On the advent of a new Serie A season everyone wants to know if, and how, Juventus can be beaten. Well Lazio did it last Sunday.
The breathtaking climax in the Supercoppa gave live betting fans an unforgettable few minutes and sent the Lazio faithful wild. But the Old Lady remains a strong favourite to win another title, while betting odds have Napoli and Milan to make a serious challenge at 5.00 and 5.30.
WEEK 1 SATURDAY:
Juventus vs Cagliari
Football betting pundits expect the Bianconeri to recover quickly and at odds of 1.86 with a handicap of -2.00, it should be comfortable. With Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi about to join, Max Allegri’s squad looks ready. Cagliari will struggle to emulate last season’s mid-table finish and won’t expect anything in Turin.
WEEK 1 SUNDAY:
Hellas Verona vs Napoli
The gentlemen of Verona are back in the big time and welcome one of the two teams most likely to challenge Juventus. Maurizio Sarri is blessed with a settled side built around the excellent Lorenzo Insigne. Adam Ounas could make his debut up front and at odds of 2.25 with a -1.50 handicap Napoli expects a fast start.
WEEK 1 MONDAY:
Crotone vs AC Milan
Crotone miraculously escaped relegation last season and are heavily tipped to struggle again this time. Milan coach Vincenzo Montella has added £38m striker Andre Silva to his team which finished sixth last season and are tipped to do considerably better.
Atalanta vs AS Roma
Roma pushed Juve for much of 2016/17 but will be hard pressed to finish in the top three again. Much will depend on whether they can lure £40m rated Riyad Mahrez from Leicester. Atalanta did well to finish fourth last term and have added talented midfielder Marten de Roon. It’s a tough start for Roma.
Lazio vs SPAL
If Simone Inzaghi’s Lazio can play like they did in the brilliant Supercoppa 3-2 win over Juve, then they could be in for a good season. Lucas looks a good addition in midfield having arrived from Liverpool. Serie B champion SPAL is using the loan market, notably brining in Alberto Paloschi from Atalanta.
Inter Milan vs Fiorentina
Matias Vecino made a £24m switch in summer from Fiorentina to Inter after both teams missed out on European football last season. The Viola have invested heavily for the new challenge, Giovanni Simeone has arrived from Genoa in a £15m move to add firepower.
Bologna vs Torino
Without keeper Joe Hart, who has returned to the Premier League to join West Ham, Torino will find it tough to hold on to the ninth place achieved last year. But Bologna have had a winless pre-season and I expect Roberto Donadoni’s team to struggle again.
Sampdoria vs Benevento
Midfielder Gaston Ramirez has arrived at Sampdoria from EPL relegated side Middlesbrough and will add a skilful attacking threat. Benevento fans will hope their team continues its momentum having finished sixth in Serie B and coming up through the play-offs. They could surprise a few.
Sassuolo vs Genoa
Genoa had a poor season, finishing 16th and will miss the attacking threat of Simeone. But pre-season has been good with four wins so there is cause for hope. Sassuolo could improve on 12th and a repeat of last season’s 2-0 win in this fixture would be the perfect start.
Udinese vs Chievo
These two finished 13th and 14th last season with Rolando Maran’s Chievo having the better of the two fixtures, drawing at home and winning away. But his priority this year is survival again, while Udinese might hope for a little more.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
