Predictions for the 17th round of Serie A, December 27-29
Parma vs Fiorentina
In the 16th round, Fiorentina finally secured their first victory in the championship, thrashing Udinese at home with a score of 5-1. However, it's important to consider the circumstances: the "Viola" played almost the entire match with a numerical advantage, as the opponent's goalkeeper was sent off in the 8th minute. In the match against Parma, such an advantage won't be present: both teams will start with equal line-ups, and the away nature of the game significantly complicates the task for the visitors. Moreover, the hosts need points just as much.
Match Prediction for Parma vs Fiorentina: the hosts will not lose
Lecce vs Como
Como had a rough time in their last two matches, suffering two consecutive goalless defeats, which increased their gap from the top-4 zone to six points. Last weekend, the "Larians" did not play – the match was postponed due to Milan's participation in the Italian Super Cup, and this break should benefit the team. Lecce cannot be considered the toughest opponent, especially since last season Cesc Fabregas's side confidently defeated them in both matches – 2-0 at home and 3-0 away.
Match Prediction for Lecce vs Como: victory for the visitors
Torino vs Cagliari
Torino is gradually starting to find their form, although it's too early to draw definitive conclusions. The team has delivered two solid performances in a row, defeating strong Cremonese and Sassuolo with identical 1-0 scores. A similar streak occurred in October when the "Bulls" overcame Napoli (1-0) and Genoa (2-1), but then followed a series of six matches without a win. However, back then, they faced Bologna, who are having a strong season, whereas Cagliari is clearly not at that level – the visitors have only one win since the end of September. With the right focus, the hosts are quite capable of securing a third consecutive victory.
Match Prediction for Torino vs Cagliari: victory for the hosts
Udinese vs Lazio
Udinese approaches the upcoming match not in the best shape. In the last round, the team suffered a crushing defeat from Fiorentina with a score of 1-5, marking the opponent's first success in the championship. Yes, the early sending-off influenced the final score, but the "Little Zebras" are generally far from their optimal form. Lazio, after a poor start to the season, looks noticeably more confident: since the end of September, the team has lost only twice. In such a situation, the "Eagles" are quite capable of competing for three points in Udine.
Match Prediction for Udinese vs Lazio: victory for the visitors with a handicap (0)
Pisa vs Juventus
Pisa cannot boast about their recent results. In the last round, the team broke a streak of three defeats by drawing with the not-so-formidable Cagliari (2-2), but even this result was achieved with great difficulty – Stefano Moreo's goal in the 89th minute saved the visitors from defeat. Juventus is gradually reaching peak form: the Turin side has won 6 out of their last 7 matches, and in the previous two rounds, they overcame Bologna (1:0) and Roma (2:1), both of which are setting a very high standard this season. At first glance, Pisa has almost no chance even for a draw.
Match Prediction Pisa vs Juventus: Away Win
Milan vs Verona
Milan approaches the upcoming match not in the best spirits. In the penultimate round, the team failed to beat Sassuolo at home (2:2), dropping from the top of the table, and a few days later, they lost to Napoli in the Italian Super Cup semi-final (0:2), failing to defend the trophy. Verona, on the other hand, is on an emotional high: in the last two matches, the "Mastiffs" secured important victories over Fiorentina (2:1) and Atalanta (3:1), allowing them to pull away from the bottom of the standings. In this state, the visitors are capable of posing a serious challenge to Milan.
Match Prediction Milan vs Verona: Away Win with Handicap (+1.5)
Cremonese vs Napoli
Napoli became the first Italian team this season to win a trophy: on December 22, the "Partenopei" won the Italian Super Cup, defeating Bologna 2:0 in the final. However, this success might backfire – such victories are often followed by an emotional dip. Cremonese, despite being newcomers to the elite, have been performing very respectably this season, already causing problems for many opponents and will surely try to put up a serious fight against Napoli at home.
Match Prediction Cremonese vs Napoli: Home Win with Handicap (+1.5)
Bologna vs Sassuolo
Bologna is clearly not in the best form. Recently, the team has been alternating between victories and poor results, and on December 22, they lost to Napoli in the Italian Super Cup final (0:2) – a match of special significance for a club that rarely competes for trophies. Sassuolo has also lost stability: the team can take points away from Milan (2:2) and then lose at home to Torino (0:1) a week later. However, matches involving the "Neroverdi" this season rarely turn out to be dull.
Match Prediction Bologna vs Sassuolo: Both Teams to Score
Atalanta vs Inter
The central match of the 17th round of Serie A will take place in Bergamo. After a change in head coach, Atalanta quickly found optimal form, winning 6 out of their last 7 matches. Inter, after 15 matches played, leads the standings and will certainly be eager to redeem themselves for their failure in the Italian Super Cup, where the "Nerazzurri" were eliminated in the semi-final by Bologna. The clash promises to be truly intense.
Match PredictionAtalanta vs Inter: Both Teams to Score
Roma vs Genoa
The 17th round of Serie A will conclude with a match between Roma and Genoa, and it might turn out to be much more interesting than it seems at first glance. Firstly, Roma has lost the stability that characterized them at the start of the season. Secondly, Genoa has significantly improved after changes in the coaching staff, and their matches have become more eventful and high-scoring. Finally, an additional layer of intrigue is added by the presence of Daniele De Rossi: the Roma legend is currently managing the "Griffins," and he has more than enough motivation for the upcoming encounter.
