Serie A: Lazio Can Dent Napoli’s Scudetto Aspirations
Lazio vs Napoli
After bowing out of the Europa League, both Lazio and Napoli are back to dealing with Serie A matters as they’ll go face-to-face for the second time this 2021/2022 season.
Lazio were narrowly beaten by Porto while Napoli were eliminated by Barcelona, so both calcios are eager to get back on the winning track come Sunday evening at the Stadio Olimpico.
The hosts are currently sixth at the standings with 43 points and they’re fighting for a spot in Europe, whether it’s in the Europa League or Champions League. Meanwhile, their visitors in Napoli have bigger fish to fry as they continuously aim for their first Scudetto in over three decades.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds expect another tight affair between these two sides despite what happened in their last encounter. Napoli were dominant against Lazio before, so the hosts have all the motivation to go hard for this contest.
Both sides are unbeaten in the league in quite some time, so something has to give when these two lock horns anew.
Talking Points
Ciro Immobile looks good to go for Lazio
Lazio’s Ciro Immobile celebrates scoring their first goal
The good news for Lazio is that Ciro Immobile looked spry in his last appearance. The 32-year-old Italian has missed several games since he has been bothered by niggling injuries and a non-COVID illness.
Against Porto last night, Immobile scored the first goal of the game inside 20 minutes. However, the game finished with a 2-2 draw and the Portuguese side is now through to the next round of the Europa League with an aggregate of 3-4.
He’s the main star and focal point for Maurizio Sarri’s squad, so the team goes wherever he takes them. This season, Immobile is their top scorer with 23 goals and three assists in all competitions, and he’s the favourite to take home the Capocannoniere race once again.
Lazio are notorious for being heavily dependent on Ciro Immobile, which is puzzling since they have strong attacking talents at their disposal. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Pedro have eight goals apiece along with 14 total assists. Meanwhile, Felipe Anderson and Mattia Zaccagni have five goals each and 11 total assists.
Defence is Napoli’s calling card
A key reason as to why Napoli believe that they can gun for the top spot is because of their unrelenting backline. As of this writing, I Partenopei have the league-best mark of only 18 goals conceded.
Towering centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly remains in great form after leading Senegal to their first-ever AFCON title weeks ago, while the young Alex Meret is one of the league’s top young goalkeepers.
Their rotation up front is deep since they have five players who can score at any given time. Victor Osimhen is their top scorer with 11 goals, while Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens have eight each and Piotr Zielinski and Eljif Elmas has seven and six.
Napoli have dropped points in back-to-back games recently and they’re keen on not letting it happen again this weekend.
Games between Lazio and Napoli have been generally competitive, but it’s the latter who has been the better calcio. I Partenopei have won eight of their last 10 league matches (L2), and they’ve scored 27 goals and conceded only 10 during the said period.
However, Lazio have won their last two Serie A home matches against Napoli without conceding a single goal after enduring six straight home losses before. Overall, I Biancocelesti have only lost one of their last 25 home league matches (W19, D5).
In terms of which team has the better recent form, Napoli have the advantage since they’ve picked up the most points (15 in seven fixtures) and they’ve conceded the least goals (4) so far in 2022.
Their last meeting took place in November where Napoli dismantled Lazio at home with a 4-0 scoreline. Dries Mertens led the way with his brace, while Piotr Zielinski and Fabian Ruiz also found the back of the net.
The Serie A 2022 odds are giving Napoli the slim advantage. A win by I Partenopei is installed at 2.49, while I Biancocelesti aren’t far behind at 2.91 and chances for a draw are at 3.10 in the 1X2 market.
Both sides are capable of producing goals and Serie A 2022 highlights, so having Over 2.50 @ 2.18 sounds like a decent alternative bet.
But there’s a reason why Napoli are Scudetto contenders while Lazio are not. I Partenopei have been the more cohesive unit compared to Lazio so far this season, so we’re confident about their chances to take all three points this weekend.
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With Jose Mourinho serving the first of a two-game touchline ban after getting sent off against Verona, Roma absolutely pummeled the Spezia goal as they got 31 shots away. But despite that dominance, they still needed a 99th-minute Tammy Abraham penalty to beat a Spezia side that had gone down to 10 men for half the match.
Roma have had to come back in their other two recent draws. Bryan Cristante also popped up with a late stoppage-time equaliser against Sassuolo, while they needed to come back from two goals down at home to pick up a point against Verona.
Abraham remains in terrific form for Roma. His goal against Spezia now puts him at 12 goals in 26 Serie A appearances and 19 goals overall this season.
The Romans also have their full complement of attackers healthy, with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Nicolo Zaniolo, Eldor Shomurodov, and Stephan El Shaarawy all available. Pellegrini is finally getting back to form after his recent injury.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has also called upon teenagers Cristian Volpato and Edoardo Bove, who both scored in the comeback against Verona.
However, Mourinho – who will once again be absent due to his ban – has still been unable to solidify the defence. That’s been especially true in the big games against top sides this season.
Atalanta’s prolific attack returning to form
Atalanta seem to be turning the corner after a rough run of results that saw them claim just one win in seven games in all competitions, with three defeats. After thumping Olympiacos 3-0 to advance to the Europa League round of 16, Atalanta smashed Sampdoria 4-0 in the league.
That’s the first time Atalanta have scored three or more goals in back-to-back games since beating Venezia (4-0) and Napoli (2-3) in late November and early December.
Amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it’s been the friendly duo of Ukrainian Ruslan Malinovskyi and Russian Aleksey Miranchuk that has starred for Atalanta. Malinovskyi bagged a brace against Olympiacos and is now up to nine goals this season. Meanwhile, Miranchuk had a goal and an assist after coming on as a substitute against Samp.
Atalanta have been without Colombian strikers Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel for the last few games due to injury. As a result, coach Gian Piero Gasperini was forced to start Mario Pasalic as a centre-forward, and the Croatian could keep that role after scoring an early goal.
And on the other end of the pitch, Atalanta should have defenders Berat Djimsiti and Merih Demiral back available after they both served out their respective suspensions.
Atalanta have a terrific away record this Serie A season with nine wins in 13 games. However, they are winless and scoreless in their last two and suffered their first defeat to Fiorentina last time out.
Roma have a 12-8 edge over Atalanta in terms of wins over their last 27 league meetings, while there have been seven draws.
Although, Atalanta have had the advantage in recent years. For a stretch of 13 games that lasted six years (2015-21), Atalanta lost to Roma just once while winning six times.
But Roma finally ended Atalanta’s long run of dominance by beating them 4-1 away in their first meeting this season. That result ended Atalanta’s impressive six-game winning streak (and 10-game unbeaten run) in Serie A.
Roma are only slightly favoured by SBOTOP odds at 2.64 to win at home. Atalanta are at 2.68, while a draw is priced at 3.15. Those odds aren’t all that surprising considering how evenly matched the two sides are.
Neither side is in particularly impressive form at the moment, and both have drawn quite a good number of games. Therefore, it also won’t be too surprising if the two play out another stalemate, especially since the stakes in terms of the top-five race are so high.
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The top spot of the Serie A table is up for grabs when Napoli and AC Milan are set for a collision course on Monday night at the Diego Maradona Stadium.
I Partenopei and I Rossoneri are level at 57 points each, although the former has the upper hand for now since they have the superior goal difference.
A game of this magnitude is definitely a must-watch for football fans since this might determine the Scudetto race this season. It was a highly-competitive game when these two sides last met and football fans can expect something similar given the high stakes involved.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds agree despite the fact that Napoli are dubbed as the slight favourites since they’ve won during their last meeting.
With that said, Napoli need a win or a draw to maintain their top spot, while failing to win is not an option for AC Milan.
Talking Points
Napoli are all-in in winning the Serie A
Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz celebrates after the match vs Lazio
Now that they’re eliminated by Barcelona in the Europa League, the main focus for Napoli is to finally win their first Serie A title since 1989/90. And for them to do so, Napoli would need to get as much points as they can in order to fend off the other Scudetto challengers in AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Lorenzo Insigne scored the first goal but Lazio replied with a goal from Pedro. I Partenopei were in danger to drop points for the third consecutive match, but Fabian Ruiz found the back of the net for a timely stoppage time score.
The said win could be the turning point of Napoli’s campaign since they’ve returned to the top spot and they’re looking to stay there for good.
Compared to before, Napoli now have a healthier squad, but their latest injury concern might prove to be a huge blow for this particular match.
AC Milan will look to make up for their missed opportunities recently. They had a chance to claim the solo top spot, but draws against Salernitana and Udinese have held them back.
Other than that, Stefano Pioli faces a lineup headache as two of his key veterans are still unavailable to play due to injuries.
While Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alessio Romagnoli were seen at Milan’s training ground lately, both were only training individually. Ibra is still recovering from an Achilles tendon inflammation that he got in January, while Romagnoli is recuperating from a tweaked groin.
With both of them out, expect Olivier Giroud, Alexis Saelemaekers, Rafael Leao, and Franck Kessie to lead the way up front while Fikayo Tomori, Alessandro Florenzi, and Theo Hernandez will continue to marshal the backline.
History
AC Milan are hopeful that they can end their slide against Napoli in Serie A. Prior to Monday, I Rossoneri have only won one of their last 14 meetings (L8, D5), which was 3-1 away from home on November 2020.
I Rossoneri have yet to win two in a row at I Partenopei’s home pitch in Serie A since 1981, and they can finally do so with a victory here.
Their reverse fixture that took place last December ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for an undermanned Napoli squad as Eljif Elmas gave them the lead for good within the first five minutes.
Napoli were given the slight edge to win by the latest Serie A 2022 odds. I Partenopei are priced at 2.47, while an AC Milan victory is at 3.40 in the 1X2 market.
With another close affair in the cards, we don’t expect too many goals and Serie A 2022 highlights from this fixture, so going for Under 2.50 @ 1.85 sounds like a decent alternative bet that offers a good payout. Overall, this contest is a tough call and we wouldn’t rule out a win by either side. Given how intense this match is expected to be, it’s highly likely that both Napoli and AC Milan will have to settle for a Draw @ 3.20 after 90 minutes.
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Serie A: Napoli Must Get Back on Track in Visit to Verona
Hellas Verona vs Napoli
Like AC Milan not too long ago, Napoli bottled their big chance to take the top spot of the Serie A table and they’re keen to return to winning ways when they’ll visit Hellas Verona this upcoming Sunday.
Luciano Spalletti’s side has fallen to third place after coming off of a tough loss against current pacesetters AC Milan, but time is still on their side to try and grab their first Scudetto since the 1989/90 season.
Napoli can improve their place given this easier part of the schedule. After taking on Hellas Verona this weekend, they are set to meet with 14th-placed Udinese at home.
Regardless, I Partenopei cannot let their guard down even for one bit since I Gialloblu are on an unbeaten run with two wins and two draws in their last four and they’re sitting at ninth at the standings.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds expect another tough matchup between these two sides given how their reverse fixture went, making this a fun game to watch by their fans and neutrals alike.
Talking Points
Hellas Verona moving up
For a team that’s tipped to be one of the relegation strugglers prior to this season, Hellas Verona have been punching above their weight and they might contend for a spot in Europe if certain things fall into place.
When Ivan Juric left for Torino, there were doubts on whether his replacement in Igor Tudor can replicate their success last term, but Tudor has proven skeptics wrong since he’s doing such a great job.
Hellas Verona manager Igor Tudor throws the ball back to the pitch during Serie A match against Juventus in 2021
Tudor has turned I Gialloblu into one of the underrated attacking teams in Serie A as they are fourth in terms of total goals scored so far.
Their top scorer is Giovanni Simeone with 15 goals and three assists, and it’s clear that football runs in the family since his dad is Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone.
Supporting Simeone are Gianluca Caprari and Antonin Barak, who combine for 20 goals and 11 assists. Caprari is currently on loan from Sampdoria while Barak has been reportedly garnering interest from Lazio and AC Milan.
The only thing that needs work for them to truly contend is their defence as they haven’t secured a clean sheet in the past three games. But overall, they’re a tough nut to crack.
I Partenopei conceded a 49th-minute goal from Olivier Giroud and they couldn’t find the equaliser despite chances from their top scorer Victor Osimhen.
AC Milan were the more organised squad. And despite some controversy when Victor Osimhen wasn’t given the penalty following his contact with Fikayo Tomori, I Rossoneri deserved to win the match.
So now it’s back to the drawing board for Luciano Spalletti and we expect them to come out strong this weekend.
Victor Osimhen, Lorenzo Insigne, Piotr Zielinski, Matteo Politano, and Fabian Ruiz should all continue to lead up front, and they’re all eager to get back into the Serie A 2022 highlights reel.
History
Napoli is looking like a favourable matchup for Hellas Verona here in Serie A. It was only against Fiorentina (W14) that they’ve won more league games than against Napoli (W13, D14, L30).
I Gialloblu are undefeated in their last three Serie A meetings against I Partenopei (W1, D2), which matches their longest such run in the competition in April 1987.
Their reverse fixture yielded a 1-1 draw as Giovanni Simeone and Giovanni Di Lorenzo scored one goal each within the game’s first 20 minutes.
Napoli had a great chance to win when Daniel Bessa and Nikola Kalinic were both sent off late to get the numbers advantage, but they just couldn’t find the back of the net.
Napoli are the favourites to win in this contest by the updated Serie A 2022 odds, albeit via a slim margin. I Partenopei are priced at 2.07, while a Hellas Verona win is pegged at 3.55 and a draw is at 3.30 in the 1×2 market.
During their reverse fixture, both sides jumped out with one goal each early in the first half and it’s possible that they’ll do it again, making Draw First Half 1×2 @ 2.10 a good alternative bet.
In the end, though, Napoli are the much better team compared to Hellas Verona and they should be able to take all three points.
The pressure is on Napoli rather than on Hellas Verona since this is a must-win game for them to keep their Scudetto hopes alive.
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Inter Milan travel to the Stadio Olimpico in Turin for the final Serie A fixture of the weekend knowing that a win will keep them in charge of the race for the Scudetto.
Simone Inzaghi’s Nerazzurri currently trail AC Milan by two points but they have a game in hand. And with the Rossoneri at home to out-of-form Empoli, Inter will probably have to keep the pressure up with a win in Turin where they face a team sitting in 11th place but without a win in six.
Inter come into the game on the back of a Champions League exit to Liverpool, though they won 1-0 at Anfield in the second leg on Tuesday, while Torino earned a useful point from a 0-0 draw away to Bologna.
This is a fascinating fixture and not an easy one for Inter to navigate. But if they do, then their destiny remains in their own hands.
Despite one or two recent wobbles, the latest Serie A 2022 betting odds here at SBOTOPrate I Nerazzurri as clear favourites to win the 2022 Scudetto. Inzaghi’s team is priced at 1.60 to finish first, with Napoli and AC Milan in pursuit at 4.10 and 5.00.
Last week, the Inter’s two rivals met and Milan came out with a 1-0 victory to go top of the table and put a dent in the Azzurri’s title hopes.
Head coach Inzaghi can be happy with his team’s efforts as they clawed their way back into the title race after Milan and Napoli set a furious pace, each winning 11 of the first 12 league games.
I Nerazzurri’s progress hasn’t always been smooth but it has been relentless, fired on by the goals of Lautaro Martinez with 14, and Edin Dzeko with 12. And these two world-class strikers have a plentiful supply from wide-men Nicola Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu – who have both have made nine assists.
At the back, centre defender Milan Skriniar is having another fine season and Inter have kept a clean sheet in five of their last six away matches in Serie A.
Top half finish is Torino’s target
Andrea Belotti of Torino FC competes for the ball with Gary Medel of Bologna
The fans at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino will be out in force and in full voice behind their team as Il Toro attempt to bloody the nose of a big name. The club doesn’t have a huge amount to worry about in terms of league matters, and that means they can play with some freedom.
After a 17th-placed finish in the 2020/21 Serie A, head coach Ivan Zuric has guided the team to a solid mid-table position, some 12 points clear of the relegation zone and 12 points behind Lazio who occupy the last possible Europa League spot.
Il Toro’s recent Serie A 2022 resultshave not been up to scratch and their hopes of European qualification have slipped away, but a top 10 finish is well within the club’s capability and would be a big improvement on least season.
Midfielder Josip Brekalo, on loan from Wolfsburg, is top scoring with six goals while forward Antonio Sanabria has five goals and veteran striker Andrea Belotti has weighed in with four, smashing in a sensational volley in a recent 1-1 draw in the Turin Derby. That was a great day for Torino fans and they would love another big result on Sunday.
But while Inter have a clean bill of health, Torino have a busy treatment room with Dennis Praet, Pietro Pellegrini, and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic all sidelined.
History
Inter are 19 times winners of Serie A while Torino too have a rich history in the Italian top flight, winning the Scudetto seven times last in 1976.
I Nerazzurri have had much the better of the head-to-head meetings with 22 victories to Torino’s five and there have been 10 draws in all competitions since 1993.
And the last time they met in Turin in last season’s encounter, Inter triumphed again with a 2-1 victory. In fact, I Nerazzurri have won all of the last five meetings.
In terms of recent form, Il Toro are without a win in six – losing three and drawing three. Meanwhile, Inter have won two, drawn two, and lost two over that period, and are now four games without a loss.
At 4.36 to win and 3.54 to draw, Torino fans will reckon their team has a good chance of upsetting the title favourites, who are priced at 1.71 to take all three points home. We’re predicting a tight game with a 1-1 draw the most likely outcome at odds of 6.37. But if either team is to edge it, Inter’s determination to retain the Scudetto could see them earn a vital win.
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Inter Milan’s Serie A title challenge needs a boost. With just one league win in six games, the reigning champions have slipped to third place in the table and time is running out.
Simone Inzaghi’s team is four points off the pace with a game in hand, and the two teams above them are capable of going on long winning runs, as they showed at the start of the campaign.
But I Nerazzurri can’t do much about the form of AC Milan and Napoli and they must take care of their own business. And a home game against eighth-placed Fiorentina is the perfect opportunity for Inter to show whether they are the Scudetto champions elect or have returned to the role of also-rans.
La Viola have struggled on the road of late but they are a dangerous side, winning 14 of their 28 games this campaign and they will push their hosts to the limit.
Talking Points
Inter feeling the pressure
Title rivals AC Milan and Napoli are both in action on Saturday and the Serie A 2022 betting oddswill take another move if results don’t go as expected.
Right now. I Nerazzurri are still the favourites but at a slightly drifting price of 2.10, while leaders AC Milan are at 3.00 and Napoli at 4.10. But keep an eye on the advancing Juventus as the Old Lady is down to 11.00 after a recent surge.
Simone Inzaghi took the Inter job in the knowledge that he was expected to retain the Scudetto won by Antonio Conte last year and it was all going to plan until the beginning of February.
Since then, the champions have won just one league game – a 5-0 hammering of bottom club Salernitana – and they have lost to AC Milan and drawn with Napoli in the process.
A trip to Turin to face mid-table Torino last week didn’t bring the hoped for result and Inter were moments away from defeat until Alexis Sanchez scored the equaliser deep into stoppage time.
The Chilean striker will be pushing for a start alongside top scorer Lautaro Martinez as Inzaghi searches for the winning combination. The boss will have to cope without midfield enforcer Marcelo Brozovic and defender Stefan de Vrij as both are struggling to shake off calf injuries.
Crashing out of the Champions League to Liverpool in the Round of 16 was another recent blow to Inter’s confidence but they can now have a crystal clear focus on their Scudetto quest.
Biraghi out for Fiorentina
Vincenzo Italiano has led La Viola to within two points of the European places with 0 games remaining, having picked up 10 points from the last six.
But the visitors will be without influential midfielder Cristiano Biraghi for this game as he is ruled out with a knee injury.
Krzysztof Piatek celebrates after scoring a goal vs Hellas Verona
Biraghi has become La Viola’s top scorer with four since the sale of Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus, but the January signing of striker Kryzsztof Piatek has given Fiorentina fans a new hero.
The Poland star penned an on-loan deal to move from Bundesliga strugglers Hertha Berlin and has scored three goals in seven games for Fiorentina, including a clinical strike in a 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona and he’s sure to lead the Viola attack at the San Siro on Saturday.
In the absence of Biraghi, the veteran midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura will be the focal point of the Viola’s play and he’s made four assists so far this season.
History
Inter have enjoyed the better of the head-to-heads, winning 30 of the last 55 meetings, while Fiorentina have won 12 and drawn 13.
The last time the two teams met, Inter won 3-1 on match day five in Florence. Riccardo Sottil gave Fiorentina a lead but goals from Matteo Darmian, Edin Dzeko, and Ivan Perisic gave I Nerazzurri a comfortable victory.
Inter have won the last four encounters with La Viola and have an unbeaten run of 11 matches stretching back to 2017.
In terms of recent form, the visitors are faring slightly better with three wins from the last six to Inter’s two in all competitions.
The hosts are at a SBOTOP price of 1.44 to take the points, while the draw is at 4.07 and Fiorentina out at 6.37 to win.
With a poor recent run of Serie A 2022 resultsand an exit from the Champions League, Inter Milan are not in the best shape. And now they have a simple task: which is to outperform Milan and Napoli over the remaining weeks of the campaign. But they won’t find this game easy against a side pushing for Europe and with a lighter weight on their shoulders.
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Without an Italian team in the Champions League quarter final draw you might think that Serie A is behind the other big leagues in terms of quality.
Well that is questionable to start with, but one thing is certain; Serie A is gearing up for the most exciting run-in in Europe. While La Liga and Ligue 1 look to be all but done and dusted, and the Bundesliga and Premier League are both two horse races, three Italian giants, and maybe even four, are battling it out for the 2021/22 Scudetto.
On Saturday Milan maintained their three point lead over Napoli in second place, while Inter are three points further back with a game in hand, after the top two both picked up victories while the 2020/21 champions continued to stutter.
Osimhen the man for Napoli
The Naples fans have enjoyed a period of attacking football over the past few seasons with exciting players such as Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens in their ranks, and now they have a new hero in 23 year old striker Victor Osimhen. He began the campaign in fine form as Napoli went on an explosive run, winning 11 of their first 12 games, but then he suffered a horrific injury after a clash of heads with Inter’s Milan Skriniar when the two teams met at the San Siro in November, a game the Nerazzurri won 3-2. Osimhen suffered a fractured eye socket and had 18 metal screws and six plates inserted to rebuild his facial features.
Well it’s good to see that Osimhen is back on the pitch and firing, scoring his second successive brace as Napoli fought back to beat Udinese 2-1. Former Barcelona and Everton midfielder Gerard Deulofeu gave the visitors a first half lead and Napoli couldn’t have had many complaints at the break. But they made amends in the second half as Osimhen turned the match on its head; first with a powerful header and then with a brilliant finish on the hour mark.
The Nigerian striker has climbed into the top ten league scorers with 11 for the season and Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli are sure to improve on last season’s fifth placed finish. This could be their year as they seek a first title since 1990.
Milan are grinding out the wins
But Napoli will have to better Milan’s performances as I Rossoneri’s Serie A 2022 results have been the model of consistency, harking back to the glory days of the 1990s when they ruled Italy, winning five Scudettos and two Champions Leagues. Stefano Pioli’s side recorded a third successive 1-0 win thanks to a spectacular strike from Ismail Bennacer as the league leaders eventually broke the Cagliari resistance after a frustrating first half. Oliver Giroud was instrumental in the 59th minute winner, teeing up Bennacer’s volley on the edge of the penalty area and the Algerian star hit it sweetly to score a goal worthy of the three points.
The Rossoneri rode their luck when a late Leonardo Pavoletti header crashed back off their crossbar as Cagliari pushed for a leveller, but they are still on track for a first Scudetto since 2011.
Miss-firing Inter looking shaky
But, while Milan are clinical, their city neighbours are beginning to look a little blunt.
The fast moving Serie A 2022 betting odds have been behind I Nerazzurri for much of the campaign but they dropped vital points on Saturday when they were held to a draw by an impressive Fiorentina. Simone Inzaghi’s Inter have been starting to feel the pressure and, while the SBOTOP odds heavily backed Inter for this game, we had a feeling La Viola could cause problems.
Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries celebrates after scoring an equaliser during their Serie A match against Fiorentina
With Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko on 14 and 12 goals for the campaign, Inter have the firepower to challenge for the Scudetto, but it was keeper Samir Handanovic who was the busiest man in the first half. Fiorentina’s pressure was rewarded with a goal when Former Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira converted a pass from Nicolas Gonzalez. A Viola win looked on the cards but Inter fought back and when Ivan Perisic sent over a cross the unmarked Denzel Dumfries stole in to head home.
It was an important point to save, but Inter Milan have won just one of their last seven league games, only a 5-0 victory over bottom club Salernitana interrupting a run of four draws and two defeats.
On Sunday fourth placed Juventus can climb to within a point of I Nerazzurri with a victory over Salernitana in Turin. So we haven’t ruled out the Old Lady just yet…
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Fans in Serie A will be glad the international break is over after their national team has just suffered another catastrophic World Cup campaign, losing to the Republic of North Macedonia and, in doing so, losing their ticket to Qatar 2022.
It was the worst nightmare for Azzurri fans who suffered the humiliation of missing out on Russia 2018 before winning Euro 2020. The most recent Italy loss has raised questions as to just how England managed to lose to Roberto Mancini’s men in the Euro final last summer and the inquest is likely to go on for quite a while. But while fans of the international team are still wiping away the tears, the Scudetto is a superb distraction and is set to produce the most exciting climax in Europe.
2021 champions Inter Milan looked to be in control at the turn of the year but, with just one win in seven, they have slipped to third place, six points behind leaders AC Milan though with a game in hand. And with eight league games to go, just seven points separate the top four and the latest Serie A 2022 betting oddshave installed Milan as favourites at odds of 2.35, with Inter at 2.75, Napoli at 4.00 and Juventus coming into view at a price of 10.00.
This weekend’s fixtures have thrown up a cracker as the Old Lady entertains Inter, in the knowledge they would leapfrog their opponents and potentially blow the title race wide open with a victory. There is more intrigue in this clash as I Nerazzurri are reported to be keen to sign Juventus’ out of contract striker Paulo Dybala in the summer, though they could face competition for the Argentine from Premier League giants Chelsea.
I Rossoneri have been grinding out the results, beating Cagliari 1-0 before the break. Milan fans will hope for a draw in Turin, in the hope they can extend their advantage with a win away to Bologna, while second placed Napoli have a huge test away to fifth placed Atalanta.
It’s all heating up in Italy, but what’s happening elsewhere in Europe?
Have Los Blancos recovered from El Clasico humiliation?
Barcelona’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in action vs Real Madrid
If Italian supporters are united in their grief for their national team, the Spanish league supporters are more divided than ever. Just before the international break, Catalonia and Spain was split apart as Barcelona hammered league leaders Real Madrid 4-0. The Blaugrana dismantled Los Blancos with such ease that it was hard to understand how Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid are nine points clear at the top of the La Liga table, while Barca are clawing their way back in third place.
Xavi’s revolution is gathering pace sure enough, and the form of January recruit Pierre-Emerick Aubemayang has been sensational. He ended Los Blancos’ five match winning run in El Clasico with a well taken brace while fellow new recruit Ferran Torres was on target too and Ronald Araujo made it 4-0. The Spanish press described it as a black night for Los Blancos but surely they won’t get the wobbles now? Either way, Barcelona are starting to look like a force to be reckoned with again, which can be no bad thing for Spanish football.
BVB have seven games left to catch Bayern
The Bundesliga isn’t a done deal quite yet either. Okay FC Bayern are six points ahead but with seven games left Borussia Dortmund are still just about in the hunt. They missed a trick before the break though, drawing 1-1 away to Cologne and, this weekend, BVB’s home game against Red Bull Leipzig is the Bundesliga match of the weekend. At SBOTOP odds of 2.27 Die Schwarzgelben are backed to pick up the three points but only just. Red Bull are priced at 2.63 while the draw is at 3.59.
Before the international break, a clash at home to Frankfurt presented Red Bull with a stiff test and they emerged with a 0-0 draw which kept them in fourth place on goal difference, so they too will be hoping to find some momentum at the crucial time. Much depends on the continued form of Leipzig’s striker Christopher Nkunku which has attracted the interest of FC Bayern and Manchester United.
Bids in for Chelsea by 11th April
During the international break thePremier League 2022 news has been dominated by the sale of Chelsea by Roman Abramovich and, it seems, a conclusion is creeping closer as final bids are to be submitted by 11th April.
There are currently four bidders lined up including the Ricketts family, Sir Martin Broughton, Todd Boehly and Atalanta co-owner Stephen Pagliuca and a new owner should be in place for the 2022/23 season.
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Fifth plays second when the Serie A game between Atalanta and Napoli is the box office clash in Bergamo on Saturday, and there will be no holds barred as both teams go in hunt of a vital win.
After the international break, we expect the top teams to come out all guns blazing and these two are among the best attacking outfits in Europe.
The hosts are chasing a Champions League place, having slipped off the pace in recent weeks, while their visitors have their eyes on the big prize – three points behind Scudetto frontrunners AC Milan.
Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli went into the international break with a 2-1 win at home to Udinese while Atalanta won 1-0 away to Bologna, and the next three points on offer would be a huge boost for the victors.
Talking Points
Atalanta trying to stop the slide
Gian Piero Gasperini has been at the Atalanta helm since 2016. And in that time, La Dea has become one of the most swashbuckling sides in the game, impressing in their domestic league and in Europe.
And this season too Atalanta have been free scorers. But in recent weeks, beset by injury problems, positive Serie A 2022 results have been harder to come by and the victory over Bologna was only their second in nine games.
La Dea have been going well in the Europa League, beating Bayer Leverkusen over two legs but the busy fixture list may have taken its toll.
Atalanta are now eight points behind fourth-placed Juventus with a game in hand and they will go into this game without top scorer Duvan Zapata as well as Rafael Toloi and Josip Ilicic.
In Zapata’s absence, midfield ace Mario Pasalic has moved into a more advanced position and has scored nine goals and made six assists.
And there may be more game time for 18-year-old Moustapha Cisse, who climbed off the bench to score the 82nd-minute winner against Bologna when Pasilic made the assist with a well-timed through ball.
Osimhen out for Napoli
Lorenzo Insigne in action during Napoli’s match against AC Milan
Napoli too have a few injury headaches and a particularly irritating absence for Spalletti as his in-form striker Victor Osimhen picked up an injury time yellow card in his last outing and will sit this one out.
Osimhen has recently returned from a horrific head injury and has been in hot form. He scored a brace in Napoli’s win over Hellas Verona and followed that up with another two against Udinese.
That made it 11 goals from 20 games for the Nigerian hitman, but he was booked for handball as he blocked a late Udinese effort.
So Spalletti will once again rely on the old guard of skipper Lorenzo Insigne and fellow attacking midfielder Dries Mertens to keep the goals flowing. They have scored seven each and are have both been consistently at the top of their game for a decade.
Insigne bagged the opener in a vital 2-1 win over Lazio recently and Fabian Ruiz scored the 94th-minute winner, and too is in fine form so there are plenty of options to fill the scoring gap left by Osimhen.
Spalletti also has great confidence in his defence led by Kalidou Koulibaly. And all 11 players who take the pitch will know that a victory could draw Napoli level with Milan at the top.
History
There is just a knife-edge between these two teams when you look at their head-to-heads. La Dea have the narrowest lead at 17 victories to 16 and there have been 14 draws in all competitions since 1993.
Atalanta have won the last three, most recently a 3-2 victory in Naples in December. La Dea came from 2-1 down to win as Remo Freuler scored a late winner to stop Napoli’s early season title charge.
The Serie A 2022 betting odds tell us we’re in for a fascinating 90 plus minutes in Bergamo, so let’s take a look at the betting options and make a pick.
Atalanta are marginal favourites at odds of 2.33, while the Draw is at 3.11 and Napoli is at 2.89 to take a vital three points.
A 1-1 draw is the most likely scoreline at SBOTOP odds of 5.41 and that won’t particularly suit either team.
The Serie A title race has exploded into life in recent weeks as Inter have stuttered, and I think Napoli’s chances of winning the Scudetto are higher than Atalanta’s chances of making a top four spot while Juventus are in such a rich vein of form. That extra incentive could drive the Azzurri on to success in Bergamo.
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Serie A: Is This the Old Lady’s Assault on the Scudetto?
Juventus vs Inter Milan
Serie A is back with a bang this weekend with a blockbuster clash in Turin where a resurgent Juventus play hosts to fellow title hopefuls Inter Milan.
Juventus come into the game on the back of a 2-0 victory over Salernitana while Simone Inzaghi’s Inter were held to a draw at home by Fiorentina, and those two results mean this game could well decide which of the two giants is best placed to make a march on the 2022 Scudetto.
The Serie A 2022 betting odds have totally ignored the Old Lady for much of the campaign but a run of eight wins and four draws from the last 12 league games has seen Juventus come in to a price of 10.00 to win the title.
And while Max Allegri’s men are still outsiders, this is now a four-way race. Inter are second favourites at SBOTOP odds of2.75, but they sit in third place – a single point above Juve though with a game in hand.
Imagine how the odds will shift if Juventus pull off a huge win at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
Talking Points
Vlahovic’s fast start has given Juventus sharper teeth
I Bianconeri’s recent Serie A 2022 results are little short of sensational and they are currently seven points behind leaders Milan with the same games played, and a win on Sunday will really keep them in the title race.
With second-placed Napoli away to fifth place Atalanta on Saturday, this could be a big weekend for the Old Lady, though the Rossoneri will be expected to win at home to Bologna.
Dusan Vlahovic, with four goals in his first seven league games, has been a brilliant signing from Fiorentina. He has added extra bite to the attack and seasoned strikers Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala, with eight goals each from 29 and 21 games, now have more competition.
Paulo Dybala celebrates after scoring an equalizer for Juventus during a Serie A match against Inter at San Siro
An injury to Federico Chiesa might mean all three will start against Inter, with Dybala pushing out wide and that would give the visitors’ defence plenty to worry about.
Meanwhile, midfielder Manuel Locatelli has also run into good form. He impressed at Euro 2020 and came with big expectations following his switch from Sassuolo. Locatelli plays in a deep lying position, similar to Azzurri legend Andre Pirlo and, at 24 years of age, he has a bright future ahead.
Defeat to Villarreal in the Champions League was a serious blow to I Bianconeri’s pride, but it might just spur them on to an explosive finish in Serie A and that would make for one of the most exciting Scudetto races in history.
Martinez the key to Inter’s push
While Vlahovic has been writing the headlines for Juventus, Inter Milan’s Argentine hitman Lautaro Martinez has been in superb form, scoring 14 league goals, including a hat-trick in a recent 5-0 win over Salernitana and bagging the winner in a Champions League second leg win over Liverpool.
The 24-year-old seems to have thrived this season and he isn’t missing his old strike partner Romelu Lukaku one bit. He’s formed a fruitful partnership up front with Edin Dzeko, who has helped himself to 12 league goals and Martinez is the best bet to breach the Juventus defence.
Midfield dynamo Marcelo Brozovic is out injured so it will be the job of Uruguayan Matias Vecino to match up to Locatelli.
Like Juventus, I Nerazzurri are out of the Champions League and they have been strong on the road this season, losing only one away game in Serie A.
Juventus have not lost to Inter in their last 10 encounters in Turin and have dominated the head-to-head meetings over the past 68 games, winning 31 to 15 and there have been 22 draws.
The Old Lady won this fixture last term, 3-2, but Inter have had the better of the two exchanges since then – drawing 1-1 at the San Siro in a league game in October when Paulo Dybala scored a late leveller for Juventus and winning 2-1 in the Super Cup in January.
In terms of recent form, Inter are unbeaten in six games but have drawn four of those, while Juventus have won five and lost one over that period – that shock Champions League exit to Villarreal.
Inter Milan stopped Juventus from winning a record 10th Scudetto last season and the Old Lady has a chance to exact some revenge by wrecking the Nerazzurri’s 2022 campaign while keeping their own alive.
The visitors are marginal favourites at odds of 2.47 with Juventus at 2.74. But the momentum is with the Old Lady and she can take another big step on Sunday.
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Serie A pacesetters AC Milan will kick off April with a great chance to break away from the chasing pack as they’ll enter the easier part of their schedule.
AC Milan will host Bologna at San Siro in a game that they couldn’t afford to waste. With 66 points as of this writing, the Rossoneri only have at least a three-point lead over everyone and the likes of Napoli and Inter Milan are both in hot pursuit.
Bologna, on the other hand, are currently at 12th place with 33 points so Stefano Pioli’s men are looking to exploit their poor form with their run of negative Serie A 2022 results lately.
When these two faced off few months ago, AC Milan pummeled Bologna and the pre-match SBOTOP betting odds predict that we’ll have a similar result on Monday evening.
Can I Rossoblu put up a fight against I Rossoneri? Or will it just be a matter of time to where we’ll crown a new Scudetto winner?
Talking Points
AC Milan can’t be complacent
AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud before the match against Cagliari
AC Milan are in a rich vein of form as they’re undefeated in their last 10 games in all competitions and they can win their first Scudetto in 11 years if things go according to plan.
Despite having three games in the next 11 days, I Rossoneri’s next three league opponents are from the bottom half of the table and it’s likely that they’ll get maximum points from each of those matches.
So far, they’ve been grinding out the wins against Napoli, Empoli, and Cagliari before the international break and they’ll look to pick up where they left off on Monday. Stefano Pioli and co. may not publicly admit it, but they’re aware that a couple of 1-0 wins aren’t convincing enough for their title tilt.
It’s their leaders who have been carrying the load all season and they’ll need them again for one last push starting this weekend.
Rafael Leao is their top scorer with nine goals and four assists and he’ll lead the line up front alongside Olivier Giroud or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who have eight goals apiece.
The Rossoneri will more or less keep the same starting XI for this contest, although Stefano Pioli might opt to rotate his squad given their congested schedule.
Bologna in a slump
Bologna are on a poor run of results and it doesn’t help they’ll be without their head coach for the time being, although that should serve as a motivation for them to play much better moving forward.
Sinisa Mihaljovic just announced that his cancer has returned, which means that he’ll be focusing on recovering rather than coaching his boys on the pitch.
Like AC Milan, Bologna have leaders to lean on too starting from their top scorer Marko Arnautovic, who is their top scorer with nine goals.
Musa Barrow and Riccardo Orsolini will join him up front, while Aaron Hickey and Emanuel Vignato form an intriguing young midfield duo.
AC Milan have been dominant against Bologna recently as they’ve won 11 of their last 12 Serie A meetings (D1). And in the most recent six, they’ve scored at two goals (18 goals total).
At home, I Rossoneri have won each of their last five league matches against I Rossoblu. Their last loss at San Siro dates back to 2016 where Bologna won with a tally of 1-0.
Their reverse fixture last October ended in a 4-2 score in favour of AC Milan where Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored at both ends of the pitch. The big Swede scored an own goal for Bologna at the 49th-minute, but he scored the final goal before added time.
Rafael Leao, Davide Calabria, and Ismael Bennacer all scored too for AC Milan while Musa Barrow was the only scorer for Bologna – who were reduced to nine men as Adama Soumaoro and Roberto Soriano were sent off.
AC Milan are the huge favourites to win in this contest, as per the Serie A 2022 odds. They are installed at 1.37 to win, while Bologna are the underdogs at 8.25 and chances for a draw are at 4.60 in the 1X2 market.
If you’ll take into consideration what happened in the last time out, Over 2.50 @ 1.78 appears to be a good alternative bet especially since both sides can pour in goals at any time.
Opportunities like this don’t come too often for AC Milan, so we expect them to go all out in these next few weeks and their quality should shine against their weaker opponents like Bologna.
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Napoli continue their assault on the 2021/22 Serie A title on Sunday when they welcome Fiorentina to the Stadio Diego Maradona for a tasty battle with three more crucial points at stake.
At second in the league table, Gli Azzurri are perfectly poised for the run-in just a point behind leaders Milan and with a better goal difference, which could prove vital in one of the most exciting title races for many a year.
Napoli come into the game on the back of a huge win away to Atalanta, while Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina had a narrow victory at home to Empoli.
Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti will lead his side into this game determined for a win which the SBOTOP odds of 1.75 tell us should be the outcome. But with the draw at 3.40 and a 4.36 on offer for a Fiorentina win, this is not a foregone conclusion.
Every point counts and eighth-placed Fiorentina will fight for the full 90 minutes.
In his last season in Naples, Lorenzo Insigne is desperate to bring the Scudetto to his beloved club where he has played throughout his sparkling career. He’s banging in form with four goals and two assists in the last eight games to make in 93 goals and 72 assists in Serie A.
Torino’s gain will be Napoli’s loss, but Insigne will say goodbye fondly if he can pick up that prized Scudetto. As chasers for so long, this could be the year that Napoli could finally be the kings.
As a winner at Euro 2020, his experience of the big games will be crucial in the run-in as he showed in the impressive 3-1 victory over La Dea, coolly converting a penalty to set the Azzurri on their way.
