Predictions for the 18th round of Serie A, January 2-4
Cagliari vs Milan
After a less than successful start to the season, Cagliari has begun to show more stable results. In the last four matches, the team lost only once – away to Atalanta (1:2), with the decisive goal conceded in the last ten minutes. On their home turf, the "islanders" will certainly have chances to snatch some points, especially since Milan currently does not look flawless. The 3:0 victory over Verona in the last round was the "Rossoneri's" first win by a margin of two goals or more since September 23, which only underscores the visitors' instability.
Match Prediction for Cagliari vs Milan: Home win with a handicap (+1.5)
Como vs Udinese
Como approaches the upcoming clash in great spirits. In the last round, the team confidently dealt with Lecce away (3:0), breaking a streak of two goalless defeats and returning to the top-6 zone. Udinese, on the other hand, continues to experience a crisis: victories are still absent, and even home matches have stopped yielding results. In the previous round, the "Little Zebras" managed to avoid defeat at home against Lazio (1:1) only thanks to a goal in the 90+5th minute. In such a state, it will be extremely difficult for the visitors to even count on a draw.
Match Prediction for Como vs Udinese: Home win
Genoa vs Pisa
Pisa can hardly boast about their recent results: the team suffered four defeats in five matches, and in the game against Cagliari (2:2), they avoided failure only thanks to a goal in the 89th minute. Genoa is also going through a tough period, having lost three matches in a row. In the standings, the opponents are separated by just three points, and considering the battle for survival, the upcoming match is of key importance for both sides. Each team will strive not only to gain points but also to leave their direct competitor with nothing. Given the serious defensive issues of the opponents, it makes sense to consider the option of a total over 1.5 goals.
Match Prediction for Genoa vs Pisa: Total over 1.5 goals
Sassuolo vs Parma
Recently, Sassuolo's results have noticeably worsened. The team plays quite decent football, taking points away from Bologna (1:1) and Milan (2:2), but victories are absent. In the last six rounds, the "Black and Greens" have secured only one win – at home against Fiorentina (3:1), who are at the bottom of the table. Parma, however, feels much more confident: the team, preferring to play defensively and "dry out" matches, has collected 6 out of 9 possible points. Both victories were achieved in their usual manner – with a 1:0 scoreline, and even the sole defeat to Lazio was with the same minimal result. There is no doubt that in the upcoming match, the "Crusaders" will play defensively and try to complicate life for the hosts as much as possible, so a high number of goals should not be expected here.
Match Prediction for Sassuolo vs Parma: Total Over 2.5 Goals
Juventus vs Lecce
Juventus is gradually returning to their best form. The team has secured seven victories in their last eight matches, conceding only one goal in the previous four games – against a strong Roma (2:1), who currently sit above the Turin side in the standings. Lecce, on the other hand, is hovering near the relegation zone and is struggling to accumulate points, rarely putting up a fight against stronger opponents. In the last round, the "Salentians" suffered a hopeless defeat at home to Como (0:3). Juventus should not face significant challenges.
Match Prediction for Juventus vs Lecce: Home Win with Handicap (-1.5)
Atalanta vs Roma
One of the key matches of the round will take place in Bergamo. Since Palladino took over as head coach, Atalanta has been consistently earning points and rarely slipping up. Roma, on the other hand, continues to hold a top-4 position and remains a "dark horse" in the title race. Both teams have been playing boldly and effectively lately, so a goal exchange in the upcoming match is quite possible.
Match Prediction for Atalanta vs Roma: Both Teams to Score
Lazio vs Napoli
After an unsuccessful trip to Udine (0:1), Napoli has significantly improved. The team confidently won the Italian Super Cup, defeating Milan and Bologna with the same score of 2:0, and then handled a tough Cremonese away with the same result in the league. However, Lazio clearly does not intend to welcome the Neapolitans with open arms: the "Eagles" have lost only twice in their last 14 matches and want to continue their successful streak. The Romans are solid in defense, like to slow down the pace of the game, and in the last 12 matches involving them, no more than two goals were scored. The upcoming match is unlikely to be an exception.
Match Prediction for Lazio vs Napoli: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Fiorentina vs Cremonese
The crushing victory over Udinese (5:1) did not become a turning point for Fiorentina. Just a week later, the team stumbled again, losing to Parma (0:1), who are not superior to the "Violas" in terms of level. In the upcoming match, the opponent will be even tougher – Cremonese. Despite being newcomers, the "Gray-Reds" have already managed to cause problems for many clubs this season and are confidently holding a mid-table position. In such a situation, another loss of points by the hosts is unlikely to be a surprise.
Match Prediction for Fiorentina vs Cremonese: Guests Will Not Lose
Verona vs Torino
In the current season, Torino is clearly lacking stability. After two solid wins over Sassuolo (1–0) and Cremonese (1–0), it seemed the "Bulls" had found their rhythm. However, just a week later, things returned to their usual state—Torino lost at home to Cagliari (1–2), despite scoring first. Verona is also having a tough season and remains in the relegation zone. Both teams are performing very poorly in defense, so an exchange of goals can be expected in the upcoming match.
Match Prediction for Verona vs Torino: Both Teams to Score
Inter vs Bologna
Inter and Bologna met just a few days ago in the semi-final of the Italian Super Cup, where the "red and blues" were slightly more fortunate (1:1, pens. 3:2). However, that game should not be directly compared to the upcoming match. Inter fielded a semi-reserve squad then, giving several key players a rest. In the league, the "Nerazzurri" are much more disciplined: in the last round, the team secured a clean sheet victory away against Atalanta (1:0), who had been in great form following a managerial change. On their home turf, Kivu's side should not face significant problems against a Bologna team that has lost momentum.
