Predictions for Matchday 3 of Serie A, September 13-15
Cagliari vs Parma
The schedule has not been kind to either the "Islanders" or the "Crusaders." In the new season, Cagliari had to start with matches against Napoli and Fiorentina, while Parma faced Juventus and Atalanta. However, despite such formidable opponents, both teams managed to show commendable football and secured a point each. Their defensive play is particularly noteworthy. Both teams were disciplined on their half of the field, not allowing their opponents to create many scoring opportunities. It's telling that Napoli, the reigning champions of Italy, only managed to defeat Cagliari at home thanks to a goal in the 90+5 minute (1-0). In the other aforementioned matches, by the way, no more than two goals were scored. Therefore, the upcoming game promises to be a tight contest with few goals.
Match Prediction for Cagliari vs Parma: Total under 2.5 goals
Juventus vs Inter
Juventus versus Inter is the marquee match of the third round of Serie A. Both teams have strong squads and are among the main contenders for the championship. The "Old Lady" started the season confidently: two clean-sheet victories confirmed the Turin side's readiness to fight for the top of the table. The "Nerazzurri" started slightly less smoothly: after thrashing Torino (5-0), the team unexpectedly lost to Udinese (1-2), but such setbacks are not critical at the early stage of the championship. Nevertheless, an abundance of goals in the upcoming clash is unlikely. Head-to-head encounters between Juventus and Inter traditionally unfold in a gritty battle where details make the difference. In 7 of the last 8 matches between them across all competitions, a maximum of two goals were scored. The only exception was the spectacular 4-4 draw in October 2024.
Match Prediction for Juventus vs Inter: Total under 2.5 goals
Fiorentina vs Napoli
Napoli, the reigning champions of Italy, approached the new season with the ambitious goal of defending their title. The "Partenopei" started the campaign flawlessly, winning both opening matches and sharing the top spot after two rounds with Juventus, Cremonese, and Roma. Yes, in the second round, they had to work hard: Cagliari held on until the last minutes but eventually faltered in the 95th and lost (0-1). However, it should be noted that Antonio Conte's team dominated the entire match, and the lack of a larger scoreline is more due to bad luck and finishing issues rather than poor play. Fiorentina, on the other hand, is far from optimal form. Two draws (1-1 with Cagliari and 0-0 with Torino) clearly suggest that the "Viola" need time to get into shape and reach their usual level. Their attacking play looks lackluster, and the lack of consistency in finishing actions hinders them from achieving victories. Against this backdrop, the visitors have a good chance to extend their winning streak.
Match Prediction for Fiorentina vs Napoli: Away win with handicap (0)
Roma vs Torino
Both teams underwent significant changes over the summer, affecting not only their rosters but also their coaching staff. However, their season starts have been quite different. The "Wolves," under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, started strong: two consecutive clean-sheet victories have secured them a spot in the top 4 and instilled confidence among the fans. Torino, on the other hand, found themselves in the lower part of the league table. After a catastrophic defeat to Inter (0:5), Marco Baroni's team managed to snatch a draw against Fiorentina (0:0), but even that was far from smooth. The Turin side played at home, and their opponent was far from optimal form, yet in terms of xG (1.03 against 1.75), it was the "Violas" who were closer to victory. It seems that the upcoming match won't be a serious test for the hosts.
Match Prediction for Roma vs Torino: Home Win
Atalanta vs Lecce
Atalanta started the championship with two consecutive draws. Despite the "Queen of the Provincials" playing against Pisa (1:1) and Parma (1:1), such results cannot be called sensational. The appointment of Ivan Jurić as head coach initially seemed a controversial decision, and now this is reflected in the results. In the third round, the Bergamaschi are set to face Lecce, who also failed to impress in the opening rounds: just one point and no goals scored. But even in these conditions, it seems that the "Salentians" will be closer to earning points than Atalanta will be to their first victory.
Match Prediction for Atalanta vs Lecce: Away Win with Handicap (+1.5)
Pisa vs Udinese
The Serie A newcomer can be quite satisfied with their start. First, the team drew away with Atalanta (1:1), and then narrowly lost at home to Roma (0:1), who are aiming for the top spots this season. From these matches, it can already be said that the "Black and Blues" will not be a pushover and will pose problems for any opponent. On Sunday, Pisa will face Udinese, and at first glance, the task doesn't seem as daunting. Yes, the "Little Zebras" caused the main upset in the last round by defeating Inter away (2:1). But now the scenario will be different – the visitors will have to take the initiative, and Udinese always struggles in that role.
Match Prediction for Pisa vs Udinese: Home Team Will Not Lose
Sassuolo vs Lazio
The Serie B champion has yet to impress with their play at the new level. The defeat to Napoli in the first round (0:2) could still be justified by the class difference, but the match against Cremonese (2:3) was a real failure. The "Black and Greens" were even lucky to limit the score to that: the xG indicator (1.33-3.53) clearly suggests that the defeat could have been a rout. Lazio, on the other hand, looks extremely unstable at the start of the season. AfterAfter the defeat by Como (0:2), it seemed that the "Eagles" were in crisis, but in the second round, they transformed and demolished Verona with a score of 4:0. Such a contrast in results only adds intrigue to the upcoming match: much will depend on which Lazio takes the field in the third round - timid and toothless or aggressive and confident. In any case, the game promises to be entertaining.
Match Prediction for Sassuolo vs Lazio: Total Over 2.5 Goals
Milan vs Bologna
Milan, which significantly refreshed its squad this summer, started the championship unsuccessfully - in the opening round, the "Rossoneri" lost at home to Cremonese (1:2). However, in the second round, the team showed the kind of play that fans expect from them. In an away match against Lecce, they dominated all 90 minutes, created numerous chances, and scored four goals, although two were disallowed (2:0). Bologna also managed to improve their impression after a setback in the first round (0:1 against Roma). Last weekend, the team delivered a quality match against a solid Como, managing to take three points (1:0). It is also worth noting that head-to-head meetings between Milan and Bologna in recent years have often been spectacular and high-scoring, so goals from both sides can be expected this time as well.
Match Prediction for Milan vs Bologna: Both Teams to Score
Verona vs Cremonese
Before the start of the season, few could have predicted that Cremonese would be among the four teams with the maximum number of points after two rounds. But that's exactly what happened: the "Gray-Reds" secured two consecutive victories and clearly do not intend to stop. In the last round, they defeated Sassuolo with a score of 3:2, and statistically, the result could have been even more convincing. Verona, on the other hand, looks weak so far and is not showing quality play. On August 31, the team suffered a humiliating defeat from Lazio (0:4), which itself is experiencing tough times due to a transfer ban. This defeat highlighted the weaknesses of the "Mastiffs" both in defense and attack, and it's unlikely to boost their confidence before facing an opponent on a roll.
Match Prediction for Verona vs Cremonese: Guests Will Not Lose
Como vs Genoa
After a confident victory over Lazio (2:0), it seemed that Como was indeed ready to join the fight for the top-4 this season, but the next match quickly cooled expectations. The "Larians" have a very young squad, with several individually strong players, but against opponents who can defend compactly and disciplined, the team still faces serious difficulties. This is why the match against Bologna ended in a narrow defeat (0:1). Now, Cesc Fabregas's team is set to play against Genoa, and an easy walk should not be expected here. The "Griffins" focus on closed football,and their goal difference after two rounds (0:1) speaks volumes about the team's style. With this approach, the upcoming match is unlikely to feature many goals.