The skipper will line up alongside another old hand at the big games in Dries Mertens and there could be a return for striker Victor Osimhen, who scored a brace in a recent 2-1 win over Udinese but missed the Atalanta game as he picked up a late yellow card.
The very latest Serie A 2022 betting odds make the title race a three-horse race between Milan, NapoIi, and Scudetto holders Inter, while Juventus have made a late run and Bianconeri fans are dreaming of a spectacular return to the top. All three of Napoli’s rivals have tough tests this weekend – Milan away to Torino, Juventus in Cagliari, and Inter at home to Hellas Verona.
Insigne has made more than his fair share of Serie A 2022 highlights this season but that’s nothing new. and he’ll lead his team into seven ‘finals’ in the coming weeks, starting with La Viola.
Without Vlahovic, do Fiorentina have teeth?
Fiorentina’s Cristiano Biraghi acknowledges fans after their Serie A match against Inter Milan
La Viola are still in the hunt for a European place but there is no denying that without the departed Dusan Vlahovic, they have lost some momentum.
Argentina hitman Nicolas Gonzalez stepped up to score the winner over Empoli and Jonathan Ikone, a 14-M Euro capture from Ligue 1 champions Lille, is a top-quality acquisition with a fine cross in his locker. But the absence of injured striker Krzysztof Piatek gives Ikone a smaller target to aim for.
At the back, La Viola have been solid, conceding just three goals in the last five games.
With 33 caps for Serbia, Nikola Milenkovic is a born leader. And alongside the experienced Cristiano Biraghi, he forms a solid defensive wall, but the pair will need to be at their best to cope with Napoli’s quick-footed strikers.
History
Napoli have had the better of the head-to-head exchanges, winning 19 of the last 44 meetings while La Viola have won 14 and there have been 11 draws.
The two teams met most recently in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 when Fiorentina ran out 5-2 winners, but Napoli can do the league double, having won the October clash in Florence by 2-1.
La Viola fans felt hard done by after their side went ahead with a beautiful team goal finished brilliantly by Lucas Martinez Quarta, only to lose the game.
Sloppy defending allowed Hirving Lozano to lash home the equaliser before Amir Rahman headed home a cross from Piotr Zielinski.
Both teams come into the game is good form as Napoli are on a winning streak of three, while Fiorentina are unbeaten in four.
Serie A: AC Milan Cannot Squander Precious Points in Turin
Torino vs AC Milan
AC Milan continue to lead the Serie A table despite bottling their chances to break away from the pack in these last few weeks. With several challengers hot on their heels, Stefano Pioli’s side cannot afford to drop more points when they head to Turin this weekend.
I Rossoneri are still in good shape with 67 points while I Partenopei and I Nerazzurri have 66 and 63 respectively. And with all of them dealt with winnable matches, this matchday will certainly pose huge ramifications.
They will face a Torino team who are looking to improve their form overall. Il Toro are currently 11th with 38 points and they’re aiming for a Top 10 finish by the end of this season.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds pitch for an easy win for AC Milan especially looking into their last few meetings where they were simply the better team, and they’re looking to recapture such form in Turin.
Il Toro were winless in their last eight games and they’re optimistic that their recent win over Salernitana would give them the momentum that they need.
Andrea Belotti – who’s having a subpar campaign by his standards due to a serious hamstring injury few months ago – got on the board for Il Toro as he slotted home the first-half penalty for his fifth goal of the season.
The 28-year-old will continue to play a huge role for Torino and he’ll be joined up front by Josip Brekalo and Antonio Sanabria – who have accounted for 11 goals and three assists so far this term.
While Torino aren’t exactly known to be a prolific attacking side, it’s their underrated defence that has kept them afloat since they haven’t surrendered more than one goal in these last two months.
Their 1-1 draw against defending champions Inter Milan in particular was one of their best performances this year, which just goes to show that they’re capable of keeping up with the big boys.
Torino are keen on securing successive clean sheets for the first time since September in order to gain a measure of revenge for their painful loss against AC Milan, who scored seven goals in their last Turin visit.
AC Milan still struggling in the final third
AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud during the Serie A match against Bologna
AC Milan’s margin for error is getting smaller by the day. They simply need three points to keep the lead in the standings, but they cannot be complacent since Torino aren’t pushovers.
Their lack of clinical finishing has been a huge concern lately given their array of talented forwards, although they have yet to lose a game since January 18.
Their defencive depth will take a hit since Alessio Romagnoli is now considered doubtful to play while Alessandro Florenzi and Simon Kjaer are still unavailable. Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu shall continue their partnership at the heart of their back four.
Furthermore, Stefano Pioli is leaning towards starting Franck Kessie to add more muscle in the midfield while Olivier Giroud should continue to lead up front alongside top scorer Rafael Leao and Alexis Saelemaekers.
History
AC Milan have been dominant against Torino particularly in their last four league encounters. During the said stretch, I Rossoneri have won four straight with an aggregate scoreline of 11-0.
I Rossoneri could win five straight Serie A games against Il Toro without conceding against a single opponent for the second time ever, also doing so against Bari between 1964 to 1985.
Their last five-game winning streak against Torino dates back to 1952, and the last time that they’ve won twice in a row at Turin was in 2008 where Carlo Ancelotti was still the head coach.
The reverse fixture between these two calcios was a 1-0 victory for AC Milan last October where Olivier Giroud’s 14th-minute goal was enough to secure the three points for Stefano Pioli’s side.
AC Milan are the favoured side by the Serie A 2022 odds. They are priced to win at 1.95, while Torino are installed at 3.85 and a draw is at 3.35 in the 1X2 market.
With both sides struggling to score lately, we reckon that this game will not have too many goals and Serie A 2022 highlights – making Under 2.50 @ 1.75 something worth considering as another option. There’s significant pressure for I Rossoneri on this one as dropping points will do little to aid their cause and it may complicate things in the Scudetto race. For sure, Napoli and Inter Milan will be rooting for Torino to frustrate the league leaders.
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Napoli missed a chance to go top of Serie A on Sunday when they finished up on the wrong side of a five goal thriller at home to Fiorentina.
Fans in Milan, and maybe in Turin, will have been cheering on the Viola who climbed to seventh place thanks to a brilliant away performance at one of the toughest grounds in Europe. Nicolas Gonzalez gave the visitors a surprise lead on the half hour with a great finish into the top left corner and Dries Mertens levelled early in the second half with a long range effort, minutes after he came on as a substitute. But goals from Jonathan Ikone and Arthur Cabral put the Viola in firm control. We previewed this match, here at SBOTOP, and predicted a big game for captain Lorenzo Insigne, who is desperate to lead his team to Scudetto glory; but his match was over when he was substituted on 80 minutes at 3-1 down.
Victor Osimhen set up a frantic finish when he halved the deficit on 84 minutes, but Fiorentina hung on for a deserved win which put a big dent in Napoli’s title hopes. And with Juventus and Inter Milan both winning the Azzurri have lost ground in the leading pack.
Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic continued his dream start with the Bianconeri, scoring the winner in a hard fought 2-1 victory over Cagliari on Saturday. He found space in the middle of the penalty area and fired into the bottom right corner to give Juve a 75th minute lead which the visitors held on to, though Gaston Pereiro was close to an injury time leveller, but his long range effort whistled inches past the top left corner.
The winner was the 22 year-old’s fifth league goal since his switch from Fiorentina to Juventus and he’s fast becoming a Bianconeri fans favourite, but boss Max Allegri will be less pleased by the way his side started the game. Juve were slow out of the blocks and were punished, on ten minutes, when Joao Pedro stroked Cagliari into a tenth minute lead. Centre back Matthijs de Ligt, who was partnering the veteran Giorgio Chiellini, made amends when he rose to meet a Juan Cuadrado corner and headed home the equaliser on the stroke of half time.
The Old Lady’s Serie A 2022 results have been impressive; winning five from the last six, but a defeat to Inter Milan last week has made it difficult for Juve to regain the Scudetto this year. But the game isn’t over quite yet.
Milan battle
Nicolo Barella celebrates after scoring Napoli’s first goal against Verona
Whichever team eventually wins the 2022 league title, there is a fantastic contest developing between the two Milan giants who both have their eyes on the big prize. I Rossoneri were the trail-blazers in the opening 12 games, alongside Napoli, then Inter roared back to become the favourites, according to the fast moving Serie A 2022 betting odds. And I Nerazzurri nudged ahead in the betting markets on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Hellas Verona, as Nicolo Barella set them on their way with a superb finish into the top right corner before Edin Dzeko added a second before the break. Head coach Simone Inzaghi had big shoes to fill following the departure of Scudetto winner Antonio Conte; and he can be pleased with his work so far. With seven games to go it’s all to play for. Inter travel to Spezia next Friday and then they will clash with I Rossoneri in a Coppa Italia Round of 16 second leg tie, with the score still at 0-0 after the first 90 minutes.
It’s over you now Milan. Stefano Pioli takes his side to Torino for the late game on Sunday night and with the pressure rising they can’t afford a slip up.
Relegation
With Salernitana anchored at the bottom of the table and Sampdoria with a little breathing space in 16th, it looks like two from Genoa, Venezia and Cagliari to drop through the relegation trap-door.
And it was no change in the drop zone as all three suffered defeats. Genoa are second bottom after taking a 4-1 thumping at home to Europe chasing Lazio as Ciro Immobile scored a hat-trick, while Venezia are in 18th after they conceded a 94th minute header from Rodrigo Becao in a 2-1 defeat at home to Udinese. Cagliari, three points clear in 17th, defended heroically in their match with Juventus, losing the shot count by 20 to four, and six to one on target. Next up they have a home match against Sassuolo, and then, on 24th April they face a six pointer away to Genoa.
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Serie A: AC Milan’s Scudetto Hunt Just Got a Little More Complicated
AC Milan vs Genoa
Despite staying on top of the Serie A table, AC Milan’s chances of winning the Scudetto this season have dwindled because of the fact that they kept on bottling their chances.
They’re clinging on to their miniscule advantage despite themselves, but defending champions Inter Milan are coming in hot with a game in hand. Following last week’s victory against Spezia, Inter Milan have leapfrogged Napoli at second place, although they’re level with 66 points each.
AC Milan will host a Genoa squad who are also yearning for points since they’re at a precarious position. Needless to say, I Rossoblu are a group that I Rossoneri cannot take for granted.
Talking Points
AC Milan paying the price
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli pictured before their Serie A match versus Torino
By dropping points in these last few games, AC Milan have essentially thrown away the title race back into Inter Milan’s hands after taking the top spot weeks ago.
AC Milan had a golden opportunity to break free from the chasing pack when four of their last five opponents were from the bottom half at the table. However, they could only muster two 1-0 wins and two goalless draws.
Should Stefano Pioli’s side eventually lose the title, they would probably look back particularly at their goalless draws against Bologna and Torino where they had 47 total shots with 11 of them on target but couldn’t convert at all.
Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao couldn’t find the back of the net, while injuries haven’t helped either as Ismael Bennacer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alessio Romagnoli, Alessandro Florenzi, Ante Rebic, and Simon Kjaer have all spent time at the sidelines.
Compared to Inter Milan and Napoli, AC Milan have the toughest schedule among the three as their next five opponents after Genoa are all from the top half of the table.
On the other hand, Inter Milan have five of their next six at the bottom half while the same can be said for Napoli in their next four after AS Roma.
Genoa desperate to stave off relegation
Genoa are far from where they were last term when they almost sneaked into the top half of the table under the tutelage of Ivan Juric, who’s now coaching Torino.
Since then, I Rossoblu have had a revolving door of managers – from Davide Ballardini, to Andriy Shevchenko, to now Alexander Blessin – which sums up their ineptitude as a calcio.
In fact, they’ve had more managerial changes than victories so far this season and now they’re back at the drop zone – placing 19th with only 22 points.
To maintain and salvage their top-flight status by the end of this season, Genoa’s key players must step up. Look for them to rely on their veterans Mattia Destro and Domenico Criscito – who have combined for 14 goals and two assists thus far.
AC Milan shouldn’t be overconfident despite their head-to-head advantage over Genoa. In their last 30 games together, they have the upper hand with 18 wins while Genoa have won in seven along with five draws. AC Milan have won seven of their last 10 Serie A games against them after losing four of the previous five.
This season, I Rossoneri have manhandled I Rossoblu, beating them 3-0 during their reverse fixture last December and eliminating them at the Coppa Italia Round of 16 with a 3-1 scoreline.
Genoa’s last win in this matchup dates back to March 2020 with a 2-1 tally as Goran Pandev and Francesco Cassata gave them the lead for good, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the consolation goal for AC Milan.
AC Milan are favoured by the Serie A 2022 odds. They’re priced at 1.85 to win, while Genoa are the underdogs at 8.00 and chances for a draw are at 2.31 in the 1X2 market.
While going for an AC Milan victory is the easy choice, it’s hard to trust them wholeheartedly given their recent performances, although Genoa are unlikely to win either.
So Under 2.75 @ 1.75 is the recommended bet since neither have been clinical in the final third. We wouldn’t be shocked if this turns out to be another draw, which might cost AC Milan their shot at the title this term.
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Napoli welcome Roma to the Diego Maradona Stadium for a blockbuster Serie A clash fit to round off a huge weekend for Italian football.
Luciano Spalletti has led Napoli to the brink of a Scudetto challenge but their hopes were seriously damaged by a 3-2 defeat at home to Fiorentina last week. Meanwhile,
Jose Mourinho’s Roma beat bottom club Salernitana 2-1, and when the two teams meet in Naples on Monday, anything less than three points will not be enough.
I Giallorossi finished seventh last season and this time around they still hold top four ambitions, currently five points behind Juventus in fourth; and they warmed up for this game with a Europa Conference League quarter final win over Bodo Glimt. Meanwhile, Napoli had a week off having exited the Europa League at the hands of Barcelona.
The latest Serie A betting odds say Gli Azzurri can still finish top dogs but they can’t afford any more slip ups.
Talking Points
Can Napoli stay the course?
An unpredictable sequence of Serie A results,Napoli’s loss to the Viola and two goalless draws for leaders Milan has turned this league into a four horse race with six points separating the top four sides and six games to play. Napoli are third favourites at a SBOTOP price of 5.00 but they could easily be five points behind the leaders when they kick off on Monday. Every point is vital from now on and Spalletti will hope his fit again striker Victor Osimhen, can score the goals they need to keep up with the Scudetto leaders.
The highly rated Nigerian hit man has 12 goals from an injury hit campaign and he would have surely been a 20 goal finisher were it not for his horrific head injury. If he can get near to the 20 mark then Napoli’s title hopes are not yet over; and he has a collection of proven winners in the creative ranks around him. Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne with eight goals each and Insigne with seven assists will ensure Osimhen is not isolated up front, while Polish midfielder Piotr Zielinski is a wonderful box to box player, linking defence and attack.
Abraham’s goal touch is just fine
Chris Smalling scores the second goal for Roma vs US Salernitana
Sitting fifth in the La Liga table, Roma are still hopeful of finishing in a coveted top four place after a season of transition under Jose Mourinho. His team has been solid defensively, as you’d expect, but they have also played some wonderful expansive football at times, with an attack spearheaded by England star Tammy Abraham. With 15 goals for the season he is the fourth highest scorer in Serie A, and, like Osimhen, he has the ability to reach the 20 mark. Mourinho coached Abraham as a young player at Chelsea and he rates the 24 year old highly. Having gone two league games without a strike he showed he hasn’t lost his touch, scoring a well taken goal in the 4-0 win over Bodo. Behind Abraham, French midfielder Jordan Veretout is having a superb season, making seven assists and scoring four goals, while wide man Nicolo Zaniolo helped himself to a hat-trick against Bodo Glimt.
Defender Roger Ibanez has formed a good centre back partnership with Chris Smalling, and the former Manchester United star was on target in the win over Salernitana.
This is a well balanced team with no injury worries and, if they can take the three points away from Napoli, that will really blow the race for fourth place wide open.
History
I Giallorossi are three times winners of the Scudetto, the last occasion in 2001, while the second of Napoli’s two titles came back in 1990.
In terms of head to heads, Roma have won 20 to Napoli’s 14 matches, and there have been 11 draws in all competitions since 1995, but Napoli have won three of the last four, before drawing 0-0 in Rome in the return match this season.
The Azzurri are slightly stronger in their recent form; having won four and lost two of the last six, while Roma have won three, drawn two and lost one.
All three results are well in play with Napoli at odds of 1.85, the draw at 3.30 and a Roma win at 3.98.
Napoli have lost five times at home in the league this season as well as in the Coppa Italia and the Europa League, while Roma have won two of the last three on the road. I expect a tight game; maybe a 1-1 draw or a win by the odd goal, and this is a game the eyes of Italy will be fixed on when the weekend’s round of matches draws to a close.
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 16-Apr-2022 at 3:22 PM
Serie A: AC Milan Got Some Breathing Space For Now
Despite the ups and downs that they’ve went through these past few weeks, AC Milan have stayed on top of the Serie A table, although they cannot take their foot off the gas pedal with fellow Scudetto challengers still lurking around.
Stefano Pioli’s side got a vital win against Genoa during the last matchday, and with them already out in the running for the Coppa Italia, it’s clear that they’re going all-in to win the Scudetto.
Elsewhere, Inter Milan are on a roll and will look to ruin their city rivals’ title hopes as they’re placed second and only two points behind, while third-placed Napoli’s mini-slump couldn’t have come at a worse time.
AC Milan have been on the Serie A 2022 news lately for the right reasons. Not only did they secure their first league win after their last three tries to pull them one step closer to the Scudetto, but they’re also on the verge of having new owners which would strengthen their finances.
I Rossoneri broke their goalless drought in their 2-0 win over Genoa as top scorer Rafael Leao and Junior Messias both found the back of the net in two halves. At the same time, their defence was hard to breach as I Rossoblu only had one shot on target all evening compared to the hosts’ five.
Fresh from the said victory, AC Milan are in advanced takeover talks with Bahrain-based fund Investcorp and both have entered a two-week exclusivity period to where they can iron out the negotiations and seal the deal amid other offers on the table to buy the club.
Elliott Management has been AC Milan’s owners since 2018 when previous owner Li Yonghong defaulted on debt obligations, and since then, the club’s valuation has jumped up to $1.1-B.
With Investcorp on the horizon, this means that the club is poised to bring in new players from the transfer market – including Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.
AC Milan are keen to invest on younger players for the long haul, and a young core of Raheem Sterling, Rafael Leao, Alexis Saelemaekers, Ismael Bennacer, and Sandro Tonali will surely make them competitive.
Inter Milan in hot pursuit, Napoli and Atalanta sliding down
Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne in action with AS Roma’s Gianluca Mancini
Inter Milan have a rare opportunity to possibly claim two trophies this season as they’re within arm’s reach for both the Serie A and Coppa Italia title.
I Nerazzurri are unbeaten since February 21 and they’re fresh from convincing victories over Spezia and AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final. Inter Milan have scored three goals each in those contests, while their opponents have only scored one total.
Napoli and Atalanta, on the other hand, are both winless lately. I Partenopei bottled their chance to grab all three points against I Giallorossi yesterday after losing to Fiorentina previously, while La Dea have fallen to eighth place and have bowed out of the Europa League with four straight defeats at the hands of RB Leipzig, Hellas Verona, Sassuolo, and Atalanta.
Lorenzo Insigne in particular was visibly frustrated when his team dropped points against AS Roma, and that image perfectly sums up what these two calcios are going through right now.
Intensifying race for the final Top 4 spot
Other than the Serie A title, the battle for the final Champions League spot is heating up. Fourth-placed Juventus have the edge so far as they’ve built a five-point lead, but they cannot take AS Roma and Fiorentina for granted since both teams are banging in form.
I Bianconeri were previously held to a 1-1 draw by Bologna, but two of their next three Serie A opponents are relegation-threatened, so their high SBOTOP Serie A 2022 odds are intact for the meantime.
Meanwhile, AS Roma are in a make-or-break situation as they’ll take on Inter Milan and Bologna before facing Leicester City for their Europa Conference League semi-final tie, while Fiorentina have Salernitana and Udinese on their menu before going up against AC Milan, AS Roma, and Sampdoria next.
Serie A: AC Milan Got Some Breathing Space For Now
Despite the ups and downs that they’ve went through these past few weeks, AC Milan have stayed on top of the Serie A table, although they cannot take their foot off the gas pedal with fellow Scudetto challengers still lurking around.
Stefano Pioli’s side got a vital win against Genoa during the last matchday, and with them already out in the running for the Coppa Italia, it’s clear that they’re going all-in to win the Scudetto.
Elsewhere, Inter Milan are on a roll and will look to ruin their city rivals’ title hopes as they’re placed second and only two points behind, while third-placed Napoli’s mini-slump couldn’t have come at a worse time.
AC Milan have been on the Serie A 2022 news lately for the right reasons. Not only did they secure their first league win after their last three tries to pull them one step closer to the Scudetto, but they’re also on the verge of having new owners which would strengthen their finances.
I Rossoneri broke their goalless drought in their 2-0 win over Genoa as top scorer Rafael Leao and Junior Messias both found the back of the net in two halves. At the same time, their defence was hard to breach as I Rossoblu only had one shot on target all evening compared to the hosts’ five.
Fresh from the said victory, AC Milan are in advanced takeover talks with Bahrain-based fund Investcorp and both have entered a two-week exclusivity period to where they can iron out the negotiations and seal the deal amid other offers on the table to buy the club.
Elliott Management has been AC Milan’s owners since 2018 when previous owner Li Yonghong defaulted on debt obligations, and since then, the club’s valuation has jumped up to $1.1-B.
With Investcorp on the horizon, this means that the club is poised to bring in new players from the transfer market – including Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.
AC Milan are keen to invest on younger players for the long haul, and a young core of Raheem Sterling, Rafael Leao, Alexis Saelemaekers, Ismael Bennacer, and Sandro Tonali will surely make them competitive.
Inter Milan in hot pursuit, Napoli and Atalanta sliding down
Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne in action with AS Roma’s Gianluca Mancini
Inter Milan have a rare opportunity to possibly claim two trophies this season as they’re within arm’s reach for both the Serie A and Coppa Italia title.
I Nerazzurri are unbeaten since February 21 and they’re fresh from convincing victories over Spezia and AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final. Inter Milan have scored three goals each in those contests, while their opponents have only scored one total.
Napoli and Atalanta, on the other hand, are both winless lately. I Partenopei bottled their chance to grab all three points against I Giallorossi yesterday after losing to Fiorentina previously, while La Dea have fallen to eighth place and have bowed out of the Europa League with four straight defeats at the hands of RB Leipzig, Hellas Verona, Sassuolo, and Atalanta.
Lorenzo Insigne in particular was visibly frustrated when his team dropped points against AS Roma, and that image perfectly sums up what these two calcios are going through right now.
Intensifying race for the final Top 4 spot
Other than the Serie A title, the battle for the final Champions League spot is heating up. Fourth-placed Juventus have the edge so far as they’ve built a five-point lead, but they cannot take AS Roma and Fiorentina for granted since both teams are banging in form.
I Bianconeri were previously held to a 1-1 draw by Bologna, but two of their next three Serie A opponents are relegation-threatened, so their high SBOTOP Serie A 2022 odds are intact for the meantime.
Meanwhile, AS Roma are in a make-or-break situation as they’ll take on Inter Milan and Bologna before facing Leicester City for their Europa Conference League semi-final tie, while Fiorentina have Salernitana and Udinese on their menu before going up against AC Milan, AS Roma, and Sampdoria next.
The 2022 Coppa Italia finalists are now confirmed and the showpiece final on the 11th of May, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, will see Inter Milan and Juventus battle it out for the trophy.
Simone Inzaghi’s Inter are on target for a domestic Scudetto and Coppa triumph after trouncing Milan 3-0 in the second leg of their tie; while the Old Lady also came through with a 3-0 aggregate win over Fiorentina, 2-0 on the night.
Stats don’t mean a thing if you can’t score
With 52 per cent possession, 19 shots to ten and even six to four on target AC Milan won many of the statistical battles on Tuesday night, but it was AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan who picked the ball out of his net three times while Inter stopper Samir Handanovic comfortably kept a clean sheet.
It was a fair bet that Inter’s top scorer Lautaro Martinez would feature heavily in the Coppa Italia 2022 highlights this week and the Argentine striker struck the first of his brace just four minutes in as I Nerazzurri took a stranglehold on the tie. It was Martinez’ first goal in the tournament and a brilliantly taken one as he controlled a cross from Matteo Darmian, beating Fikayo Tomori to the ball before rifling his shot past Maignan and into the net.
Tomori was left standing by Martinez again when he latched on to a well measured through ball from Joaquin Correa and this time, as Maignan raced out, he dinked a delightful chip over the keeper and into the net to put the tie beyond reasonable doubt. With a two goal cushion Inzaghi sent on Robin Gosens and he got his first goal since joining the club from Atalanta on loan with a simple tap in on 82 minutes.
Four shots on target and three goals sounds good for Inter, but not so pleasing for poor Mike Maignan.
Was Inter’s win a Scudetto sign?
This derby defeat was a bitter pill for Stefano Pioli’s Milan to swallow as they were clinically dismantled by Inter’s outstanding attack, while I Nerazzurri didn’t seem remotely worried by the risk of away goals counting double after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
A couple of frustrating goalless draws in the league has made Milan’s title challenge more difficult and this defeat to their closest and fiercest rivals won’t have helped their confidence, particularly as their midfield was overrun in the vital moments in the game. Inzaghi wouldn’t be drawn on the question of whether this puts his side in pole position for the Scudetto but he did make his intentions clear, saying: “We hope that we can keep this momentum going and we’ve been working for this since July. We know the journey we’ve been on, we won the Supercoppa in January, we have a final in May and also want to end the Serie A season in the best possible way.”
Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi during their semi-finals match against AC Milan
Inter are two points behind their city rivals with a game in hand, and here at SBOTOP we are backing I Nerazzurri to retain the Scudetto at around 1.45. But the Coppa Italia is in the balance.
Juventus’ hunt for silverware is still on
The Coppa is Juventus’ last chance for Silverware this season and they came into the semi-finals as favourites to lift the title according to the Coppa Italia 2022 betting odds though now, with Inter Milan in the final it will be a tough game to call. I Bianconeri came into their tie against Fiorentina with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg and the red hot striker Dusan Vlahovic had a great chance to double the lead, but Viola keeper Bart Dragowski saved well. But the keeper was less certain when he was faced by Juve forward Federico Bernardeschi when he slotted home with his left foot, to send the fans in Turin wild.
Defender Adrien Rabiot thought he’d doubled Juve’s lead on the night when he fired home on 70 minutes, but after a lengthy VAR review the goal was ruled out and the Viola were still just about in the game. But the Old Lady saw the job through with a three goal win on aggregate when Danilo slotted home deep into stoppage time. But don’t think this was a comfortable night for Max Allegri’s Bianconeri. The Viola took the game to their hosts and dominated possession with almost 70 per cent possession, 17 shots to eight and five to three on target; but, like Milan, the stats are no consolation for Fiorentina.
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Serie A: Third Time’s the Charm for Mourinho Against Inter?
Inter Milan vs AS Roma
Roma manager Jose Mourinho has not found much success against former club Inter Milan in his first season back in Serie A. The Special One has lost the first two meetings against the Nerazzurri, once in the league and another in the cup.
Mourinho will be hoping the third time’s the charm when his Roma side visits the San Siro for a crucial clash with massive title implications.
The Nerazzurri have regained the momentum in the race for the Scudetto in recent weeks and can climb back to the top of the table with a win against Roma.
The Serie A 2022 betting odds have them favoured to do just that, but Mourinho would love nothing more than to make his mark in the title race, even at the expense of his old club.
Talking Points
Inter back to their best
Inter Milan’s Edin Dzeko and Ivan Perisic during the match against Spezia
After a rough two-month spell, Inter are now back in championship-calibre form. They are unbeaten in their last 10 games in all competitions, winning six. Two of those wins were big 1-0 away victories against Liverpool and Juventus in the Derby d’Italia.
After a lengthy goal drought to start 2022, Lautaro is getting back to making Serie A 2022 highlights on a consistent basis, scoring seven goals in his last seven appearances.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has picked Joaquin Correa over Edin Dzeko as Lautaro’s strike partner in the last few games, and it remains to be seen whether he will stick with that partnership. Although, Dzeko will obviously be hoping to get the start against his old team, whom he has scored against in each of their first two meetings this season.
If Dzeko does remain on the bench, he will be part of a deep and dangerous group of Inter reserves that also includes Alexis Sanchez, who has scored two goals in his last four appearances, and winter signing Robin Gosens, who got his first goal for Inter in the win against Milan.
Mourinho has Roma rolling
Roma are on quite a roll in Serie A. They are currently fifth in the table and are now unbeaten in 12 league games after holding title hopefuls Napoli to a 1-1 draw in Naples.
Despite going down to 10 men, the Giallorossi were still able to salvage a draw thanks to a stoppage-time goal by substitute Stephan El Shaarawy.
It was an impressive showing of resilience by Mourinho’s men, who were only days removed from making the UEFA Conference League semi-finals as they thrashed Bodo/Glimt 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Nicolo Zaniolo scored a spectacular hat-trick against Bodo/Glimt and also started against Napoli. But Henrikh Mkhitaryan could make his way back to the starting XI against Inter to provide more defensive cover.
Tammy Abraham is assured his starting spot up front, though. The English centre-forward is having a fantastic first season in Serie A with 15 goals and 4 assists. He scored his 24th goal of the season against Bodo/Glimt – tying the club record for most goals in a debut season – and also set up El Shaarawy’s equalising goal against Napoli.
And at the other end of the pitch, Mourinho is likely to stick with the settled back three of Chris Smalling, Gianluca Mancini, and Roger Ibanez that is looking much more solid of late. The Giallorossi have conceded just three goals over their last seven games.
Inter have had the better of Roma in Mourinho’s first season back in Italy. They delivered a dominant first-half performance en route to a 3-0 win in their first league meeting at the Stadio Olimpico. And they followed that up with a comfortable 2-0 win in the Coppa Italia in February. Edin Dzeko scored in both matches against his old team.
But despite Inter’s recent dominance – they have now won three in a row against Roma – this matchup has been quite competitive in recent years.
Over their last 28 Serie A meetings, Roma hold a very slight 8-7 edge in terms of wins, with 13 draws. They have also met eight times in the Coppa Italia, with Inter winning four to Roma’s three.
SBOTOP odds have Inter Milan installed as big 1.68 favourites to beat Roma, who are priced at 4.70 to win at San Siro. A draw is 3.80.
While Inter are in excellent form at the moment and will have home advantage, Roma will be a tough opponent for sure. Mourinho finally seems to be getting the best out of the Giallorossi at this stage of the season and will be desperate to avoid another defeat to his old side.
I expect Mou and Roma to learn from their first two setbacks against Inter and pick up a positive result at the San Siro.
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AC Milan are keen to assert their dominance over Lazio this season when they’ll visit them at the Stadio Olimpico for their Sunday Serie A clash.
I Rossoneri still lead the Italian top-flight table with 71 points despite their ups and downs. And should they win against seventh-placed I Biancocelesti with 56 points, then they’ll get the bigger breathing space that they need.
Inter Milan are right behind them in the standings and they’re ready to pounce should the table leaders suffer a slip-up. So, along with a victory over Lazio, AC Milan are hopeful that their city rivals will lose in their game against AS Roma.
On the other hand, Lazio are still fighting for a place in Europe and a victory here would do them a huge favour since it’ll get them over to fifth or sixth place.
Talking Points
AC Milan’s defence keeps them afloat
I Rossoneri’s backline is something that shouldn’t be overlooked as they’ve kept six successive clean sheets here in Serie A and this will be key for their remaining games. The last time that they were scored on was in late February in a 1-1 draw against Udinese.
Stefano Pioli has done a masterful job in bringing the best out of his lineup despite their share of injuries, especially with Alessio Romagnoli, Alessandro Florenzi, and Simon Kjaer facing spells on the sidelines.
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli during their Coppa Italia semi-final match against Inter Milan
Young and towering defenders Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu have formed a strong partnership at centre-half to provide adequate cover for goalkeeper Mike Maignan, while Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria are both versatile full-backs.
In the final third, though, they’ve been hit-or-miss – as shown during their Coppa Italia semis loss against Inter Milan. Their top scorers have been struggling and they need to find their shooting boots fast.
Olivier Giroud’s production has taken a noticeable hit as he has just scored once in his last 10 games, while Brahim Diaz is in a rut after having a solid start to this season.
So far, leading scorer Rafael Leao has been their main threat, while Ismael Bennacer and Junior Messias have shown glimpses of their full potential.
Look for I Rossoneri to try and regain their scoring form against a Lazio side who have conceded a lot of goals in their most recent meetings.
Ciro Immobile needs help from his Lazio co-stars
These last few games will make or break Lazio’s season. After AC Milan, they have a chance of getting more positive Serie A 2022 results since they’ll take on Spezia, Sampdoria, Juventus, and Hellas Verona next.
Capocannoniere frontrunner Ciro Immobile will spearhead their charge and he’ll have to carry the whole squad on his back as usual. He is, after all, the league’s leading scorer with 25 goals and 29 total in all competitions.
He’ll definitely need help from his co-stars in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Pedro – who have nine goals each. Lazio will have their fingers crossed as Pedro has been dealing with a calf knock while Milinkovic-Savic was ill the other day.
History
I Rossoneri ruined I Biancocelesti’s Coppa Italia hopes when they blitzed them in the quarter-final with a 4-0 tally and they won 2-0 in their reverse fixture last September.
Rafael Leao was responsible for three of the six goals, while Olivier Giroud had two and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Franck Kessie had one apiece.
Should AC Milan win on Sunday, it’ll be their first league double over Lazio since the 2008/09 season where Carlo Ancelotti was still their head coach. At the same time, it’ll be the first time since 2004/05 where they’ve beaten them in all three encounters (1 in Cup, 2 in the league).
Lazio have lost 13 of their last 14 Serie A game against the clubs that started the matchday on top of the standings. The bright spot for them, though, is that they’ve been in similar recent form with AC Milan as both calcios have won three of their last five Serie A matches.
We’re in for a cagey affair as the SBOTOP Serie A 2022 odds have priced AC Milan and Lazio near each other. The visitors have the slight edge at 2.43, while the hosts are installed at 2.87 and chances for a draw are at 3.20 in the 1X2 market.
AC Milan may have been unconvincing during these past few weeks, but they’re still the team to beat in Serie A for a reason and we’re backing for them to get all three hard-earned points this weekend.
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Serie A: The Scudetto is Heading to Milan…but which Club?
The 2021/22 Serie A is coming to its conclusion and it promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years, particularly for fans of the two Milan clubs.
After almost a decade of Juventus dominance, Antonio Conte led Inter to the 2021 Scudetto and his successor, Simone Inzaghi, is in the hunt for the same prize in his first season as Nerazzurri boss. The Old Lady is forced to sit by and watch while the Milan clubs battle it out, and they have being going stride for stride over the last six games with four wins and two draws each, though Inzaghi’s side has won the last four; and they also dealt a psychological blow to Milan with a 3-0 win in the Coppa Italia last week.
Right at the start of the campaign I Rossoneri’s Serie A 2022 results were spectacular, as the charged into a lead alongside Napoli winning 11 of the first 12 games, but now they are clinging on to the top of the table, two points ahead with four games left, but Inter have a crucial game in hand.
Last weekend Milan’s trip to Rome turned out to be a nail-biter as Lazio took a lead and dominated for much of the first half before I Rossoneri launched a stunning comeback. Meanwhile Roma boss Jose Mourinho faced his old side and I Nerrazzuri got the better of his latest team, with a 3-1 victory to lead the way in the latest Serie A 2022 betting odds and they have a chance to go top when they visit Bologna on Wednesday night. It was an emphatic win for I Nerazzurri over Roma as goals from Denzel Dumfries, Marcelo Brozovic and the red hot striker Lautaro Martinez gave them an unassailable lead before Henrikh Mkhitaryan gave Mourinho’s men a late consolation.
Inter’s Wednesday night fixture away to Bologna is a chance to take top spot, but they travel without the injured trio of Arturo Vidal, Robin Gosens and Felipe Caicedo, and their 13th placed hosts are unbeaten in four. Should Inter win and go top by a point they arguably have the easier run-in, with Udinese, Cagliari, Empoli and Sampdoria to play; while AC Milan host Europa chasing Fiorentina and Atalanta, as well as facing away games to Verona and Sassuolo.
Tonali keeps Milan in the hunt
Milan picked up an impressive and vital three points away to Lazio but they toiled for much of the game and trailed from the fourth minute when Capocannoniere leader Ciro Immobile fired Lazio in front with his 26th goal of the campaign. Veteran striker Olivier Giroud hauled Milan back five minutes after the break and that changed the complexion of the game as Pioli threw on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ante Rebic in search of a winner. And the big Swede set up the deciding goal when he headed down for Sandro Tonali to poke the ball home on 92 minutes.
AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring their first goal against Lazio
The 21 year old midfielder was booked for his over zealous goal celebration as he ripped his shirt off, but who can blame him as he scored the goal which kept Milan top of the league and left Lazio in seventh and a place behind the Europa League qualification places. He’s a lifelong Milan fan and Tonali said he felt like he’d scored at the San Siro as the Milan fans celebrated with him: “Feeling most of the Stadium was Rossonero was just crazy,” he said. “We thank them for coming, it was like playing at the San Siro and we showed that in the second half. It was a wonderful feeling, one that brought us the result we worked so hard for after a bad start.
“Scoring any goal for Milan is an unforgettable feeling, let alone one like this.”
There are twists and turns to come in this nail-biting race and here at SBOTOPwe’ll be there every step of the way, until we know which Milan giant has its hands on the 2022 Scudetto.
Women going professional
In the women’s game Juventus are on the brink of a fifth successive league triumph as they go into their final two points five points ahead of second placed Roma.
And there was more exciting news in the sport this week as Italy’s football federation (FIGC) confirmed the Italian women’s Serie A will become a professional league from the start of the 2022/23 campaign. It’s been a while coming as FIGC took control of the women’s top division during the 2018/19 campaign and it was always the intention to professionalise the game as soon as practicable.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said: “This is an important day. Finally there are rules governing the activity and practice of professionalism in women’s football.”
And it gives the Italian women’s team, ranked 14th in the world, a timely boost as they prepare for the Women’s Euro 2022 tournament.
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Napoli’s chances of winning the Serie A title this season look bleak as their losing skid couldn’t come at a worse time.
Because of their poor stretch of recent Serie A 2022 results, I Partenopei have slid to third place with 67 points, while Inter and AC Milan lead the pack with 72 and 74 points respectively with four more games to play.
This Saturday, they’ll host Sassuolo at the Diego Maradona Stadium – in a match where both calcios are seeking motivation, especially with I Neroverdi on a slump too.
Like Napoli, Sassuolo are winless in three of their last four league fixtures, so a victory here can give them a morale boost as well as points to help them move up in the table.
Lorenzo Insigne is undoubtedly a household name not only for Napoli, but also for the Italian national team. And as he’s set to move on to Toronto FC in July after agreeing to a lucrative five-year deal, Napoli will look to give their captain a fitting goodbye.
Winning the Scudetto would’ve been the perfect send-off, but their inability to win the games that matter has come back to haunt them.
Losses to Fiorentina and Empoli have hurt their Scudetto hopes, while they were also held to a 1-1 draw by AS Roma recently.
Insigne has done all he could by scoring two goals in their last three league games, but they just couldn’t stop their opponents from scoring – conceding seven goals total.
Top scorer Victor Osimhen was virtually absent against AS Roma and Empoli, and he must find a way to regain his shooting boots in this game.
I Partenopei are apparently looking at Gian Piero Gasperini as Spalletti’s possible replacement, so Lorenzo Insigne is likely not the only one who’ll leave the club in just a few weeks from now.
Sassuolo struggling on the defencive end
Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne celebrates scoring their second goal
I Neroverdi can definitely keep up with the best of them in terms of scoring, but the same can’t be said for their backline – which is probably the main reason why they aren’t a top-tier squad.
Sassuolo have conceded 55 goals total and they haven’t kept a clean sheet since their surprising 2-0 win over Inter Milan last February.
Alessio Dionisi’s men are fresh from a 2-1 loss to Juventus last Tuesday as Paulo Dybala and Moise Kean scored for I Bianconeri while Giacomo Raspadori also scored for I Neroverdi.
They were reduced to 10 men at the time as full-back Giorgos Kyriakopoulos was red-carded and he won’t be available for the next game.
Domenico Berardi leads their scoring charts with 14 goals and 12 assists, while Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori are the two other double-digit scorers for them with 13 and 10 respectively.
History
Napoli and Sassuolo produced one of the more entertaining draws of the season during their reverse fixture last December.
In the said game, it felt like Napoli would cruise to the victory when Fabian Ruiz and Dries Mertens scored in the 51st and 59th minute en route to a 2-0 lead.
