With the Italian Serie A back in action this weekend, fans of the beautiful game will be excited to see how well Cristiano Ronaldo fits into seven-time defending champions, Juventus’ team. While that is the most talked about topic in Italian football, there is still plenty of exciting clashes to look forward to in round one. Let’s get to it.
Saturday 18 August
Chievo Verona 11/1
Draw 47/10
Juventus 1/4
(18:00)
Chievo Verona will play host to Juventus in the opening match of the season. The home team managed just 10 wins from 38 league games last season and will need to be much better than that if they are to at least finish in the top 10 following their 13th place finish. Ronaldo adds to an already talented Juventus squad. The Old Lady were brilliant on their travels last season and I expect nothing less from the champions. Back Juve on the (-1) Handicap at 7/10!
Lazio 7/4
Draw 5/2
Napoli 29/20
(20:30)
Lazio did fairly well last season and following their eight new signings, they will be looking to break into the top four and maybe even challenge for the title. The Eagles lacked consistency at home but it’s a new season and it’s always touch and go at the start of a new campaign. Napoli were absolutely brilliant last season as they pushed Juventus all the way. However, without Maurizio Sarri at the helm and the loss of Jorginho, the Blues won’t be as strong. An open and attacking game is on the cards and the Over 2.5 Goals market is tipped at 13/20.
Sunday 19 August
Torino 24/10
Draw 51/20
Roma 21/20
(18:00)
Torino are usually a team that capitalize on home advantage and they will be looking to do just that against Roma. Easier said than done but following the loss of goalkeeper Alisson and their boss in the centre of the park, Radja Nainggolan, Roma’s defensive stability might be a problem. The last six meetings between these sides have produced 21 goals at an average of 3.5 per game. With that being said, I’m all over Both Teams to Score – Yes – at 6/10.
Sampdoria 7/4
Draw 23/10
Fiorentina 31/20
(20:30)
Sampdoria might have finished 10th on the table last season but their home record was excellent with 12 wins from 19 matches and they will be looking to produce the goods in front of their faithful supporters yet again. Fiorentina struggled to maintain winning form and haven’t really impressed with their signings to rectify that. La Samp won this meeting 3-1 last season and are tipped to utilize home advantage again. Get on the home win.
Parma 14/10
Draw 43/20
Udinese 2/1
(20:30)
Parma’s second place Serie B finish earned them a spot in the top flight. They were strong at home last term but will need to be even better if they are to survive on their return to the Serie A. Udinese lost 11 of their 19 travels last season but will be looking to make a much more positive start to the new campaign. The teams are tipped to cancel each other out.
Bologna 5/4
Draw 21/10
Spal 24/10
(20:30)
Just one point separated Bologna last season with the hosts settling for 15th and Spal 2013 ended just safe from the drop in 17th position. Home advantage proved the difference when they came toe-to-toe with Bologna winning 2-1 on their ground and Spal taking a 1-0 victory in the reverse tie. I’m not expecting too many goals to be scored between these sides with a low-scoring affair very much likely. Both Halves Under 1.5 is tipped at even money!
AC Milan 11/20
Draw 3/1
Genoa 52/10
(20:30)
AC Milan are a work in progress but with the signing of Gonzalo Higuain, the Rossoneri are showing real intent and ambition to get back to their best. Genoa were terrible away from home last term, scoring just 10 goals in 19 matches, recording only five wins. This for me is one of the best bets of the opening round. The San Siro will be buzzing on Sunday night with AC Milan tipped to bag maximum points.
Sassuolo 17/4
Draw 29/10
Inter Milan 6/10
(20:30)
Sassuolo finished 11th on the table last term. A satisfactory position to say the least. Their home form was terrible as they managed just four wins from 19 games, scoring 11 goals. Inter Milan look well worth a punt to take the new campaign by storm. They have strengthened in the right places and are tipped to finish second behind Juventus at the end of the season. Inter lost both meetings against Sassuolo last term but look likely to get some revenge here.
Empoli 12/10
Draw 9/4
Cagliri 24/10
(20:30)
Serie B winners, Empoli, lost just one match at home last season, recording 14 wins from 21 matches. Cagliari ended the 2017/18 campaign just four points above the relegation zone and will desperately be looking to avoid that situation for a consecutive term. Neither of these teams possess the sort of attacking prowess that gets you excited. Nonetheless, Empoli have won five of the last six meetings at home against Cagliari and are tipped to build on that.
Monday 20 August
Atalanta 7/20
Draw 37/10
Frosinone 8/1
(20:30)
Atalanta will wrap up round one against newly-promoted Frosinone at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on Monday night. The hosts showed a lot of class last season but in the end, lacked quality to push them for a top four place as they settled for seventh. Frosinone return to the top flight after finishing in third place in Serie B last season and progressing via play-offs. Their away record leaves a lot to be desired and Atalanta should prove too strong for them. Get on the Home to Win to Nil – Yes – market at 19/20.
TREBLE @ 56/10
AC Milan Win 11/20
Empoli Win 12/10
Atalanta Win to Nil 19/20
Written by Aaron Crowie