This week is crucial for teams fighting to avoid relegation in Serie A. The competition at the bottom of the table is very tight, and this week presents an opportunity for these teams to demonstrate their capabilities. If they wish to maintain their status in the league next season, they must secure points against teams who are also struggling.
Friday 3 May
7/4 Torino | Draw 2/1 | Bologna 17/10 (20:45)
Torino had a tough fixture against the reigning champions Inter Milan last time out and lost 2-0 after Milan flexed their muscles and showed them who’s boss. The loss stretches their winless streak to four games, with two home draws and two away defeats. Bologna looks to have secured their spot in Europe next season and have been playing a brand of football which is a joy to watch. They are currently unbeaten in the last six matches in the league, and with the confidence flowing through the team, I can’t see Torino putting a stop to their hot form. Back the away win here.
Saturday 4 May
28/10 Monza | Draw 49/20 | Lazio 9/10 (18:00)
Monza shared the points with Lecce in their previous match after it ended 1-1. The draw brings their winless run to five games in the league and is in desperate need of a win as they have lost four of the last eight matches. Lazio has found the winning formula of late and has won five of their last eight matches. They come into this fixture high on confidence and with four games to go they still have a chance to qualify for Europe, given other results fall in their favour. Lazio to win.
54/10 Sassuolo | Draw 36/10 | Inter Milan 9/20 (20:45)
Sassuolo are starring down the barrel of relegation, and their heavy 5-1 defeat to Fiorentina last time out brings their winless run to six matches. Andrea Pinamonti and Domenico Berardi will be the key figures for Sassuolo as they look to earn a positive result against the 2024 Scudetto champions. Inter Milan’s dominance this season has been incredible, and with the form they find themselves in at this stage of the campaign, I can only see this fixture going 1 way. Inter Milan win and over 2.5 goals.
Sunday 5 May
11/10 Cagliari | Draw 9/4 | Lecce 49/20 (12:30)
Cagliari and Lecce are both in a crucial position as they battle to avoid relegation. With every match being pivotal, both teams will aim to secure maximum points to create a gap between themselves and the relegation zone. Cagliari, especially, may have an extra boost of motivation playing at home and will be eager to claim a victory to move further away from danger. It’ll be interesting to see how both teams perform under this pressure and whether Cagliari can capitalize on their home advantage. BTTS and over 2.5 goals is the way to go here.
27/20 Empoli | Draw 23/10 | Frosinone 19/10 (15:00)
Massive three points on the line here for both clubs as the relegation scrap intensifies. Both clubs are level on points (31) and a win for either club will significantly impact their survival hopes. Empoli will be expected to show up on game day as the home side and will fancy themselves against fellow strugglers Frosinone after they won their previous two home games. Frosinone comes into this fixture brimming with confidence and unbeaten in the last five fixtures. Matias Soule and Walid Cheddira are Frosinone’s top scorers and will be called upon to deliver the much-needed win. Back the away win and BTTS.
21/10 Verona | Draw 22/10 | Fiorentina 5/4 (15:00)
Verona has been performing well at home throughout the season, while Fiorentina is coming into the match with confidence after securing two consecutive victories. Verona’s recent home form, with two wins and two losses in their last four fixtures, suggests they’ll put up a fight against Fiorentina. However, Fiorentina’s recent successes will likely give them the motivation and belief to attack with purpose and aim for another three points. Back Fiorentina to win away from home.
9/20 AC Milan | Draw 33/10 | Genoa 56/10 (18:00)
AC Milan has hit a bit of a rough patch with three consecutive matches without a victory, following a previous unbeaten streak of five games. Despite this, they still hold onto second place in the league standings after their draw with Juventus. Genoa faces a daunting task in trying to defeat AC Milan at the San Siro, a venue where many teams have struggled to succeed. For Genoa to have any chance of collecting maximum points, they’ll need to deliver a massive performance on the day. AC Milan win.
7/4 Roma | Draw 21/10 | Juventus 16/10 (20:45)
Roma will be seeking redemption after their previous 1-0 loss to Juventus, especially with the home-ground advantage at their disposal. Under the leadership of Daniele de Rossi, Roma has shown signs of regaining their pedigree and will be motivated to secure maximum points. On the other hand, Juventus, despite recording three consecutive draws, remains undefeated in their last four games. To emerge victorious against Roma, Juventus will need to be sharp both offensively and defensively. BTTS and over 2.5 goals here.
Monday 6 May
6/1 Salernitana | Draw 4/1 | Atalanta 7/20 (18:00)
Salernitana’s season has been challenging, with only two victories in 34 games, a record that falls below Serie A standards and likely leads to relegation to Serie B next season. With pride as their main motivation, they’ll face Atalanta, a team still vying for a spot in the Champions League. Atalanta will be eager to secure maximum points to boost their chances of reaching their Champions League goal. Back the away win and expect over 2.5 goals here.
28/10 Udinese | Draw 51/20 | Napoli 9/10 (20:45)
Udinese is facing a tough battle against relegation, with poor form of four defeats and two draws in recent matches. With their position in the relegation zone, they’ll be desperate for maximum points to boost their survival hopes. On the other hand, Napoli, despite some inconsistency, possesses strong firepower and will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after their draw with Roma. Given Udinese’s struggles and Napoli’s quality, it seems plausible to anticipate a Napoli victory in this fixture. Back the away win.
Written by Marc Strydom.