However, Sassuolo never gave up as they replied with two goals of their own courtesy of Gianluca Scamacca and Gian Marco Ferrari to end the game with a 2-2 scoreline.
Sassuolo are now unbeaten in their last three Serie A games against Napoli (W1, D2) and they’re keen on extending their run to four straight.
I Partenopei have conceded at least two goals in their last three meetings against I Neroverdi (seven goals total), so we might be in for another shootout this weekend given such trend.
The gulf between Napoli and Sassuolo is noticeable which is why the latter is being backed to win by the SBOTOP Serie A 2022 odds. Napoli are installed at 1.45, while Sassuolo are priced at 6.20 and chances for a draw are at 4.60 in the 1X2 market. Neither team are enjoying a strong end to their respective campaigns. But with Napoli still needing one more victory to fully confirm their Champions League berth for next season, we expect a strong reaction from them this weekend.
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Inter Milan’s shock 2-1 loss to Bologna on Wednesday night has handed the Serie A title initiative to AC Milan. And when Fiorentina visit the San Siro on Sunday, I Rossoneri know this is a chance they cannot afford to mess up.
Head coach Stefano Pioli senses that Milan have a great opportunity to win a first Scudetto in 11 years and the latest Serie A 2022 betting odds have just shifted in the Rossoneri’s favour.
They battled to a 2-1 win away to Lazio last week as midfield ace Sandro Tonali scored a last-gasp winner and now Inter’s failure in Bologna has lifted the red and black side of Milan to the mantle of favourites with four games to go.
Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina come into the game on the back of a 4-0 home thrashing at the hands of Udinese, a result which dropped the Viola to seventh in the league table on goal difference, handing the last automatic Europa League place to Lazio.
Talking Points
Milan mix youth and experience with success
I Rossoneri fans saw their side finish second last season though the achievement was spoiled by the sight of Inter picking up the 2021 Scudetto, but their moment may be just around the corner as Pioli has combined youth and experience to great effect this season. The incredible Zlatan Ibrahimovic, at the ripe old age of 40, is still writing the news headlines while former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is joint top scorer.
Meanwhile, alongside the lifelong Milan fan Tonali at 21 years of age, Pioli has put his faith in other young guns who have delivered. 22-year-old Rafael Leao is level with Giroud on nine league goals and 12 in all competitions and the left-sided Leao has also made five assists.
The young Portugal star loves to take on opposition defences, making 91 successful dribbles this season and he links up well with 22-year-old attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz.
The breakout star in defence is 21-year-old Pierre Kalulu who was snapped up from Ligue 1 side Lyon. At centre-back, he has been a revelation, making 33 appearances in the absence of the injured Simon Kjaer – also making three assists and scoring a goal.
Kalulu is very quick, confident on the ball and with a pass accuracy of 90 per cent, surely has a big future with Milan and France.
With only one defeat in 15 games, a Coppa Italia defeat to Inter, the momentum is with the Rossoneri. Napoli are still just about in the hunt but it would take a collapse from both Milan clubs to open the door for the Azzurri and Pioli is not about to let that happen.
Viola’s Europa challenge in danger of fading
Lucas Torreira during Fiorentina’s Serie A match against Juventus
At this stage of last season, Fiorentina were 13th in the league table on 35 points and now they are seventh with 56. It’s a big upturn in the fortunes of the Viola and Italiano will hope to guide them to European competition, but the loss to Udinese was a major blow.
La Viola like to play passing football and have averaged over 50-per cent possession in matches this season and significantly more against bottom half clubs.
But for Italiano’s tea, good Serie A 2022 results may be hard to come by in their last five games as they face Milan, Roma, and Juventus. Having lost star striker Dusan Vlahovic to the Bianconeri, Fiorentina have had to find another way of winning and Italiano has asked his midfielders to play higher up the field.
Former Arsenal star Lucas Torreira has had success in an advanced role, scoring five goals including crucial strikes against Venezia and Inter Milan. The 26-year-old is clever in possession and likes to take a shot from distance, while he’s not afraid to get stuck in, picking up seven yellows and a red card this season.
Meanwhile, on the right side of the midfield, 24-year-old Argentine Nicolas Gonzalez was signed from Stuttgart and he has scored four goals and made six assists. He’s an adventurous forward, willing to take on his man but also tracks back willingly to help his defence.
History
With 22 wins to 16 in all competitions since 1995, Milan have had the better of the head-to-heads. But when the two teams met in Florence back in November, the Viola edged a seven-goal thriller as Vlahovic scored a brace for the hosts while Ibrahimovic bagged a couple for Milan.
I Rossoneri are unbeaten in eight games at the San Siro and I’m backing them to make it nine.
Fiorentina are at SBOTOP odds of 2.04 with that 0.75 goal start. And while in Torreira and Gonzalez they have some good creative players, the hosts have a greater depth in their squad and some young players hungry for success.
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Inter Milan are back in Serie A action this weekend against Empoli and head coach Simone Inzaghi will leave no stone unturned in his preparation.
I Nerazzurri return to home after two away fixtures which have seen them slip two points behind Milan in the race for the 2022 Scudetto. They come into the game on the back of a hard fought 2-1 victory away to Udinese while 14th placed Empoli lost at home to Torino.
Aurelio Andreazolli’s visitors have little to play for but pride and contracts as they sit a comfortable 11 points clear of the drop zone and are likely to have their top-flight status confirmed this weekend regardless of their result against Inter.
Leaders Milan face Verona at the weekend and the ninth-placed side have lost just one of the last six, so that won’t be easy. But Inzaghi is well-aware that their match against Empoli is a potential banana skin which his players cannot afford to slip on.
Here at SBOTOP we have Inter are at 1.14 to win this game while Empoli are out at 11.56 to win or 8.20to draw, so we believe I Nerazzurri will be sure footed.
Talking Points
Inter’s hot shots have their sights on the Scudetto
Inter Milan’s Samir Handanovic celebrates their first goal against AS Roma scored by Denzel Dumfries
With 74 goals and a goal difference of +45, Inter Milan are streets ahead of any other team in Serie A and that could be the decider when all the matches are done and dusted. The Scudetto is a battle between the two Milan clubs and the latest Serie A 2022 betting odds slightly favour the Rossoneri, but that could all change this weekend.
I Nerazzurri open this round of games on Friday night and a win would take them a point clear of Milan, who, if they draw in Verona, will fall behind due to their inferior goal difference.
The Inter strikers have been in superb form after the sale of Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea last summer. The big Belgian has struggled on his return to Stamford Bridge, but his former strike partner Lautaro Martinez has thrived in his absence.
The Argentine hitman has scored 17 goals while the veteran Edin Dzeko has scored 13. The Bosnian forward is a superb foil for Martinez with his strength in the air and clever flick ons, while wing-man Hakan Calhanoglu has had a great campaign with seven goals and providing 10 assists. With the experienced Ivan Perisic also in support, there is no lack of ammunition for these two in-form strikers.
A shock 2-1 loss to Bologna threatened to derail Inter’s title challenge, but the return of captain Samir Handanovic between the posts has steadied the ship.
Lorenzo Tonelli a big miss for Empoli
Empoli’s Serie A 2022 results have stuttered following an injury to centre-back Lorenzo Tonelli in a 1-0 defeat to Fiorentina.
The Empoli defence has started to ship goals too freely. A 3-2 victory over Napoli was sandwiched by a 3-1 defeat to Torino and a 4-1 loss to Udinese as they conceded a lot of chances in all three games – 40 shots in total.
The nine goals conceded in the last four games without the 32-year-old Tonelli, is in stark contrast to the two conceded in the three previous games.
And against Torino, the Azzurri lost their discipline too. At 1-0 up, midfield ace Valerio Verre was red carded and he was followed by defender Petar Stojanovic as Andrea Belotti helped himself to a late hat-trick and Torino ran out comfortable winners. So Verre and Stojanovic will sit this one out too.
There could be a return for Simone Romagnoli in defence while Wolves loanee Patrick Cutrone might be in line for a start, while Andrea Pinamonti with 12 goals will lead the Empoli line.
It was a feisty encounter as many of Empoli’s games are. The home side started well but Danilo D’Ambrosio’s header gave Inter a half-time lead. Empoli’s Samuele Ricci was red carded for a horrible challenge on Nicola Barella and Federico Dimarco made Empoli pay midway through the second half.
With a home record of 12 wins, three draws, and two defeats this season, Inter are a sound bet to pick up the three points. And against a leaky defence depleted by injury and suspensions, I suspect they will improve their goal difference further.
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Serie A: Napoli Still Have a Puncher’s Chance at the Scudetto
Torino vs Napoli
Napoli are not technically out of the Serie A title race just yet and they’re out for more points as they’ll visit Torino this Saturday.
I Partenopei are currently at third with 70 points. And if they’ll win these next three matches, they might have a chance of bringing home the Scudetto, although they need multiple slip-ups from both AC and Inter Milan as the former remain the leaders with 77 points, while the latter are right behind them with 75.
They’ll be facing a much-improved Torino team, who are undefeated so far in the month of April. Il Toro are placed 10th with 47 points and they’re poised for their best finish since placing 7th during the 2018/19 season.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds have the visitors favoured to win this match, but the hosts are not far behind. Overall, we expect another competitive affair similar to what happened during their reverse fixture.
Talking Points
Torino continue to rely on highly-coveted Andrea Belotti
Andrea Belotti during Torino’s Serie A match against Salernitana
It’s no coincidence that Torino are playing much better now that Andrea Belotti’s healthy again. After suffering a serious hamstring injury few months ago, he has been in a rich vein of form.
He has now moved up in Torino’s scoring charts with eight goals and one assist after scoring a hat-trick in their 3-1 win over Empoli last matchday, and the team will rely on his heroics once more in their last three league games of the season.
Andrea Belotti has scored a career total of 158 goals and he’s also an established name for the Italian national team with 40 caps. Plus, he’s still in his prime since he’s 28 years old.
Whether he stays or leaves Turin remains to be seen, but it would be great if Torino could make the most out of these last few games with him in their lineup.
Other than Belotti, Torino have other quality players who can cause problems for Napoli’s leaky defence, as Antonio Sanabria, Josip Brekalo, and Sasa Lukic have accounted for 17 goals and eight assists total.
Napoli looking to finish the season strong
Napoli were in dire need of a response last weekend, and respond they did as they defeated Sassuolo with a 6-1 scoreline to give them a sliver of hope as far as their Scudetto hopes are concerned.
Five different players scored in the said match as Kalidou Koulibaly, Victor Osimhen, Hirving Lozano, and Amir Rrahmani had one apiece while Dries Mertens registered a brace.
It was one of their most complete performances this season, but there’s more work to be done on the other side of the pitch.
I Partenopei have conceded in each of their last 11 Serie A games, which isn’t great, although they shouldn’t have any problems in outscoring Torino on Saturday.
History
Napoli have had Torino’s number lately in Serie A since they’ve won nine of their last 13 league meetings against them (D4). I Partenopei’s last league loss against Il Toro dates back to March 2015 when Kamil Glik led Torino to a 1-0 victory.
I Partenopei’s last two victories over Il Toro were clean sheets, and they could keep another one in three straight games in a row for the first time since 1982. Torino have also gained a grand total of one point in their last six Serie A home games against Napoli.
These two sides last faced off in October where Napoli came away with a 1-0 win as top scorer Victor Osimhen found the back of the net during the 81st-minute.
But in terms of recent form, Torino have the edge with three wins and three draws in their last six, while Napoli have three wins, two losses, and one draw during the said stretch.
The Serie A 2022 odds are backing Napoli to win this weekend. They are priced at 2.09, while Torino are installed at 3.40 and chances for a draw are at 3.35 in the 1X2 market.
Over 2.50 @ 1.82 sounds like a good alternative bet given the talented attackers from both teams, so fans can anticipate several Serie A 2022 highlights from this contest.
This is a must-win for Napoli since a draw or a loss could ultimately cost them any lingering chance of a title push, so we’d expect nothing less from them this Saturday.
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Inter Milan are fresh from a victory against Empoli, so the pressure is shifted back to AC Milan for them to try and win against Hellas Verona this Sunday night.
Hellas Verona have shown improvement after a bad run of Serie A 2022 results in January so they’ll be a tough nut to crack. They are placed ninth with 52 points and they’ll look to guarantee another Top 10 finish this season.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds have AC Milan as the favourites to win. However, Hellas Verona are not to be taken lightly given their recent form.
Talking Points
AC Milan now have a healthier squad
AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli celebrates after the match against Fiorentina
The title race in Serie A has come down to a war of attrition, and Stefano Pioli has done a great job in bringing the best out of his squad despite their injuries.
AC Milan’s backline was severely impacted by such, but they didn’t skip a beat as they’ve conceded just eight goals in 15 league games since the turn of the year – including four consecutive clean sheets at home. Young centre-backs Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu have been crucial as they’ve held their own, and both of them have proven that they’re vital pieces for this squad.
I Rossoneri are inching closer to winning the ultimate prize and it’ll get better from here since they’re almost at full strength. Alessandro Florenzi, Alessio Romagnoli, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were all seen back in training to give Stefano Pioli more options, while Simon Kjaer remains their only long-term absentee.
The only thing that they need to iron out is their attack since it has been underwhelming despite their plethora of capable scorers.
Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud both need to produce and are likely to continue up front, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic could come off the bench when needed.
Mission almost accomplished for Hellas Verona
I Gialloblu are poised to surpass last year’s finish of 10th as they continue to do well under the guidance of Igor Tudor.
Following his appointment, Hellas Verona went on an undefeated streak of four games only to be upended by AC Milan last October after squandering a 2-0 lead earlier in the first half.
So their meeting on Sunday is a chance for Hellas Verona to gain a measure of revenge and they have the personnel to possibly cause the upset.
Top scorers Gianluca Caprari and Antonin Barak both scored during the reverse fixture, and those two will be accompanied by Giovanni Simeone – who has been their talisman with 16 goals and five assists.
This Sunday marks the 60th Serie A meeting between Hellas Verona and AC Milan. In their 59 encounters prior, AC Milan hold the clear edge with 28 wins – including four in the last six (D2) – while Hellas Verona have won 10 times along with 21 draws.
I Rossoneri have won their last two away matches against I Gialloblu, and should they win again, it would be the first-time ever that they’ve won three straight against their hosts in Italian top-flight.
AC Milan are in imperious form as they’ve gone 13 games without losing (W8, D5). Only Liverpool have a longer undefeated run in the Top 5 European Leagues.
On the other hand, Hellas Verona are looking to build a win streak for the first time since January as they’ve never won twice in a row in their last 13 Serie A fixtures.
AC Milan are the favoured team to win, as per the Serie A 2022 odds. They are installed at 1.80, while Hellas Verona are pegged at 4.30 and chances for a draw are at 3.60 in the 1X2 market.
Hellas Verona could give AC Milan fits because of their reliable frontline, but it might not be enough against the visitors’ rock-solid backline as of late. Opportunities like these are hard to come by these days. And with the Rossoneri hungry for their first Scudetto in more than a decade, a loss on their end here is going to be considered a major disaster.
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Serie A: Tight Races at the Top and Bottom with Two Weeks Left
The Serie A season is down to its last two weeks, and there is still so much to play for at the top and the bottom of the table.
The two Milan clubs are still battling for the Scudetto as Milan continue to keep their city rivals Inter at bay thanks to their two emerging young stars.
Meanwhile, the relegation battle is similarly tight, with all of the bottom four picking up points as they were involved in dramatic matches.
Read on below as SBOTOP shares the top three takeaways from another action-packed weekend in the Italian top flight.
AC Milan continue to hold serve in the title race. The league leaders overcame an early deficit to claim a 3-1 victory away to Verona.
Stefano Pioli’s side, who still hold a two-point lead over Inter, have now won four games in a row and are unbeaten in their last 14 league matches.
Once again, the young duo of Sandro Tonali and Rafael Leao came up big for Milan. Tonali bagged a brace, with Leao assisting both goals. Substitute Alessandro Florenzi added a third late on.
Tonali had a subpar first season with Milan last season, but he has been in fantastic form to end his second campaign. He scored a crucial stoppage-time winner against Lazio and put in a man-of-the-match performance in their win over Fiorentina.
Leao has been equally impressive. The Portuguese playmaker has produced several key Serie A 2022 highlights with two goals and three assists in his last five games. He also assisted Tonali’s winner against Lazio and scored a late winner himself against Fiorentina.
It’s a testament to the mental strength of these two talented 22-year-olds that they continue to come through for Milan amid the immense pressure of the title race. And the Rossoneri will need their dynamic due to deliver in their final two games in order to finally end their decade-long title drought.
Inter won’t give up title without a fight
However, don’t expect defending champions Inter to give up their title without a fight. The Nerazzurri found themselves in a massive hole as they were 2-0 down at home against Empoli after just half an hour.
But the champions came back with a vengeance. Simone Inzaghi’s men were level by half-time and scored twice more in the last half hour to grab a 4-2 win.
Simone Inzaghi gives instructions to Ivan Perisic during their Serie A game against Empoli
Lautaro Martinez was excellent again as he bagged a brace. The Argentine has now netted seven goals in his last six appearances and is up to 19 goals in the season.
The Serie A 2022 betting odds will back Inter to win their final two games against Cagliari and Sampdoria, who are both in the bottom five. The two are still fighting for their Serie A lives, but as Inter showed in their Empoli comeback, they too have the fighting spirit as they look to retain their title.
Relegation race delivers more drama
Speaking of the bottom of the table, the Serie A relegation race was filled with drama this past weekend. Bottom club Venezia faced Bologna and Salernitana faced Cagliari; both matches didn’t disappoint as they were decided by late goals.
The Venezia-Bologna match was an absolute barn-burner. The hosts took a 2-0 lead after just 20 minutes, but Bologna battled back with three goals of their own to go 3-2 up. But Venezia equalised with a penalty 12 minutes from time, and then got a stoppage-time winner to hand Bologna their first defeat since manager Sinisa Mihajlovic’s second stage of treatment for leukaemia.
Not to be outdone, the Salernitana-Cagliari match also had its share of drama. Simone Verdi had given the hosts the lead, but both teams shortly went down to 10 men as Franck Ribery and Boris Radunovic were sent off.
Salernitana were mere seconds away from a win that would have sent them four points clear of Cagliari, but the visitors scored a very late equaliser in the 99th minute to keep their survival hopes very much alive.
As things stand, Cagliari are just a point away from Salernitana, who are in 17th. Meanwhile, Venezia kept their faint hopes of survival alive as they are five points from safety with just six points left to play for.
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Coppa Italia: Storied Rivals Square Off in Rare Final Showdown
Juventus vs Inter Milan
Juventus and Inter Milan are two of the most successful clubs in Coppa Italia history, with 21 titles between them. But surprisingly, these two storied rivals are set to meet in the final of this competition for only the third time in history and the first time in 57 years.
Juve, who are the defending champions, are hoping to salvage another disappointing season by beating Inter for the third time in three final meetings.
But the Coppa Italia 2022 betting odds will be against them as they take on their old rivals, whom they have failed to defeat in their first three meetings this season.
Talking Points
Juventus have several question marks ahead of final
Juventus’ four-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to a surprising end as they went down 2-1 away to Genoa on the weekend.
Paulo Dybala had given the Bianconeri an early lead, but some lax defending late in the game allowed the home side to score two late goals, including the winning penalty in the 96th minute, and snatch the win.
The loss had little consequence to Juve, who have already clinched fourth place and a Champions League spot. But it was still quite a disappointing way to prepare for the cup final.
Paulo Dybala celebrates scoring Juventus’ first goal against Genoa during a Serie A match at Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris
However, big-money signing Dusan Vlahovic is still in the midst of a scoring drought, which is now up to four games. Vlahovic had a disappointing outing against Genoa; he had just one shot while Dybala and Moise Kean had 10 combined.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether manager Massimiliano Allegri will pick Kean or Alvaro Morata to start as the third forward. Kean had a lively game with six shots and an assist against Genoa, but he missed some good chances that would have put the game away. As for Morata, the Spanish striker has not scored for Juve since March.
Full-backs Juan Cuadrado and Mattia De Sciglio returned from injury against Genoa, while the latest Coppa Italia 2022 news suggests that Juventus could potentially get key midfielder Manuel Locatelli back for the final. The Italian international has been missing since the start of April due to a knee ligament injury. Defender Danilo could also be in contention to play despite dealing with a foot injury.
Inter close to full strength
Inter Milan kept alive their hopes of successfully defending their Serie A title with a 4-2 win over Empoli. The Nerazzurri were on the ropes early at home as Empoli took a 2-0 lead. But the champions staged a stirring comeback, led by a Lautaro Martinez brace, to win 4-2.
Lautaro has been in sizzling form of late with seven goals in his last six appearances. The 24-year-old has also had his share of Coppa Italia 2022 highlights as he scored a brace in their 3-0 semi-final second leg win against Milan.
Simone Inzaghi will have his full squad to choose from for the final, with the exception of centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who has missed the last few games with a muscle injury. Federico Dimarco started against Empoli, but Danilo D’Ambrosio could come in against Juve if Bastoni is still not fit to play.
Inter’s strength in depth has served them well this season and could once again come into play in the final. Inzaghi will have the Chilean duo of Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez, who combined to score their fourth goal against Empoli, as well as Robin Gosens and Edin Dzeko to call upon off the bench.
This will be just the third meeting between Juventus and Inter Milan in the final of the Coppa Italia. The first two came back in 1959 and 1965, with the Old Lady winning on both occasions.
The two sides have met eight times in the competition over the last 12 years. Inter have the edge with three wins to Juventus’ two. Although, Juve prevailed in their most recent meeting in last year’s semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the two rivals have already met three times this season. They drew 1-1 at the San Siro, then Inter won 1-0 at Juventus last month thanks to a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty. Inter also beat Juve in the Supercoppa 2-1, with Alexis Sanchez scoring in the final minute of extra-time.
SBOTOP odds have Inter installed as slight 2.28 favourites to win the Coppa Italia within 90 minutes. Juventus are 3.10 to win, while a draw is at 3.15. Meanwhile, Inter are 1.69 to lift the trophy and Juve are 2.29.
Inter are clearly the better team this season, but as their three close matches this season have shown, Juventus are still capable of being competitive.
However, Inter have more match-winners in their squad, and those players should have enough to turn the final in the Nerazzurri’s favour.
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Two extra time strikes from Ivan Perisic gave Inter Milan a spectacular win after a pulsating 120 minutes of Coppa Italia final football.
Nicola Barella had given Inter an early lead with a sensational strike, before Juventus hit back through Alex Sandro and Dusan Vlahovic, and a late Hakan Calhanoglu penalty took the game to extra time.
And then Perisic took the trophy out of the grasp of the Old Lady.
Breath-taking stuff!
Highlights of the game
Inter are in a two way battle for the Serie A title withcity rivals Milan while the Old Lady’s league season is pretty much over, but any thoughts that might play into the Bianconeri’s hands were quickly dispelled by Azzurri star Barella when he collected a pass from Marcelo Brozovic outside the penalty area, took a touch and curled a beauty into the top right corner, giving Marria Perrin no chance.
Nicolo Barella celebrates scoring Inter Milan’s first goal against Juventus in Coppa Italia final
Max Allegri tried to get his players going with fierce shouts from the touchline and he got a response as Samir Handanovic was forced to pull out two top drawer saves in two minutes. First Paulo Dybala took a pass from Juan Cuadrado and arrowed a shot towards the bottom right corner but the Inter keeper got down well to save. And he made another brilliant stop in the same corner when Vlahovic fired his shot in.
Inter rode the brief Juventus storm and came close to doubling their lead when Lautaro Martinez fed Calhanoglu and his low shot was well saved by Perrin. The Old Lady had another good opening when Federico Bernardeschi sent in a superb cross but Matthijs de Ligt’s header was comfortably dealt with by Handanovic.
Juventus will argue they had the better of the first half and they turned things around dramatically at the start of the second. And it was a rare howler from Handanovic which let the Old Lady back into the game. Inter seemed to have dealt with the threat of Vlahovic but when the ball landed at the feet of Sandro, he fired a 20 yard shot straight at the keeper and, incredibly he just stuck a foot out and deflected the ball high into the net!
That was on 50 minutes and two later Juventus were in front. And this time it came from a Nerazzurri corner. Juventus cleared and broke quickly as Vlahovic burst through on goal and though Handanovic blocked his shot he reacted quickly to fire home the rebound.
Maybe Inter’s league pressure was telling after all.
Maybe…maybe not, because they stuck at the task and levelled on 80 minutes. Leonardo Bonucci fouled Lautaro Martinez in the box and the referee pointed to the spot and Calhanoglu dispatched the penalty high into the top right corner to level.
Juventus had been ten minutes from glory and ten minutes into extra time they were in disarray. First De Ligt stuck out a leg and tripped Stefan de Vrij and Perisic slotted home the penalty to make it 3-2.
And the lethal Croat won the night with a stunning strike from the left edge of the penalty area to the top right corner.
La Liga
REAL MADRID
LEVANTE
1X2 Levante @ 5.80
Real Madrid Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.01
Over 3.50 @ 2.02
Tuyên bố từ bỏ trách nhiệm: Các kèo chỉ đúng vào thời điểm đăng.
The Coppa Italia 2022 betting oddspitched Inter as favourites to win the trophy, at odds of 1.67 and, while I Nerazzurri dominated possession, the shot counts tell us just what a great game this was as the two sides both had 17 shots; and eight each on target.
What’s next?
AC Milan fans will have followed the Coppa Italia 2022 updateswith interest as the race for the Scudetto looks like it will go down to the wire, with the two Milan clubs separated by two points and with two games to play.
This weekend Milan host Atalanta while Inter are away to Cagliari in the penultimate round of fixtures. Both face teams which desperately need points; Atalanta surprisingly find themselves in eighth position and in danger of missing out on European football, while Cagliari are in 18th place and a point from safety, but with a better goal difference than 17th placed Salernitana.
Juventus have a tasty fixture at home to Lazio in a fourth versus fifth clash. While Lazio can’t gatecrash the top four they can keep hold of their Europa League spot; and the match brings together the two hottest shots in Italy as Vlahovic comes face to face with Lazio’s Ciro Immobile, who leads the race for the Capocannoniere on 27 goals, four ahead of the second placed Serb.
The Old Lady can still steal third place from Napoli if they win their final two games and the Azzurri slips up.
Keep it here at SBOTOP as the battles for glory and survival in Serie A reach their climax over the next two weeks. But tonight it’s time to celebrate for the Nerazzurri.
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League leaders AC Milan welcome Atalanta to the San Siro Stadium on Sunday in the penultimate round of a fantastic Serie A season.
I Rossoneri go into the game with a two-point lead over 2021 champions Inter Milan and the race looks set to reach the final week. And while the battle of Milan rages on, there is still business to be done in the race for European places and at the bottom end of the table.
It could be a day of pure delight for Rossoneri fans as by nightfall, they might be celebrating a first Scudetto triumph since 2011. Stefano Pioli’s men may need four points from their final two games, but it is possible a win over Europe chasing Atalanta will be enough if Inter Milan fail to win away to Cagliari, who are battling against relegation.
Milan come into the game on the back of a 3-1 win away to Hellas Verona while Atalanta had a similar 3-1 triumph away to Spezia and La Dea needs points to earn a Europa League place, so expect 90+ minutes of high octane drama in Milan.
Pioli is so close to bringing the glory days back to AC Milan after a decade of Juventus dominance and the annoyance of watching Inter Milan win the 2021 Scudetto.
The very latest Serie 2022 betting odds are on the Rossoneri’s side with our SBOTOPstats team backing them at 1.45 to lift the Scudetto, while Inter Milan are ready to pounce at odds of 2.70.
Milan’s trip to Verona could have severely damaged their title hopes as Hellas are a dangerous opponent, but I Rossoneri stood up to the challenge superbly. Pioli needed a big performance from his players after Inter’s comeback win over Empoli on Friday night knocked them off top spot and he certainly got it.
After Mario Fariani had given Verona a first-half lead, Sandro Tonali levelled deep into first-half stoppage time and Milan came out in the second half all guns blazing. Tonali completed his brace and Alessandro Florenzi made the game safe with his late strike.
Rafael Leao, with 10 goals and seven assists, has had a real breakout season and the Rossoneri side has a beautifully balanced look to it with Franck Kessie a powerful presence in the midfield.
The only big absence is centre-back Simon Kjaer, but the pairing of England star Fikayo Tomori and the speedy 21-year-old French defender Pierre Kalulu have formed a solid partnership.
This team is ready for glory.
Atalanta chasing Europa League
Mario Pasalic greets fans during the Serie A match Atalanta vs US Salernitana
Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has near legendary status in Bergamo having led his team to European fame since his arrival in 2016.
With a reputation for free-scoring football, La Dea have become everybody’s second favourite team, but there is a danger they will be missing from the European stage next year – currently sitting in eighth place in Serie A but level on points with Roma and Fiorentina in sixth and seventh.
It’s been a more challenging campaign than La Dea fans have been used to. This time last season, Atalanta were in third place with 75 points, and while they are now eighth with 59, they have hit some form since they’re unbeaten in four games.
And Atalanta have been better on the road than at home. 3-1 away wins over Venezia and Spezia were interrupted by home draws – 1-1 with Salernitana and 4-4 with Torino.
Croatian midfielder Mario Pasalic has had a great campaign, top scoring with 13 goals and six assists, while the experienced Colombian pair of Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata continue to impress as a front two.
Muriel scored a goal and teed up Pasalic’s last strike against Spezia and that makes it nine goals and eight assists for him. The 31-year-old has hit a rich vein of form, making eight goal contributions in the last four games while his strike partner Duvan Zapata has scored 10 this season.
Atalanta’s big miss is tricky wide-man Josip Ilicic, but there is plenty of quality in this squad.
History
With 22 wins to 10 in all competitions since 1993, I Nerazzurri have had plenty of success against La Dea.
Milan won the return in Bergamo 3-2 since Rafael Leao was on target as the visitors raced into a three-goal lead but goals from Pasalic and Zapata gave the Rossoneri a late scare. La Dea won the last meeting at the San Siro 3-0 when Zapata was on target again.
I advise you to take a look at this weekend’s Serie A 2022 highlightsbecause this clash promises to be another cracker.
At a price of 1.73 to win, Milan should do the business and put the pressure on Inter, while the draw at 3.64 and Atalanta at 4.17 cannot be ruled out. I think we will see goals since La Dea have not kept a clean sheet in seven Serie A fixtures and a correct scoreline of 2-1 to Milan at odds of 6.76 is the lowest price.
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The title remains up for grabs in a straight fight between the two Milan giants, there’s still a battle for those final European spots and the bid to beat the drop remains on a knife’s edge.
Speaking of a knife’s edge…
Salernitana have spirit
And they showed plenty to keep alive their survival hopes by fighting back for a point in Empoli after Federico Bonazzoli’s superb bicycle kick cancelled out Patrick Cutrone’s opener.
There was six minutes left on the clock when Mamadou Coulibaly and Simone Romagnoli both lunged at the same ball, the Salernitana man getting there millimetres earlier which led to a penalty being awarded following a VAR review.
Perotti stepped up but his spot-kick was fingertipped out of the bottom corner by Vicario.
Crucial?
Venezia go down fighting
In the Stadio Olimpico, the SBOTOP Serie A 2022 betting odds were all in favour of Roma as they hosted bottom club Venezia, whose relegation had been confirmed earlier in the day.
Then, after just 50 seconds, the basement battlers took the lead as David Okereke glanced home a header against a yet-to-wake-up defence.
Before they even had a chance to dream, Sofian Kiyine, already on a yellow card, kicked home midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini and Venezia had an hour to play with 10 men.
Venezia held out until 14 minutes from time when Niki Maenpaa denied Pellegrini but Eldor Shomurodov blasted the rebound into the roof of the net.
It was no more than Roma, who hit the woodwork four times, deserved, yet some credit goes to the bottom club whose spirit was evident in stoppage time when Maenpaa made a fine double save to keep out Shomurodov and Stephan El Shaarawy’s follow-up as Roma ended the game with 46 shots on goal – 16 on target.
Roma may yet need to win the Europa Conference to get back into Europe next term.
After 15 years in the Italian top flight, Genoa seem all but doomed.
This 3-0 reverse in Naples leaves them needing everything to go their way during the final week of the season, including a win at home to Bologna.
We will find that out soon enough.
This game though proved to be all about a home hero.
Lorenzo Insigne waved goodbye to Napoli fans and duly marked his last home match by converting a penalty, either side of Victor Osimhen and Stanislav Lobotka goals.
This was the final game at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for Insigne, who is heading to Toronto FC as a free agent, and he gave an emotional speech before kick-off.
Injury-hit Genoa may have known it wouldn’t be their day when they struck the crossbar early on and the ball bounced to safety.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when he was allowed to ghost between centre-backs and turn Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s cross into the far bottom corner with a glancing header.
Just before the midway point of the second half, Insigne got the opportunity the majority of those present craved as he converted a penalty into the top corner.
There was still time for Lobotka to put the icing on the cake for Napoli – already qualified for next season’s Champions League – as he embarked on a run from his own half and drilled low into the near bottom corner.
Insigne was given a standing ovation as he was substituted in the final minutes. A fitting farewell to a hero.
After a campaign in which both AC and Inter have produced Serie A 2022 highlights, there can only be one winner – and it is going to the wire.
With a game to go, Milan remain two points clear of Inter, who won the Coppa Italia on Wednesday to add to the Super Cup trophy they lifted in January.
Stefano Pioli’s Milan side have not lost in the league since mid-January, a run of 15 matches,
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli celebrates after winning against Atalanta in their latest encounter at San Siro
Against a well-organised Atalanta side at the San Siro, Rafael Leao broke the deadlock 11 minutes after the break before Theo Hernandez made the game safe with an impressive run that he started on the edge of his own penalty area, shaking off five opponents until he slipped the finish into the far bottom corner.
The home fans were in raptures, Atalanta’s European hopes have been severely damaged and Inter fulfilled their duties with a Lautaro Martinez double helping see off Cagliari.
In the process, he became the sixth player in Inter’s history to score 20 goals in a single Serie A season before turning 25.
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Serie A: Fiorentina’s European Hopes Hanging in the Balance
Fiorentina vs Juventus
Fiorentina can decide their European fate for next season when they’ll host Juventus on Saturday for their final Serie A match of the 2021/2022 season.
La Viola are currently at 7th with 59 points – which is level with eight-seeded Atalanta and good for a Europa Conference League berth. However, they can go higher with a Europa League spot should they win against I Bianconeri.
Meanwhile, Juventus may have fallen short of winning the Scudetto yet again, but they’re assured of a Champions League spot since they’re at fourth place with 70 points.
Vincenzo Italiano’s side has more incentive to go all-out in this match while Max Allegri’s men do not which is why they’re being favoured by the pre-match SBOTOP betting odds to win in this contest.
Lazio look set to confirm their Europa League spot, which leaves Roma, Fiorentina, and Atalanta all vying for the second and final berth.
Out of the three, Atalanta have the best recent form with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five and they have a winnable match against 14th-placed Empoli. Roma, meanwhile, are winless in their last five and they’ll take on an improved Torino squad.
On paper, the odds are stacked against Fiorentina and they must buckle up to take on, not only a stronger side in Juventus, but also an old friend in Dusan Vlahovic – who gave the Old Lady a major makeover last winter.
Matching or even suppressing I Bianconeri’s firepower will be key for La Viola, but their recent outings don’t offer much encouragement in that regard – including their recent losses against Udinese and Sampdoria where they’ve scored once and surrendered eight goals.
Top scorers Nicolas Gonzalez and Giacomo Bonaventura have shown flashes with 10 goals and 10 assists total, but they need to do more against a well-drilled Juventus team.
Perhaps getting additional production from others should do the trick for Vincenzo Italiano. Jose Callejon and Krzysztof Piatek both came off the bench against Sampdoria last week and they’ll contend for starting spots, while Lucas Torreira is also going to play a huge role as their attacking midfielder.
Juventus say goodbye to their heroes
Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini and Paulo Dybala react after the match
When Juventus played Lazio in their final home game of the season, there were emotional scenes on the pitch as they bid farewell to two of their tenured players in Giorgio Chiellini and Paulo Dybala.
Chiellini – who played 17 seasons for Juve – was given a standing ovation by the crowd as he was substituted on the 17th minute to represent his time with the club. The 37-year-old captain has played 560 matches since his arrival in 2004, winning nine Serie A titles and five Italian Cups.
Dybala, on the other hand, was moved to tears on his final substitution during the 78th minute. He joined Juve from Palermo in 2015 and won five consecutive Serie A titles along with four Italian Cups.
In their 165 league meetings prior to Sunday, I Bianconeri have the clear advantage in the head-to-heads with 79 victories, while La Viola have won in 34 along with 52 draws.
Fiorentina have only won two of their last 16 Serie A matches against Juventus (D3, L11) and their last home victory against them came in 2017.
However, these two sides have drawn their last two league encounters at the Artemio Franchi Stadium. Fiorentina and Juventus have only drawn more Serie A matches in a row at the hosts’ venue from 1935 to 1940 (four consecutive).
Juventus have beaten Fiorentina thrice already this term with an aggregate tally of 4-0. Juan Cuadrado’s late goal won them their reverse fixture last November, while they’ve beaten La Viola 3-0 during their two-legged Coppa Italia semi-finals tie.
Despite having worse recent form, Fiorentina are being backed by the Serie A 2022 odds to win. La Viola are installed at 2.01, while Juve are priced at 3.70 and chances for a draw are at 3.30 in the 1X2 market. We aren’t really sure on who’ll win this fixture and we’re not confident on La Viola’s chances, but we feel that this will be a close fight that will have limited Serie A 2022 highlights – making Under 3.00 @ 1.81 your best bet.
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AC Milan can clinch the Serie A title this weekend when they’ll take on Sassuolo for the penultimate matchday of the 2021/22 season.
I Rossoneri are leading the pack with 83 points and they’re banging in form, while their rivals Inter have 81 points and they will host Sampdoria on Sunday evening.
A win should cap off AC Milan’s campaign with the coveted Scudetto, but a loss or a draw would mean that their fate is no longer in their control. So along with this fixture, AC Milan would be hoping that Sampdoria will upset their inter-city rivals.
On the other hand, Sassuolo are currently 11th in the standings with 50 points and a win here could see them enter into the top half for the third year in a row.
Talking Points
Inter Milan will be cheering for Sassuolo
Sassuolo manager Alessio Dionisi reacts during the Serie A match against Napoli
Sassuolo’s offencive firepower is undeniable, but their backline needs improving especially against a cohesive AC Milan team. Their lack of clean sheets continue to be a trend as they’ve conceded 11 goals already since the start of April.
Head coach Alessio Dionisi has his work cut out for him since his squad is aiming for another Top 10 finish, and he insists that they aren’t doing any favours for Inter Milan, although the Nerazzurri fans will have their back regardless.
I Neroverdi finally broke their winless drought as they’re fresh from a victory over Bologna in what was another high-scoring encounter. Gianluca Scamacca had a brace while Domenico Berardi added one too, while Riccardo Orsolini scored the lone goal for the hosts.
Scamacca leads their scoring charts with 16 goals, while Berardi and Giacomo Raspadori are the team’s other double-digit scorers with 15 and 10 respectively.
Berardi is arguably the most dangerous man on the pitch for Sassuolo since he also has 14 assists, so AC Milan should have him on top of their scouting report.
AC Milan walking to the finish line
Stefano Pioli’s men are in fine form heading into this contest as they’re on a five-game winning here in Serie A, and what better way to cap off the season with a Scudetto especially after missing out on another trophy since they were eliminated by Inter Milan during the Coppa Italia semis.
Inter Milan went on to win the Coppa Italia by beating Juventus in the final, which should serve as motivation for AC Milan.
AC Milan has all the ingredients to be a championship team with their robust backline along with goals than can be sourced from all over the pitch.
Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud are their top scorers with 12 and 9, but in recent weeks it was the duo of Sandro Tonali and Theo Hernandez who was popping up with key strikes.
Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu’s centre-half partnership has also been the key, and it feels like that it’s just a matter of time to where AC Milan can finally call themselves champions of Italy anew.
AC Milan have the slight advantage in their recent head-to-heads against Sassuolo. In their last 17 Serie A meetings, I Rossoneri have won in nine, while I Neroverdi have won in six along with two draws.
Stefano Pioli’s side cannot let their guard down against the hosts since they’ve lost to them in back-to-back meetings with an aggregate tally of 5-2.
Sassuolo won in their reverse fixture last November, 3-1, as Gianluca Scamacca and Domenico Berardi had one goal apiece to counter Alessio Romagnoli’s early score. To make matters worse for AC Milan, Simon Kjaer had an own goal while Romagnoli was sent off during the 77th minute.
The hosts could win three matches in a row against AC Milan for the first time ever in Serie A. The last time that they scored a Serie A double against their visitors was back in the 2014/15 season.
However, AC Milan have won each of their last five league away games versus Sassuolo, and they’ve scored at least two goals in six of their last eight meetings at the Mapei Stadium.
