Predictions for the 38th round of Serie A, May 23-25
Napoli vs Cagliari
The final stretch of the season was supposed to be a formality for Napoli. Lecce, Genoa, Parma, Cagliari – it seemed like it couldn't be easier. The team was confidently heading towards the championship, but draws in the last two rounds intensified the competition and turned the final round into a decisive battle for the Scudetto. However, everything is still in the hands of Antonio Conte's squad – they just need to secure a home win against Cagliari. The visitors have already achieved their season objectives and are unlikely to "fight to the death" on the field. Moreover, the "islanders" have long slowed down in their play: they have many defeats and serious problems in attack. If Napoli approaches this game with the right focus, they have every chance to secure a clean sheet victory.
Match Prediction for Napoli vs Cagliari: Home team clean sheet victory
Como vs Inter
Last weekend, Inter missed the chance to take the top spot, drawing with Lazio (2:2). In the final minutes of the match, a penalty was awarded, which Pedro converted, denying the "Nerazzurri" the opportunity to overtake Napoli in the standings. Now the Milanese need to defeat Como and hope for a slip-up by Napoli in the parallel match against Cagliari. Como, under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, is having an impressive season, securing a mid-table position. However, the team is no longer pursuing any tournament goals and will likely give reserves a chance to shine, which could be a kind of gift for the visitors.
Match Prediction for Como vs Inter: Away team victory
Bologna vs Genoa
The final round Serie A match between Bologna and Genoa carries no tournament intrigue: the hosts have already secured participation in the Europa League by winning the Coppa Italia, while the visitors are firmly in 13th place and cannot move up or down. Despite the lack of motivation, Genoa continues to display entertaining football. In the last six matches, the team has not won any (4 losses and 2 draws), but their games have been rich in goals: 2:3 against Atalanta, 2:2 against Napoli, 1:2 against Milan. In the first round, the opponents played to a 2:2 draw. Given the current circumstances, another high-scoring match can be expected.
Match Prediction for Bologna vs Genoa: Both teams to score
Milan vs Monza
The final round of the season for Milan has become a symbol of missed opportunities. The team finishes the championship outside the European competition zone, a result of inconsistent play, especially in defense. Throughout the season, the "Rossoneri" conceded many goals, with some of them being clear goalkeeper errors. Monza's situation is even worse – the club long lost its chances of staying in the top flight and is merely playing out the season. Opponents easily break through the "Brianzoli" defense, but they occasionally retaliate. Examples include 1:3 against Empoli, 2:1 against Udinese, 0:4 against Atalanta. Therefore, from this match promises open football and goals.
Prediction for the Milan vs Monza match: total over 2.5 goals
Venezia vs Juventus
Venezia approaches the decisive round in a terrible mood. In the last round, the team was unexpectedly thrashed by Cagliari (0:3) and slipped to 19th place in the standings, although just a week ago they were outside the relegation zone. Now, to stay in Serie A, it's not enough just to win – they must also hope for slip-ups from Empoli and Lecce. The situation is complicated by the level of the opponent in the final round. Juventus has not yet resolved their objectives for the season – the team needs to hold onto 4th place to secure a Champions League spot. Both clubs will be playing solely for victory, and considering the standings and high emotional stakes, the match could very well be high-scoring.
Prediction for the Venezia vs Juventus match: both teams to score
Atalanta vs Parma
Parma can still theoretically be relegated from Serie A. The goalless draw with Napoli in the last round slightly improved their position but did not provide the needed cushion – their lead over Empoli and Lecce is only two points. In the final round, Parma will definitely fight for at least a draw, and then look at the results of their competitors. Atalanta, despite having already secured third place, is not slowing down. The team continues to play in their usual attacking style and in the last round defeated Genoa away (3:2). With these conditions, an open game and at least three goals can be expected.
Prediction for the Atalanta vs Parma match: total over 2.5 goals
Lazio vs Lecce
One of the most intense matches of the final round – both teams desperately need points. Lazio has a real chance to qualify for the Champions League: they are only two points behind fourth place, and with slip-ups from Juventus and Roma, the "Eagles" could break into the top 4. Lecce, on the other hand, is in a desperate fight for survival. Any loss of points could be fatal. The motivation for both teams is off the charts, but desire alone won't be enough: in such matches, individual class often decides the outcome. In this aspect, Lazio has a clear advantage. Moreover, Lecce performs very poorly away – only 13 points in 18 away matches. All this makes the hosts the logical favorites.
Prediction for the Lazio vs Lecce match: home win
Torino vs Roma
It's hard to imagine how the season might have unfolded for Roma if Claudio Ranieri had taken over the club last summer. After his appointment, the "Wolves" transformed: the previous instability disappeared, the team became reliable, organized, and at the same time productive. At the end of the season, Roma is fighting for a Champions League spot and is only one point behind Juventus. 12 wins in the last 16 matches in all tournaments – the best confirmation of the team's current form. In such a situation, the "wolves" definitely cannot afford to slip up. Torino, on the other hand, is playing the last rounds without any tournament motivation. The team has long secured a place in the middle of the table and is simply finishing the championship. This is reflected in the results – a draw with Venezia (1:1), a narrow defeat to Lecce (0:1), a clean sheet loss to Inter (0:2). The visitors can certainly pick up 3 points.
Match Prediction Torino vs Roma: away win
Udinese vs Fiorentina
Udinese is not impressive at the end of the season. The team has lost 7 out of the last 9 matches, including a home defeat to Monza (1:2) – a team that looked incapable all season. It can be said that the club was lucky to gather enough points in the first half of the championship, otherwise, they would now be fighting for survival. Fiorentina still retains a slim chance of qualifying for the Conference League. To do this, they need not only to beat Udinese but also to hope for Lazio's defeat in a parallel match. In any case, the "violets" will play exclusively for the win and only after the final whistle will they look at the "eagles'" result.
Match Prediction Udinese vs Fiorentina: away win
Empoli vs Verona
Empoli, which failed the stretch from December to April, suddenly revived at the end of the season. Victories over Parma (2:1) and Monza (3:1) gave the team a chance to save themselves in the last round. But the task will not be easy – the opponent is also motivated. Verona has not yet guaranteed their stay in Serie A and under certain circumstances, they could be relegated. So this match is a real battle for survival. The game promises to be extremely cautious: neither side will want to take risks from the first minutes, as even one mistake could be fatal.
