And we’re back! After an exciting 2021/2022 Serie A season, the league returns with another potentially great season. The usual suspects, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Napoli, still look strong ahead of the first weekend. While Juventus and Roma are looking to throw their names in the race for the Scudetto this time, judging by their transfer business.
Saturday 13 August
AC Milan 4/10
Draw 38/10
Udinese 13/2
(18:30)
The Serie A champions kick off their defense against a side they failed to beat twice last season. Udinese managed to hold Milan to two 1-1 draws last season, despite having a porous defensive line, and they will head into this one with a hint of confidence, seeing as they’ll be facing a Milan side that hasn’t strengthened much this summer. Milan went about their business quietly after the free acquisition of former Liverpool striker Divock Origi, by adding the young Charles De Ketelaere and Junior Messias to bolster their attacking depth.
Being the champions, AC Milan will be keen to start on a solid foot in this campaign. I’m backing a win for the home side.
Sampdoria 29/1
Draw 28/10
Atalanta 9/10
(18:30)
Both these sides were not satisfied with where they finished last season. Atalanta, who had become regulars in UEFA competitions in the previous three campaigns, couldn’t qualify for the Conference League this season. They will be looking for a strong start against a Sampdoria team they last thrashed 4-0 at home and beat 3-1 away from home earlier in the season. I’m backing an Atalanta win.
Lecce 9/1
Draw 46/10
Inter Milan 3/10
(20:45)
Serie B champions open their campaign with an exciting game against Inter Milan, who will still be saddened by missing out on the Scudetto last season. Their players and fans will be overjoyed to kick off their campaign against one of Italy’s giants and will no doubt seek to cause an upset. Inter have had a terrible pre-season, failing to win in their last four friendlies. The most worrying for Inter fans will be the game they lost 4-2 against Villareal, where they only managed three attempts on target. I’m going to go with both teams to score here at 21/20.
Monza 33/20
Draw 23/10
Torino 17/10
(20:45)
Monza finished the Serie B as the second highest scoring team with 60 goals. They have made it to the big time and will be looking to establish themselves as a competitive side in the division, having signed experienced players. Their first task is a Serie A regular side, Torino, who finished 10th last season and could have gone for UEFA competitions with more firepower upfront. I’m going to Double Chance this: Monza win or draw.
Sunday 14 August
Lazio 6/10
Draw 33/10
Bologna 44/10
(18:30)
Lazio did well to hold on to the fifth position at the end of last season with stiff competition from Roma, Fiorentina, and Atalanta. They face a side they thrashed 3-0 in their previous meeting back in February, but Bologna will be confident knowing they beat them with the exact scoreline in their backyard. Tough one to call, but Lazio kept its best players and should be able to get all three points here.
Fiorentina 4/10
Draw 39/10
Cremonese 6/1
(18:30)
Fiorentina open their campaign against a side that missed out on the Serie B title by just two points. Despite losing their most significant asset to Juventus (Dusan Vlahovic) to Juventus last season, Fiorentina did well enough to finish in the seventh position and secure themselves UEFA competition. They’ve finally replaced Vlahovic with Luka Jovic, who will be looking to kickstart his career again after it stagnated at Real Madrid and certainly has enough talent to light up the Serie A. This should be an easy win for the home side and I would also back them to score first at 7/20.
Salernitana 48/10
Draw 34/10
Roma 11/20
(20:45)
Salernitana did well at the end of last season to avoid relegation after they looked destined for the drop to Serie B. They kick their season off with a clash against ambitious Roma, who have heavily strengthened their team. Jose Mourinho will be looking to finish inside the top four and at least win one domestic cup this campaign. This game presents an excellent opportunity to measure the level of his side, who will also be playing in the Europa League this season. Last season, Roma won twice against this side; I don’t see why they can’t achieve the same this season. I’m backing a win for Roma.
Spezia 29/20
Draw 47/20
Empoli 19/10
(20:45)
Both these sides had a decent start to their campaigns last season but slowly found themselves drifting towards the relegation zone as the season went on. The result was a draw twice last season in games that lacked goals when they clashed. I don’t expect fireworks from either side this season, seeing as they both had relatively quiet transfer windows. Spezia will come out strong and go for a win here. I’m backing a clean sheet for the home side.
Monday 15 August
Hellas Verona 47/20
Draw 51/20
Napoli 11/10
(18:30)
I was impressed with Verona last season, even though they finished in ninth position. I felt they had enough to actually go for European places. They open their Serie A campaign by hosting a Napoli side who finished third, yet again missing out on the coveted Scudetto that keeps eluding the club. They’ve managed to keep their best player in Victor Osimhen but lost hugely in defense with the exit of Kalidou Koulibaly to Chelsea. I don’t think they will be challenging for the title this season but should be one of the stronger sides again. I’m backing a Hellas Verona win or draw.
Juventus 9/20
39/10
Sassuolo 54/10
(20:45)
Juventus kickstart their campaign with plenty to prove on Monday night when they host Sassuolo at the Allianz Stadium. The Old Lady finished fourth last term and failed to utilize the support of the home crowd to turn their stadium into a fortress. Juve had just won 10 of their 19 home games last season, losing four times. Sassuolo finished in the bottom half last campaign but will take confidence from the fact that they beat Juventus in this fixture last term. You can back Over 2.5 Goals here at 5/10.
TREBLE @ 64/10
AC Milan Win 4/10
Hellas Verona vs Napoli Draw 51/20
Juventus vs Sassulo Over 2.5 goals 5/10
Written by Mcebo Mpungose