Given where they’re placed at the table, it’s no surprise that AC Milan are being favoured by the SBOTOP Serie A 2022 odds. They are pegged at 1.47 to win, while Sassuolo are priced at 6.60 and a draw is at 4.20 in the 1X2 market. Goals and Serie A 2022 highlights could come in bunches, particularly from AC Milan, so going for Over 3.00 @ 1.74 might be a solid bet while Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.23 is the safer alternative.
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Could Inter retain the Serie A title against the odds and clinch a league and cup double, something which seemed highly unlikely following key departures last summer, or would AC Milan dream and win the Scudetto for the first time in over a decade.
The Rossoneri knew a point at the Mapei Stadium would be enough as they had a superior head-to-head record with arch-rivals Inter and a two-point lead going into the final round.
In the end, though, they won at a canter after a purple patch midway through the first half.
It was a dominant performance away to Sassuolo, with a hat-trick of Rafael Leao assists for Olivier Giroud’s brace and Franck Kessie to ensure Milan had their first Serie A title since 2011.
There was even time for the best 40 year-old in the business, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to make a cameo appearance off the bench (he had the ball in the net from what would’ve been a fourth Leao assist, but this time the Portuguese winger was offside).
So, a first Milan title for 11 years, a first ever piece of silverware for manager Stefano Pioli and a triumph very much against the SBOTOP Serie A betting odds at the beginning of the season.
Of course, city rivals Inter deserve many plaudits after a season in which they also delivered Serie A highlights.
Last August, the club said goodbye to manager Antonio Conte and two of its star players, Gianluigi Donnarumma and striker Romelu Lukaku – the latter’s pending departure causing their fans stage a protest against the club owner after the Belgian netted 24 goals en route to a first title success in 11 years.
In came Simone Inzaghi and he did his new employers proud, guiding them to the Coppa Italia and taking the race to the last day.
Ultimately, an Ivan Perisic goal – perhaps on his final appearance for the club – and a Joaquin Correa double saw off Sampdoria but it wasn’t enough.
“Congratulations to AC Milan. It’s been a brilliant contest this year. See you next season,” read the club’s tweet.
It was a sporting way to end a 2021/22 sporting rivalry and, while few would suggest the standard of Serie A is as high as it was during Juventus’ recent spell of dominance, it made for a more enthralling season for the neutral.
With Napoli, Juventus and Lazio all safe in the top five, attention was also on the race for sixth and seventh.
Not once did they look capable of challenging for major honours domestically or in Europe, and there were some embarrassments along the way – not least a 6-1 Europa League reverse at minnows Bodo/Glimt.
However, Jose Mourinho’s first season at the club could yet end on a positive vibe.
They concluded their Serie A season with a 3-0 victory away to Torino on Friday night, earned with a Tammy Abraham brace and Lorenzo Pellegrini penalty, building confidence ahead of the Conference League Final.
Abraham bagged a brace, with Pellegrini converting a penalty late on for a foul on Nicolò Zaniolo.
In all competition, the former Chelsea striker has found the net 26 times in 51 appearances. Is this the season that saw him improve the most under the guidance of Mourinho?
All that meant Atalanta and Fiorentina had to fight it out for one Conference League play-off place.
After playing in the Champions League this campaign, the Conference would be a fall from grace for Atalanta but better than no European football altogether?
While they had to better Fiorentina’s result, the task facing Gian Piero Gasperini’s men was, in theory, more straightforward.
Instead, they suffered a frustrating afternoon in Bergamo, wasting numerous chances and eventually lost at home to Empoli, despite hitting the woodwork twice.
The visitors took the lead with their first genuine attempt as Leo Stulac swept the ball time into the near top corner from the edge of the area.
And that was that as Atalanta rounded off a disappointing campaign by their recent standards, even though they continue to punch well above their weight.
There were emotional scenes in the final minutes when Josip Ilicic made his comeback four months after he was signed off to deal with mental health concerns.
As it turned out, even had Atalanta won, Fiorentina would have pipped them on their superior head-to-head record after the Viola saw off Juventus 2-0 to seal European football for the first time in five years – Alfred Duncan and Nico Gonzalez on target with goals in stoppage time at the end of each half.
And so to Sunday night and the final matter of contention.
Salernitana fans during their match against Empoli
Who would survive – Salernitana, back in the top flight after an absence of 23 years, or Cagliari, seeking a seventh successive term?
Salernitana had a two-point advantage over Cagliari going into the final matches. Yet with their head-to-head record identical after a pair of 1-1 draws, and the next dividing factor being goal difference with Cagliari well ahead, if they were to finish level on points, the Sardinians would stay up.
That meant Salernitana had to beat Udinese to be sure of safety, something that was out of the question by half-time as the hosts shipped three first half goals, eventually slumping to a 4-0 defeat.
Yet still Cagliari needed a win at rock bottom Venezia and with 10 minutes remaining, it was goalless and Salernitana were staying up.
Raoul Bellanova, their best player on the night, skimmed the far post with a cross-cum-shot but the ball would not go in.
By that stage, virtually everyone on the Salernitana bench were looking at their phones rather than the contest in front of them.
They may even have seen Niki Maenpaa parry a Gaston Pereiro snapshot as Cagliari pushed and pushed.
Six minutes of stoppage time hardly eased the nerves of either struggler but Venezia, to their credit, battled when many a team may have downed tools with nothing at stake and Salernitana, somehow, were safe!
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Milan were crowned 2022 Serie A champions last weekend after a fantastic title race which provided some of the biggest and most exciting moments in European football.
While the Premier League reached a thrilling climax, the action in Italy was equally breathtaking as the only other major league to go down to the wire. Eventually I Rossoneri took the title but, at certain points during the season there were other sides in charge of the race, notably Inter Milan and Napoli, while even Juventus threatened to make a late run.
There have been some brilliant matches throughout the campaign but let’s take a look at four of the most significant picked by the SBOTOP team.
Sassuolo 0-3 AC Milan (22nd May)
Milan’s final-day win handed Stefano Pioli’s team their first title in 11 years and the 19th Scudetto in total, and it settled the nerves of Rossoneri fans, that’s for sure. Before a ball was kicked, they needed a point to guarantee finishing above Inter, but as we all know last-day matches are notoriously difficult to predict.
But it was veteran striker Olivier Giroud who calmed everyone down with a well-taken first-half brace, thanks to two brilliant pieces of work from the live-wire Rafael Leao. Twice the Portuguese star reached the byline and cut back for Giroud to slot home at the near post. And Leao got his third assist of the game, pressing high up the pitch and winning the ball for midfielder Franck Kessie to fire in the third. And the 2022 Scudetto was won.
Bologna 2-1 Inter Milan (27th April)
Ivan Perisic celebrates after scoring Inter Milan’s first goal against Bologna
For much of the campaign, the Serie A 2022 betting odds backed Inter to retain the Scudetto they worked so hard to win in 2021. With five games to play I Nerazzurri were in the box seat, and a visit to Bologna presented Simone Inzaghi’s side with a chance to return to the top of the table and apply crucial pressure to their city rivals.
But it all went catastrophically wrong for Inter and their reserve goalkeeper Ionut Radu. Ivan Perisic gave the reigning champions the lead with a well-struck 20-yard drive, but then former Stoke City striker Marco Arnautovic levelled for Bologna. And then disaster struck for Inter when Perisic aimed a defensive throw-in at his keeper but Radu air-kicked it to present Bologna striker Nicola Sansone with an open goal.
Sansone gratefully accepted the gift and Bologna took all three points.
The battle between the two Milan clubs continued until the final day but, with just four games to play, this was a body blow that Inter didn’t really recover from.
AC Milan 0-1 Napoli (19th December)
Of all the Serie A 2022 results, this one was maybe the most pivotal.
Napoli’s victory over Milan, in the last fixture of 2021 at the San Siro, came after both teams had made an electric start to the campaign, winning ten of the first 11 league games, but had subsequently fallen off the pace and behind Inter Milan.
Gli Azzurri came into the game on a three-match winless run and they started the day three points behind Milan, but Elif Elmas headed home from a corner with just five minutes on the clock and that proved to be Napoli’s winner. Kessie thought he’d scored an equaliser on 90 minutes but the goal was chalked off as Giroud, on the floor during the build up, was marginally offside.
Napoli moved second and both teams finished the weekend four points behind Inter Milan.
The defeat looked like a serious blow to I Rossoneri’s title hopes, but the sense of injustice at the disallowed goal turned out to be the kick they needed to spark a brilliant second half of the campaign.
Hellas Verona 2-1 Juventus (30th October)
Defeat to Verona Hellas, their second by this scoreline in three seasons, made it back to back defeats for Max Allegri’s Juventus and left the Old Lady languishing in midtable.
It was a fourth defeat of the season for Juventus and, before the end of October, it pretty much meant the end of their Scudetto challenge, though a revival three months later rekindled a faint hope.
Verona striker Giovanni Simeone scored twice in three minutes to put the hosts in charge, and though Weston McKennie halved the deficit with ten minutes remaining, Juventus left empty-handed. The defeat left I Bianconeri down in ninth place and 13 points behind the leaders. But they recovered in the second half of the season, the signing of Dusan Vlahovic sparking a revival and producing a comfortable fourth position.
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Back in the top flight after an absence of 23 years, they managed to hold on at the expense of Cagliari who bowed out after seven successive seasons.
Of course, at both the top and bottom, Serie A highlights meant plenty of surprises and disappointments along the way.
At the start of the season, I tipped Juventus to win back the title they had relinquished to Inter Milan, especially with Max Allegri again at the helm.
The fact Cristiano Ronaldo left one game in hardly helped the Turin giants but the fact they were so far adrift in the final standings – despite an improved second half of the season – suggests even Ronaldo may have been hard pushed to help the class of 2022.
If Juve’s inconsistent form was a surprise for this SBOTOP observer, then so was the identity of the eventual champions.
AC Milan certainly defied many of the Serie A betting odds in what emerged as a straight fight between Milan’s finest.
Could Inter retain the Serie A title against the odds and clinch a league and cup double, something which seemed highly unlikely following key departures last summer, or would Milan dream and win the Scudetto for the first time in over a decade?
Ultimately, it was the latter on the final day as a hat-trick of Rafael Leao assists for Olivier Giroud’s brace and Franck Kessie ensured Milan had their first Serie A title since 2011.
While his Inter compatriot Simone Inzaghi can also be satisfied with his maiden season in charge at the San Siro – runners-up in the league and Coppa Italia winners – the decisive moment came a month ago at Bologna and was a setback from which they could not recover as their city rivals were handed the initiative.
If Milan and Leao were wonderful surprises, there were also genuine disappointments.
It may seem harsh to include Napoli in that category but, while Luciano Spalletti accomplished the primary objective of top four football, there was a ‘what if’ thought that Napoli could have finally had their hands on the Scudetto but for defeats to Empoli (twice), Spezia, and Fiorentina.
Luigi Sepe and Salernitana survived Serie A relegation
The club from the capital certainly didn’t receive the immediate boost it expected when Jose Mourinho replaced Paulo Fonseca last summer and their two draws against Napoli were as good as it got in clashes with the league’s big boys as they lost every other encounter – the home defeat to Juventus a particularly low moment.
On that occasion, they were leading 3-1 with 20 minutes remaining – and seven minutes later were 4-3 down. Their misery was compounded by Lorenzo Pellegrini’s late penalty miss.
However, the club from the Eternal City still have something to build on, coupled with their victory in the inaugural Europa Conference Final.
Other surprises for me were Fiorentina with Vicenzo Italiano’s maiden season in Florence overseeing the elevation from a relegation battle to the top seven, despite losing Dusan Vlahovic mid-season.
While surprised Atalanta encountered their lowest league finish since 2016, I would not class them as disappointing given they have constantly punched above their weight during five years in the limelight.
The final word goes back to Salernitana who pulled off an escape act which seemed unlikely when they had just 11 points at the halfway stage.
Just a few weeks after being sacked from Spurs for justifiably speaking out – and days before their first final in years which he had guided them to – Jose Mourinho wasted little time in returning to football management.
In the meantime, Spurs owner Daniel Levy was made to pay for his folly and has only just regained some credibility with a third boss in 12 months finally securing some respectability in North London (a top four finish and Champions League football next season).
But how did Mourinho fare after the whole episode?
Well, not too bad if you consider everything, given his maiden season back in the Italian top flight – a decade after he was deemed a ‘God’ in Milan for his achievements at Inter – ended in more silverware as his team held off a spirited comeback from Dutch side Feyenoord, who were twice denied by the woodwork, to ensure Mourinho became the first manager to win a European trophy with four different clubs.
Take note of the wise words of experienced UK sports writer Oliver Holt though.
‘It was hard not to feel pleased for him when emotion overcame him in the wake of Roma’s victory over Feyenoord in the final of the Europa Conference League in Tirana last week. Tears come to him readily on the touchline these days.
AS Roma’s Leonardo Spinazzola holding the trophy after winning against Feyenoord at Arena Kombetare
‘What I don’t quite understand is the rush to use the triumph in this particular competition as evidence Mourinho is still the world’s leading manager. It’s bizarre.
‘Roma beat Vitesse Arnhem, Bodo/Glimt and Leicester in a bad year on the way to the final. That’s all. Ten years ago, Mourinho would have been embarrassed by winning the Europa Conference League.’
Every word rings true really.
For the competition, set up this year to grant more clubs access to European football, really is the poor relation of football’s trophies and is anything but prestigious.
It has little kudos and, only if this triumph sparks improvement and tangible success for the club from the capital in the years to come, will it be considered a worthwhile launchpad.
On that occasion, they were leading 3-1 with 20 minutes remaining – and seven minutes later were 4-3 down. Their misery was compounded by Lorenzo Pellegrini’s late penalty miss.
However, the club from the Eternal City now have something to build on and it will be interesting to see where they are placed among the SBOTOP Serie A betting odds when next season arrives.
They were certainly deemed back and ready at the start of this campaign but what followed wasn’t quite what some optimists had hoped.
Indeed, Roma’s entire campaign has been one of inconsistency: never losing more than two matches in a row and, only on two occasions, winning three consecutive games.
The way the season panned out, with Roma’s best league form coming during the period where there was no European football, can justify Mourinho’s claim that, despite spending more than €100 million in the summer, his team lacks depth.
Yet with another summer of spending in that ballpark, expectations will grow for a club which was Champions League regulars throughout the 2000s and 2010s but has now been missing from the competition since 2019.
The biggest credit for Mourinho in a season in which he gained just one more point than his predecessor Paulo Fonseca, was the form of the man he signed from former club Chelsea.
Swapping Stamford Bridge for the Stadio Olimpico, Tammy Abraham’s €40 million transfer made quite the impression as he became the first English player in 30 years to bag more than 10 goals in a single Serie A campaign.
In total, netting 24 goals and five assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, Abraham also elevated his game as a complete all-around striker, going above and beyond to help the Roma cause.
While the club’s recent history of star retention makes it difficult to project how lengthy his tenure will be, there is no denying Abraham’s status as one of the top strikers going in Italy under Mourinho’s supervision.
For the moment then, Roma players and fans will enjoy the summer after securing their first continental title since success in the former Fairs Cup in 1961. The real tests, however, are only just beginning.
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As the curtain draws on the domestic football season, Serie A 2021-22 should be remembered for lots of positive reasons.
Yes, the standard is not currently the stellar offering it once was – and if anyone disputes that then consider the fact that only one Italian side (Atalanta) made the quarter-finals of the two main European competitions (Champions League and Europa League).
Furthermore, last summer saw a number of key departures from the Italian top-flight with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Antonio Conte, Romelu Lukaku, and Gianluigi Donnarumma among those seeking pastures new.
However, putting all that to one side, this was still a campaign which comprised many Serie A 2022 highlights and the fact the standard dropped slightly meant a plateau which led to greater entertainment.
AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after winning the Serie A
And then there was the last day drama to stay up which led to the amazing sight of virtually everyone on the Salernitana bench looking at their phones rather than the contest in front of them as they survived at the expense of Cagliari who bowed out after seven successive seasons.
Speculation has also begun about Angel Di Maria moving to Italy from PSG and a possible Lukaku return, while the newly-crowned champions or Juventus have been linked with River Plate midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Milan will also immediately invest the money made from the offloading Jens-Petter Hauge to Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt by signing Renato Sanches from Lille, according to reports.
And what of Alvaro Morata who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Juve and now seem keen to make the move permanent?
Again, if reports are to be believed, Juventus have seen a bid of €20-M rejected by Atletico Madrid, with the Bianconeri having the option to make the Spain forward’s loan permanent for €35-M but perhaps unwilling to pay quite that much.
We know that Paulo Dybala is leaving Juve once he becomes a free agent on June 30 but chances are he will stay in Italy with Inter CEO Beppe Marotta publicly stating he hopes the talented forward opts for the Nerazzurri.
They appear to be the frontrunners for his signature, although Roma are also interested.
Back to Juventus and, following their first trophyless season since 2011, the ‘Old Lady’ of Italian football are on the lookout for reinforcements with both Pogba and Di Maria among their primary targets.
As soon as this week could be decisive for the signature of both stars, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.
And don’t expect Inter to stand still either given that they have just lost another of their best players in Ivan Perisic – a third signing from Serie A in six months for Spurs now managed by Conte following the recruitment of Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski in January.
All in all, Serie A still has plenty going for it even if it is not what it was – a statement given weight this week when Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis spoke of the need to have a sustainable model for European football.
He is right. When the one-time Arsenal man arrived in the Italian capital, they were soon subject to a ban from European competition for failing UEFA’s financial fair play regulations which limit the losses clubs are allowed to make.
The final word should go to the CEO of the newly-crowned champions.
Gazidis seems in it for the long haul with focus on the building of a new stadium to replace the grand but crumbling San Siro in 2027.
AC Milan won the Scudetto for the first time in 11 years as the campaign went down to the very last weekend in a battle between the two Milan giants, and Inter lost the Serie A crown they had worked so hard to win last season.
The length and breadth of the country saw some breathtaking football from Italy’s finest players, but who were the best of the lot from 1 to 11?
Here is my Serie A Team of the Year, and how many of these stars would make your 11?
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario (Empoli)
With keepers of the quality of Samir Handanovic and Rui Patricio in the league, there was some competition for the number 1 jersey but this SBOTOP writer has Vicario as his standout stopper.
The 25-year-old is at Empoli, on loan from Cagliari, and he put in some brave performances. And at 6’4” he is a fine shot stopper, making 152 saves – 25 more than anyone else.
Ironically, Cagliari ended up in 18th place and so are heading for Serie B, while Empoli finished in a comfortable 14th thanks to the confidence of their on-loan keeper.
Centre-backs: Gleison Bremer (Torino) and Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
At 25 years of age, Torino’s Brazilian centre-back is approaching his prime and he had a phenomenal campaign, making 466 recoveries as the only player in the league to make over 400.
He has plenty of pace and energy, so who would Breison want as a partner? The great Chiellini of course! Now 37 years of age, the old warhorse had another big campaign for Juve, and having won Euro 2020 with the Azzurri, he is soon to bow out as one of the best of all time.
Left-back: Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)
Since joining Milan from Real Madrid in 2019, Hernandez has been one of the standout stars of Serie A.
The French international is one of the world’s best left-backs, brilliant in the tackle and dangerous going forward. He also has plenty of pace and a pinpoint cross, with as good an assists record as many a forward player.
Right-back: David Calabria (AC Milan)
On the other flank, Milan have Calabria and so do I. Like Hernandez, he is strong at the back and exciting when he flies down the flank.
He has played as a defencive midfielder and a left-back, but being naturally right-footed, he has now found his best position.
The Serie A 2022 betting odds backed Inter Milan for much of the campaign. But much like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson make Liverpool a formidable side in the Premier League, Calabria and Hernandez are a brilliant pair for I Rossoneri and they made the difference.
Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne celebrates after scoring against Roma at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium
With an impressive 10 assists, Milinkovic-Savic is pretty much the perfect midfielder as he sits in the top 10 in terms of recoveries too.
The big Serb is as good as a defencive midfielder as he is as the general and, a box-to-box runner, he had the second-highest average distance covered per game at over 11.5km, beaten only by Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic.
Attacking midfielder: Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)
At the start of the campaign, Napoli’s exceptional Serie A 2022 results, winning 10 of the first 11 league matches, gave Insigne a great chance to leave the club he loves as a Scudetto winner. In the end it wasn’t to be, but not for the want of trying as the Napoli skipper scored 11 goals and made eight assists.
Insigne is on his way to Toronto for the 2022/23 campaign and the much-loved player made an emotional farewell at the end of his final game against Genoa, saying: “I gave everything, I have no regrets. The fans have always shown me their affection for me. I will always carry it with me.”
Right wing: Right Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo)
With 15 assists, Sassuolo’s flying winger was the best crosser of the ball in the league and, after impressing at Euro 2022, he has attracted attention from some of Europe’s top clubs.
Sassuolo would love to keep hold of their all time top scorer, but they will have to see off some serious attention.
Left wing:Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan)
The season ended in disappointment for Inter Milan but their tricky winger Calhanoglu can hold his head high as he contributed 13 assists.
The Turkish international is a free-kick specialist and his dribbling, vision, and crossing skills make him one of the most exciting players in Italy.
Strikers: Ciro Immobile (Lazio) and Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
He doesn’t always do the business for the Azzurri, but Immobile is consistently the best striker in Serie A and Lazio fans won’t hear a word said against him. Now 32 years of age, Immobile has just won his fourth Capocannoniere and that surely gives him legendary status in Rome.
At the other end of his career, the Bianconeri’s 22-year-old Serbian hitman Vlahovic pushed Immobile close with 24 goals to the Lazio man’s 27.
Juventus were in something for a mess in the first half of the campaign, losing four league games before the end of October, and the signing of Vlahovic from Fiorentina turned the Old Lady’s season around as she qualified for the Champions League once again.
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Serie A: Is Romelu Lukaku Plotting His Italy Return?
This is going to be an interesting summer for Serie A teams as they prepare for the 2022/23 season in just a few months from now.
With the Scudetto currently residing at Milan, the Rossoneri now have a big target on their backs since they’re favoured highly by the Serie A 2022 odds, which is why it’s a must that they further bolster their squad.
Previous champions Inter Milan and Juventus are also thinking the same thing as they try to reclaim the Italian top-flight crown, while AS Roma now have bigger fish to fry after making history in their win at the Europa Conference League.
As the transfer rumour mill heats up, continue to tune in to SBOTOP as we bring to you the newest Serie A 2022 updates.
Romelu Lukaku pushing for Inter Milan reunion
Romelu Lukaku is the cautionary tale that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and he learned that the hard way after yet another unproductive stint with Chelsea.
The Belgian striker returned to Stamford Bridge last summer at the transfer fee of £97.5-M since he was one of Europe’s best forwards at the time, but he finished the 2021/22 campaign with only 15 goals in 44 games across all competitions for the Blues and was often left out of the starting lineup.
He also drew the ire of Chelsea fans during an unsanctioned interview with Sky Sports on December where he was questioning Thomas Tuchel’s tactics while expressing his desire to return San Siro – where he had his most successful stint of his career by scoring 64 goals in 95 games along with winning a Serie A title.
Given that Chelsea paid an exorbitant amount to get Lukaku, the once cash-strapped Inter Milan are unlikely to buy him back since he’s out of form. The only way that the Belgian gets his wish is if Chelsea and Inter Milan agree on a loan deal.
Inter Milan are currently in the market for a forward and Lukaku can fill their need given his familiarity with the squad. However, they’re also keeping tabs on Paulo Dybala, who’s set to leave Juventus on a free transfer.
The chances of Lukaku returning to Inter Milan seems bleak for now since Chelsea have other priorities as of the moment. Following Todd Boehly’s takeover of the club, the Blues are focused on bringing in defencive reinforcements with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leaving.
AC Milan and AS Roma looking to retool
Along with Inter, AC Milan and AS Roma are two clubs to monitor in the upcoming transfer window, with both teams keen on adding a couple of defencive pieces – whether at the back or in the midfield.
AC Milan are currently eyeing the Lille pair of Sven Botman and Renato Sanches, hoping that they can confirm their arrivals as soon as this weekend.
Sanches is fresh from a decent campaign where he registered two goals and five assists in 25 Ligue 1 matches. Botman, meanwhile, is a sought-after commodity since he’s one of the world’s top young defenders.
Meanwhile, AS Roma have produced a shortlist of midfielders, including Ruben Neves, Leandro Paredes, and Yves Bissouma. They are also reportedly going after another winger at the request of Jose Mourinho – who recently confirmed that he’s staying after he was reportedly being pursued by PSG to be their new coach.
The Giallorossi just lost Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the Nerazzurri when their extension offer was rejected by the Armenian. Moreover, the club has reached an agreement with Nemanja Matic, but the Serbian is approaching the twilight of his career.
Leandro Paredes has already played for AS Roma before moving to France and he has one more year left on his contract with PSG. However, the 27-year-old might be keen on a reunion since he is apparently not in the Parisiens’ long-term plans.
Domenico Berardi is a wanted man
Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi reacts during their Serie A match against AC Milan
After a phenomenal 2021/22 campaign, Domenico Berardi is being coveted by several Serie A teams such as Juventus, AS Roma, Napoli, AC Milan, and Fiorentina.
The Italian forward made 34 appearances last season, scoring goals and dishing out 15 assists, and his current market value is at €41-M. Berardi has two years left on his current contract with Sassuolo.
Juventus are the ones who are pushing the hardest for his signature following Paulo Dybala’s departure, and he is being eyed as an alternative to Angel Di Maria.
Di Maria is set to leave PSG and Juventus were the favourites, but their negotiations have hit a snag when Barcelona stepped into the picture.
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Chelsea’s want-away striker Romelu Lukaku looks set for a return to Inter Milan, but there is still some way to go before the two clubs can finalise a deal they are both happy with.
The Premier Leagueoutfit will want a decent return for the record fee of £97.5m they shelled out last summer, but that is a price I Nerazzurri can’t afford to pay to get their man back. It’s a move both clubs and the player want to happen so, somehow, the money men need to make it work.
Tuchel’s aim must surely be to close the gap between Chelsea and the top two sides in England, Manchester City and Liverpool. He needs to get moving in the market pretty quickly, because on Monday City unveiled their new signing Erling Braut Haaland while Liverpool moved closer to the capture of Benfica hot shot Darwin Nunez. The Premier League 2022 betting odds are more than likely to predict another third place finish for the Blues but Tuchel will be keen to break the mould.
Lukaku’s return to the Bridge was greeted by a fanfare of adulation but the mood quickly turned sour for both player and club. Things picked up in the New Year when Lukaku enjoyed a good run of starts and he earned a place in the FA Cup final team. And he ended the campaign as Chelsea’s top scorer in all competitions, with 15 goals, though only eight came in the Premier League.
The Blues are reported to be happy to loan Lukaku back to the Italian club and that will be music to the ears of Nerazzurri fans. Losing the Scudetto to city rivals AC Milan just a year after winning it in 2021 was hard to take and they looked back fondly to the days when Lukaku was scoring for fun in Serie A. But the suggested loan fee of £20m might be too much for the Italians to pay and they will need to be creative.
Chelsea have recently said goodbye to their best defender, Anton Rudiger, after he refused to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge, and they need to recruit in the centre half position, and that’s where Inter defender Milan Skriniar might smooth the deal. The 27 year old Slovakian has made 172 appearances in four successful seasons at the San Siro with Inter, and is captain of his national team. And he is just the sort of character Tuchel needs in his dressing room among a group of young stars.
Skriniar is a born leader, strong and skilful, and Blues fans will see the likeness to their legendary former skipper John Terry. Chelsea have already reached a verbal agreement to bring Sevilla defender Jules Kounde to the Bridge, but with Andreas Christensen also departing Tuchel needs two replacements, and Skriniar would be a perfect fit as part of a loan swap.
Where else could Chelsea strengthen?
Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic after their Serie A match against Cagliari
While Tuchel is keen to find a strong replacement for Rudiger he’s also looking for reinforcements in midfield and attack, and there are one or two Inter players he might fancy as part of a swap/loan deal for his Belgian striker.
His midfield lynchpin, N’golo Kante, is 31 and in the final year of his contract, as is fellow midfielder Jorginho, so Chelsea need to find at least one replacement, and preferably a younger one. 29 year old Croatian Marcelo Brozovic is renowned to be one of the world’s best defensive midfielders. He’s been at Inter since 2015 and might be tempted by a new challenge. Liverpool and Arsenal have both been watching Brozovic and he is ready made to move straight into a top English side if one of them can make an agreement with the Nerazzurri.
Brozovic could be part of a deal to take Lukaku to Milan, and Tuchel also has his eye on any chance to make improvements to his attacking unit. Apart from the obvious need to replace Lukaku, German striker Timo Werner has struggled to make an impact so far at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea fans would love to see Inter’s Lautaro Martinez make the trip from Milan to West London. Apparently the Blues’ negotiating team has already asked the question. But the 24 tear old Argentine striker struck up a fantastic partnership with Lukaku during the Nerazzurri’s Scudetto season… and that will be something head coach Simone Inzaghi would love to rekindle.
Here at SBOTOP we’ll be watching the Lukaku story as it unfolds; so keep it here for all the latest Premier League and Serie A 2022 news. Things are starting to heat up!
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Sure, 2021/22 was not vintage or even close to the stellar offering it once provided.
However, the fact the standard dropped slightly meant a plateau which led to greater all-around entertainment and Serie A 2022 highlights aplenty.
Now we can look forward to more.
Despite a season in which they finished fourth and ended trophy-less, take a look at the SBOTOP Serie A betting odds for next term and you will see Juventus are already favourites to win back Italian football’s top prize.
Indeed, Inter Milan are second favourites ahead of their city rivals.
Yet both were ahead of Milan in the reckoning last summer too so the defending champions can be forgiven for thinking lightning can strike twice.
The Dutch winger will turn 23 later this week and has also been linked with a trio of English club in Leeds United, Everton, Aston Villa.
Respectfully, though, none of them have the pull right now of Milan, who are reportedly also in negotiations with Brugge for Lang’s teammate Charles De Ketelaere.
With striker Divock Origi coming in on a free transfer, Renato Sanches likely to arrive and Sven Botman also being strongly tipped to move to the Rossoneri, the squad will have more depth, although it would be a blow if captain Alessio Romagnoli departs.
He certainly appears to be on the verge of leaving when, like Kessie, his contract also expires at the end of the month.
Across the city, the one thing that pushed Inter fans to the edge last summer was the departure of the man who had fired them to the 2021 title.
Romelu Lukaku during Chelsea’s Champions League match against Real Madrid
Romelu Lukaku’s sale to Chelsea, hot on the heels of the exit of manager Antonio Conte and just days after it was confirmed Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer was staying at the San Siro, led to protests.
Well guess what, Inter fans? It looks like he is on his way back to the Italian capital.
Chelsea are negotiating for Lukaku to move on loan with the possibility of Denzel Dumfries making a permanent transfer to Stamford Bridge.
The Dutch international right-back scored five goals with seven assists in 45 competitive matches and, while a good player, Inter fans would say farewell if it meant getting their goalscoring idol back.
Of course, the chances of a deal going through will hinge on how much Inter are willing to pay as a loan fee for the 29-year-old and whether they are prepared to pick up a large portion of his weekly salary.
It was to my amazement that Lukaku endured a turbulent season after joining Chelsea 10 months ago but he remains a deadly finisher.
Expect movement on that one in the next week or so.
Another man coming from England is Lukaku’s former team-mate Nemanja Matic who is set to be reunited with Jose Mourinho at Roma, themselves said to be close to signing Mehmet Zeki Çelik from Lille and tabling an offer for Lyon star Houssem Aouar.
The rumours keep coming that Juventus are open to handing Angel Di Maria a one-year deal, while, according to Tuttosport, the Bianconeri could include Merih Demiral as part of the deal to sign Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
It seems Napoli are struggling somewhat given that Matteo Politano has offered his services to Milan with the Italian international unhappy and his agent last week blaming the Partenopei, accusing the club of lacking faith in him.
There is so much speculation but these links seem more concrete than most.
Let us leave the final word, for now, to newly-promoted Serie A side Lecce who are closing on a loan deal for Juventus left-back Gianluca Frabotta and have recruited Assan Ceesay on a free transfer.
The Salentini have just won Serie B title and, back in the top flight for the second time since they were playing in Serie C just five years ago, have announced the arrival of striker Ceesay after his contract with FC Zurich expired.
The 28-year-old centre-forward is a Gambia international with 11 goals in 25 senior caps. A potentially key signing in their bid to beat the drop next term?
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These are exciting times for 2022 Scudetto winners AC Milan. I Rossoneri picked up their 19th title in superb fashion in May and they have new investors and some exciting transfer targets.
Now the money men just need to make it happen.
Having won the Serie A title for the first time in 11 years, Milan fans want to see their club invest, and in the next few weeks the news could be coming in thick and fast with incomings and at least one outgoing.
While city rivals Inter are concentrating on bringing Romelu Lukaku to the club, Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has multiple targets to work on with one nearing completion in Belgian striker Divock Origi.
The former Liverpool man will be the first signing since Redbird Capital Partners took over the San Siro giants, and the next piece of business could be to replace midfield ace Franck Kessie, who is leaving the club after five successful campaigns. His agent is lining up a deal to take him to Barcelona and the Ivory Coast star will leave a big hole in the Rossoneri midfield which needs to be filled.
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The name most closely linked is that of Lille attacking midfielder Renato Sanchez, though that wouldn’t be a like for like replacement. While Kessie is a box-to-box player and great at breaking up play and distributing the ball, the young Portugal star isn’t as strong defencively. But as a creative ball player and a skilful dribbler, he can make things happen for the strikers.
Milan are also monitoring another young attacking midfielder, Club Brugges’ 21-year-old star Charles De Ketelaere. He scored 18 goals and made 10 assists last season and he could fit nicely into the No. 10 role.
In Milan’s defencive group, a long injury to centre-back Simon Kjaer last term stretched Pioli’s resources and, at 33, the Danish rock may find it more difficult to recover.
While he is hopeful of playing his part, Kjaer needs cover and there could be a ready-made replacement in the shape of Sanchez’ Lille teammate, Sven Botman.
The former Ajax youth product has an offer from moneybags Newcastle United who have offered riches to the player and a huge £46-M to his club, but Botman would prefer a move to Milan and is waiting for the Rossoneri to up their offer, though they won’t match the Magpies’ pitch.
Milan’s football directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are skilled negotiators and, quite often, deals aren’t announced until they are pretty much done and dusted so fans can expect the unexpected in the coming weeks.
And one deal is almost there.
Liverpool’s Divock Origi celebrates scoring their third goal vs Everton
Liverpool striker Divock Origi is ready to take a medical at the San Siro after his contract at Anfield expired. The Belgian striker scored 41 goals in 175 appearances for the Reds with many of them from the bench, and he us much loved by head coach Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool fans – not least for his habit of scoring crucial goals in the Mersey derby.
But his chances are limited among a star-studded Anfield attack and he is ready to try his luck in Italy.
Keeping hold of Rafael Leao
The pre-season Serie A 2022 betting odds make it a three-way race for the title between the two Milan clubs and Juventus with Napoli on the fringe.
Here at SBOTOP, we judged the Italian league to be the most exciting over the past two seasons. And in the last campaign, the form of Milan’s Rafael Leao was one big reason for a Rossoneri triumph.
2021/22 was the 23-year-old’s best campaign in the Red and Black as he scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists and Pioli is determined to keep hold of his valuable asset.
Newcastle United have been sniffing around and, of course, have offered to quadruple his wages, but they will need to do more than that to attract players who are ready to grace the Champions League.
Leao has become a megastar in Milan and he is not ready to move, so Milan must do all they can to keep him happy.
New home for Milan?
The big Serie A 2022 news coming out of Milan this month was the takeover of the Rossoneri by Redbird Capital Partners, a US-based investment group. And as well as investing on the pitch, the Americans are planning to build a brand new home for the Milan giants.
Redbird’s Gerry Cardinale said: “A brand of this scale, like AC Milan, should have infrastructure that is indicative of its football prowess and global potential. We’ve had a lot of experience with stadium projects in the US, Milan and Italy deserve a world-class stadium that houses the best entertainment on a global scale.” Milan fans love the San Siro so if they do move to a new stadium, it better be good.
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Serie A: Inter Milan’s Top Transfer Needs for 2022
Inter Milan were unsuccessful in defending their Serie A title as rivals AC Milan claimed their first Scudetto in over a decade.
The Nerazzurri will have to address some needs in Simone Inzaghi’s squad during the summer transfer window if they hope to reclaim their title in the upcoming season. But what are those needs and which players might they target to address them?
SBOTOP takes a closer look at Inter’s top summer transfer needs for the 2022-23 season.
Forward
Inter’s bid to defend their title last season took a major blow as the trio of Antonio Conte, Achraf Hakimi, and Romelu Lukaku all left the club last summer amid financial difficulties.
Inter brought in veteran striker Edin Dzeko on a free transfer from Roma to help fill the massive void left by Lukaku in the side, and all things considered, that move turned out to be a success.
Inter got about as much as they could have hoped from a 36-year-old Dzeko as he got 13 goals with 5 assists. However, the Bosnian faded badly later in the season; he failed to score in the last month and at times ceded his spot as Lautaro Martinez’s starting strike partner to Joaquin Correa.
With Dzeko’s age catching up to him and Correa not quite the calibre of starting forward needed by a legitimate title contender, Inter could certainly use another top striker who can contribute to a title chase from start to finish.
That striker could very well be Lukaku. The latest Serie A 2022 news suggests that Inter are in talks with Chelsea about bringing the big Belgian back on a loan deal.
While he disappointed on his return to the Premier League, returning to Inter and reuniting with Lautaro could very well bring the best out of Lukaku once again. The Belgian enjoyed two of the best seasons of his club career at Inter as he scored 47 Serie A goals and provided 13 assists in 72 appearances.
Aside from Lukaku, Inter have also been strongly linked with Paulo Dybala, who is available on a free transfer after opting not to extend his contract with Juventus.
Romelu Lukaku playing for Chelsea against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge
The 28-year-old Argentine is a supremely talented forward who would be a fine alternative to Lukaku. Although, if the Nerazzurri could land both Lukaku and Dybala, their Serie A 2022 odds of reclaiming the title should get a significant boost.
The Slovakian has been a stalwart in the Nerazzurri’s defence since his arrival from Sampdoria in 2017. He has appeared in 172 out of a possible 190 Serie A matches over the last five years, which is a testament to his durability. He has also provided some much-needed strength and toughness alongside Stefan de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni, which will be tough to replace.
Moreover, primary backups Danilo D’Ambrosio and Andrea Ranocchia are both well into their 30s now, so Inter could certainly do with signing a younger defender to replace the 27-year-old Skriniar if he does leave.
Torino’s Gleison Bremer, 25, and Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic, 24, have both been linked and would both fit the Nerazzurri’s need for a promising young centre-back with the physicality to help fill the significant void left by Skriniar.
Left wing-back
Inter have moved on from Ivan Perisic, who had been their regular left wing-back last season. The 33-year-old Croatian flourished in that role which he first played under Conte, and he had one of the most productive seasons of his career last year with eight goals and seven assists in 35 Serie A games.
But despite Perisic’s departure, that starting left wing-back spot is not that glaring of an issue for Inter as they already bought Perisic’s replacement last winter in Robin Gosens. The German international was arguably the best wing-back in Italy during his time at Atalanta, and after an injury-hit year, he will get his chance to establish himself as a key player at Inter.
Inter also have a few options at left wing-back currently on the squad. Federico Dimarco can fill in from time to time, and right-back Matteo Darmian can also switch over to the left side and do a decent job.
Although, they could still do with adding another option at the position for more depth, especially since the wing-back spots are so crucial to their system.
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Serie A: Home is Where the Heart is For Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku
After enduring tumultuous campaigns in the Premier League, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku are going back to Italy for the 2022-23 season.
It is here in Serie A where both were at their finest, as Romelu Lukaku was the central figure for Inter Milan’s Scudetto win in 2021 while Paul Pogba won four consecutive Scudettos for Juventus since his first arrival in 2012.
Both have something to prove as they’ll move back to their respective homes, which should bring excitement to their fans since they’ll look to make new memories together.
Elsewhere, Napoli’s Serie A 2022 odds for the title next season are in jeopardy since they haven’t reinforced their squad so far this transfer window and they might lose a couple more key players.
Continue to read on below as we round up the latest Serie A 2022 updates.
Deja vu for Paul Pogba and Juventus
Paul Pogba will join Juventus for the second time in a decade, making him the Bianconeri’s first official signing this summer.
Six years ago, the Frenchman left Turin for Manchester United for a then-world record fee of £93.2-M, but his second spell with the Red Devils was quite underwhelming considering his first few seasons with them.
Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring a goal during Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus in 2016
Immediately upon his arrival in 2016, Pogba added quality to United’s midfield and he helped them win the Carabao Cup and the UEFA Europa League in his debut season. The Europa League triumph under Jose Mourinho was the Red Devils’ last trophy and they’ve yet to win silverware ever since.
