(20:30)
Sassuolo scored late to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw away to Cagliari last weekend. Their last home game saw them edge Inter Milan 1-0 and they will look at the result as motivation to see off Sunday’s opponents. Genoa earned their maiden win of the season with a narrow 2-1 win over Empoli. Goals have been far and few in recent encounters between these sides with the last five meetings seeing Under 2.5 goals scored. Follow the trend at 7/10.
Torino 13/20
Draw 11/4
SPAL 17/4
(20:30)
Torino have had a tough two teams to start the season off with as Roma beat them 1-0 in the opening round but the Maroons rallied and claimed a 2-2 draw at Inter Milan last weekend. Last season’s relegation contenders, SPAL 2013, have surprised everybody with back-to-back 1-0 victories. I still don’t see Walter Mattioli’s side getting anything out of this contest. Take Torino to claim all three points on Sunday evening.
Lazio 1/5
Draw 11/2
Frosinone 12/1
(20:30)
Lazio are second from bottom of the log with consecutive defeats, scoring once and conceding four times. They are still odds on favourites to see off Frosinone who are yet to find the back of the net, while conceding four times. I’m expecting the hosts to come out firing on all cylinders but the 1/5 on offer doesn’t provide enough value. Back Lazio on the (-1) Handicap at 11/20.
Sampdoria 47/10
Draw 33/10
Napoli 11/20
(20:30)
Sampdoria went down 1-0 at Udinese last time out and will be eager to bounce back with a positive result this weekend. Napoli came from two goals down in sublime fashion to oust AC Milan 3-2 at the Stadio San Paolo. It was a tremendous comeback but Carlo Ancelotti will know that he has his work cut out for him with his team leaking goals. Sampdoria were strong at home last term with 12 wins from 19 games and I’m backing them on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 27/20.
Chievo 13/10
Draw 43/20
Empoli 9/4
(20:30)
Bottom-of-the-log Chievo were absolutely demolished 6-1 at Fiorentina in round two and will need to start raising their game before they find themselves in an early downward spiral. Empoli showed good fighting spirit despite going down 2-1 at Genoa. A tight affair is on the cards with both teams lacking attacking flair and a creative style of play. The Totals – Under 2.5 Goals – market should be backed at 7/10.
TREBLE @ 3/1
Fiorentina Win 6/10
Atalanta Win 5/10
Torino Win 13/20
Written by Aaron Crowie