Last week, Inter Milan flexed their muscles against long term rivals Roma, and as expected, snatched the three points to go seven points clear on top of the Serie A table. AC Milan saw off defending champions Napoli 1-0 at the San Siro, Fiorentina, Bologna, and Atalanta where also all big winners on the day while Empoli got themselves further away from the relegation zone with a massive victory against Salernitana to take them up to 15th place.
This weekend Torino and Lecce kickstart the weekend’s fixtures off while leaders Inter Milan are looking to extend their lead further with a win over last place Salernitana in the late kick off on Friday. Juventus will be looking to close the gap on Milan when they face Verona, Roma will be desperate to get back to winning ways after their heavy defeat, and to end this weekend’s fixtures off Monza welcome AC Milan to the U-Power Stadium.
Friday 16 February
7/10 Torino | Draw 49/20 | Lecce 42/10 (20:00)
Torino take on Lecce at home where they have avoided defeat in the last five fixtures, with three victories and two draws. This should be a routine victory for The Maroons as Lecce struggle on the road and are one of three teams still to register a victory away from home after 12 games played. Back the home win here.
1/6 Inter Milan | Draw 6/1 | Salernitana 13/1 (22:00)
There is only one way this fixture can go as first place takes on last place. The San Siro will be bouncing as Milan looks to claim their 12th home win of the season in front of their home faithful and make it six consecutive victories on the bounce at home. Milan to win with over 2.5 goals.
Saturday 17 February
11/20 Napoli | Draw 29/10 | Genoa 5/1 (16:00)
This has been a season to forget for Napoli. They succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to AC Milan last time out and will be eager to bounce back with a victory over Genoa who where crushed 4-1 by Atalanta previously. A win for Napoli will see them climb closer to the European spots while a win will see Genoa make their way into the top half of the table. Napoli to win.
46/10 Verona | Draw 26/10 | Juventus 13/20 (19:00)
Massive three points on the line here as Juventus looks to stay in touching distance with Milan. The last meeting saw the Bianconeri take maximum points and will be determined once again to do the double against an inconsistent Verona team who find themselves in a relegation battle. Juve to win.
7/20 Atalanta | Draw 42/10 | Sassuolo 6/1 (21:45)
Atalanta have largely dominated this fixture over the years (W14 D4 L2) and come into this match off four consecutive victories. Sassuolo are winless in their last four outings in the league and are edging closer to the relegation zone as defensive issues continue to weigh them down. Back the home win here with over 2.5 goals.
Sunday 18 February
12/10 Lazio | Draw 21/10 | Bologna 49/20 (13:30)
Lazio have largely underperformed considering the history and pedigree they have established for themselves. With that being said, Lazio are unbeaten in their previous three home fixtures, with two clean sheets to go with it. Bologna on the other hand have only managed one away victory all season and winless in the last three away games making this a huge mountain to climb. Back Lazio to win.
5/2 Empoli | Draw 47/20 | Fiorentina 21/20 (16:00)
Despite lingering around the relegation zone, Empoli have got themselves some breathing space in recent weeks with two wins and two draws. A more strategic approach will be required to do the double on a free scoring Fiorentina team who come into this fixture high in confidence after they dispatched Frosinone 5-1 previously. Fiorentina to win.
1/1 Udinese | Draw 47/20 | Cagliari 26/10 (16:00)
Udinese come into this fixture flying on cloud nine after their 1-0 victory against Juventus. The win sees them climb out of the relegation zone and will need to replicate the same performance if they look to put relegation threatened Cagliari to the sword. Cagliari are one of three teams yet to win a game on the road thus far and will need a massive performance on the day to clinch the three points. Draw with BTTS.
28/10 Frosinone | Draw 26/10 | Roma 9/10 (19:00)
A fixture largely in favour of Roma as the Giallorossi have a 100 percent record against Frosinone, with six wins from the last six meetings. This is the perfect fixture for De Rossi to bounce back after their heavy 4-2 defeat to Inter Milan last time out. Roma for the win and over 1.5 goals.
3/1 Monza | Draw 51/20 | AC Milan 17/20 (21:45)
To end gameweek 25, Monza welcome AC Milan to the U-Power Stadium. The Rossoneri have never lost to Monza, winning seven from seven games. Milan is unbeaten in their last five fixtures while Monza are looking for their first win after two consecutive draws. AC Milan to make it four consecutive away victories.
Written by Marc Strydom.