But since then, Pogba has had a falling out with Mourinho and injuries have ruined his form over these last few years. And what made his struggles at the club more infuriating for United fans was that it was the opposite when he played for Les Bleus, playing a vital role in their World Cup triumph in 2018.
Manchester United decided earlier this month that they will no longer give the midfielder an extension, meaning that they’ll lose him again on a free.
In the aftermath of his departure, Pogba’s “Pogmentary” revealed his scathing comments about his time with the Red Devils which didn’t go down well with the supporters.
In the said documentary, Pogba lamented that United’s offer of £300,000-a-week was “nothing”, which is absurd since it’s an exorbitant amount in itself.
Safe to say that his relationship with United fans is now at a point of no return.
Inter Milan have a striker surplus with Romelu Lukaku’s arrival
It has only been one season since the Belgian striker rejoined the Blues, but he didn’t have a great campaign in London with 15 goals and two assists in 44 matches across all competitions.
In stark contrast, Lukaku had 64 goals and 16 assists in 95 appearances during his time with Inter Milan.
After losing out to city rivals AC Milan in the Serie A title race last season, Inter Milan are hopeful that Lukaku’s return would push them back to the top since he was so good in a Nerazzurri shirt.
Prior to Lukaku’s confirmation, Inter Milan were looking at Paulo Dybala, who left Juventus this summer on a free.
As of the moment, the Nerazzurri are loaded up front with Romelu Lukaku, Joaquin Correa, Lautaro Martinez, Edin Dzeko, and Alexis Sanchez, leaving no room for a potential Dybala arrival.
More players leaving Napoli?
Kalidou Koulibaly’s current contract with the club is running out at the end of next season and he’s being courted by several teams in Europe – namely Chelsea, Juventus, and Barcelona.
Chelsea are a little light at centre-half following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen so getting the Napoli captain would be ideal for them, and the same can be said for Barcelona and Juventus.
Despite speculation about his future, Koulibaly loves playing for Napoli and he believes that they can still vie for silverware next season even if there’ll be “a few changes” in the horizon.
Another Napoli player hot in the transfer rumours is Fabian Ruiz, who is linked with Arsenal and Newcastle since his current contract is also expiring at the end of next summer. Napoli have reportedly lowered the asking price for the attacking midfielder at €30-M.
Napoli have already lost Lorenzo Insigne to Toronto FC so they must make certain additions this summer if they plan on staying competitive ahead of next term.
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Serie A: 2022/23 Fixtures Reveal a Tough Start for Champions
The new season of Serie A is coming into view, and it started to look real after the full set of fixtures was announced on Friday 24th June.
The campaign is starting early and ending late, in June 2023, as it will be interrupted for a whole month to make way for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar. And there’s a tasty start for 2022 Scudetto winners AC Milan as they host Udinese on the opening day on 14th August.
Fans won’t have to wait long for the Milan Derby which is the match of Round Five on September 4th and then, two weeks later on September 18th Napoli are the visitors to the San Siro to face the champions. And it doesn’t get any easier for Stefano Pioli’s team when Juventus head to Milan for the first match in October.
They started the 2021/22 campaign in blistering form and if I Rossoneri are top of the league after nine games this time around…they might fancy their chances of back-to-back Scudetto’s. The early Serie A 2022 betting odds are backing a three-way race between the two Milan clubs and Juventus, and in a league which has been the tightest in Europe over the past two campaigns, we can expect plenty of twists, turns and drama.
Keep watching out for all the latest Serie A 2022 news, highlights and results here at SBOTOP as the action begins.
Milan will hope to make it to the second game unscathed and with three points in the bag after hosting Udinese who finished 12th last season. Anything other than a home win will put I Rossoneri under some serious early pressure as they visit Bergamo to take on Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta.
La Dea is a free scoring team but they underperformed last term, finishing eighth and outside the European places. Colombian strike duo Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata are both 31 years of age and so have a couple more campaigns at the very highest level, and attacking midfielder Mario Pasalic had an impressive campaign last year.
This is a real test for the champions.
Juventus vs Roma (28th)
The Old Lady welcomes Jose Mourinho’s Roma to Turin on the third round of the new campaign; and the former Manchester United boss is likely to come face to face with one of his former Old Trafford players if, as expected, Paul Pogba completes his return to Juventus. The French midfielder had his best years with I Bianconeri but has left the Red Devils after an underwhelming six years, including a stint under Mourinho. The head coach and his most troublesome player had a rather public spat which ultimately led to the boss leaving. Though many United fans may now wish it had been the player to exit the club.
Pogba is an enigma and can be unplayable on his day; and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get back to his best in a place which brings happier memories, though the cunning Mourinho will do all he can to wreck the Old Lady’s day.
Lazio vs Inter Milan (28th)
Ciro Immobile will meet his old boss when Lazio face Simone Inzaghi’s Inter
Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan finished second last season and he’ll be determined to go one step further in his second campaign, having inherited the 2021 Scudetto winners from Antonio Conte. On 28th August he comes up against the team he successfully managed for five campaigns, until his switch to Milan, and he’ll meet his former striker and four times Capocannoniere winner Ciro Immobile.
Inter will hope to have the deal to bring Romelu Lukaku back finalised soon and the Belgian striker will link up again with Lautaro Martinez.
After two seasons in Serie B Lecce have bounced back as champions, and they have a peach of an opener when they welcome Inter Milan to the Stadio Via del Mare. Massimilano Alvini will be taking his first game in charge of Cremonese after Fabio Pecchia resigned, despite leading them to second place. And he takes the new boys to Florence to face Fiorentina who finished seventh last term.
Monza made it to the top flight for the first time in their history after finishing fourth and winning the play-offs, and they have been rewarded with a home fixture against Torino.
First Round of Fixtures in full
Sunday 14th August
AC Milan vs Udinese
Fiorentina vs Cremonese
Juventus vs Sassuolo
Lazio vs Bologna
Lecce vs Inter Milan
Monza vs Torino
Salernitana vs Roma
Sampdoria vs Atalanta
Spezia vs Empoli
Hellas Verona vs Napoli
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La Liga: Barca Finances Threaten to Cause Transfer Hotch-Potch
One of Serie A’s most famous faces is on the move this summer as Paulo Dybala’s seven-year stay at Juventus is set to come to an end..
The striker is on his way out of Turin and looked like he was on the way to Inter Milan, but this week AC Milan have emerged at the front of the race to sign the Argentine star. I Rossoneri are reported to have made an new offer to Dybala as Inter’s progress has stalled and Milan director Paulo Maldini is a big fan of the Juve man.
The free agent is looking for a big payout and Inter offered him a €6-M contract which Dybala is yet to accept. And in recent days, Milan have made a counter offer.
But there is a long way to go as Dybala’s agent is working hard to get the best deal for his man, also offering him to Roma.
Meanwhile, in Spain, Real Madrid are reported to be weighing up a move for the Argentine as they look to strengthen their forward line after missing out on PSG star Kylian Mbappe.
Champions Milan have a tough start to the 2022/23 campaign and they will be keen to get this deal done. At 28 years of age, Dybala would be the ideal man to bring fresh legs to I Rossoneri’s front line which includes the 35-year-old Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now 40.
Milan are also in pursuit of Chelsea wide-man Hakim Ziyech after it became clear that the Moroccan’s chances at Stamford Bridge have become limited under Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea have a good supply of attacking midfielders and are also looking to sign Manchester City star Raheem Sterling during the summer transfer window.
Milan are looking at a loan deal with an option to buy, and if they can get near to Ziyech’s €6.5-M salary at Chelsea, then this move could happen soon.
The pre-season Serie A 2022 betting odds predict a tough task for Milan who are in search of a second successive Scudetto, but the services of Ziyech and Dybala would do I Rossoneri no harm at all.
Serie A defenders on Chelsea shortlist
The return of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan was greeted by near hysteria when supporters met him as he arrived to complete his medical on Wednesday. A sea of cheering and flag-waving fans was there to let the Belgian star how much the club missed him last year.
And now that Chelsea have done Inter a big favour, they may be looking for one in return.
The €8-M loan deal agreed for the Lukaku move has put the Blues in pole position to sign Nerazzurri centre-back Milan Skriniar as Tuchel looks to replace his departed defenders Anton Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. Paris Saint-Germain are said to be interested in the Slovakian, but negotiators at Chelsea hope that Inter will smooth the path for them.
Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring during Inter Milan’s Serie A match against Udinese
In the meantime, the London club has added Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly to its wanted list. The 31-year-old Senegal star is ready-made for the Premier League as a ball-playing centre-back who is tough and uncompromising – just the type Chelsea fans have become used to.
The third Serie A defender in Chelsea’s sights is Juventus’ unsettled central defender Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutchman’s talks with the Old Lady have broken down and Chelsea are monitoring the situation closely. If Juventus lose De Ligt, they might well turn their attention to Koulibaly.
Play-off could decide the 2023 Scudetto
In other Serie A 2022 news, there is a change in how the 2022/23 Scudetto could be decided as the Italian Soccer Federation has announced that the title will be decided by a play-off if the top two teams finish with the same number of points.
Serie A clubs have approved the change which could have resulted in a play-off between the two Milan clubs last term had I Rossoneri failed to beat Sassuolo on the final day of the campaign.
Previously, the head-to-head record was used as the decider if the points were level. In the event, Milan would have won the title had they drawn with Sassuolo as they had won the season’s head-to-head against Inter Milan, but next season things could be different.
Head-to-heads will still be the decider anywhere else in the table, but the Scudetto might be decided by a play-off with no extra time and the ultimately nail-biting penalty shootout if the scores are level after 90 minutes.
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Serie A: Juve Need to Seal the Deals on Transfer Targets After Big Departures
Despite a season in which they finished fourth in the Serie A table and ended trophy less, take a look at the SBOTOP Serie A 2022 betting odds for next term and you will see Juventus are already favourites to win back Italian football’s top prize.
It should be remembered that Juve were favourites before a ball was kicked last summer too and had a stronger squad then they currently have 12 months on.
So to progress, they will need to make quite a number of improvements of which manager Max Allegri will be acutely aware.
While the transfer market is now open for two months, the “Old Lady” of Turin will be keen to get the majority of their business wrapped up before they entertain Sassuolo in their Serie A opener on August 15.
Even before strengthening, there is the task of replacing key men at both ends of the pitch after the club confirmed the departures of Paulo Dybala, Federico Bernardeschi, Giorgio Chiellini, and Alvaro Morata.
The latter arrived in Turin as a young, talented promise, and now he bids Juve farewell, taking with him a wealth of experience that have made him the champion he is now.
Then there’s Chiellini who is ready to start his new adventure in America, signing an 18-month deal for MLS side Los Angeles FC.
The 37-year-old Italian centre-back couldn’t go on forever but he will be a big miss – in fact, his departure makes it seem odd that the club is reportedly preparing to listen to offers for his potential heir to the throne in Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch international is reportedly Chelsea’s primary defencive transfer target and the Premier League side have been given fresh hope of signing him.
Perhaps anticipating it will be hard to keep de Ligt, the club has been linked to a number of central defenders, most notably PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe.
A 2018 France World Cup winner, Kimpembe scored two goals in 41 appearances with the Ligue 1 giants last season and his contract at the Stade des Princes runs out in June 2024.
The club has also been linked with Serie A stars Gleison Bremer (Torino), Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), and Arsenal’s Gabriel.
According to Tuttosport, the Bianconeri could include Merih Demiral as part of the deal to sign Koulibaly.
Up front, like Dybala, Morata is a big loss as he returns to Atletico Madrid where his contract expires next summer. Juventus had an option to make his move permanent for €35-M but decided against activating it after paying €20-M for his two-year loan.
Argentina’s Angel Di Maria celebrates scoring their second goal during the Finalissima against Italy
You could salivate imagining Serie A 2022 highlights when Federico Chiesa will return from his knee injury in October and could form a front-three with the Italy international, El Fideo and Dusan Vlahovic.
Di Maria will likely provide the assists Vlahovic is desperate for. Juventus only scored 57 goals in Serie A last season, the worst record in the top nine where Verona, Fiorentina, and Atalanta found the net more frequently.
The Argentine can cover multiple roles in attack, be deployed on both flanks or even behind a centre forward and, unlike in England where he failed to settle, is probably well suited to the slightly slower pace of the Italian league.
Likewise, midfielder Paul Pogba’s return to Turin is expected to be confirmed any day now, having already undergone part of his medical with the Serie A giants.
A return to the black and white shirt six years after leaving for Old Trafford, he will provide much-needed experience to their midfield and add physical strength and an eye for goal that Allegri is desperate for.
Pogba has had highs and lows at Old Trafford where he managed to win the Europa League under José Mourinho. He also became World Cup champion with France in 2018.
They may have plenty of work to do but if Juventus can secure all their transfer targets then a title tilt in 2022-23 is a very distinct possibility. They have much to do now though as we enter July.
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Of all the Serie A departures this summer, the most emotional farewell was in Naples, where Lorenzo Insigne said goodbye to the club he loves and that adores him.
But all good things come to an end and, after 12 seasons at his hometown team where he scored 96 goals in 337 league games, Insigne has headed for new pastures in the MLS with Toronto. Gli Azzurri wanted to keep their talisman but could only offer the 31-year-old a reduced wage which prompted his decision to head to Canada.
“A new adventure begins, both for me and my family,” he said. “It’s the first time we’ve moved away from Naples. The President spoke highly of this splendid city. I am proud to be here and can’t wait to meet the coach, my teammates and the fans.”
The Azzurri star is already sadly missed at the Stadio Diego Maradona and head coach Luciano Spalletti has made finding a replacement his top priority.
Napoli’s top four rivals are all working hard in the market. Juventus need to invest with the impending departures of Paulo Dybala, Federico Bernardeschi, Giorgio Chiellini, and Alvaro Morata leaving gaps in their squad.
And the Milan clubs are busy too.
2022 Scudetto winners AC Milan are hoping to wrap up a deal to bring Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech to San Siro, while Inter have already welcomed Romelu Lukaku back to the club. And another impending transfer in Milan may open an opportunity for Spalletti to find a replacement for Insigne.
Joaquin Correa during Inter Milan’s match against Sampdoria at San Siro Stadium
Paulo Dybala’s potential move from Turin to Milan might have a knock on effect as it could mean I Nerazzurri may be happy to offload their Argentine forward Joaquin Correa just 12 months after he arrived at the club. In four seasons at Lazio, Correa scored 22 goals in 92 games and he bagged six in 26 for Inter last term.
He could be the perfect replacement for Insigne, usually playing in a deep-lying forward role or as a supporting striker. His ball control, pace, and agility means he can also play out wide and, at a price of around €25-M, he could be the man for Spalletti.
The boss is looking for someone to play alongside Victor Osimhen and Hirving Lozano and he will want to get his business done a soon as possible.
The pre-season Serie A 2022 betting odds here at SBOTOP pitch Napoli as fourth favourites for the 2023 Scudetto, and this is a gap the head coach needs to fill if his side is to mount a serious challenge.
If Dybala’s move to Inter is confirmed, then Correa may well make room for his compatriot and head south to Naples. As an Argentina international, he would be instantly loved by the fans who idolise the late genius Diego Maradona.
Napoli have already announced the signing of a winger. Georgian star Kvicha Kvaratskhelia has signed on a permanent transfer from Dinamo Batumi, where he played after leaving Russian side Rubin in April. The 21-year-old has a promising future and will start the season as a squad player.
While Spalletti is working hard to bring in reinforcements, particularly in attack, he needs to keep a close eye on the exit door too as the wealthy clubs of Europe are keeping tabs on Napoli’s biggest stars.
Most of the attention is coming from the Premier League where both Arsenal and Newcastle are reported to be interested in a move for Osimhen, who scored 18 goals in 32 appearances last term despite a long lay-off with a facial injury.
The Magpies went after the Nigerian star in January and are back again. But the Italian press has reported that Osimhen doesn’t fancy a move to either club as he wants to play Champions League football, which he already has at Napoli.
But money is no object for Newcastle, and their owners will be keen to make a marquee signing; so Spalletti will hope that Osimhen stays firm.
In other Serie A 2022 news and at the other end of the Napoli pitch, all eyes are on Kalidou Koulibaly, who has emerged as a main target for Chelsea who are still looking to replace the departed Antonio Rudiger.
Last season, Napoli conceded the equal fewest goals in Serie A, 31 in 38 league games and Koulibaly is the rock at the heart of Gli Azzurri’s defence. He also presents a threat going forward, making three assists and scoring three goals last term from 27 appearances. The Senegalese star is entering the last year of his contract in Naples so this is a dangerous time for the club.
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Between 2012 and 2020 Juventus had a stranglehold on the Serie A title, winning nine on the bounce… and then the unthinkable happened.
Inter Milan won the 2021 Scudetto and then, in a mighty battle with their city rivals, I Nerazzurri succumbed to 2022 champions AC Milan while the Old Lady looked on. The Serie A 2022 betting odds say we are set for another battle between this big three and I’d say Max Allegri’s Juventus is the team to beat.
Going into the season the odds have I Bianconeri neck and neck with Inter and, following a strong showing in the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, Allegri’s men have a steely confidence. The signing of Serbian scoring sensation Dusan Vlahovic, in the January transfer window, transformed the team. Following his switch from Fiorentina the 6ft 3in 22 year old gave Juventus a menace in attack they had been sadly missing, and he finished with 24 goals, second only to Lazio’s Ciro Immobile in the race for the Capocanonniere.
Vlahovic bagged seven in 15 appearances for Juve and when he has a full season under his belt we’ll see whether he is to become a scoring legend in Turin. The Serb is sure to make some spectacular Serie A 2022 highlights, that’s for sure.
In defence, the future of Matthijs de Ligt is still to be confirmed and Allegri will be keen to tie the Dutch defender into a longer contract.
AC Milan star Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring a goal during a Serie A match against Napoli
Up in Milan the Red half of the city is still celebrating after I Rossoneri won a first title in over a decade as Olivier Giroud scored twice against Sassuolo in a 3-0 final day win. The takeover of the club by Redbird Capital Partners has prompted a new wave of optimism among fans who believe they can win back-to-back Scudettos. The US based investment firm, which also has a stake in Liverpool, acquired a majority shareholding of Milan in June and head coach Stefani Pioli has since been setting about putting his squad together for the new season.
Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech has been strongly linked with a move to the San Siro and I Rossoneri have just tabled a 25m Euro bid for Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio. But as well as getting new bodies in for the upcoming campaign, Pioli’s priority is to keep hold of attacking midfielder Rafael Leao who had an outstanding campaign last term.
Inter Milan are the marginal SBOTOP favourites to win the 2022/23 Scudetto and head coach Simone Inzaghi has moved to bring Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku back to the club, after he suffered a disappointing 12 months at Chelsea. The Premier League club has loaned the striker back to the team he helped fire to the 2021 Scudetto, thanks to a prolific partnership he struck up with Argentine hitman Lautaro Martinez. And rumours are circulating that Paulo Dybala could be on his way from Juventus to add more depth to the attacking group.
Elsewhere in the team, I Nerazzurri have Italy midfield ace Nicola Barella who can play wide on the right or through the middle, in a more advanced position than Marcelo Brozovic. And these two make one of the most formidable midfield partnerships in the league.
Dark Horses
It looks like a three horse race for the title and a shootout which will involve Juventus, but there are three more teams who will fight for a Champions League spot, and have one eye on the Scudetto.
Napoli
I Partenopei finished third last season and were in the title hunt for much of the campaign, having matched Milan stride for stride in the first three months before having a mid season blip. Napoli begin life without Lorenzo Insigne and head coach Luciano Spalletti is looking to strengthen, and he too is in the race to sign Dybala; but Napoli’s attacking hopes rest on the shoulders of the powerful Victor Osimhen who is a Capocannoniere candidate.
Jose Mourinho led Roma to a sixth placed finish last season and he will be looking for a big improvement this time around. He’s a born winner and a master tactician, and Mourinho will hope his players, led by the excellent Lorenzo Pellegrini, can match his ruthless streak and rough up the favourites. Mourinho has brought in former Manchester United defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic and that could turn out to be a shrewd signing.
Atalanta
La Dea have been the most attacking side in European football for a number of seasons and experienced strikers Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata will be on the prowl for goals again in this campaign. An eighth placed finish means a season without European football for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side and that could work in their favour.
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Of all the Serie A departures this summer, the most emotional farewell was in Naples, where Lorenzo Insigne said goodbye to the club he loves and that adores him.
But all good things come to an end and, after 12 seasons at his hometown team where he scored 96 goals in 337 league games, Insigne has headed for new pastures in the MLS with Toronto. Gli Azzurri wanted to keep their talisman but could only offer the 31-year-old a reduced wage which prompted his decision to head to Canada.
“A new adventure begins, both for me and my family,” he said. “It’s the first time we’ve moved away from Naples. The President spoke highly of this splendid city. I am proud to be here and can’t wait to meet the coach, my teammates and the fans.”
The Azzurri star is already sadly missed at the Stadio Diego Maradona and head coach Luciano Spalletti has made finding a replacement his top priority.
Napoli’s top four rivals are all working hard in the market. Juventus need to invest with the impending departures of Paulo Dybala, Federico Bernardeschi, Giorgio Chiellini, and Alvaro Morata leaving gaps in their squad.
And the Milan clubs are busy too.
2022 Scudetto winners AC Milan are hoping to wrap up a deal to bring Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech to San Siro, while Inter have already welcomed Romelu Lukaku back to the club. And another impending transfer in Milan may open an opportunity for Spalletti to find a replacement for Insigne.
Joaquin Correa during Inter Milan’s match against Sampdoria at San Siro Stadium
Paulo Dybala’s potential move from Turin to Milan might have a knock on effect as it could mean I Nerazzurri may be happy to offload their Argentine forward Joaquin Correa just 12 months after he arrived at the club. In four seasons at Lazio, Correa scored 22 goals in 92 games and he bagged six in 26 for Inter last term.
He could be the perfect replacement for Insigne, usually playing in a deep-lying forward role or as a supporting striker. His ball control, pace, and agility means he can also play out wide and, at a price of around €25-M, he could be the man for Spalletti.
The boss is looking for someone to play alongside Victor Osimhen and Hirving Lozano and he will want to get his business done a soon as possible.
The pre-season Serie A 2022 betting odds here at SBOTOP pitch Napoli as fourth favourites for the 2023 Scudetto, and this is a gap the head coach needs to fill if his side is to mount a serious challenge.
If Dybala’s move to Inter is confirmed, then Correa may well make room for his compatriot and head south to Naples. As an Argentina international, he would be instantly loved by the fans who idolise the late genius Diego Maradona.
Napoli have already announced the signing of a winger. Georgian star Kvicha Kvaratskhelia has signed on a permanent transfer from Dinamo Batumi, where he played after leaving Russian side Rubin in April. The 21-year-old has a promising future and will start the season as a squad player.
While Spalletti is working hard to bring in reinforcements, particularly in attack, he needs to keep a close eye on the exit door too as the wealthy clubs of Europe are keeping tabs on Napoli’s biggest stars.
Most of the attention is coming from the Premier League where both Arsenal and Newcastle are reported to be interested in a move for Osimhen, who scored 18 goals in 32 appearances last term despite a long lay-off with a facial injury.
The Magpies went after the Nigerian star in January and are back again. But the Italian press has reported that Osimhen doesn’t fancy a move to either club as he wants to play Champions League football, which he already has at Napoli.
But money is no object for Newcastle, and their owners will be keen to make a marquee signing; so Spalletti will hope that Osimhen stays firm.
In other Serie A 2022 news and at the other end of the Napoli pitch, all eyes are on Kalidou Koulibaly, who has emerged as a main target for Chelsea who are still looking to replace the departed Antonio Rudiger.
Last season, Napoli conceded the equal fewest goals in Serie A, 31 in 38 league games and Koulibaly is the rock at the heart of Gli Azzurri’s defence. He also presents a threat going forward, making three assists and scoring three goals last term from 27 appearances. The Senegalese star is entering the last year of his contract in Naples so this is a dangerous time for the club.
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Serie A: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Puts Retirement Plans on Hold
We are going to get more Zlatan Ibrahimovic since he has signed a fresh one-year deal to stay at AC Milan, who he helped end their 11-year wait for the Serie A title last term.
The Sweden international, 40, reportedly took a paycut to shun retirement which helps the Rossoneri financial-wise as they continue to pursue reinforcements this summer ahead of their title defence.
Elsewhere, middling clubs Sassuolo and Torino have been active sellers in the transfer market as they’re aiming to cash in from their homegrown stars, while Juventus continue to retool their roster to further strengthen their Serie A 2022 odds.
Continue to read on below as SBOTOP brings to you the newest Serie A 2022 updates.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the mend, but AC Milan to bring in backups
Despite his injury woes, AC Milan were eager to retain Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s services as coach Stefano Pioli sees him as an important presence in the dressing room.
After all, the Swede remains a box office draw as he managed to rack up eight league goals in 23 appearances – making him the third leading scorer behind Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud.
But AC Milan supporters would have to wait for him to be back on the field since he faces up to eight months out as he recently undergone surgery on his knee which has bothered him all season long.
Realising this, AC Milan have prioritised adding more firepower up front and that’s what they’ve did thus far.
Paulo Dybala remains their ideal target following his departure at Juventus, but they’ll be in a bidding war against city rivals Inter.
Amid the tug of war for Dybala, I Rossoneri have added Divock Origi from Liverpool on a free and they’ve recently held talks with Club Brugge for 21-year-old Charles De Keteleare and Hakim Ziyech, following an underwhelming campaign with Chelsea last term where he only notched four goals.
I Rossoneri are willing to acquire Ziyech via loan with an obligation to buy for around €30-M, while Club Brugge are demanding a similar amount for De Keteleare.
Sassuolo and Torino’s aces likely to move elsewhere
Torino’s Andrea Belotti has left the club following the end of his contract
Several reports claim that Sassuolo have decided to sell at least two of their gems this summer, while Andrea Belotti is looking for a new challenge in his professional career.
I Neroverdi have held talks with various clubs for Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Frattesi, and Domenico Berardi – three of their standouts last term after combining for 35 goals and 17 assists.
Scamacca is one of PSG’s top targets, but Sassuolo are demanding at least €50-M for the tall striker. Should the Parisiens agree, Scamacca will join the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe to form a potent attacking unit under new manager Christophe Galtier.
Meanwhile, Davide Frattesi and Domenico Berardi are both in AS Roma’s list as they’re preparing on the possibility of losing Nicolo Zaniolo this summer.
AS Roma are offering €20-M for Frattesi despite the €25-M price tag set by Sassuolo initially, although there’s growing optimism that the two clubs will meet halfway.
As for Berardi, he recently said that he is ready to leave Sassuolo after 11 years, and he’s also being eyed by Juventus and AC Milan. The highly-covered 27-year-old is valued at around €41-M and has two years left on his current contract with Sassuolo.
Andrea Belotti, on the other hand, confirmed that he’ll leave Torino after having spent seven years there.
He joined Torino from Palermo for €7.5-M in August 2015 and he has scored 113 goals in 251 matches during his stay. Last season, he only scored eight in 23 games in an injury-riddled campaign.
Various clubs from Serie A and Premier League are reportedly on the lookout, such as AS Roma, Newcastle, Everton, and West Ham United.
Juventus forced to make a tough decision on wantaway star
Matthijs de Ligt has informed Juventus that he wants to be sold after their extension talks have broken down. The Dutch centre-back is under contract until 2024 and I Bianconeri were looking to extend his current deal to 2026.
Juve were unwilling to increase his wages and they wanted to add a release clause of £98-M should other clubs plan to get him.de Ligt apparently wants his release clause to be at a lower price at £68-M.
Should de Ligt gets his wish to leave, he’ll have plenty of options since he’s one of the best young defenders in the market. He is currently being linked to Chelsea, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.
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There have already been a host of high-profile transfers in Serie A, with big names like Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba, and Angel Di Maria coming into the league this summer window.
However, the future of one Paulo Dybala is yet to be resolved. The Argentine forward – who is available for a free transfer after failing to come to an agreement with Juventus – has been linked with many of the top clubs in Italy, and more recently, Manchester United.
But with Erik ten Hag’s preference for a 4-3-3 formation and Dybala’s incompatibility in that formation, it does not seem like a realistic fit. Therefore, it appears that Dybala’s most likely landing spot is still somewhere in Italy. But on which club will he land?
Read on below as SBOTOP shares our picks for the three most realistic Paulo Dybala destinations.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan have been the club most strongly linked with Dybala this summer. However, the Nerazzurri’s interest in the Argentine has seemingly cooled amid their reacquisition of Romelu Lukaku. And Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta’s recent comments about the club already completing their attack puts more doubt on a potential Dybala deal.
The big downside of Dybala moving to Inter is that he would not be a regular starter with Lukaku back to partner Lautaro Martinez. That is, unless Simone Inzaghi were to tweak his system and play with a 3-4-1-2, with Dybala playing in behind the two strikers.
But even if Dybala doesn’t have a regular starting spot, a move to Inter still makes a lot of sense for him. He excels more as a No. 10 or as part of a front two, which Inter play. And the Nerazzurri also still need a reliable third striker behind Lukaku and Lautaro, especially with Edin Dzeko’s age and Alexis Sanchez’s potential departure.
Despite Inter’s declining interest, Dybala reportedly still prefers a move to the Nerazzurri, so there remains a decent chance that the two sides can work out a deal.
AC Milan
If the Inter move doesn’t work out, then the red side of Milan could potentially be an option for Dybala.
The reigning Serie A champions have signed Divock Origi from Liverpool to help strengthen their ageing forward line, but they need a bit more reinforcements in attack if they are to successfully defend their title.
While Rafael Leao had a breakout season with 11 goals and 8 assists, it would be foolish to rely on Origi and Olivier Giroud to consistently score goals, much less the now 40-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli celebrates after winning the 2021-2022 Serie A title
Stefano Pioli plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, which would be perfectly suited to Dybala’s skill set as a classic trequartista. He would be a significant upgrade over Brahim Diaz, who had only 3 goals and 3 assists in 31 appearances while primarily playing in that No. 10 position for most of last season, and Rade Krunic.
Milan have not been reported to be a serious player for Dybala, but with the promise of Champions League football as well as a chance to be the true focal point of a title contender, Dybala would be foolish not to at least consider a move to red half of Milan.
At the same time, the Rossoneri would be foolish not to consider signing the Argentine, who should help boost the Rossoneri’s Serie A 2022 odds of retaining their Scudetto.
AS Roma
Roma are another club that have been thrown into the Dybala sweepstakes, with Jose Mourinho reportedly keen to bring the Argentine to the capital.
Roma are quite well-stocked with attacking midfield options at the moment, with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolo Zaniolo, Eldor Shomurodov, Stephan El Shaarawy as well as youngster Felix Afena-Gyan. But with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving to Inter and Juventus reportedly set to launch a bid for Zaniolo, there could be a big vacancy at that position in the near future.
Mourinho settled on a 3-4-2-1 formation for most of his first season at Roma, so Dybala could fit in nicely as one of the two attacking midfielders behind Tammy Abraham and produce a good amount of Serie A 2022 highlights.
Moreover, Roma have more financial muscle to meet Dybala’s salary demands than Napoli, another club who have also been linked with Dybala but may not have the ability to make a deal work.
As things stand, Roma are likely to be a step below the Milan clubs in Dybala’s hierarchy of preferred destinations. But as far as backup options go, the Giallorossi are perhaps as good as it’s going to get for Dybala.
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There have already been a host of high-profile transfers in Serie A, with big names like Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba, and Angel Di Maria coming into the league this summer window.
However, the future of one Paulo Dybala is yet to be resolved. The Argentine forward – who is available for a free transfer after failing to come to an agreement with Juventus – has been linked with many of the top clubs in Italy, and more recently, Manchester United.
But with Erik ten Hag’s preference for a 4-3-3 formation and Dybala’s incompatibility in that formation, it does not seem like a realistic fit. Therefore, it appears that Dybala’s most likely landing spot is still somewhere in Italy. But on which club will he land?
Read on below as SBOTOP shares our picks for the three most realistic Paulo Dybala destinations.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan have been the club most strongly linked with Dybala this summer. However, the Nerazzurri’s interest in the Argentine has seemingly cooled amid their reacquisition of Romelu Lukaku. And Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta’s recent comments about the club already completing their attack puts more doubt on a potential Dybala deal.
The big downside of Dybala moving to Inter is that he would not be a regular starter with Lukaku back to partner Lautaro Martinez. That is, unless Simone Inzaghi were to tweak his system and play with a 3-4-1-2, with Dybala playing in behind the two strikers.
But even if Dybala doesn’t have a regular starting spot, a move to Inter still makes a lot of sense for him. He excels more as a No. 10 or as part of a front two, which Inter play. And the Nerazzurri also still need a reliable third striker behind Lukaku and Lautaro, especially with Edin Dzeko’s age and Alexis Sanchez’s potential departure.
Despite Inter’s declining interest, Dybala reportedly still prefers a move to the Nerazzurri, so there remains a decent chance that the two sides can work out a deal.
AC Milan
If the Inter move doesn’t work out, then the red side of Milan could potentially be an option for Dybala.
The reigning Serie A champions have signed Divock Origi from Liverpool to help strengthen their ageing forward line, but they need a bit more reinforcements in attack if they are to successfully defend their title.
While Rafael Leao had a breakout season with 11 goals and 8 assists, it would be foolish to rely on Origi and Olivier Giroud to consistently score goals, much less the now 40-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli celebrates after winning the 2021-2022 Serie A title
Stefano Pioli plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, which would be perfectly suited to Dybala’s skill set as a classic trequartista. He would be a significant upgrade over Brahim Diaz, who had only 3 goals and 3 assists in 31 appearances while primarily playing in that No. 10 position for most of last season, and Rade Krunic.
Milan have not been reported to be a serious player for Dybala, but with the promise of Champions League football as well as a chance to be the true focal point of a title contender, Dybala would be foolish not to at least consider a move to red half of Milan.
At the same time, the Rossoneri would be foolish not to consider signing the Argentine, who should help boost the Rossoneri’s Serie A 2022 odds of retaining their Scudetto.
AS Roma
Roma are another club that have been thrown into the Dybala sweepstakes, with Jose Mourinho reportedly keen to bring the Argentine to the capital.
Roma are quite well-stocked with attacking midfield options at the moment, with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolo Zaniolo, Eldor Shomurodov, Stephan El Shaarawy as well as youngster Felix Afena-Gyan. But with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving to Inter and Juventus reportedly set to launch a bid for Zaniolo, there could be a big vacancy at that position in the near future.
Mourinho settled on a 3-4-2-1 formation for most of his first season at Roma, so Dybala could fit in nicely as one of the two attacking midfielders behind Tammy Abraham and produce a good amount of Serie A 2022 highlights.
Moreover, Roma have more financial muscle to meet Dybala’s salary demands than Napoli, another club who have also been linked with Dybala but may not have the ability to make a deal work.
As things stand, Roma are likely to be a step below the Milan clubs in Dybala’s hierarchy of preferred destinations. But as far as backup options go, the Giallorossi are perhaps as good as it’s going to get for Dybala.
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Sometimes it just doesn’t work out for a player, even one of the most sought after stars on the planet.
Whether a head coach doesn’t fancy you or whether you don’t fit into your club’s way of playing or formation, things can quickly turn a little sour, and loss of form and a period on the sidelines is the natural outcome.
So it has turned out for Juventus player Arthur Melo who has struggled to make an impact in Serie A, curiously at a time when the Old Lady has been in a sticky patch herself.
After impressing in two seasons at Barcelona, Arthur attracted a bid of €72-M from Juventus and he made the switch. But it just hasn’t happened for the Brazil international and his Serie A 2022 highlights have been few and far between.
One goal in 42 appearances, sometimes from the bench, is a modest return from over two seasons for a player valued so highly by the Selecao.
You would think Arthur would be perfect for the Italian league as a deep-lying or holding midfielder in the mode of Andre Pirlo. He can also play as a box-to-box midfielder and possesses a wide passing range, though he is very careful with the ball – a feature which attracted some criticism from former Barca teammate Luis Suarez.
Now, the Old Lady is trying to offload one of her biggest earners in the hope of freeing up funds to bring Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo to Turin, and there could be an opportunity opening up as Roma boss Jose Mourinho has said he’d like to work with Arthur.
The former Chelsea boss likes a defencive midfielder and there have been reports in the Italian press that a swap deal could be on the cards. But Arthur would probably need to take a cut on his current wage package of around £4.3-M a year.
I Bianconeri has another chance to move Arthur on if Premier League club Arsenal pursue their previous interest. He was heavily linked with a move to North London in the January transfer window but the deal didn’t materialise and Arthur’s agent, as well as his club, hopes Mikel Arteta will renew his interest.
Juventus are desperate to break the Milan cycle of Scudetto wins but it looks pretty certain that Arthur Melo is not part of head coach Max Allegri’s plans.
Another player on his way out of a top Italian club is Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia, who, after a season of being unable to break into I Nerazzurri’s first team has transferred to top-flight new boys Monza. The 34-year-old defender, with 21 Azzurri caps, will be an important addition to the Monza squad, bringing leadership into the dressing room.
Injuries which stalled two stars’ campaigns
Here at SBOTOP we covered AC Milan’s thrilling charge to the 2022 Scudetto and it was all the more impressive as they played for some of the campaign without one of their most dangerous attacking players.
AC Milan’s Ante Rebic celebrates after scoring a goal during Coppa Italia match against Juventus in 2020
Wide-man Ante Rebic has been a star at the San Siro since his switch from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019. But last season, he was plagued by injuries and was out of action for two crucial months between November and January after breaking down during a training session.
By February, Rebic was back to full fitness and he scored the equaliser in an away game to Salernitana, a trademark screamer from 25 yards which was his first goal in five months.
The Croatian winger will hope to play a full part in Milan’s 2022/23 campaign as they prepare to defend the Scudetto against the threat of Juventus and Inter Milan.
Last season was a tough one too for Juventus star Federico Chiesa, who was hoping to star in I Bianconeri’s campaign following his loan move from Fiorentina.
The switch has now been made permanent, but the Azzurri star was sidelined for the second half of the 2021/22 season having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a match against Roma early in January.
His campaign ended early with a record of four goals in 18 appearances and Bianconeri fans are left wondering whether their team could have sustained a better challenge for the Scudetto had Chiesa remained fit. At 24, he is entering the prime of his career and he will hope to play a bigger role in 2022/23.
The latest Serie A 2022 betting odds have I Bianconeri and Inter Milan very close in the running, with AC Milan lagging a little behind. If Chiesa can stay fit and link up with striker Dusan Vlahovic, then there could be exciting times ahead in Turin.
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So welcome back to Serie A for Lecce, Cremonese and, for the first time in their history, Monza.
Until this week, the only sporting association I had was Monza as a trip to the iconic circuit for the 2019 Formula One Italian Grand Prix (my son’s 18th birthday present).
On the final day of the league season, Monza lost to Perugia and missed out on automatic promotion so, after finishing in fourth place, faced the play-offs.
In the semi-finals they defeated Brescia, who they had finished a point above in the standings, to set up a final against Pisa who they had finished level on points with.
The drama was only just beginning.
Monza triumphed 2-1 in their home first leg, while Pisa won the second leg 3–2 before two goals in extra time earned Monza a dramatic promotion. And after all this time, including plenty of promotion near-misses over the years, they are not simply here for a brief encounter.
Who would have thought it after the club was declared bankrupt twice (in 2004 and 2015), yet optimism abounds following Silvio Berlusconi’s 2018 takeover.
The key question now is can Serie A highlights await?
Well, they are certainly aiming to make their mark and strengthen their ranks.
Matteo Pessina has returned to his former club with the product of Monza academy completing a loan move from Atalanta.
The deal comes with an option to buy, which becomes an obligation to purchase if the Biancorossi secure survival next season.
Edinson Cavani playing for Manchester United against West Bromwich Albion in February 2021
He joins Stefano Sensi, Andrea Ranocchia, Alessio Cragno, Andrea Carboni and Samuele Birindelli as new faces in the ranks and director Adriano Galliani has reportedly opened talks with the intermediaries of ex-Napoli and Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani.
Marlon was all set to arrive on loan too from Shakhtar Donetsk until Sassuolo intervened, while talks are ongoing with Lazio for Francesco Acerbi.
Indeed, there is probably no busier Italian club in the transfer market right now.
And what of Lecce?
Well, they may well have snapped up a good deal in securing a season-long loan deal for Gianluca Frabotta from Juventus.
The left-back was an important figure in the Juve squad when Andrea Pirlo was the club’s manager two seasons ago but has been deemed surplus to requirements for 2022-23.
An opening in the loan market has also been taken with young AC Milan striker Lorenzo Colombo joining for one year with an option to buy.
Come next month, the striker should get his first taste of Serie A football after consecutive loans in Serie B at SPAL and Cremonese. Such is his promise, Milan will maintain a buyback option in his contract in case the club wants him back next summer so this could be an astute move for both clubs.
