Predictions for the 15th round of Serie A, December 12-15
Lecce vs Pisa
The 15th round of Serie A will kick off with a match between two teams that are highly likely to be fighting for survival throughout the season. Lecce and Pisa are currently in 17th and 18th places, respectively, separated by just three points. Such head-to-head matches often become decisive at the end of the championship. Here, there is not only a chance to earn three points but also an opportunity to deprive a direct competitor of them. Therefore, we should not expect unnecessary risks from them – both teams will focus on tight defensive play. Considering that Lecce and Pisa are the league's lowest-scoring teams, having scored only 10 goals each, the outcome of the upcoming clash could very well be decided by a single episode.
Match Prediction for Lecce vs Pisa: total under 2.5 goals
Torino vs Cremonese
Torino continues to sink lower in the league standings. In the last six matches, the team has earned only three points, with the last three games ending in defeats. In the previous round, the "Bulls" lost to Milan 2-3, despite leading 2-0 by the 17th minute. This disastrous stretch has severely impacted their position: they are now in 16th place, with the gap from the relegation zone reduced to four points. Cremonese, on the other hand, is on the rise. After a series of three consecutive defeats, the "Gray-Reds" secured two convincing victories, which significantly strengthened their position and boosted their confidence ahead of their visit to Turin.
Match Prediction for Torino vs Cremonese: the visitors will not lose
Parma vs Lazio
Parma continues to fight for survival and still faces serious difficulties in matches against higher-level opponents. Lazio, on the other hand, appears significantly more stable in comparison: the team quickly adapted to the conditions of the transfer ban and injury epidemic, suffering only two defeats in the last eleven matches – both against giants, Milan (0-1) and Inter (0-2). In matches against more modest opponents, the "Eagles" play confidently, often winning without conceding. Therefore, Lazio has every chance to take another three points from Parma.
Match Prediction for Parma vs Lazio: away win with a handicap (0)
Atalanta vs Cagliari
Atalanta has noticeably transformed after the change of head coach: the team has won four out of the last five matches and has begun to demonstrate much more organized and energetic play. The only setback occurred last weekend – they unexpectedly lost to Verona (1-3), who were at the bottom of the table. However, the Bergamaschi quickly redeemed themselves, confidently defeating Chelsea in the Champions League (2-1) and showcasing a high level of football. If Atalanta plays as they did against the London club, they will have no trouble securing three points in the game against Cagliari.
Match Prediction for Atalanta vs Cagliari: home win with a handicap(-1)
Milan vs Sassuolo
Recently, Milan has been performing very well. Yes, at the beginning of December, the team was knocked out of the Coppa Italia, losing to Lazio (0-1), but in the last three league matches, they have secured the maximum number of points and continue to lead the table. In the previous round, the "Rossoneri" showed character by making a comeback away against Torino (3:2), trailing 0:2 by the 17th minute. Sassuolo is also having an excellent season and maintaining a high standard, but in terms of squad quality and current capabilities, they noticeably fall short of Milan. Under such conditions, the hosts have every right to expect another three points.
Match Prediction for Milan vs Sassuolo: home win
Fiorentina vs Verona
The season start is not going well for both Fiorentina and Verona – the teams are at the bottom of the table, with 6 and 9 points respectively. However, the visitors approach the match in a much more positive state. On December 6, the "Mastiffs" sensationally defeated Atalanta away (3:1), gaining a powerful psychological boost. This victory allowed Verona to breathe a little easier, while Fiorentina still remains without a single victory in Serie A. Therefore, it would be hard to label the visitors as underdogs in this encounter.
Match Prediction for Fiorentina vs Verona: visitors will not lose
Udinese vs Napoli
Udinese approaches the match not in the best mood: the team lost three out of the last four matches, and in the previous round, they were defeated at home by Genoa (1:2), who are hovering around the relegation zone. Napoli, on the other hand, looks significantly more convincing. Yes, on December 10, the club lost to Benfica in the Champions League (0:2), but in Serie A, they continue to demonstrate quality football. Last weekend, the "Partenopei" secured an important three points in a game against formidable Juventus (2:1), outperforming them in all statistical categories. Therefore, we favor the visitors.
Match Prediction for Udinese vs Napoli: away win
Genoa vs Inter
Genoa has noticeably transformed after De Rossi's appointment as head coach: under Vieira, the team looked extremely weak and struggled to collect points, but with the new manager, the situation has changed dramatically. The "Griffins" have not lost in the league for five consecutive rounds, collecting 11 points (3 wins and 2 draws), which allowed them to rise from last place to 14th position. At home, Genoa plays confidently and will not give points to Inter without a fight.
Match Prediction for Genoa vs Inter: home win with handicap (+1.5)
Bologna vs Juventus
One of the most interesting matches of the round will take place at "Renato Dall'Ara". Bologna and Juventus are in excellent form, occupying 5th and 7th places respectively,and they are separated by just two points. Both teams are pursuing the same goal – to qualify for the Champions League, which makes every match particularly valuable at this stage. Both Bologna and Juventus almost never leave the pitch without scoring: the hosts have already netted 23 goals in 14 rounds – only Inter has more with 32. Considering that both teams will be solely focused on winning, the encounter promises to be a closely contested affair.
Match Prediction for Bologna vs Juventus: both teams to score
Roma vs Como
The clash between Roma and Como can certainly be considered the central match of the round. Both teams have started the season strongly, occupying 4th and 6th places respectively, and are separated by just three points. The “Larians” rarely lose: they have only been defeated by Bologna (0:1) and Inter (0:4). A loss in the upcoming encounter would be a significant setback for both sides – the leaders could pull away, and for Roma, it could become their third consecutive defeat in the league, which could psychologically break the team. Therefore, neither side will want to concede. In such a scenario, it is logical to expect a closely contested match with goals.