As for Cremonese, it is a welcome return.
Cremonese was actually in Serie A in its first season, 1929–30, but entered a long period of decline, languishing in the lower leagues before the late 1970s. By 1984, they had achieved promotion to Serie A, with one-year spells in 1984–85, 1989–90 and 1991–92.
Despite achieving promotion, coach Fabio Pecchia resigned from his post to stay in Serie B and take on a new challenge at Parma.
Massimiliano Alvini is now in the hotseat after he terminated his contract by mutual consent with Perugia. Now for the job of strengthening the squad.
The only arrivals for a fee to date are midfielder Tommaso Milanese from Roma and Johan Vasquez on loan from Genoa but that will surely change. After the thrilling end to last season at both top and bottom, few may give these clubs a chance but there are three teams less fancied when it comes to the Serie A betting odds (Sampdoria, Salernitana and Spezia) so perhaps all three can make their stay in the top flight more than a brief sojourn.
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It’s been a forgettable summer so far for Napoli as they’ve suffered yet another huge blow in this transfer window. Following Lorenzo Insigne’s Serie A departure to the MLS in the US, the Partenopei have also bid farewell to Kalidou Koulibaly, who was sold to Chelsea for £34-M just recently.
Perhaps we might have to update the title of this previous SBOTOP article to: “So How are Napoli Post-Insigne and Koulibaly?” now, and we can only imagine the gloomy mood around in Naples.
Staying on the topic of transfers, Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Scamacca remain two of the hottest names in the transfer market as several clubs have lined up to bid for their services.
Let’s learn more about the latest in the Italian top-flight as we bring to you the top Serie A 2022 updates.
Napoli scrambling for replacements
With the departures of Kalidou Koulibaly and Lorenzo Insigne, Napoli now face the tough task of filling the gaps at the front and at the back.
Koulibaly and Insigne were vital cogs for Napoli in these past few years and they guided the Partenopei to third place last term to seal their return to the Champions League. In fact, at one point, Napoli were touted as serious Scudetto contenders by the Serie A 2022 odds alongside AC and Inter Milan but they fell short in the end.
Kalidou Koulibaly arrived from Genk in 2014 for just £6.5-M and he has established himself as one of the club’s all-time greats since no player has completed more passes (14,528), won more tackles (344), or made as many recoveries (1,716) in Serie A.
Lorenzo Insigne, meanwhile, made 416 appearances for Napoli – scoring 114 goals and 95 assists across all competitions. In his 11 seasons at Naples, the forward won three titles including the Supercoppa Italia in 2014/15 and the Coppa Italia in 2013/14 and 2019/20.
Both stars are entering their 30’s so they were looking for one more lucrative payday, but unfortunately the management was unable to give it to them – much to their supporters’ dismay.
Napoli are apparently eyeing Kim Min-Jae, Eric Bailly, or Francesco Acerbi to replace Koulibaly, while they’ve held talks with Dries Mertens for a new extension.
Mertens – who was the club’s third-leading scorer last term with 12 goals – has officially left the Partenopei earlier this month after his contract expired and he’s willing to stay in Italy, but his negotiations with the club have reached a stalemate.
Should neither party meet halfway, the 35-year-old forward will have suitors as Lazio, Royal Antwerp, and Marseille are all ready to take him.
AS Roma and Inter Milan fighting for Dybala
Juventus forward Paulo Dybala in action
With AC Milan more focused on other objectives, the race for Paulo Dybala’s signature has boiled down to two teams in AS Roma and Inter Milan.
Inter were serious in getting the former Juve man, but their interest has seemingly waned because of their strikers surplus following the arrival of Romelu Lukaku. The Nerazzurri would have to offload the likes of Edin Dzeko and Alexis Sanchez to make room for Dybala.
AS Roma, on the other hand, are looking to make a lunge for the Argentine as they offered a four-year contract worth around €6-M per season with bonuses – which will make him the highest earner at the club.
Another club to look out for is Manchester United in the wake of the Cristiano Ronaldo bombshell, although no move has materialised thus far.
Paulo Dybala was in superb form for I Bianconeri last season, notching 10 goals and five assists in 29 Serie A matches.
West Ham enter the Scamacca sweepstakes
Recent headlines claim that the Hammers are inching closer to seal Gianluca Scamacca’s signature. The Premier League outfit has offered €40-M plus add-ons, to which Sassuolo have reportedly accepted.
This is a great move for the 23-year-old who is fresh from a stellar campaign with the Neroverdi last term, tallying 16 league goals in 33 matches.
PSG were once a suitor for him, but they have turned their focus to Hugo Ekitike instead, giving West Ham a huge boost.
Gianluca Scamacca is the ideal upgrade for Michail Antonio, who is approaching his late 30’s. The Jamaican veteran has been the Hammers’ No. 9 for quite some time now, but he has been injured and inconsistent lately. Other than Scamacca, West Ham are also pursuing Giacomo Raspadori in what could end up as a double move. Raspadori is Sassuolo’s third-leading scorer last term with 10 goals and five assists in all competitions.
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They are the fourth favourites to win the 2022/23 Serie A title but the owners, players and fans of Napoli want more than that.
And in their head coach, Luciano Spalletti, the Partenopei have a determined leader. But he faces some big challenges as he tries to put together a new look team ready to take on the best in Italy.
Napoli ended last season with four straight wins, scoring 13 goals and conceding just one, to secure a third-place finish, ahead of Juventus. But in a new era without their former captain and talisman Lorenzo Insigne, the remaining and new players need to be brave.
An opening day trip to face Hellas Verona is not the easiest of starts and fans are talking and disagreeing about how their team may line up.
So I’ll have a go too.
Spalletti’s men have the edge in their opener, according to our SBOTOP odds, at a price of 1.90 with a handicap of -0.25, and they picked up a 2-1 win when the two sides met in Verona in March. Victor Osimhen scored twice and the big Nigerian will be key to Napoli’s success again this term; but who will he line up alongside?
The departure of David Ospina has left the gloves with the 6ft 3in Meret after the two players were rotated over the past couple of seasons. A 35m Euros transfer from Udinese in 2019, Meret is ready to make the position his own and challenge for a place in the national side.
Defence: Giovanni Di Lorenzo , Mathias Oliveira , Amir Rrahmani, Eric Bailly
Following the departure of Insigne, Lorenzo has been handed the captaincy and will continue at right back, while new recruit Mathias Oliveira will make a claim for the left back position. The 24-year-old Uruguayan international will have cover and competition from Juan Jesus but I expect him to get the nod ahead of the versatile Brazilian.
Now that Kalidou Koulibaly has gone to Chelsea there is a space for a new centre-back and Napoli are weighing up a move for Eric Bailly. The Manchester United defender has pace and great positional sense and would be the ideal partner for the powerful Rrahmani.
Midfield: Piotr Zielinski, Elif Elmas, Fabian Ruiz
Andre Anguissa has now signed a full contract after a successful season on loan at Napoli and he could play just in front of the back four if Spalletti opts for a 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2. But if the boss goes for a midfield three I suspect he’ll start with this trio.
Zielinski is a class act, starring for both Napoli and Poland as an energetic box to box midfielder, and he provides consistently high-quality support to the attack. North Macedonian star Elmas had a breakthrough campaign last season and he brings a lot of energy and ideas while Ruiz is known for his vision and passing range.
Attack: Victor Osimhen, Hirving Lozano, Armando Broja
Dries Mertens is now a free agent after his contract expired with Napoli
Dries Mertens has been released by the club after nine successful seasons and fans are sorry to see the 35-year-old Belgian go. He was the club’s third-top scorer last season and has been consistently one of the club’s best players over the past decade.
But the Partenopei are looking to the future and are putting their faith in the versatile Mexican Lozano and Osimhen, who was the fifth most expensive African player of all time when he transferred from Lille to Napoli in 2020 and, providing the club manages to keep hold of their jewel in the crown, the Nigerian striker will make his fair share of Serie A 2022 highlights over the coming months.
Matteo Politano and Andre Petagna will be pushing for a start but Spalletti is also trying to bring in new blood and the club has been linked with Chelsea forward Armando Broja. The 21-year-old was impressive on loan a Southampton last season and the Partopenei have apparently asked the Blues about his availability during the Koulibaly negotiations, which could give them the edge over rivals.
So Broja makes up my 11, on the assumption that Spalletti can persuade him to join his Naples evolution.
The pre-season Serie A 2022 betting odds have priced Napoli at 13.00 to win the title. If they start the campaign as they did last year, with 11 wins from the first 12 games then those odds will drop like a stone.
Three points in Verona and maybe, just maybe, Napoli fans can start to dream again.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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AC Milan’s first Scudetto in 11 years sparked wild celebrations on the Red half of Milan in May, particularly after city rivals Inter had won the Serie A crown just 12 months earlier.
And now I Rossoneri are dreaming of back to back wins and a 20th Scudetto and, following the £1.1bn takeover of the club by Red Bird Capital, there is excitement bubbling around the San Siro Stadium. Head coach Stefano Pioli became a hero last term as he led the un-fancied Milan to glory but the question is: can he do it again?
It’s a million dollar question and one which won’t be answered for another nine months, but while the league can’t be won before Christmas; it can be lost by then… as Juventus discovered last season.
So, by time the Qatar World Cup starts in mid November, Pioli’s Milan need to be in the mix and preferably at the top of it.
The Challenge
As the world’s best head coaches all know, a league winning team can not afford to stand still; because the runners in the chasing pack will all improve year on year. And that is a particularly crucial challenge for Milan, as Pioli strives to bring in players who can improve the club as well as keeping hold of his prize assets.
The big Serie A 2022 news in Milan, earlier in the summer, was that 40 year old scoring phenomenon Zlatan Ibrahimovic signed a new deal to stay at the club for another 12 months.
But that is more of a good news story than a pivotal move in the club’s 2022/23 strategy.
Ante Rebic in action during AC Milan’s match against Juventus on February 13, 2020
Elsewhere in his squad Pioli has a ready supply of experienced and world class stars. Former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud was outstanding last term and he scored a brace in a pre-season friendly win over Koln. And Croatian winger Ante Rebic is fit again after a long lay-off last term, while centre back Simon Kjaer will hope to be playing again early in the new campaign after he underwent knee surgery last December.
Pioli’s main priority is to keep hold of attacking midfielder Rafael Leao who has been the subject of speculation surrounding a potential move to Chelsea. He contributed 11 goals and eight assists last season and Milan are hopeful he will extend his current contract, which has two years to run. Leao has a 150m Euros release clause and that might be enough to keep the Blues at bay, but Rossoneri fans are watching the story closely.
Leao has cheered the fans recently by posting on social media: “New waves on the way…warming up the engines for something big. We’re back!!”
In terms of potential incomings; Matteo Politano looks like he may be on the way out of Napoli and he could be an alternative option if Milan fail to bring in Hakim Ziyech as a new wide man. The Chelsea star looks set to leave Stamford Bridge but I Rossoneri have stalled in their efforts to sign him.
As a back up Pioli may also turn his attention to Renato Sanches. He’s long been an admirer of the Lille and Portugal star but he would have competition from Paris Saint-Germain for the 24 year old’s signature should a deal be on the table.
The pre-season Serie A 2022 betting odds suggest Milan have a big fight on their hands from a determined Inter and a resurgent Juventus, though it would be wrong to discount either Napoli or Roma.
I Partenopei have lost two of their most influential players in Lorenzo Insigne and Kalidou Koulibaly so it s difficult to see a serious challenge coming from them, unless they too strengthen significantly. At SBOTOP odds of 13.00 to win the Scudetto Napoli are fourth favourites and only slightly ahead of Roma priced at 16.00, where Jose Mourinho will be scheming of a way to win a third Scudetto, having led Inter Milan to back to back successes in 2009 and 2010.
He’s a brilliant tactician and in Lorenzo Pellegrini Mourinho has a hugely influential captain, but his squad may lack a little of the flair of the front runners.
So it potentially looks like a three horse race between Milan at odds of 3.50, Inter at 2.75 and Juventus are marginal favourites at 2.50. The Old Lady has welcomed back Paul Pogba to Turin and that could see the Frenchman return to his best domestic form. But this promises to be as exciting a race as the last two Scudettos and Milan will be there or thereabouts.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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Defenders have been dominating the Serie A 2022 news over the past few days with two headline departures moving on to their new clubs.
Serie A has lost two of its biggest stars following the departure of Kalidou Koulibaly to Chelsea from Napoli, and Matthijs de Ligt to Bayern Munich from Juventus. Despite this transfer I’d say Juve look in better shape to break the Milan cycle of Scudetto wins this year and the odds back the Bianconeri for a top-two finish at least.
But De Ligt has highlighted his and the club’s lack of progress for his decision to move to Germany.
That’s some statement from a 22-year-old who is known to be one of the best in the business already!
Anyhow, I Bianconeri have reacted quickly to the loss of their Dutch defender and have swooped to sign Gleison Bremer from city rivals Torino. Here at SBOTOPwe picked out the 25-year-old as one of Serie A’s best defenders in the 2021/22 campaign. He’s the complete package, big and strong at 6ft 2in, with great positional sense and bags of pace.
The centre-back looked like he was on the way to Inter Milan but the Old Lady was quick out of the blocks to strike a deal, agreeing a price of 40m Euros with 7m add-ons and a salary approaching 5m Euros for the player. He’s left Torino’s training camp and the transfer is scheduled to be completed on Wednesday.
Il Toro fans had become used to the idea of Bremer going and were okay with the prospect of him leaving Ivan Juric’s side and moving to Milan, but a switch to Juventus?
Torino fans have taken to social media to vent their disgust and Bremer has changed his account settings to block new comments.
I guess the Torino fans will get over it…in time.
Meanwhile Juventus have been linked with another signing, this time a midfielder with experience in Serie A. Paris Saint-Germain player Leandro Paredes is likely to be offloaded by the Parisiens to help them balance their books and Italian press has reported I Bianconeri to have a serious interest.
The 28-year-old former Roma star has 44 caps for Argentina and was voted in the Best 11 team at the 2019 Copa America.
PSG want around 30m Euros for their man who is said to be keen on a move back to Italy.
Milan look to replace Romagnoli
Milan’s hopes of retaining the Scudetto are relatively slim, according to the pre-season Serie A 2022 betting odds; they are well in the chase but trailing Inter Milan and Juventus. But there is yet a ball to be kicked of course and Stefano Pioli has a squad capable of staying the course. But the Rossoneri too are preparing for life without one of their most important defenders.
Former skipper Alessio Romagnoli has departed the San Siro, signing a five-year deal with Lazio and now Pioli is on the hunt for a replacement. He has been tracking Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka and Tottenham star Japhet Tanganga. At 22, Ndicka has more club experience than Tanganga despite being a year younger, he has played 104 times for Frankfurt, scoring nine goals. Meanwhile Tanganga has made just 23 appearances for Spurs and the England U21 international might be easier to sign.
Whichever player arrives in Milan, he has big shoes to fill and Pioli may yet look for a more experienced defender.
Dybala set to make Roma debut
Paulo Dybala has agreed to join AS Roma as a free agent
Argentine star Paulo Dybala has left Juventus, as expected this summer, and it is Roma who have won the three-way battle for the 28-year-old striker’s signature.
Napoli and Inter Milan both tried to lure Dybala but he chose to work with Roma boss Jose Mourinho, who believes he can get the best out of the player, nicknamed La Joya (The Jewel) and known for his speed agility and superb creative skills. He can play as a forward or an attacking midfielder through the middle or out wide.
Mourinho will welcome his versatility and his impressive goal return, 82 in 210 appearances for I Bianconeri, proves he knows where the net is!
Dybala has agreed a three-year deal in Rome and he watched his new team-mates lose 3-2 to Sporting Lisbon in a friendly on Tuesday. He was spotted in the Algarve Stadium wearing a Roma T-Shirt and, on Saturday, he’ll pull on the Giallorossi shirt for the first time in a pre-season friendly against Nice. This is the kind of signing which could lift Roma into the top four.
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 21-Jul-2022 at 6:46 PM
And I thought Cristiano Ronaldo-mania had created a reaction that wouldn’t be bettered!
Well, perhaps the reaction to his Manchester United and Real Madrid unveilings will not be matched but, as far as Serie A is concerned, we may just have a winner.
This SBOTOP observer was certainly blissfully unaware of the joy in the Italian capital until my son informed me the other day.
‘Hey dad, did you did see the reaction to Paulo Dybala’s arrival in Rome’, was the gist of his comment. ‘It even surpassed when Ronaldo went to Juventus’.
And with that, I was intrigued.
Ok, so it wasn’t quite the levels of 11 months ago when, upon his arrival in Manchester, CR7 shirt sales hit an astonishing £187 million, earning him the record for the fastest-selling shirt in Premier League history.
But, sure enough, Dybala has broken Ronaldo’s record for shirt sales within 24 hours in Italy.
To beat the Italian record set by the Portuguese sensation is no mean feat, and the fact he turned down the chance to stay at Juventus to become the new poster boy for Italian football’s biggest sleeping giant has gripped their support.
They will be further endeared to the 28 year-old Argentina international after he politely declined the chance to wear Roma’s iconic No.10 jersey, which was last worn by club legend Francesco Totti, out of respect for the Italian, instead opting for the No. 21 shirt.
Of course, it will take more than Dybala, who has inked a three-year deal to the Giallorossi, to lift the club to where it wants to be.
The way the season panned out, with Roma’s best league form coming during the period where there was no European football, can justify manager Jose Mourinho’s claim that, despite spending more than €100 million last summer, his team lacks depth.
However, his arrival will enhance optimism caused by their finish to last term when silverware returned to the Roma cabinet – albeit the inaugural Europa Conference League – so the feel-good factor is clear.
The player’s credentials are there and he netted 115 goals across 292 matches during a seven-year trophy-laden spell with Juventus littered with Serie A highlights.
AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho celebrates with the trophy after winning the Europa Conference League
Local authorities have confirmed that Dybala will be unveiled to the supporters on Tuesday night in the EUR area of the city – specifically, the Colosseo Quadrato at the Palazzo della Civiltà, which is also the headquarters of fashion house Fendi.
There are already some barriers and stages put up in the area, confirming the recent commercial partnership between Roma and Fendi.
Meanwhile, there are also long queues for tickets to the friendly match against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Stadio Olimpico on August 7, which will be the presentation of Mourinho’s squad to the fans.
In truth, Dybala has already hit the ground running, linking up with his new teammates in pre-season and the Serie A betting odds, which places them as fifth favourites for the title, could yet be slashed if a few more big names follow.
Probably not but they may go quite a bit closer given they have acquired Dybala, Nemanja Matic, Zeki Celik and Mile Svilar so far and are reportedly in talks with Paris Saint-Germain for Georginio Wijnaldum.
Former Roma forward Marco Delvecchio has likened the signing of Dybala as similar to the arrival of Gabriel Batistuta two decades ago.
For those who cannot remember, Batistuta scored 20 goals in 28 games in Serie A as they won the long-awaited Scudetto, a title that the capital’s residents had been denied for 18 years and have not won since.
Months later, AS Roma would beat Fiorentina in the Italian Super Cup.
By conquering glory in the city of emperors and gladiators, Batistuta’s legacy was assured. If Dybala can manage just an element of what Batistuta achieved in his sole full season in the capital, then we could be about to see something special.
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Serie A: 3 Teams Destined to Disappoint in 2022-23
Expectations are always high for Juventus, and with another new Serie A season set to begin, Bianconeri fans will demand that the Old Lady end their two-year title drought.
However, La Signora could be set for another letdown as their summer transfer business has underwhelmed. Meanwhile, a couple of other top-five clubs could also be headed for similar disappointment after they overachieved last season.
Read on as SBOTOP shares the three clubs who are the main candidates to disappoint this 2022-23 Serie A season.
Juventus
Juventus failed to win the Serie A title for the second year in a row last season. Despite the return of manager Massimiliano Allegri, the Old Lady’s squad still had significant deficiencies which saw them finish fourth once again.
The current Serie A 2022 betting odds have Juventus at 2.90 to win the title, second-favourites behind Inter. But while Dusan Vlahovic will get to play his first full season, the squad still isn’t looking all that formidable.
Their summer transfer business – Matthijs de Ligt, Paulo Dybala, Giorgio Chiellini and Federico Bernardeschi out; centre-back Bremer, Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria in – seems to be a wash at best, and even with the return of Federico Chiesa from injury, it’s hard to see that much improvement from last season.
So unless Allegri can find a way to maximise that defence with somewhat limited personnel, it could very well be another disappointing season for the Old Lady, with them once again falling short of being legitimate title contenders for the third year running.
Napoli
Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne celebrates scoring their second goal
Last season started with such promise for Napoli. With Luciano Spalletti leading the way, they got off to a tremendous start and it looked as if they could be serious title challengers. But the Partenopei gradually fell off and finished a disappointing third in the table.
That turned out to be the last hurrah for Napoli’s great core trio, with club stalwarts Lorenzo Insigne, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Dries Mertens all moving on in the summer.
The void left by Koulibaly – who has arguably been Serie A’s best defender for the last few years – will be a big one to fill by new signing, South Korean defender Min-jae Kim. Meanwhile, Insigne’s leadership and his and Mertens’ goals – they were still two of the team’s top three goalscorers – will be sorely missed as well.
It should also be noted that Napoli massively overperformed their expected goal difference (+27.6 xGD to +43 actual GD) last season, which is a usual sign of regression.
While the club still has some terrific players in Fabian Ruiz, Victor Osimhen, and Piotr Zielinski ready to provide Serie A 2022 highlights, it would not be much of a surprise if the Neapolitans take a significant step back this season.
Lazio
Despite a somewhat limited squad at his disposal – nine outfield players started 24 Serie A games last season – Maurizio Sarri did well to lead Lazio to a top-five finish last season. Once again, the Biancocelesti relied heavily on star striker Ciro Immobile, who won yet another Capocannoniere as he led Serie A with 27 goals.
But like Napoli, they greatly exceeded their expected goals of 55.8 xG as they scored 77 goals, which was second only to Inter. Such an overperformance is a red flag for regression the following season.
Granted, Lazio have tried to get younger this summer by adding 22-year-old midfielder Marcos Antonio and getting 20-year-old Italy winger Matteo Cancellieri on loan. They’ve also acquired veteran centre-back Alessio Romagnoli from champions AC Milan and midfielder Matias Vecino from Inter on free transfers to improve their depth.
But with Immobile another year older (he’ll be 33 in February) and Pedro – who was a key contributor last season – now well into his mid-30s, can Lazio realistically keep this up?
The safe bet is on ‘no’, so Biancocelesti fans will be wise to brace for a less successful season this time around.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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Serie A: Champions Milan Finally Clinch De Ketelaere Deal
AC Milan have had a relatively quiet offseason as they’ve brought in few reinforcements ahead of their title defence. But the reigning Serie A champions finally landed their big summer target in Charles De Ketelaere, who dazzled with a hat-trick for his new club.
Elsewhere, Milan’s main title rivals – Juventus, Inter, Roma, Napoli – are all trying to get more transfer business done before the start of the new Serie A season.
Read on as SBOTOP lists down the latest Serie A 2022 news ahead of the new season.
New Milan signing de Ketelaere hits hat-trick
AC Milan spent seemingly the entire summer chasing Charles De Ketelaere, but the Rossoneri finally clinched the deal for the young Belgian for €32 million.
And the 21-year-old Belgian showed just why the Serie A champions were so keen on capturing his services as he scored a hat-trick in Milan’s 7-1 friendly win against Serie C side Pergolettese.
Stefano Pioli’s side did relatively little business this summer, with De Ketelaere and fellow Belgian Divock Origi their only notable new signings. But De Ketelaere has the potential to be the top central playmaker they so desperately need.
The youngster has already drawn comparisons to Milan great Kaka, but he is ready to make his own mark in Milan.
“I have seen many videos of Kaká, he was a fantastic player,” De Ketelaere said. “I have my own characteristics, but I hope to give a similar contribution to what he did.
“Milan has a great history and traditions, many legends have played here, but I think it is right to focus on the future, as the club is doing.”
De Ketelaere looks set to make his Serie A debut this weekend as Milan host Udinese in their season opener.
Juventus closing in on Kostic
Juventus are closing in on a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back Filip Kostic. According to football insider Fabrizio Romano, Kostic has already agreed to personal terms with Juve, but the two clubs are still looking to bridge the €4 million gap in the transfer fee.
Frankfurt, who were thumped 6-1 in their Bundesliga season opener by Bayern Munich, are preparing to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup later this week, but it remains to be seen whether Kostic will feature as Juve are determined to complete the deal this week.
Kostic, 29, is expected to compete with veteran Alex Sandro for the starting left-back spot.
Napoli nearing Fabian Ruiz sale to PSG
Fabian Ruiz stands on the pitch during one of Napoli’s matches last 2021-2022 season
Fabian Ruiz appears to be on his way to France, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly nearing a deal to snap up the talented Napoli midfielder.
Per Romano, new PSG football advisor Luis Campos is a big admirer of the 26-year-old Spaniard, who is in the final year of his contract with the Neapolitans.
Romano added that Napoli will discuss a separate deal for PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Napoli have also been linked with Chelsea’s backup keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Aside from those PSG discussions, Napoli are also hoping to clinch a deal with Sassuolo forward Giacomo Raspadori. They are considered favourites to land the 22-year-old, but they face competition from Juventus.
Napoli are in need of another forward after the departures of veterans Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens this summer.
Inter’s defensive duo could still depart
While rivals AC Milan and Juventus are busy making key additions to their squads, a couple of Inter Milan defenders could still depart this summer.
Dumfries has been linked with a move to Chelsea, who just spent €65.30 million on left-back Marc Cucurella. Meanwhile, Skriniar had been strongly linked with PSG, but the Parisians have seemingly cooled in their pursuit of the centre-back.
Inter have not spent much money this summer, with their loan deal for Romelu Lukaku and their free transfers of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and goalkeeper Andre Onana their only notable additions.
The 31-year-old Wijnaldum had a disappointing debut season for PSG after arriving from Liverpool on a free transfer.But he will have the opportunity to revive his career at Roma, who are hoping that his arrival, as well as fellow newcomers Paulo Dybala and Nemanja Matic, will boost their Serie A 2022 odds of winning the title.
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Milan begin the 2022/23 Serie A campaign, at home to Udinese, in search of back to back Scudettos after their first title in 11 years, and the San Siro looks like being a sellout for the big kick-off.
Stefano Pioli’s champions come into the game on the back of a strong pre-season, culminating in a 6-1 win away to Vicenza, while Andre Sottil’s Udinese had a successful opening in the Round of 64 of the Coppa Italia, winning 2-1 at home to Feralpisalo last weekend.
This isn’t a dead cert home win, I Rossoneri have struggled to dispatch Udinese in recent times and Stefano Pioli will be looking for a ruthless display to get the campaign up and running.
Talking Points
Expectations high in Milan
After the triumph of 2021/22 the Milan fans want more, and they are one of four teams the market gives a realistic chance to. The Serie A 2022 betting odds back Inter at 2.75, Juventus at 2.90, I Rossoneri at 4.00 and Roma as serious contenders at 9.10, but if Pioli’s side start as well as they did last term, with 11 wins from the first 12 games, the odds on back to back titles will drop like a stone.
Olivier Giroud celebrates after winning the Serie A last season with AC Milan
The atmosphere at the San Siro will be electric with a full house expected and 73,000 tickets already sold. I Rossoneri have sold an incredible 40,000 season tickets, a huge increase on recent campaigns.
There will be a few of the players who the Scudetto missing at the weekend. The departure of midfield enforcer Franck Kessie, who is now a Barcelona player, has split the fans, some who will miss his all-action displays and others who became frustrated by his inconsistency.
The physio room at the San Siro is a busy place at the moment. Olivier Giroud, who scored the goals which gave Milan a win on the final day of last season, has missed the last two pre-season games. But he is back on the grass and is a possible inclusion in the match-day squad against Udinese.
Midfielder Sandro Tonali looks less likely as he has a nasty muscle injury and is undergoing physiotherapy. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also in recovery from his knee injury so this weekend will come too soon for the legendary Swede. Meanwhile new recruit Divock Origi is now in full training and the former Liverpool mad could be ready to play a part.
This week’s Serie A 2022 news headlined with Milan’s signing of Belgian Charles De Ketelaere. I Rossoneri finally landed the 21-year-old Belgian for 32 million Euros and he’s already scored a hat-trick in Milan’s 7-1 friendly win over Pergolettese.
Fans will be also be looking forward to the return from injury of Croatian winger Ante Rebic and Danish centre-back Simon Kjaer… and all eyes will be on Rafael Leao. The young Portuguese attacker had a sensational season last term and he’ll be a key player again this time around.
The three-time Serie B winners have held their own in the top flight, finishing 12th last term, and they will fancy another season in midtable. The club has received a boost with the news that exciting wing-back Destiny Udogie, recently signed by Spurs for an initial £15m, has been loaned back and will be in Sottil’s line-up this season.
He’s a mature defender who loves to get forward and he will provide a threat on the break. Elsewhere in the visitor’s team, former Watford player Isaac Success is a real livewire. The Nigerian winger loves to take on a man and, as Hornets fans will remember, has an eye for the spectacular goal or assist.
History
Udinese have made a decent fist of their head to head meetings with Milan over the last three decades, winning 16 and drawing 15 of the last 60 encounters, leaving 29 victories for the Rossoneri.
And last season Udinese put in a great effort in both meetings, which ended in 1-1 draws.
Milan are unbeaten in ten at home while Udinese are unbeaten in five away and I suspect I Rossoneri will continue their run.
At SBOTOP odds of 1.39 to win, anything other than a Milan victory will be a surprise but, as last season shows, this is not a given. The draw is at 4.36 and the away win is at 7.14., while the double chance Udinese/Draw is at 2.75. But I think Milan will have too much quality for their visitors and a 2-0 win, at odds of 5.80, will not be far off the mark.
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Serie A: Napoli Hell-Bent on Contending for the Scudetto Once Again
Hellas Verona vs Napoli
Fresh from missing out on a Serie A title last season, Napoli will get back to it with Hellas Verona first on the menu for their 2022-23 campaign.
Despite finishing third behind AC and Inter Milan, though, Napoli secured their return to the Champions League and they would like to do it again this year.
So, it is tough to be a Napoli fan nowadays, but the pre-season SBOTOP betting odds offer some optimism since they’re likely to finish again at third or fourth in the standings.
On the other hand, Hellas Verona are looking to build from their top half finish, but they’ll be facing big question marks with their new head coach.
Talking Points
Hellas Verona in a state of flux
Hellas Verona’s Giovanni Simeone in action with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly
I Gialloblu certainly have their work cut out to repeat or outdo their ninth place finish last term.
The Bentegodi outfit was one of the best attacking sides in the league last season with 65 goals as they were led by the trio of Antonin Barak, Gianluca Caprari, and Giovanni Simeone.
However, Caprari has already left for Monza this summer while Simeone is now with Napoli, so Barak will have to shoulder the heavy load of being the team’s main source of goals.
Another key player poised for a larger role is Ivan Ilic, who has shown improvement since moving over to Italy in 2020 after an underwhelming stint with Manchester City.
Hellas Verona have often found ways to get production from unknown sources. But whether their new manager Gabriele Cioffi is up for the challenge remains to be seen.
How will Napoli’s new additions fare?
It’s been a busy transfer window for Napoli as they tried their best to recoup after losing Kalidou Koulibaly, Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens, and Fabian Ruiz –who is inching closer to a move to PSG.
The Naples outfit bolstered their backline by adding veteran shot stoppers Salvatore Sirigu and Keylor Navas to compete with Alex Meret, while Kim Min-Jae is their prized centre-back acquisition. Meanwhile, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovanni Simeone are brought in via loans while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was only bought for €10-M from Dinamo Batumi.
These new signings will have to settle quickly to boost the team’s chances. But in the end, the one player that has to step up big is Victor Osimhen – who is one of the best young strikers in Europe today.
The Nigerian has been handed the captain’s armband and he’ll aim to build on his 18-goal season last term. Now with Mertens and Insigne gone, Osimhen is going to be their focal point of attack and he’ll partner with Hirving Lozano and Piotr Zielinski up front.
Napoli are more than capable of producing Serie A 2022 highlights this season given their current core. However, they still need to strengthen if they are to contend for trophies.
Napoli have won the first match in each of their last five Serie A seasons, which is the longest current streak in the league. The last time that they had such a run was a stretch between 1985 and 1989.
If they win on Monday, Napoli’s opening day streak will be extended to six, which is going to be the highest in club history.
The hosts have won 13 league matches against Napoli, which is the second-most in team history. Only against Cagliari and Fiorentina (14) have they won more in the top-flight.
Should Hellas Verona lose to Napoli, they would have lost consecutive opening matches for the first time since a run of four between 1989 and 1999.
In terms of recent form, I Partenopei are unbeaten in all six of their pre-season matches. In contrast, I Gialloblu are stinging from their humiliating loss against Serie B side Bari during the first round of the Coppa Italia.
Napoli are tipped to win by the Serie A 2022 odds on Monday. They’re priced at 2.13, while Hellas Verona are installed 3.30 and chances for a draw are at 3.35 in the 1X2 market.
Just like in their recent encounters, Hellas Verona should give Napoli a hard time. But in the end, we envision the visitors getting all three points to kickstart their campaign. Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.96 appears to be the best alternative bet since there have been no clean sheets between these two sides in these past two seasons.
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Serie A: Sassuolo Test for Scudetto-Chasing Juventus
Juventus vs Sassuolo
Juventus are set to open their Serie A 2022/23 campaign, hoping to wrestle the title from Milan and they kick off with a mouthwatering tie at home to Sassuolo.
Bianconeri head coach Max Allegri is working hard to restore the club to the summit of the Italian league, and the betting markets say he has a good chance.
It seemed a long way away last winter, but our latest Serie A 2022 betting odds have installed Juventus as favourites to win the 2022/23 Scudetto at a price of 2.39, just ahead of Inter Milan at 2.58.
AC Milan at 4.00 and Roma at 9.10 make up the top four with Napoli, after an unsettling summer, sitting just outside the Champions League places at odds of 15.00. Of course there are 38 games to play, so this all means very little to the fans until the points start rolling in.
Milan start their title defence at home to Udinese while Inter visit Lecce also on Saturday. So, by the time the Old Lady meets Alessio Dionisi’s Sassuolo on Monday, she will know how her two biggest rivals have started.
Inter won the Scudetto in 2021 and AC Milan triumphed in 2022, but is this Juventus’ year?
And there is one big reason which makes Juve fans equally jittery, and it is the fact that, for the first time in 17 seasons, they will start without the reassuring presence of Giorgio Chiellini at the heart of defence. The Juve legend is embarking on a new career as a TV Pundit with Sky Italia while also playing soccer in the MLS with LA FC.
Post-Chiellini, a 4-0 stuffing at the hands of Atletico Madrid in last week’s friendly is hardly the way Juventus wanted to go into the new campaign and fans will hope the new additions to the Bianconeri squad will hit the ground running when the league action begins.
Former Juventus player Giorgio Chiellini and Paulo Dybala react after the match
The return to Turin of France midfield ace Paul Pogba was the big Serie A 2022 news of the summer in Northern Italy, and Allegri has been active in the market to bring in Serbian winger Filip Kostic, centre-back Gleison Bremer, and playmaker Angel Di Maria.
All four will be big players in the coming campaign, particularly if Pogba can translate his international form to domestic football. And while the signings of Di Maria and Kostic will strengthen Juve’s attacking threat, the recruitment of Bremer is the one Juventus fans are more excited about as he comes off the back of a stellar season with Torino and was rated higher than departed Bianconeri star Matthijs de Ligt.
Allegri is still busy. He is trying to complete a swap deal to bring Atalanta’s Colombian striker Luis Muriel to Turin in place of Moise Kean. The boss is keen to provide support for Dusan Vlahovic and Muriel’s experience and agility would be a huge asset.
Juventus keen to land Raspadori
Sassuolo fans are wary of Allegri’s rebuild strategy as the Juventus boss also has his sights set on I Neroverdi’s star striker Giacomo Raspadori.
The exciting forward was one of the standout stars in Serie A last year and he has said that he wants to play in the Champions League and that has alerted all of Italy’s elite clubs. Raspadori has made 13 international appearances and, at the age of 22 has his best to come, hailed as the Azzurri’s next great striker.
He is quick with a low centre of gravity, capable of playing out wide or as a second striker, not dissimilar to ex-Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne, though the player himself has modelled his play on is hero Sergio Aguero. He’s two-footed and quick to create chances and score goals and he is already a huge asset to Sassuolo.
Raspadori plays alongside fellow Azzurri star Domenico Berardi at Sassuolo and has developed a good understanding with his teammates, and Neroverdi fans hope he will give them another year.
The club finished 11th last term and are ranked by the betting markets around mid-table. If Raspadori stays, then a top seven place is not out of the question.
Of the 19 meetings over the last decade, Juventus have won 14, while Sassuolo have won two and there have been three draws.
The two teams met three times last season with the outcome a 2-1 result in each case. Sassuolo drew first blood in Turin in October as Maxime Lopez scored a 95th minute winner before Juventus exacted revenge in the Coppa Italia in February and then edged another 2-1 win in Sassuolo in April.
At a SBOTOP price of 1.42, the Bianconeri are hot favourites to win this tie with Sassuolo out at 6.37 and the draw at 4.36. The double chance Sassuolo or Draw is at 2.75, but I think the Old Lady will be too strong for her visitors and, for a correct scoreline, 2-0 is available at 7.33.
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There’s only one place to start and that is with the champions.
After falling behind within two minutes to a Rodrigo Becao header, AC Milan show their pedigree with a quick and resolute response.
It was debatable whether an 11th minute penalty should have been awarded with Davide Calabria adjudged to have been fouled in the box but Theo Hernandez converted from the spot and the champs were up and running.
Within another four minutes it was the time for the first of two goals from Croatia international Ante Rebic who fired home from close range.
Now, despite only conceding 11 goals in 20 games in 2022, the Rossoneri still fail to convince me defensively and that was evident again when Adam Masina levelled deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half.
Yet you certainly can’t question their character and, within seconds of the restart, the hosts were in front again when Masina failed to deal with a Hernandez cross and inadvertently knocked the ball into the path of Brahim Diaz for an easy tap in.
A winning start for Milan who became Italian champions for the first time in over a decade last season, beating rivals Inter by two points.
Inter, champions in 2021, are also up and running but had drama of their own and were perhaps slightly fortuitous to see off one of the new boys hoping to take Serie A by storm.
Romelu Lukaku in action during Inter Milan’s match against Lecce
When their goalscoring hero from last year’s title triumph, Romelu Lukaku, headed home inside two minutes, it was as if the Belgian, who has re-signed on a season-long loan from Chelsea, had never been away.
It took him less than 90 seconds to return to goalscoring Italian action with his first touch – this after Matteo Darmian knocked down a Federico Dimarco cross at the back post and Lukaku nodded in from point-blank range.
However, Lecce hit back three minutes after the restart through Assan Ceesay.
It wasn’t until the 95th minute that Denzel Dumfries sealed all three points with a last-gasp effort following a corner.
Spare a thought for spirited Lecce, who played for more than an hour without a recognised centre back after Mert Cetin limped off after 20 minutes.
Elsewhere, Atalanta also needed a 95th minute goal to be sure of the points at Sampdoria.
Rafael Toloi had opened the scoring for the visitors midway through the first half, sliding in after a Duvan Zapata cross was nodded down by Mario Pasalic.
The outcome remained in the balance with the hosts hitting the woodwork twice through Abdelhamid Sabiri and Fabio Quagliarella before debutant Ademola Lookman produced a confident and cute finish to secure Atalanta a precious opening victory.
The story of the day many neutrals had hoped for didn’t materialise as Torino won at Monza – competing in the top flight for the first time in the club’s history.
Aleksey Miranchuk, just before the break, and an acrobatic Antonio Sanabria scissor-kick volley, won the day for Torino before Monza netted their first ever Serie A goal in stoppage time via Mota Carvalho.
There is still time for more Serie A highlights to come from the opening weekend with two matches on Monday night, including Juventus.
But the final teams to catch my eye on Sunday were Lazio and Cremonese with both their goalkeepers at the heart of the drama.
After recovering from debutant Arantes Maximiano’s sixth minute dismissal – shown a straight red card for smothering the ball outside the penalty area – Lazio fought back from a Marko Arnautovic goal to win 2-1.
Whether they would have done without Bologna also going down to 10 men – Adama Soumaoro receiving a second yellow card on the stroke of half-time – is unknown but, with 11 minutes remaining, Ciro Immobile, so often their hero, sprang the offside trap to latch onto Sergej Milinkovic-Savic through ball and produce a delicate finish.
Cremonese, back in the top tier of Italian football for the first time since 1995-96, were terrific at Fiorentina until a late Ionut Radu howler.
Until that point, the goalkeeper had made several great saves and was in line for man of the match.
Twice, they had pegged back the hosts in Florence, despite the first half sending-off of Gonzalo Escalante, on his debut after moving from Lazio on loan, who was perhaps a little harsh to see red for a clumsy tackle.
Just seconds were left when Radu caught a Rolando Mandragora cross-shot and took a step backwards, carrying the ball into his own net.
It was harsh on the visitors and a stark return to Serie A after more than a quarter of a century.
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Serie A has bid a fond farewell to one of its finest players as Chilean hitman Alexis Sanchez leaves Inter Milan for a new adventure with Ligue 1 giants Olympique Marseille.
The former Arsenal striker was courted by Turkish club Galatasaray but he has opted for a team closer to home, hopping over the border to the South of France. His move has been in the pipeline for a few weeks and Sanchez has now signed a one-year contract at Marseille with an option for a second.
He has enjoyed three successful seasons in Milan, picking up a Serie A winners medal, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa. Sanchez joined I Nerazzurri from Manchester United back in 2019, and reached the Europa League final in his first season in Italy, before winning the league title in his second.
Now he’s training with the French club and has spoken to his new fans, saying: “I was told the great story of OM. It is one of the most historic French teams, the only one to have won the Champions League. I considered it a major challenge in my career; a challenge that I want to take up.”
His new head coach, Igor Tudor, saw Sanchez play first-hand last season when he was manager at Serie A side Hellas Verona and he was impressed by what he saw: “He can play in all three positions in attack,” said the Croatian coach, “it makes a difference because he is strong. He has always been a professional even playing little; then I liked him when he took the field last year with Inter.”
While Paris Saint-Germain are hot favourites to win the Ligue 1 title, OM will hope to push them close and the signing of Sanchez may well help them in that aim. It may take him a few weeks to get up to full speed but, when he does, he will be a real attacking threat in the French league.
Reports in the Italian press have emerged to suggest that both Milan clubs have turned down the offer of Cristiano Ronaldo’s services. Apparently, the Manchester United star’s agent, Jorge Mendes, contacted the two clubs in July to gauge their interest in the Portuguese player who is keen to leave Old Trafford in search of Champions League football.
In some ways he would be a good fit, particularly in the historic city of Milan, but neither club was keen to take on his huge wage, an eye-watering 24m Euros net per season. A number of other clubs have also declined to take on Mendes’ client, including PSG and Atletico Madrid, and it looks like CR7 might be heading back to his homeland to play for Sporting Lisbon.
Both Milan clubs started to new Serie A campaign with a win, I Rossoneri beat Udinese 4-2 at the San Siro, a comfortable win we predicted here at SBOTOP,while Inter eked out a 2-1 victory away to Lecce. If either is to win the 2022/23 Scudetto they will need a united team, and it is possible a player with the profile of Ronaldo might just unbalance the dressing room.
Success for Rome
While the Milanese clubs thrived at the weekend, there were good Serie A 2022 resultstoofor the capital city giants as both Roma and Lazio began their campaigns with a win. Ex-Juventus player Paul Dybala made an impressive debut for Jose Mourinho’s Roma as they picked up three points in a 1-0 win away to Salernitana.
Bryan Cristante scored the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute, but Dybala was a livewire throughout, coming close to adding to the score in the second half and having an assist chalked off when scorer Georginio Wijnaldum strayed offside.
Paulo Dybala runs with the ball during Inter Milan’s Serie A match against Salernitana
The pre-season Serie A 2022 betting oddsrate Roma as serious top-four contenders but Mourinho is happy to play that down at the moment. He steered the club to the Europa Conference League title last term, their first trophy in 14 years, and he will be quietly confident of bringing more success to the club this time around.
Meanwhile Lazio also picked up a 2-1 win at home to Bologna despite having goalkeeper Luis Maximiano sent off just six minutes into his Serie A debut. The Portuguese stopper was red-carded when he handled outside the penalty area, and things got worse for Lazio when Marko Arnautovic scored for Bologna from the penalty spot midway through the half.
When Bologna had Adama Soumaoro sent off at the end of the first half, there was numerical parity restored and Lazio hit back in the second period. The Romans were allowed back into the game courtesy of an own goal and they took all three points when Ciro Immobile broke clear and slid the ball calmly through the legs of the advancing Lukasz Skorupski.
Juventus open their account at home to Sassuolo on Monday night.
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The Stadio Olimpico in Turin is the place to be on Saturday for one of the picks of the weekend, where Serie A Torino vs Lazio is the entertainment on offer.
While the Scudetto is likely to be fought out between the two Milan clubs and Juventus, these two sides, alongside the likes of Atalanta and Fiorentina, have designs on silverware and a Europa League place. Their fans have all too often suffered an inferiority complex in recent times, particularly Torino supporters who have seen their team live in the shadows of Juventus for far too long.
The rivalry in Rome is one of the fiercest in world football, and while Lazio have held the upper hand over the past few years, the arrival of Jose Mourinho as head coach of Roma has shifted the balance. I Giallorossi won the Europa Conference League last term as Nicolo Zanioli scored the only goal of the final against Feyenoord. And the odds on Lazio finishing in the top floor are longer than those of their city rivals.
Both teams started the 2022/23 campaign with a 2-1 win, Torino away to Monza and Lazio at home to Bologna, and a follow-up victory for either would leave their fans feeling happy…and optimistic.
Torino head coach Ivan Juric has been busy in the transfer market recently, which is the kind of activity Il Toro fans wanted to see after video footage emerged of Juric fighting with Davide Vagnati, his director of sport. The coach considered resigning but the players rallied and him, making it clear that they were on his side.
So Juric stayed and got to work on strengthening his squad. The marquee signing is that of Russian wide man Aleksei Miranchuk, who has arrived at Torino on loan, and he got off to a flying start with a goal in Torino’s opener away to Monza. The club has an option to buy the forward for 12m Euros and if he keeps that form up then they will surely exercise it. Striker Antonio Sanabria put in a man-of-the-match performance against Monza, with a goal and assist and the two players look capable of forming a productive partnership.
Lazio still reliant on Immobile
Lazio’s Ciro immobile and Luis Alberto celebrate during a match against Bologna
Lazio had nine outfield players playing over 24 top-flight games last season and Sarri is trying to strengthen by recruiting youth in the summer transfer window. 22-year-old midfielder Marcos Antonio has arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk while 20-year-old Azzurri winger Matteo Cancellieri has arrived on loan. Sarri has also brought some experience into defence with the signing of 27-year-old former AC Milan centre-back Alessio Romagnoli.
In the victory over Bologna, midfield ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic put through Immobile for the winning goal and he will continue to be as key a player in the middle of the park as Immobile will be up front.
The 32-year-old striker and club captain is Lazio’s greatest goal scorer of all time and he will have his sights on yet another Capocannoniere, but he must stay fit if Lazio are to make a top-four challenge.
History
The head to head Torino vs Lazio results tell a story of Roman success but Lazio haven’t had it all their own way, winning 18 of the 41 encounters since 1993, while Torino have managed eight victories and there have been 15 draws.
And Lazio have had a fair amount of success in Turin, beating Torino on ten of their last 20 visits, drawing five and losing five. The two teams couldn’t be split last season though as they played out two 1-1 draws.
The pre-match Torino vs Lazio betting odds say this game could go any one of three ways with the Romans favourites at a SBOTOP price of 2.28, while the hosts are priced at 2.86 and the draw is available at 3.25.
I think there will be goals in this game and we might see another match decided by the odd goal in three. 2-1 to Torino is at a price of 10.12 and 2-1 to Lazio is available at odds of 7.52 and if it turns out to be a three-goal match; Immobile and Miranchuck will be itching to score the winner.
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Serie A: AC Milan Can Add on to Atalanta’s Home Woes
Atalanta vs AC Milan
Atalanta and AC Milan have both enjoyed auspicious starts to their 2022-23 Serie A campaigns and they’re slated to a mouthwatering tiff at Bergamo on Sunday.
La Dea secured a 2-0 result over Sampdoria on the road, while AC Milan fought back after falling behind by one goal early to get a 4-2 win over Udinese.
AC Milan are still riding their winning streak in the league that dates back to the end of last season, so Atalanta are faced with the huge challenge of finally snapping their undefeated run.
Zero European football might put Atalanta back on track
Atalanta were brought back to Earth last term after a couple of Champions and Europa League appearances these past few seasons. By finishing eighth in the final standings, La Dea will no longer play European football, at least this season depending on their Serie A 2022 results.
Perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise that they won’t play in Europe this season, since it means that they can fully focus on Serie A without any distractions and because it would also reduce their risk of having injuries.
They can ill afford to lose players to injuries, especially since several players have departed the team in this ongoing transfer window.
Losing vice-captain Remo Freuler to Nottingham Forest was such a huge blow since he’s one of their top creative outlets, and he was followed by Robin Gosens (Inter Milan), Matteo Pessina (Monza), and Aleksei Miranchuk (Torino).
In return, they got Merih Demiral and Ademola Lookman – who made a great first impression last week when he scored a late goal to seal their opening day victory.
Unfortunately for team boss Gian Piero Gasperini, Demiral is unlikely to make his Atalanta debut just yet since he’s dealing with a knock. Davide Zappacosta is also doubtful for the same reason, while Jose Luis Palomino remains suspended after failing a doping test.
Duvan Zapata is one Atalanta player to look out for as he’s out to regain his form. The Colombian is on a major slump, only scoring once in his last 13 league games.
AC Milan’s youngsters are alright
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of action until next year and Olivier Giroud and Divock Origi not 100-per cent fit, AC Milan will rely on their young guns to provide the goals.
Rafael Leao was their top scorer last season with 14 goals and he’ll lead their frontline once more, while Brahim Diaz, Junior Messias, Sandro Tonali, Ismael Bennacer, and new recruit Charles De Ketelaere will all heavily feature throughout this year as well.
AC Milan’s Ante Rebic celebrates scoring their fourth goal against Udinese
But the one x-factor for I Rossoneri is Ante Rebic, who didn’t play a huge role in their Scudetto run last term when he only scored three goals in all competitions. He has a chance to redeem himself this year and he’s off to a sparkling start – scoring twice against Udinese last Sunday.
History
Atalanta have lost each of their last three league matches against AC Milan after being undefeated in 10 of the last 11 (W4, D6). Should they lose again, it will mark the first time that they’ve suffered four consecutive defeats since a stretch between 1993 and 1996.
Playing at Bergamo hasn’t helped them much as they’ve only recorded four wins in front of their supporters last term. On the other hand, AC Milan’s six-game winning streak is their longest since 2006 when Carlo Ancelotti was still at the helm.
With Stefano Pioli on the bench, I Rossoneri have always won their first two league games of a season. They beat Bologna and Crotone in 2020/21 and they defeated Sampdoria and Cagliari last term. They’ll also aim to replicate their superb away record last season where they’ve won 14 of their 19 road matches.
La Dea have also won their first two league games of a season for only four times in their history, doing so in 1949/50, 1964/65, 2008/09, and 2020/21.
AC Milan have the edge in the SBOTOP Serie A 2022 odds. The defending champions are priced to win at 2.50, but Atalanta are right behind them at 2.81 and chances for a draw are at 3.20 in the 1X2 market.
We will side for the visitors to grab a narrow victory here since Atalanta can barely buy a win on their home pitch, and of course because I Rossoneri are the defending champions.
With capable goalscorers from both calcios, this match has the makings of a shootout, although the safest alternative bet would be Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.97.
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We’re half way through the second round of the 2022/23 Serie A and there’s been a perfect start for Inter Milan and Napoli, who have both won their opening two games to set a challenge for their title rivals.
With 19 shots to Spezia’s two and eight to nil on target I Nerazzurri looked every bit the title contenders though they will have more difficult opponents in the weeks to come. But the renewed partnership of Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku, which was the prominent feature of Inter’s 2021 Scudetto triumph, is already showing signs that it could be just as lethal this season.
Lukaku scored in the opener against Lecce after just two minutes while the 24 year old Martinez provided the assist for Denzel Dumfries’ winner, and on Saturday Lukaku teed up his partner for the opener. Inter were on top from the off and it was no surprise when Martinez rifled in the opener after collecting a clever knock down from Lukaku on 35 minutes. And then the Belgian striker almost got on the score sheet again, but his powerful header crashed back off the crossbar as Inter went into the half time break with a goal lead.
Hakan Calhanoglu calmly slotted home the second, early in the second half, and Joaquin Correa made it a comprehensive win on 82 minutes, passing the ball into an empty net as Edin Dzeko’s cross went clean past the Spezia keeper.
The pre-season Serie A 2022 betting odds suggest Inter will have tough competition from Juventus and 2022 Scudetto winners AC Milan, but after two games it’s so far so good for Simone Inzaghi’s boys.
Napoli are worth watching
While the doom mongers pointed to the departure of Lorenzo Insigne, Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Mertens as a reason to write Napoli off, head coach Luciano Spalletti has certainly not panicked and his team has also picked up six points without too much trouble, following up a 5-2 destruction of Verona in their opener with a 4-0 thrashing of Monza.
Star striker Victor Osimhen has scored in both games as has new boy Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who followed up his debut goal against Verona with a double against Monza. The 21 year old hammered a screamer into the top corner to open the scoring and added a well taken second after half time. And, by the way, Nigerian goal machine Osimhen was on target with another clinical finish. Kim Min-Jae headed in a Piotr Zielenski corner to round off another great day for Gli Azzurri.
The Serie A odds reckoned Roma could take the fourth place this year but Napoli, who started last season by winning 11 of the first 12 games, have made another explosive start and they might well be in the frame at the end of this season.
After another thumping win Napoli went ahead of Inter Milan on goal difference, but Fiorentina missed a chance to join them on six points after failing to win at Empoli in a game which ended 0-0.
No spark for big city underdogs
Ciro Immobile in action playing for Lazio
Torino and Lazio are often in the shadows of their city rivals, Juventus and Roma, and the clash at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino on Saturday gave them both a chance to make it two wins from two and put down a marker, but neither took the chance as they played out a dull 0-0 draw.
We previewed this match here at SBOTOP and fancied Ciro Immobile to get on the score-sheet but the 2022 Capocannoniere winner had a frustrating afternoon, culminating in yellow cards for the Lazio skipper and his midfield general Sergej Milinkovic-Savic after the final whistle. There were only three shots on target in the whole game as both teams misfired. Samuele Ricci had Torino’s one effort, a shot from distance easily saved, while Immobile and Adam Marusic had Lazio’s two attempts, neither of which seriously troubled the Torino stopper.
The most exciting stats were that Lazio edged the fouls committed by 12 to 11, while picking up five yellow cards to Torino’s nil!
With Milan facing Atalanta on Sunday night and Juventus and Roma playing on Monday, there could be three more title hopefuls on six points by the close on Monday night.
But for now, with two rounds of Serie A 2022 results already in, Inter and Napoli are faultless.
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However, Simone Inzaghi’s side will face their biggest test yet as they travel to the capital to face his old club Lazio, who are also unbeaten through two games.
This match will feature some of the top marksmen in the league, with Lazio’s inspirational captain Ciro Immobile going up against Inter’s reunited duo of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez.
The Serie A 2022 betting odds have the Nerazzurri as favourites to emerge victorious at the Olimpico, but don’t count out the Biancocelesti, who have held their own against Inter in recent years.
Lazio have begun the new Serie A campaign well as they’ve picked up four points from their first two games.
They pulled off a gutsy 2-1 win over Bologna where they were a man down after just six minutes and needed to come back from a goal down after a Marko Arnautovic penalty. And they followed that up with a goalless draw away to Torino.
Maurizio Sarri’s side have had to make do without Luis Alberto in the starting lineup in their first two games. The Spanish playmaker, who has been so crucial to their success over the last few years, handed in a transfer request in the summer and was linked with a move to Sevilla, but it did not come to fruition.
Sarri has only used Luis Alberto as a substitute in both games, and it remains to be seen whether he will re-insert the Spaniard into the starting XI.
There’s a better chance of fellow Spaniard Pedro returning to the first XI. The 35-year-old missed the season opener with an ankle injury, but he made it back as a substitute against Torino.
Meanwhile, skipper Ciro Immobile will continue to lead the line for Lazio. The reigning Capocannoniere is already off the mark with a goal this season, but he was relatively quiet in the draw with Torino.
Lukaku making an immediate impact at Inter
Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku before the match against Spezia Calcio
Inter Milan fell short of defending their Serie A title last season as rivals AC Milan pipped them for the Scudetto. But the Nerazzurri’s quest to win back the crown is off to a promising start with a perfect two wins out of two.
The returning Romelu Lukaku is already back in the groove and providing plenty of Serie A 2022 highlights two games in. After scoring just two minutes into his first game back, the big Belgian then set up strike partner Lautaro Martinez’s excellent goal against Spezia and also hit the woodwork himself.
The added quality Lukaku brings up front is just what Inter needed. And with the likes of Edin Dzeko and Joaquin Correa in reserve, they are arguably deeper and more dangerous than their title-winning side of a couple years ago.
With his side playing well to start the season, Simone Inzaghi is unlikely to make too many changes to his mostly settled starting XI. The only question is which wing-backs he will start after picking a different pair in the first two games.
History
Inter may be the bigger and more storied club, but Lazio have more than held their own against the Nerazzurri in their matchups in recent years. Inter hold a slight 15-10 edge in terms of wins, while there have been four draws over their last 29 league meetings.
Of course, much of Lazio’s success during that time was down to Simone Inzaghi, who is now in charge of Inter.
The home side won both fixtures last season. Lazio won the first match 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico. Inter took an early lead through an Ivan Perisic penalty, but the Biancocelesti battled back with three second-half goals.
However, Inter got their revenge as they won 2-1 at the San Siro thanks to goals from centre-backs Alessandro Bastoni and Milan Skriniar.
Romelu Lukaku will relish facing Lazio again. He scored a brace in his last match against them as he led Inter to a 3-1 home win back in February 2021.
SBOTOP odds have Inter installed as 1.90 favourites to get a big away win in Rome. Lazio are priced at 4.00 to win, while a draw is 3.40.
The home side has had the upper hand in this matchup in recent years as they’ve won five of the last six matches. Although, the away side had won four out of five before that, with Inter winning three times in Rome.
With Lukaku back and seemingly not missing a beat, Inter will be tough to stop. Lazio remain dangerous with the likes of Immobile and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, but I still like Inter’s chances of getting the big away win.
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Serie A: Saturday Night Showdown in Rome as Two Giants Seek Return to the Top
Juventus vs AS Roma
Two of the giants of the Italian game are set for an early season collision this Saturday night and it’s one which should prove a handy barometer to their fortunes in Serie A this term.
Just three games in, the contest should help inform us if either Juventus – the domestic force in Italian football for a decade until last year – or AS Roma – the club from the capital which has flattered to deceive for so long – are actually ready to mount a title charge.
Whatever happens, no quarter will be given.
Talking Points
Let’s start with the hosts who have four points from their first two fixtures after a comfortable win over Sassuolo was followed by a goalless draw at Sampdoria.
The Bianconeri have been busy since then with Arkadiusz Milik brought in on loan from Olympique Marseille – the former Napoli centre-forward had his medical today – while reports refuse to disappear linking the club with a move for Leandro Paredes.
Paredes is no stranger to Serie A, having already played for Roma and Empoli before leaving for Zenit St Petersburg in 2017.
While he won’t be signed in time to play his former club, there will be one man on the opposing side who very much will.
Paulo Dybala during AS Roma’s pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur
For this fixture represents a quick return for Paulo Dybala whose signing had Roma fans in a frenzy earlier this summer after seven years in Turin, during which time he won five Italian titles.
It will be fascinating to see what kind of response he receives from the home faithful in a match bound to deliver Serie A highlights one way or the other.
Roma, who are reportedly closing on a move for Andrea Belotti as a free agent, arrive two points ahead of their rivals after two wins out of two.
An opening weekend 1-0 win at Salernitana was followed by exactly the same scoreline at home to Cremonese on Monday.
In that match, Chris Smalling headed home the only goal and promptly sent a message of support to injured teammate Georginio Wijnaldum.
Wijnaldum only joined on loan from PSG a few weeks ago but fractured his tibia during a training session last weekend.
There was a further injury blow for Jose Mourinho’s side in the match when Nicolò Zaniolo was carried off on stretcher with what appeared to be a serious shoulder injury, although it’s hoped he may be able to return within a month.
Either way, both players will obviously miss this encounter for the club from the capital who have been linked with Mady Camara of Olympiacos as a replacement for the Dutch midfielder.
At the end of last season, I said the jury was still out on Mourinho and Roma, even if the campaign ended in silverware as his team held off a spirited comeback from Dutch side Feyenoord, who were twice denied by the woodwork, to ensure he became the first manager to win a European trophy with four different clubs.
That’s because Roma’s entire campaign was one of inconsistency: never losing more than two matches in a row and, only on two occasions, winning three consecutive games.
However, I also said the club from the Eternal City now have something to build on and it will be interesting to see where they are placed among the SBOTOP Serie A betting odds when next season arrives.
That has now happened and it is fixture like this which will prove exactly how much they are progressing.
History
Roma have only three victories over Juventus in their last 13 meetings and the most recent two came at the end of successive campaigns in which Juventus had already clinched the Scudetto.
I remember a few years ago when Juve were in their pomp and, with the title very much up for grabs, they won 2-1 in the Stadio Olimpico courtesy of two goals inside the opening 10 minutes.
Roma won the return but by then the title celebrations were in full swing.
Overall, Roma have won on 41 occasions in Serie A, there have been 51 draws and 86 Juve triumphs.
That included a league double last term, such as in the corresponding fixture when Moise Kean netted the only goal of the game last October.
With 20 minutes remaining, they led 3-1, thanks to goals from Tammy Abraham, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Then, in the space of seven minutes, Juve scored three times through Manuel Locatelli, Dejan Kulusevski and Mattia De Sciglio to produce a remarkable turnaround and they held on, even after Matthijs De Ligt was sent off shortly afterwards.
Seventh entertains first in one of the biggest matches of another great weekend of Serie A football; and it’s a clash which will determine whether Napoli can stay at the top of the pile.
With Roma facing Juventus on Saturday night I Partonepei will already have been deposed from the top spot but they will climb back to the summit if they can win a third successive match away to Fiorentina. It isn’t an easy task against a side which can be trusted to be in an around the top seven and one which has also had a very decent start to the campaign.
But I’m backing the Naples boys to take advantage of the week off they have just had while Fiorentina have been working hard in European competition. They have hammered their first two opponents but Napoli will take whatever they can in Florence, providing it’s a win.
Talking Points
Success isn’t coming easy for La Viola
Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina have just come through a play-off against FC Twente to take their place in the Europa Conference League group stages. A 0-0 draw in the Netherlands was enough to win the tie with an aggregate 2-1 score-line from the first leg. It was a tough night for Italiano’s men who ground out the result; and that’s been a feature of the Viola’s plays so far this campaign.
In the league, a 3-2 win at home to Cremonese and a goalless draw away to Empoli have yielded four points, but it could so easily have been two as La Viola entered the dying moments of their opener level with the new boys.
But it was a great watch for the fans.
Giacomo Bonaventura celebrates scoring a goal with the fans
Giacomo Bonaventura fired in a beauty to open the scoring for Fiorentina while new recruit Luka Jovic opened his account in a game which swung back and forth. Rolando Mandragora scored a 95th minute winner after Cremonese had twice pegged back La Viola to register a first win of the campaign.
After a difficult spell at Real Madrid Jovic is ready to build his reputation again and if he gets back to the form he showed at Eintracht Frankfurt then La Viola fans can expect another strong campaign.
Can Napoli maintain another fast start?
In his first season at the club, head coach Luciano Spalletti led I Partonepei to a third placed finish, after an explosive start, and Napoli are pacesetters again after a pair of highly impressive Serie A 2022 results, a 5-2 win away to Hellas Verona and a 4-0 victory at home to Monza. If they can continue this form on Sunday against Fiorentina and then at home to another newly promoted side, Lecce, in midweek, maximum points from four games will surely see them stay at the top.
Attacking midfield ace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has three goals already and looks a shrewd signing, following the departure of Lorenzo Insigne. The 21 year old Georgian can also play as an out and out winger and could be a good source of supply for main striker Victor Osimhen, who already has two goals
Meanwhile, Piotr Zielinski with a goal and two assists, both made in the 4-0 annihilation of Monza, continues to be highly effective in midfield and the team is being ably led by new skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
They have landed in a Champions League group with Liverpool, Ajax and Rangers and will fancy their chances of making it through to the group stages. But the latest La Liga 2022 betting odds have Napoli as fifth favourites for the Serie A title, with Jose Mourinho’s Roma muscling in to the top four and so I Partonepei cannot take their foot off the gas.
History
With 15 wins from the last 45 meetings, Fiorentina have had their fair share of victories, though Napoli have taken a bigger share, with 19 wins, while there have been 11 draws.
The two teams met three times last season when La Viola won twice in Naples, 3-2 in a league clash in April and 5-2 in a Coppa Italia Round of 16 match in January. But Napoli have taken maximum points on their last two visits to Florence, winning 2-1 last season and 2-0 towards the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
Napoli are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions while La Viola have won their last four games at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
The new Serie A season is but three weeks old and it’s already exciting.
Six teams are tied at the top on seven points and two of the newly promoted clubs are yet to get off the mark.
Yet that only tells part of the story of a weekend in which a manager spoke of being ashamed, another became involved in an altercation with a fan and a president hinted at corruption.
There was no doubting the big match of the weekend as two giants seeking a return to the top clashed in a Saturday night showdown in Rome.
A contest which could help inform us if either Juventus – the domestic force in Italian football for a decade until last year – or AS Roma – the club from the capital which has flattered to deceive for so long – are actually ready to mount a title charge.
Assessing the Sbotop Serie A betting odds, I opted for a draw but it certainly didn’t feel that way in the opening 45 minutes.
Less than two minutes had elapsed when Dusan Vlahovic netted a sensational free-kick to give Juve the lead.
And but for VAR intervening for a Vlahovic handball, that would have been doubled when Manuel Locatelli fired in a first-time effort from 20 yards.
While Mourinho was happier, his Juve counterpart Max Allegri was left to bemoan missed opportunities to extend their advantage before they were pegged back.
Both teams will be strengthened when injured players return, of course, so for now this was a point which could prove handy for both.
As for the main talking point, just three months after Dybala walked out of the Allianz Stadium in floods of tears after saying goodbye to the fans, he returned as an opponent and was welcomed warmly by his former supporters. They applauded him when his name was announced before kick-off, booing the rest of his teammates and Mourinho.
However, it was a mix of boos and applause which greeted the Argentine international when he left the field with 13 minutes remaining.
Leao gave the Rossoneri a lead at the San Siro and French international Giroud marked his first start of the season, following a number of muscular issues, with an acrobatic glancing volley from a Leao ball.
That moved Milan back above their arch city rivals after last year’s runners-up, Inter Milan, came unstuck at Lazio on Friday night.
It was all about the subs at the Stadio Olimpico in a result which will have delighted home manager Maurizio Sarri.
Lazio took the lead just before half-time when a quickly taken free kick saw Sergej Milinkovic-Savic spot the run of Felipe Anderson and the Brazilian was allowed a free header.
Inter equalised when a Federico Dimarco free kick was only half cleared and Denzel Dumfries nodded it back for Lautaro Martinez to flick home from six yards.
At this point the momentum was with Inter and their returning coach Simone Inzaghi.
Yet Luis Alberto restored Lazio’s advantage with a spectacular finish, as Pedro laid it off for his fellow substitute, before the Spaniard curled a shot into the far corner to seal the points.
Monza, in their first ever season in Italian football’s top flight, are still pointless after a narrow defeat at home to Udinese.
Their president, though, was not for letting defeat go lightly and Silvio Berlusconi did not hold back criticism of the ‘scandalous’ referee or his coach Giovanni Stroppa after a third straight defeat.
However unfairly it would be, there are already reports that Stroppa could be facing the sack after losing all three games.
Berlusconi, who famously regularly used to publicly criticise the tactics of his coaches when he was in charge of Milan, has evidently not changed his general approach to the sport.
Being manager of a Berlusconi run club may well be one of the toughest in football.
The final Serie A highlights of the weekend arrived on Sunday evening and a goalless draw in Florence between Fiorentina and early leaders Napoli didn’t provide the tale.
That was provided by Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti who went to confront a Fiorentina fan who had been insulting him from the stands.
The manager, who hails from Florence and confessed he used to go to the stadium as a child to cheer on the Viola, was visibly furious after the final whistle.
The supporter tried to aim a slap at Spalletti and missed, while someone threw an empty plastic water bottle at the coach’s head.
‘Shall we talk about the rudeness of the Fiorentina fans who are behind the bench?’ Spalletti told a media outlet afterwards.
Tensions are high in Italian football on many levels.
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After a pre-season of renewed optimism Juventus have made a relatively quiet start to the 2022/23 Serie A campaign, taking five points from their opening three games.
These are early days, but head coach Max Allegri will be determined to impose his team on the rest of the Italian league as soon as possible having watched the two Milan clubs pick up the Scudetto in 2021 and 2022. And a trip away to Fiorentina on Saturday will provide a serious test for his title hopefuls.
Serie A: Fiorentina vs Juventus brings together two teams with European ambitions but Juve have pressure to, at least, make the Champions League, while La Viola will hope to improve on their seventh placed finish from last term… while thriving in the Europa League conference this season.
Both teams are on five points but are in midweek action. The Old Lady has a game at home to Spezia on Wednesday night, a match she should really win, while Fiorentina have a tricky clash away to Udinese.
Talking Points
Steady start for Fiorentina
Head coach Vincenzo Italiano has done well with Fiorentina in his first 12 months in charge and he has strengthened in the summer with the signing of striker Luka Jovic from Real Madrid. And his team has done pretty much as well as expected in the opening weeks. They have successfully beaten FC Twente over two legs in the Europa League play-off while picking up a win and two draws in the league.
An opening day 3-2 win over Cremonese was followed by a goalless draw with Empoli and then a tough test against Napoli ended with the same outcome. La Viola gave as good as they got against Napoli, with a 48.5 per cent share of possession, ten shots to 13 and five to two on target; so they would not have been flattered by a win against the title hopefuls. Former Italy under 21 star Ricardo Sottil had a late effort well saved and striker Luka Jovic had a header tipped round the post.
Cristiano Biraghi after Fiorentina’s match against Inter Milan last season in the Serie A
The hosts have plenty of experience in their ranks with midfield ace Giacomo Bonaventura pulling the strings while captain Cristiano Biraghi marshals the defence and in striker Jovic they have a hungry goal scorer who struggled in Madrid but is an obvious talent.
Can La Viola stop Vlahovic?
Fiorentina fans are never too cheerful about being called the ‘Juventus feeder club’ but they have seen some of their biggest stars leave to join the Old Lady, including attacking midfielder Juan Cuadrado who will captain I Bianconeri in Florence. Meanwhile, the player who switched to Turin in a big money move last January, Dusan Vlahovic, with three goals, has already gone to the head of the race for the Capocannoniere, alongside Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Juventus made a slow start to the 2021/22 campaign, and were in 16th place with just a single point on the board at this stage, so to be eighth with five points (before the Wednesday night fixtures) is an improvement; though not as big as Juve fans had hoped.
A thumping opening day win over Sassuolo as Vlahovic scored a brace, and a goalless draw away to Sampdoria were fair enough results; but Juve’s first big test came at home to Roma last week, and they had to settle for a 1-1 draw after Tammy Abraham equalised Vlahovic’s early opener.
The pre-match Fiorentina vs Juventus betting odds are backing a Juventus win and if Vlahovic has a good day then it’s a near certainty.
History
The head to head Fiorentina vs Juventus results won’t give the home fans too much encouragement as they have won just nine of their last 59 meetings with Juventus, losing 33 and drawing 17.
The two teams met three times late in the 2021/22 campaign. In April the Old Lady completed a Coppa Italia aggregate 3-0 win in Turin having taken a 1-0 lead away from Florence in the first leg. And La Viola exacted some revenge on the last day of the league season with a 2-0 home win which gave them European football while leaving Juventus with their lowest points total in 11 seasons.
Recent form should encourage the Fiorentina fans though. La Viola are unbeaten in five games at home and, at the time of writing, Juventus had won only one of the last six.
Fiorentina are at SBOTOP odds of 2.72 to win with the draw at 3.11 and Juventus the slight favourites at a price of 2.28.
The big question is; can Biraghi and co keep their former team-mate Vlahovic out of the game? It’s a big ask and he may only need one goal to upset his former fans.
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Serie A: Lazio and Napoli are Going to Light Up Rome Anew
Lazio vs Napoli
Rome is going to be filled with fireworks this Saturday as Lazio are slated to host Napoli in what will be another epic Serie A clash.
Napoli are coming off back-to-back draws against Lecce and Fiorentina, while Lazio were also held to a draw by Sampdoria after their impressive victory over Scudetto contenders Inter Milan in the few days prior.
Four matchdays in and these two sides have yet to suffer defeat. However, only one of them can come out and stay unblemished so something has to give.
As expected, the pre-match SBOTOP betting odds predict another tight encounter between these two proud sides. Without further ado, continue to read on below for the preview of this much-awaited fixture.
Talking Points
Spanish combo making an impact for Lazio
Lazio are more dangerous when they’re complete and that was the case during their memorable victory against Inter Milan last Saturday.
Felipe Anderson drew first blood for Lazio but Inter Milan responded right away with a strike by Lautaro Martinez. Maurizio Sarri then brought in Luis Alberto and Pedro off the bench, and the two veterans scored one apiece to give their team three important points.
Lazio’s Luis Alberto celebrates after scoring a goal during Serie A match against Napoli
Luis Alberto, who has been a key player for them over the last few years, was once linked with a move to Sevilla this transfer window but he’ll be staying in Rome for now. Prior to Inter Milan, Lazio were trying to get by without him, but it’s clear that they’ll need him focused for this season.
The Biancocelesti are also going to need Pedro’s production. The 35-year-old has been injured more recently, but he is still a capable playmaker. Perhaps he’s better off as a super substitute at this point of his career.
If these two are clicking, then the load on Ciro Immobile’s shoulders is going to be alleviated to a large degree. Lazio supporters can’t wait to see the two Spaniards and the four-time Capocannoniere winner create new Serie A 2022 highlights in these next few weeks.
Napoli have a star on the rise
Victor Osimhen is Napoli’s top attacking threat, but he may have found his new running mate in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The former Dinamo Batumi standout was one of their newest additions this summer, and he’s been doing his best to make Neapolitans forget about the recently departed Lorenzo Insigne.
Three goals in their first four matches is a solid return for the 21-year-old. He was the driving force in Napoli’s 5-2 win over Hellas Verona and 4-0 victory over newly-promoted Monza.
Although he didn’t make much impact against Fiorentina and Lecce, it’s evident that Napoli are going to lean on Kvaratskhelia in the long-run and he’s only going to get better.
This is very much a new Napoli side and we’re still in the embryonic stages of the 2022-23 season. In a summer that they lost Kalidou Koulibaly, Fabian Ruiz, and Lorenzo Insigne, Kvaratskhelia is giving Napoli a reason to be excited once more.
History
Napoli have had Lazio’s number as they’ve won the most number of Serie A games against them more than any other side. Prior to this fixture, the Partenopei have beaten Biancocelesti in 53 out of their 132 games together (D41, L38).
The Partenopei have also defeated the Biancocelesti nine times in their last 11 meetings while scoring 29 goals and conceding only 11 during this stretch.
Both of these clubs are in rich vein of scoring form. Lazio have scored five in their first three Serie A games this term, while Napoli have tallied nine in the same period.
Recent form is identical for these top four hopefuls as both have eight points with two wins and two draws. Juventus and AC Milan also have eight, while AS Roma and Inter Milan are the only clubs above them in the standings with nine and 10.
This match is a tough call and the Serie A 2022 odds agree. Here, we have Napoli priced at 2.49 to edge out Lazio, who are at 2.82, while chances for a draw are at 3.20 in the 1X2 market.
Since it’s hard to pick who will win, we will instead look at how many goals these two sides can score, and a quick scan at their lineups suggests that we’re in for a goal fest once more.
Over 2.50 @ 1.82 is solid offer for a great payout, while Total Goal 4-6 @ 3.25 is worth considering if you’re swinging for the fences.
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The 2022 and 2021 Scudetto winners are the headline act in Italy this weekend when the Milan Derby comes to town. It’s one of the biggest clashes in world football and the winner will finish the game ahead of their rivals in the league table.
That’s just how it should be to add the extra spice we love!
Stefano Pioli’s AC Milan have started their Serie A title defence with two home wins and two away draws and they sit in fifth place. Meanwhile, Inter boss Simone Inzaghi has his plans to wrestle the Scudetto out of Pioli’s hands, and his side has collected a point more with three wins and a single defeat to Lazio.
Inter start the weekend in second position, but either team could finish the day at the top of the pile should results elsewhere go their way.
So yes, both Milan teams have come out of the blocks with a strong set of Serie A 2022 results but they need to kick on, and a win in the Derby di Milano is the perfect way to turn a good start into a great start.
Milan’s breakout star of 2021/22 Rafael Leao has been the subject of transfer speculation throughout the summer but, at the time of writing on deadline day, he is still a Milan player.
Officials at the club still had nerves on Thursday morning though as Premier League club Chelsea, who have made a shaky start to their league campaign, have not given up their pursuit.
The Blues have turned their attention towards the Rossoneri star and are said to be willing to shell out a cool £100-M. But Milan are desperate to keep hold of Leao, who scored 14 goals last term and was awarded the title of “Serie A’s Most Valuable Player”, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala, and Inter Milan star Romelu Lukaku.
Leao is part of Milan’s youthful attacking unit which includes Brahim Diaz, Ismail Bennacer, and Sandro Tonali and it would be a shame for their fans to break this up.
But the return to fitness of Croatian winger Ante Rebic has been a huge boost to the team. He missed a lot of last season through injury but is back to full fitness and has scored twice already.
In defence, Milan will be without right-back Alessandro Florenzi, who was injured in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Sassuolo. The club has moved quickly and have reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign young American Sergino Dest who is undergoing a medical.
Martinez is Inter’s main man
The big news in Milan during the summer surrounded the return of striker Romelu Lukaku, who was a big player in Inter’s 2021 Scudetto triumph. But it is his strike partner who grabbed the headlines last season and has started this campaign in fantastic form.
Lautaro Martinez, with three goals already, is at the head of the race for the Golden Boot and he’ll be Inter’s biggest threat on Saturday.
With 61 goals in 139 games for I Nerazzurri, the 25-year-old Argentine hitman has established himself as one of the most accomplished strikers in world football. In his four seasons at the San Siro, he has developed year on year as a quick, agile, and technically brilliant player with great balance, quick feet, and a cool head in front of goal.
He’s no giant at 5’9”, but when you add his physical strength to his football skills you can see why Martinez is one of the most coveted stars in the big European leagues.
After kicking off the new campaign with back-to-back wins, Inter came unstuck in a difficult encounter away to Lazio, losing 3-1,but they recovered with a 3-1 win over Cremonese as Martinez, Joaquin Correa, and Nicola Barella all hit the target.
History
AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali in action against Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez during a Coppa Italia semi-final match
Inter have the edge in the Derby di Milano head-to-heads with 28 wins to Milan’s 23 during the last 70 meetings, and there have been 19 draws.
The last time the two teams met, Inter put AC out of the 2022 Coppa Italia semi-final with an aggregate 3-0 win as Martinez scored a brace in the second leg. So Milan are looking for revenge and to give their fans the bragging rights.
The Serie A 2022 betting odds can hardly split the Milan giants for this game with I Rossoneri the marginal favourites to win at a SBOTOP price of 2.59, while Inter are at 2.61 to win. The draw is at 3.01 so take your pick.
I’m going for Milan to edge it as I’m banking on Leao still being a Rossoneri player.
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The transfer windows slammed shut across Europe on Thursday night and in Serie A there were some contented owners as the dealing came to a close and they can now concentrate on matters on the pitch.
According to the earlySerie A 2022 betting odds Juventusare second favourites to lift the 2022/23 Scudetto, at odds of 4.00here at SBOTOP and behind only Inter Milan at 3.00. The Old Lady has made a decent start and is in fifth place with eight points from four games. And that after making a tidy profit on their dealings during the window.
I Bianconeri have offloaded big earners Matthijs de Ligt, Arthur Melo and Denis Zakaria while bringing in some serious talent without breaking the bank. Paul Pogba has returned from Manchester United after six underwhelming seasons in the Premier League. He arrived as a free agent, while another former Red Devil has joined the club. Midfield ace Angel di Maria has left Paris Saint-Germain to join Juve as well as Leandro Paredes and Gleison Bremer.
Juventus face Fiorentina this weekend and a win could take them top if results elsewhere go their way. And they’ll go into the game in a much healthier financial state than they were in at the end of last season. A report by Football Italia reveals the Old Lady has made 30m Euros in net transfer fees and reduced the wage bill by 20m Euros.
Good work.
Juventus’ Paul Pogba and Leonardo Bonucci seen inside the stadium before the match
Leao stays at Milan
The best bit of business done in Milan was Stefano Pioli’s success in keeping hold of I Rossoneri’s crown jewel Rafael Leao. Premier League big spenders Chelsea were sniffing around, right up until the deadline, but AC Milan remained steadfast and repelled any last minute approaches.
The 23 year old Portuguese forward is now set to make his 100th appearance for Milan against Inter this weekend, and his boss is clearly delighted, saying: “I have never been worried about the possible departure of Leao, I have always seen him fully involved and determined. The Derby di Milano takes place on Saturday and Milan are the marginal favourites at a SBOTOP price of 2.57 with Inter at 2.68 and the draw at 2.97.
I Rossoneri had a couple of incomings on deadline day, most notably the capture of Barcelona defender Sergino Dest on loan, with an option to buy at 20m Euros at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. And the player says he is moving to Milan to increase his chances of appearing at the World Cup: “I need to get minutes for the World Cup. I need to play. Not only for the World Cup, I just want to play always,” he said. “They gave me a great opportunity. So I didn’t even think twice. I was like: I have to do it. I want to play. So it was an easy decision to make.”
Dest was joined on deadline day by former Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx who is also hoping to break into the Rossoneri first team. The 19 year old is also on a loan to buy scheme and he may be a long term replacement for the departed Franck Kessie, who left the San Siro for Barcelona.
In other Serie A 2022 news Milan were rumoured to be keen to bring Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli to the San Siro. I Rossoneri were reported to be preparing a £43m offer for the Brazilian but the Gunners have high hopes for Martinelli, who is improving year on year and is one of the most exciting players in the Premier League. But Milan’s interest probably cooled once they knew Leao was going nowhere.
Inter Milan did most of their business earlier in the window, notably bringing Romelu Lukaku back to the club, but there was almost another big name incoming at the 11th hour when Barcelona offered wing back Jordi Alba to I Nerazzurri. The Catalans have been working hard to reduce their wage bill so they can register all their summer signings and, apparently, they agreed a loan deal for Alba to move to Inter.
But the player was not amused!
33 year old Alba has been at the Camp Nou for ten seasons and he flatly refused to make the move, angered at the club’s attempt to offload him without first speaking to him. Blaugrana head coach Xavi has accepted Alba doesn’t want to move and his immediate future remains in Catalonia.
Another big name staying put is Manchester United’s want-away striker Cristiano Ronaldo. His agent seems to have been busy offering CR7 to pretty much everyone this summer, including both Milan clubs, but nothing has materialized for the former Juventus and Real Madrid star. Napoli were tipped to snap up the Portuguese legend on deadline day but the club’s sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli said there was ‘never anything concrete’ and now the window has closed.
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Serie A action returns to the San Siro Stadium on Saturday evening as Inter Milan welcome Torino for Round 6 of the new campaign.
The 2021 Scudetto champions haven’t really come out of the blocks as quickly as they would have hoped, and that makes this a game they really must win to avoid slipping too far off the pace.
Inter come into the match on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, while Torino have the happier memory of a third win of the campaign – a 1-0 victory at home to Lecce to carry with them to Milan.
The Serie A 2022 betting odds initially marked this campaign as a three-horse race, but after a mixed start for I Nerazzuri and Juventus, AC Milan are current favourites with SBOTOP. Meanwhile, Napoli, Roma, and Atalanta have climbed into the picture.
Inzaghi’s side will start this game in eighth place in the league table – a point and two places behind Torino and Il Toro have European aspirations of their own this season.
But I Nerazzurri are hot favourites to win this game at odds of 1.41, and after a disappointing seven days, they will be keen to get back on the winning trail.
Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi has work to do and it needs on start on Saturday.
Sometimes things just don’t go your way and that’s exactly how Nerazzurri fans will feel after two defeats in succession which have both been pretty hard to take.
Firstly, a 3-2 loss in the Derby Di Milano is about the worst result an Inter fan could imagine. And to follow that up with a home reversal to Bayern Munich in the Champions League was another savage blow.
But it was the manner of the defeat to the Bavarians which would have annoyed Inzaghi and the Inter faithful. They surrendered to the Bundesliga champions too easily and a side containing the likes of Sadio Mane, Thomas Muller, and Joshua Kimmich doesn’t need a lot of help.
But after Leroy Sane gave Bayern a first half lead, Danilo D’Ambrosio put through his own net to end any hopes of an Inter revival.
The hosts registered just two shots on target while their visitors had 11, and only a brilliant display from debutant keeper Andre Onana saved Inter from further embarrassment.
The best way to get a Champions League loss out of your system is to ensure your Serie A 2022 results are back on track and Inter have been solid at home in the league.
Captain Samir Handanovic is likely to take his place back between the sticks, while striker Lautauro Martinez will hope to maintain the form which has brought him three goals already. If Inter get it right at both ends of the pitch, they should pick up all three points.
Vlasic at home in Torino
Torino manager Ivan Juric holds the ball during the Serie A match against Atalanta
Head coach Ivan Juric has done a good job at Torino since his arrival in 2021, guiding them to a 10th placed finish in his first season and they have started well this time around.
And the Toro boss seems to have pulled off a master stroke with at least one of his two loan signings this summer.
He’s been a little unlucky with Russian attacking midfielder Aleksei Miranchuk. The 26-year-old is on loan from Atalanta and Juric hoped he would provide the creative muscle his team needs, but he has picked up an injury and only featured once.
There is better news for Torino as Croatian striker Nicola Vlasic, who has struggled at Premier League club West Ham, seems to be thriving in Serie A after his loan switch to Torino and has scored three goals already.
Vlasic has struck up a good relationship with Paraguayan striker Antonio Sanabria and they will test Inter’s resolve at the back.
History
I Nerazzurri have won 22 of the 38 encounters since 1993, with Torino winning just five and there have been 11 draws.
Both games from the 2021/22 campaign were hard fought as Inter won 1-0 at the San Siro before the teams played out a 1-1 draw in Turin.
Inter have not lost this fixture at home in the last six meetings.
In terms of recent form, the visitors have the edge. Inter have three wins and three losses from the last six, while Torino have four wins, a draw, and a single defeat over that period.
You can’t rule out Torino at odds of 7.14 or the draw at 4.07, and they may well get something from this game. But I’m counting on a reaction from Inter after a limp show against Bayern and I expect they will go at Torino from the off.
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Serie A: AS Roma Can’t Slip Up Against Winless Empoli
Empoli vs AS Roma
A trip to Empoli may be what the doctor ordered for AS Roma after hitting a rough patch this past week.
After an undefeated run in August to start their 2022-23 campaign, I Giallorossi have suffered back-to-back defeats across all competitions – a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Udinese in Serie A and a 2-1 defeat to Ludogorets in the Europa League.
AS Roma are still in good shape in the Scudetto race, though, since they’re at fifth with 10 points, which is only three behind league leaders Atalanta.
On the other hand, Empoli have yet to win a league match this season. But to their credit, they’ve only lost once and they’re at 15th with four points.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds may be favouring the visitors to win. However, Jose Mourinho knows that they cannot afford to be complacent even for one bit.
Talking Points
Who will lead the way for AS Roma?
AS Roma forward Paulo Dybala during the warm up before the Serie A match
AS Roma have strengthened their attacking corps during the summer transfer window, but their depth will be put to the test in these next few weeks, especially with games coming in thick and fast from Serie A and the Europa League.
The summer addition of Paulo Dybala and Andrea Belotti surely helps, and the team will need these two to create Serie A 2022 highlights every single game. Dybala now has two goals in AS Roma uniform while Belotti has yet to open his account.
Jose Mourinho would also prefer to have Nicolo Zaniolo and Tammy Abraham back at 100-per cent in order to stay afloat. Abraham is expected to be sidelined for a while due to a shoulder contusion he had last week, while Zaniolo is hoping for a speedy recovery after suffering the same injury as Abraham’s.
Their midfield is another area of strength as they have the likes of Bryan Cristante, Nemanja Matic, and Lorenzo Pellegrini. The same can’t be said about their backline, though, since they’ve already surrendered five goals from their league opponents.
Paolo Zanetti’s men are not expected to do much this season. But all they have to do is to stay out of the relegation mire – which is achievable – and to build their young core.
Empoli may have struggled in the final third lately, but they have a promising young trio in Sam Lammers, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Martin Satriano as all of them have scored already this term.
Lammers and Satriano were both loaned out by their respective teams in Atalanta and Inter Milan this summer, so both have something to prove.
Satriano, in particular, is one of the most underrated youngsters in Italy today. This summer, the 21-year-old forward was linked with a move to Premier League side Southampton and they are reportedly keeping tabs on his progress.
Prior to Monday’s game, AS Roma are undefeated in their last 12 Serie A encounters against Empoli (W9, D3). I Giallorossi are enjoying a five-game winning streak over Empoli, which is their second longest winning run in Italian top-flight behind against Crotone (W6).
AS Roma have also kept a clean sheet in four of their last six Serie A matches against Empoli.
At home, Empoli have only won twice in their last 12 Serie A home matches against AS Roma (D3, L7). The last time this happened was back in February 2007 where Nicola Pozzi’s strike was enough to give them the 1-0 victory.
Empoli have drawn four consecutive Serie A games for the first time since January 2015. During that time, they went on to draw five straight, which is their longest run in their Serie A history.
AS Roma are unsurprisingly the favoured side by this weekend’s Serie A 2022 odds. Jose Mourinho’s men are installed at a good value at 1.75, while Empoli are priced at 4.40 and chances for a draw are at 3.65 in the 1X2 market.
With the hosts struggling to find goals, it’s hard to envision them beating their visitors given their stronger ammunition. Basically, this game is for AS Roma’s to lose.
Basing on their goal count in their recent encounters, another viable bet could be going for Total Goal 2-3 1.96, but that will purely depend on how many times AS Roma will find the back of the net.
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Serie A: Character of Champions, History in Monza and Turbulence in Turin
It’s tight at the top and at the bottom of Serie A and, for the neutrals, it could well prove to be the most exciting league in Europe to follow this season.
Leao has been a key figure and Milan will miss him in next weekend’s top of the table clash.
Filip Djuricic equalised for Sampdoria against 10 men, but Olivier Giroud converted a penalty midway through the second half to seal a hard fought win.
They had a very different task on their hands on Saturday against spirited Spezia.
It wasn’t all one-way either as, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia twice went close and Piotr Zielinski was denied, Spezia had their own moments, particularly when Amir Rrahmani cleared off the line from Jakub Kiwior.
The hosts’ pressure was finally rewarded when Hirving Lozano crossed from the right and debutant Giacomo Raspadori capped a day he will never forget for the Partenopei.
Napoli and Milan are level on 14 points with Atalanta who were pegged back by Cremonese as they claimed their second point of the campaign.
La Dea looked to be on course when they broke the deadlock 16 minutes from time as Merih Demiral guided a header into the back of the net following a Teun Koopmeiners free-kick.
Yet four minutes later, a Santiago Ascacibar shot was parried away and Emanuele Valeri swopped into poke the equaliser.
Atalanta’s efforts to find a winner were unsuccessful as Cremonese held strong to secure a hard-fought point.
Serie A highlights have been hard to come by for Bologna so far this season and, in the week they sacked manager Sinisa Mihajlovic, looked set for more disappointment, especially when Lucas Martinez-Quarta slid in the opener for Fiorentina.
The decision to sack Mihajlovic seems harsh after more than three years with the club during which he developed a rapport with fans that became stronger as he received treatment for leukemia.
The home support did have smiles on their faces this weekend though as, with new boss Thiago Motta in the stands and Luca Vigiani on the bench as caretaker, goals from Musa Barrow and Marko Arnautovic overturned the deficit.
They equalised when Arnautovic hooked the ball back over his head at the touchline, Barrow broke free and swept the ball past Pietro Terracciano.
That was actually the first goal Bologna have scored this season that was not from Arnautovic and, moments later, the Austrian did it again.
Denso Kasius dispossessed Martinez-Quarta and rolled the ball across the face of goal where Arnautovic was waiting.
It proved to be the winner as Bologna sealed their first victory of the season with Fiorentina reduced to 10 men deep into stoppage time.
On the day the Formula One Italian Grand Prix was being held at Monza, there was an historical moment for the city’s football club.
At home to fellow newly promoted outfit Lecce, they now have their first point in the top flight.
This was already a relegation dogfight but, while Lecce had earned two points against Empoli and Napoli, Monza had lost all five matches to date, piling pressure on coach Giovanni Stroppa.
A superb Stefano Sensi free kick had them dreaming of an elusive victory before substitute Joan Gonzalez fired Lecce back on level terms.
The goal was straight after the restart with Gonzalez turning the ball home to earn a point, although Lecce felt they were denied at least one or two definite penalties after that.
If both sides can defy the SBOTOP Serie A betting odds and stay up, they will have done it the hard way.
Although as Salernitana showed in Turin on Sunday night, it is never easy.
Juventus’ Filip Kostic in action against Salernitana’s Lassana Coulibaly at Allianz Stadium
The ‘Old Lady’ of Turin hosts were stunned as the visitors took a 2-0 half-time lead and were still in front going into the final minute of normal time.
Then Leonardo Bonucci managed to convert a rebound after his initial penalty was saved before Arek Milik guided home a 94th minute header to send multiple champions Juventus into raptures and Salernitana into despair – momentarily.
It sparked a brawl and a second yellow card for Milik and it took some time before the official could view VAR to rule out the goal.
A player from each side duly saw red in the aftermath – Juan Cuadrado and Federico Fazio – even home manager Max Allergi was dismissed as all discipline was lost.
It capped quite an evening as the contest finished in bedlam, but no-one could argue Salernitana deserved their point.
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Udinese are the in-form team in Serie A at the moment. After going winless in their first two games, the Friulani are winners of four in a row and have vaulted up to fourth in the table.
By far the most eye-catching of those four straight wins was their 4-0 demolition of Jose Mourinho’s Roma. And they followed that up with another impressive 3-1 win away to Sassuolo.
Beto has been a key part of Udinese’s recent success. The Portuguese striker has four goals in the last four games despite not being a regular starter for coach Andrea Sottil.
Gerard Deulofeu – formerly of Barcelona, Everton, and Watford – has been continued his fine form from last season, where he had a team-leading 13 goals with five assists. The Spanish forward already has three assists and has started in all six of the team’s Serie A matches.
Meanwhile, the two wing-backs, Roberto Pereyra, and Destiny Udogie, have been in fantastic form and are providing plenty of Serie A 2022 highlights. Pereyra has a goal and three assists over his last two games, while 19-year-old Udogie – who will be headed to Tottenham next season – has two goals of his own.
Those two wing-backs will once again have an important role to play on both ends against Inter, who also rely heavily on their wing-backs in attack.
Inter yet to fully impress
Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku before their match against Spezia Calcio
The Serie A 2022 odds had Inter Milan among the favourites for the Scudetto this season, but the Nerazzurri have not gone off to the most impressive of starts this season.
They recently had a run of three defeats in four games, although those defeats came in tough games away to Lazio (3-1), AC Milan (4-2), and at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League (0-2).
But in their most recent Serie A match, they once again looked unconvincing as they needed a late winner from Marcelo Brozovic to edge past Torino last time out. That win lifted Inter up to sixth in the standings, two points off top spot.
But Simone Inzaghi will be encouraged by Edin Dzeko’s strong showing against Viktoria Plzen in midweek. The Bosnian had a goal and an assist in Inter’s 2-0 win and will likely partner Lautaro Martinez up front against Udinese.
Inzaghi made a few more changes in the Plzen match, including replacing the out-of-form centre-back Stefan de Vrij for Francesco Acebri. It remains to be seen whether Inzaghi will bring back de Vrij against Udinese, but Lautaro and Hakan Calhanoglu, who were also rested in midweek, are expected to return to the starting lineup.
History
Inter have dominated Udinese in Serie A over the years. The Nerazzurri have won 19 of their last 29 league meetings, with Udinese winning just four.
Inter are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run against Udinese, with seven wins and two draws. They did the double over Udinese last season; they won 2-1 at the Stadio Friuli after goals from Ivan Perisic and Lautaro Martinez, then won 2-0 at the San Siro thanks to a Joaquin Correa brace.
SBOTOP odds have Inter installed as 1.93 favourites over Udinese, who are priced at 3.65 to extend their win streak to five games. A draw is similarly priced at 3.60.
This is a hard match to call given Udinese’s fine form coupled with Inter’s indifferent start. As they showed against Roma, Udinese are clearly capable of causing Inter some problems. But it would be foolish to underestimate Inter, who are still a dangerous side to go up against.
That’s why I’m sitting on the fence in this match as I foresee both sides settling for a draw in what should be an entertaining battle at the Stadio Friuli.
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Serie A: Do Roma and Atalanta Have Scudetto Credentials?
AS Roma vs Atalanta
The Serie A has thrown up some of the best title races in recent years and this season it appears to be wide open once again. And in the Sunday showstopper between AS Roma and Atalanta,we have two clubs doing their best to break the dominance of Milan and Turin.
Both teams sit just outside the top four in terms of SBOTOP odds for a Scudetto win, but it is a tight bunch. AC Milan are the early favourites at a price of 3.00 with Napoli fourth at 6.00. Roma come next at odds of 8.00 and Atalanta a little further out at 17.00.
A win for either at the Stadio Olimpico would be a huge result as Roma, currently in fifth place on 13 points, can leapfrog joint leaders Atalanta with a victory. But that is easier said than done against a team which has won four and draw two of its opening six games.
Roma come into the game on the back of a 3-0 win over HJK Helsinki in the Europa League on Thursday while a rested Atalanta have had a week to prepare since their 1-1 draw at home to Cremonese.
Now the heat is on, and both Roma and Atalanta have the chance to show they have what it takes to mount a Scudetto challenge.
Talking Points
Contrasting styles of two top coaches
Roma coach Jose Mourinho and Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini are two of the most experienced leaders in Serie A, but their career paths have taken contrasting courses and their styles are very different.
Mourinho is noted as one of the finest tactical brains in the game and his adaptability to manage the outcome of matches is second to none. But his teams are built on a strong foundation of defencive organisation and often with a three-man midfield which enable him to dictate the play.
He’s had a glittering career which includes two Scudetto wins with Inter Milan and Mourinho is putting together yet another competitive club in Roma.
While Gian Piero Gasperini has enjoyed a modest coaching career compared to Mourinho’s glittering history, in some ways he has just as many admirers in the game, particularly those who like to see fast-flowing attacking football.
Mourinho has built a career on tactical nous and defencive organisation, while Gasperini has stuck to his principles. As Coppa Italia runner-up in 2019 and 2021 and a regular participant in the Champions League, La Dea has won many fans across Europe for its goal hungry players and top quality entertainment.
Gasperini actually had a short stint as Inter Milan boss but has been at Atalanta since 2016. And while some of his most attacking players of the past are nearing the twilight of their years, his distinctive attacking mindset has been taken on by a new set of swashbucklers.
Dybala is settled in Rome
AS Roma forward Paulo Dybala in action during a Serie A match against Empoli
Paulo Dybala’s move to Roma was one of the most protracted transfer sagas in the Serie A 2022 news but the 28-year-old Argentine striker seems happy again after a difficult end to his career at Juventus.
He’s scored three goals already, including one in Roma’s recent encounter with Empoli, which was a chance to rectify back-to-back defeats to Udinese in the league and Ludogorets in the Europa League.
I Giallorossi took the opportunity with goals from Dybala and a second from Tammy Abraham and they followed that up with a victory over Helsinki as Dybala hit the net again.
Mourinho has plenty of choice in attack with former Chelsea star Tammy Abraham scoring two goals and Nicolo Zaniolo and Andrea Belotti both pushing for places.
And with Chris Smalling and Roger Ibanez at the back, the Roma boss has the solid defencive foundation he so loves.
Atalanta’s young guns happy on the road
With three wins from three away from home, and keeping clean sheets in them all, Atalanta will relish a trip to Rome and they will come out on attack at every opportunity.
Much of La Dea’s success in recent years has been down to the lethal partnership of Colombian duo of Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel, but they are both 31 years of age and Zapata is sidelined, so a new generation of sharpshooters is stepping up for Atalanta.
24-year-old Dutch star Teun Koopmeiners has four goals and alongside Ademola Lookman, who has one goal and one assist, he represents a threat with plenty of skill and a turn of pace.
Muriel may well start against Roma while attacking midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi is also pushing for a place.
I Giallorossi have had the better of the head-to-heads with 24 wins to Atalanta’s 14 in all competitions over the past three decades.
Roma did the double in this fixture last term with a 1-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico and a stunning 4-1 victory in Bergamo.
But in terms of recent form, Atalanta, with four wins and two draws from the last six, are looking more consistent than Roma who have picked up three wins, one draw, and two defeats.
Last week, we covered La Liga’s challenger clash between Real Betis and Villarreal and that turned out to be a tight affair with Betis winning with the only goal of the game.
This is the Serie A version of that match and the pre-match Serie A 2022 betting odds are backing a home win at odds of 2.16 while La Dea is available at a price of 3.16 and the draw is at 3.40.
I think t will be equally tight but if anyone has the edge, I’d give it to Atalanta who are strong on the road and have had four more days to rest and prepare.
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Serie A: The Top Berth is There for the Taking for Milan and Napoli
AC Milan vs Napoli
It’s a three-way battle at the top between Napoli, Atalanta, and AC Milan, but only one of them can stay at the summit after this weekend’s set of Serie A matches.
As of this writing, it is Napoli who are leading because of a superior goal difference, while Atalanta and AC Milan are right behind them. Atalanta can bolster their title credentials with a victory against AS Roma, while Napoli have an important date with AC Milan at San Siro.
Today, we’ll focus on the fixture between AC Milan and Napoli, and the pre-match SBOTOP betting odds predict another tight affair with so much on the line.
So who will come out on top after Sunday night? Continue to read on below for our preview of this game.
Talking Points
No Rafael Leao for AC Milan
Rafael Leao’s red card in their 2-1 victory over Sampdoria means that the Portuguese will have to sit this one out, and this will certainly open up opportunities for the other guys to step up.
And with the likes of Ante Rebic, Divock Origi, and long-term absentee Zlatan Ibrahimovic struggling to stay fit, Stefano Pioli will have to be creative with his attacking resources.
AC Milan reportedly want to extend the contract of French striker Olivier Giroud until 2024
After coming off the bench several times before, Olivier Giroud has settled in nicely as their starting No. 9 and he should retain his spot there. The veteran Frenchman now has four goals and one assist this term – a sign that he isn’t slowing down at 35.
Alexis Saelemaekers and Junior Messias should cover the flanks while the Charles De Ketelaere will remain as their No. 10, while Brahim Diaz is going to try to make his case in the starting XI.
Giroud and his younger attacking partners are all capable of providing Serie A 2022 highlights for their home fans. They will try to hold the line and Leao should have fresher legs in their next set of fixtures following the international break.
Napoli treating Victor Osimhen with kid gloves
Victor Osimhen recently had a discomfort on his adductor which didn’t appear to be serious. But given his injury history, Napoli would probably err the side of caution for their Nigerian star.
Regardless of whether Osimhen plays or not, Napoli’s attack is in good shape thanks to their summer acquisitions Giacomo Raspadori and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Giacomo Raspadori is also enjoying his time at Naples. The 22-year-old forward arrived this summer on loan from Sassuolo and he has already tallied two goals in five games.
After serving a one-match ban, Mexican winger Hirving Lozano is expected to make his return which would only give Luciano Spalletti more options. Giovanni Simeone is also a candidate for a spot up front after scoring against Liverpool in the Champions League group stage earlier this month.
AC Milan could win two straight against Napoli in the league for the first time since 2010-11. Prior to this weekend’s match, I Rossoneri won 1-0 after a run of two consecutive defeats with the same exact scoreline.
Those two aforementioned 1-0 losses were played at San Siro. So if they lose on Sunday, it’ll be the first time since 1979 where they’ll suffer three consecutive defeats at home against I Partenopei.
Stefano Pioli’s side is unblemished in their last 22 Serie A games (W15, D7), which is the longest league undefeated run in Europe’s top five competitions so far. This is also their longest unbeaten run since they had a 27-match winning streak in January 2021.
Both of these teams have been formidable on the defencive end as Napoli have secured six clean sheets in their last nine Serie A matches, while AC Milan have tallied four clean sheets in their last six home league matches.
AC Milan were given the edge by the Serie A 2022 odds. I Rossoneri were installed at 2.13 to win, while Napoli are priced at 3.50 in the 1X2 market.
Since both of these calcios are in great form, this match is a tough one to call so we’re leaning towards a Draw @ 3.20. Furthermore, expect AC Milan and Napoli to root for AS Roma to draw with Atalanta nonetheless.
With both Rafael Leao and Victor Osimhen sidelined, AC Milan and Napoli are going to miss their best attackers – making Under 2.50 @ 1.99 a bet worth considering on Sunday.
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Serie A: Magnificent Monza as Juve Reach Rock Bottom
I said a few weeks ago that I expect Serie A to be the most open major league in Europe this season but even I wasn’t expecting this amount of Serie A 2022 highlights in one weekend.
Of course, there is only one place to start and a result which shocked me so much I can’t imagine what the pre-match SBOTOP Serie A 2022 betting odds offered.
What duly followed was history in the making and, for those of a home persuasion, a day which will never be forgotten.
For this wasn’t just Monza’s first-ever victory in the division in their 110-year history, but it came against a name synonymous with the magic and mystique of Italian football, the ‘Old Lady of Turin’.
Christian Gytkjaer was the hero but there were many heroes all in red, while Juventus were let down by someone who should know better.
I have always thought that, for all his talent, Angel Di Maria goes missing when the going gets tough.
He did so during his solitary season at Manchester United, he was often ineffectual on the big stage for Paris St-Germain and now, with Juventus, he let his new team-mates down as he was sent off for violent conduct just before the break.
The hosts’ moment of glory came 16 minutes from time when the lively Patrick Ciurria got down the right and his cross was slid home by Gytkjaer from six yards.
It sealed a memorable and historic victory for Monza and their new boss, Raffaele Palladino, promoted from the youth team after the harsh sacking of Giovanni Stroppa.
In any other week, events at Udinese would have provided the story of the weekend as they scored twice in the final six minutes to seal their own memorable victory against the 2021 champions Inter Milan.
AC Milan’s Rade Krunic in action with Napoli’s Mario Rui during their recent Serie A clash
Nicolò Barella opened the scoring early with a superb free kick but a Milan Skriniar own goal, followed by Gerard Deulofeu creating late headers for Jaka Bijol and Tolgay Arslan, had the home fans in raptures.
So much for being the surprise early season upstarts of Serie A, manager Andrea Sottil has now matched the best-ever Udinese start to the season (2000-01), with 16 points from the first seven matches.
By contrast, Inter have lost three of their opening seven Serie A matches. On the last three occasions this happened, they failed to finish in the top four, something manager Simone Inzaghi probably considers a minimum requirement for the class of 2022.
Events at Monza and Udinese ultimately mean that Sunday evening’s big two matches played second billing this weekend with both Atalanta and Napoli, who shared the lead at the top of the summit.
They did it the hard way with impressive away wins at Roma and champions AC Milan respectively – the latter’s coming from the head of Giovanni Simeone as he directed Mario Rui’s cross into the bottom corner.
It may be early days in Serie A, but Sampdoria, the side which gave us some of the league’s finest moments through the likes of Ruud Gullit, Gianluca Vialli and David Platt, are in a bit of bother.
Sure, there is plenty of time to improve and climb into a much healthier position but the 2-1 loss to Spezia in the Liguria derby was an undoubted blow and leaves them firmly in the drop zone.
Spezia turned the game around with another Holm cross from the right and the unmarked M’Bala Nzola converting from close range.
Home goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski made a double save to keep out Manolo Gabbiadini and Sabiri at the near post, then deep into stoppage time rushed off his line to stick out a boot and deny Fabio Quagliarella the equaliser.
Two points from their opening seven matches represents a very poor start to the campaign for Sampdoria.
It was a case of ‘After the Lord Mayor’s show and all that’ for Salernitana over the weekend.
A Strefezza Rebelato goal seven minutes from time settled the contest.
Lecce had taken the lead through Assan Ceesay just ahead of the break before an own goal from Joan Gonzalez early in the second half drew the home side level, although they were unable to turn the tide in their favour.
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Mourinho Back at San Siro as Serie A Returns from Break
After the international break, Serie A makes its much-awaited return this weekend, with the headlining match without question Jose Mourinho’s return to San Siro as his Roma side take on Inter Milan.
The Nerazzurri have been in rocky form to start the season, and Mourinho will be all too keen to heap more misery onto his old club, not to mention get Roma back on track after their own recent disappointing Serie A 2022 results.
Juventus will also be in the spotlight as they look to recover from their shock defeat, while high-flying Atalanta face off with Fiorentina, who are looking to extend their win streak against La Dea.
Read on below as SBOTOP lists down the three biggest matches to look forward to in this upcoming Serie A matchweek.
Inter Milan vs Roma: Mourinho still searching for win over old club
Former Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho returns to San Siro this weekend as he leads his Roma side against struggling Inter Milan.
Simone Inzaghi’s side suffered a heavy 3-1 defeat to Udinese before the international break. It was their third loss of the season as they remain down in seventh.
Mourinho’s Roma haven’t had particularly good results themselves. Aside from also suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Udinese, they lost 1-0 to high-flying Atalanta despite absolutely dominating that match.
Roma are expected to have Paulo Dybala back after the Argentine playmaker missed the Atalanta defeat due to injury. Dybala had desired a move to Inter this summer but the two sides could not come to a deal, so that will add another dimension to this already spicy matchup.
Mourinho will be desperate to finally get one over on Inter. He met his former club three times last season – twice in the league and once in the cup – but lost all three times, all of which were by two or more goals.
Juventus vs Bologna: Old Lady need to win one
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri reacts from the sidelines during a Champions League match against Benfica
Juventus are in the midst of a massive slump. They have picked up just one win in their last eight games in all competitions and are winless in their last three in Serie A.
Both Di Maria and Juan Cuadrado will now be suspended when they take on Bologna this weekend in what feels like a must-win match for them. Although, midfielders Manuel Locatelli and Adrien Rabiot could be in line to return from their respective injuries.
Bologna boast Serie A’s current leading scorer, Marko Arnautovic, who has already provided plenty of Serie A 2022 highlights with 7 goals this season. However, the Rossoblu are struggling at the moment as they lie in 16th, just two points above the relegation zone.
The Serie A 2022 betting odds will significantly favour Juve to end their winless drought against Bologna. But the Bianconeri are quite low on confidence at the moment, so a Juve win is far from a certainty.
Atalanta vs Fiorentina: Interesting clash of styles
Atalanta and Fiorentina are two fascinating and contrasting teams. Second-place Atalanta are significantly overperforming their underlying numbers (their expected goal difference or xGD is +2.8, well below their actual GD of +8) while Fiorentina in 10th are underperforming their numbers (+2.6 xGD to +1 actual GD).
By those numbers, this seems to be quite an even battle between two of the better sides in Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini is doing another wonderful job with La Dea, who are performing well without the ball. Meanwhile, Vincenzo Italiano continues to transform the Viola, who lead Serie A in possession percentage.
So this will be quite an interesting clash of styles between Fiorentina’s growing possession system and Atalanta’s counterattacking game.
The two sides met three times last season – twice in the league and once in the cup – and the Viola were victorious in all three matches. Although, strikers Dusan Vlahovic and Krzysztof Piatek, who scored five of their six goals in those three games, are no longer with the club.
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Serie A: Napoli’s Winning Streak Meets Torino’s Mini-Slump
Napoli vs Torino
League leaders Napoli are set to host Torino at the Stadio Diego Maradona on Saturday aiming to make it four Serie A wins on the bounce and keep their early momentum in the race for the Scudetto.
Luciano Spalletti’s side has also made an impressive start in the Champions League and their fans will rightly expect another three points when Ivan Juric’s Torino come to town.
Sitting top of the table with 17 points from their opening seven games, Gli Azzurri mean business and, with both Milan clubs and Juventus dropping points in recent weeks, Spalletti’s team can keep their distance with another victory.
Napoli come into the game on the back of a superb win over AC Milan at the San Siro, while Torino lost at home to Sassuolo.
First versus ninth leads the Serie A 2022 betting odds to the conclusion this will be another Napoli win and it’s hard to argue with that.
Talking Points
Napoli’s multiple threats
Piotr Zielinski scored a brace in a 4-1 win over Liverpool
The departure of club legend Lorenzo Insigne caused a few nervy jitters to spread around Naples, but they have all but disappeared after Spaletti’s side picked up five wins and two draws from their opening seven fixtures.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta are keeping pace and sit just behind Gli Azzurri on goal difference but Napoli have been here before, marching ahead at the start of the 2021/22 campaign. They had a chance to prove their 2023 title credentials in last week’s match away to champions Milan and they took it with both hands to go top.
In the Champions League, Napoli registered an impressive 4-1 win over Liverpool and a 3-0 victory in Glasgow against Rangers.
Captained by wing-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Gli Azzurri are a well-organised team with the objective of making chances from any area of the pitch and with the ability to carve open any defence.
Midfield star Khvicha Kvarakstkhelia has scored four times, while with three assists, Piotr Zielinski is the playmaker and he bagged a brace in the destruction of Liverpool.
Young striker Giacomo Raspadori scored a brilliant goal in Italy’s Nations League victory over England and Matteo Politano already has two goals, scoring the opener in the win over Milan.
Even without the injured Victor Osimhen, this is an attack to entertain or be feared depending on where you sit.
Torino would take an ugly win
After a bright start, Il Toro’s Serie A 2022 resultshave taken a turn for the worse with back-to-back defeats and Juric’s aim in Naples is to stop the rot.
With just two goals scored in the last four games, the visitors need to find a way of making more of their chances, but an injury to Aleksey Miranchuk has limited Juric’s striking options.
Attacking midfielder Nicola Vlasic has three goals since his arrival from West Ham on loan and he is loving life in Turin, already hinting that he wants to make the move permanent.
Vlasic had a miserable time in London, scoring just once in 31 appearances with many of them from the bench, and Il Toro have an option to buy the star at the end of the campaign for a fee of €15-M – which is half of what the Hammers paid to CSKA Moscow for him.
Vlasic is Torino’s best chance of a goal but they will be working hard at the other end of the pitch to thwart the Napoli attack, and Torino’s rearguard is not shy to get stuck in.
Defenders Allesandro Buongiorno, Ola Aina, and Wilfred Stephane Singo have picked up seven yellow cards between them. 6’4” centre-back Buongiorno is leading the pack with three cards.
A grubby 1-0 win is all Torino want.
History
Napoli have won 16 of their 34 encounters with Torino in all competitions since 1993, drawing 13 while Il Toro have managed just five victories.
Last year, Spalletti’s team did the double over these opponents, 1-0 in both Naples and Turin. Fabian Ruiz scored as Napoli won in the away clash last May.
Napoli haven’t lost to Torino on the last 10 occasions they have met in Naples.
In terms of recent form, Napoli are much stronger with five wins and a draw over the last six games, while Torino have won two, drawn one, and lost three.
According to our SBOTOP odds, this looks like a Napoli win at a price of 1.55, but Torino fans will have plenty to say about that and they can back their team at 5.22 or the draw at a price of 3.88.
And for a correct scoreline, a 2-0 home win is at odds of 6.95.
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SSerie A: Can Jose Mourinho Get the Monkey Off His Back at San Siro?
Inter Milan vs AS Roma
The fixture between Inter Milan and AS Roma is certainly one of the top Serie A encounters to look forward to following the first international break of the 2022-23 season.
However, the Special One won’t be on the touchline for AS Roma as he’ll be serving a one-match ban after he took his complaints too far when his side wasn’t given a penalty during their 1-0 loss against Atalanta a fortnight ago.
Meanwhile, Mourinho’s former employers Inter Milan are also fresh from a tough loss against Udinese.
I Giallorossi and I Nerazzurri are placed sixth and seventh at the table respectively, so they’ll need three points from this fixture in order to re-assert their top four credentials.
Talking Points
Inter Milan struggling without Romelu Lukaku
Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku gestures before the match against Spezia Calcio
I Nerazzurri came close to winning back-to-back Scudettos last season, but they eventually lost to city rivals AC Milan.
This year, they’ve bolstered their attack by bringing back Romelu Lukaku on loan from Chelsea. But the Belgian hitman –a key contributor to their title run – hasn’t played for over a month now due to a muscular injury.
Lukaku is ruled out for the showdown at San Siro, so Simone Inzaghi will be relying on the front duo of Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko, while Nicolo Barella, Joaquin Correa, Denzel Dumfries, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan will also share the attacking responsibilities and Serie A 2022 highlights.
Other than Lukaku, midfield lynchpin Marcelo Brozovic will also have to sit this one out since he’s suspended for one game.
Lautaro Martinez is the team’s leading scorer with three goals and one assist but he has failed to score in their last five fixtures across all competitions. Look for him to be aggressive as he’s out to end his mini-slump.
Hakan Calhanoglu is another player who’s looking to regain his form. The former AC Milan standout has been recovering from a strained thigh over the past couple of weeks and he only has one goal so far this term.
Paulo Dybala’s return is huge for AS Roma
On the other hand, AS Roma were given a huge fitness boost during the international break.
After injuring himself in the warm up before the match against Atalanta, Paulo Dybala is now good to go and he’ll be joined by the likes of Lorenzo Pellegrini and Stephan El Shaarawy.
The Argentine centre-forward has been their main source of goals thus far with four and he also has two assists. Behind him is Tammy Abraham who has two goals.
Their returns allows Jose Mourinho to rotate his lineups during the upcoming stretch of fixtures with short turnarounds. For this month, I Giallorossi will compete in eight total games – three in the Europa League and five in Serie A.
Needless to say that October will be big for AS Roma since they’ll get to show everybody what they’re made of. Jose Mourinho certainly has his hands full in trying to bring home another trophy for Rome.
Inter Milan have AS Roma’s number here in Serie A since they have won more league games (W75) and scored more goals (290) against them more than any other opponent in their history.
They are also undefeated in their last 10 Serie A matches against I Giallorossi (W4, D6) and they’re two games away from matching their longest unbeaten streak back between 1935 and 1941.
AS Roma’s last league victory over Inter Milan was a 3-1 result back in February 2017.
I Nerazzurri are unbeaten in their last seven home league matches, securing four clean sheets in that stretch. Their last home league defeat was a 2-0 result versus Sassuolo back in February.
Since they’re playing at home, Inter Milan are favoured by the Serie A 2022 odds to win. I Nerazzurri are installed at 2.07, while AS Roma are priced at 3.45 and chances for a draw are at 3.40 in the 1X2 market.
This is definitely going to be a tight encounter, but we’ll give the hosts the slight advantage since they’ve yet to lose a home league match so far this season.
While they’ve already scored a bunch of goals, Inter Milan have also conceded a ton so Simone Inzaghi will be keen on tightening up their defence. The same goes for Jose Mourinho’s side, making Under 2.50 @ 1.80 a bet worth considering.
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When Atalanta welcome Fiorentina on Sunday, there will be a big sense of anticipation in Bergamo as La Dea may well have a chance of rising to the top of the Serie A table.
Leaders Napoli have a game at home to Torino on Saturday, and should the Azzurri slip up, then the door will be open for Gian Piero Gasperini’s team, who are level on points and adrift on goal difference alone
So all eyes will be on Atalanta vs Fiorentina for our Sunday entertainment.
Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina currently sit in 10th place but will be hoping to match or better last season’s seventh place finish, so this will be another good test of La Dea’s Scudetto aspirations.
Both teams went into the international break with a win as Atalanta overcame a top four rival in Roma, winning 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico, while Fiorentina earned a welcome 2-0 victory at home to Hellas Verona.
Talking Points
Evolution at Atalanta
La Dea can be backed atSBOTOP odds of 9.80 to win the 2022/23 Scudetto and the way the Serie A league table looks after seven games, you can see why Atalanta are now in single figures.
Gasperini’s side has been lauded for a number of years for their attacking style of football spearheaded by the Colombian duo of Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata. But both are now in their 30s and need to be handled carefully with Zapata currently sidelined with injury.
Atalanta striker Ruslan Malinovskyi has been linked with a move to the Premier League
So the boss is remoulding his team with a blend of youth and experience. 24-year-old Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has scored four goals already and former Fulham winger Ademola Lookman has looked lively on his introduction to Serie A football.
Captained by defender Rafael Toloi and with the experienced Marten de Roon in midfield, the team has a strong backbone, allowing players like Koopmeiners and Ruslan Malinovskyi to express themselves and create Serie A 2022 highlights.
Malinovskyi has become a key player in an advanced midfield role and possesses a powerful shot with either foot. But reports have emerged that he may be on his way to the Premier League in the winter with West Ham, Spurs, and Nottingham Forest all tracking the player.
The evolution at Atalanta continues but the disruption is minimal.
Milenkovic nearing fitness for Fiorentina
The visitors know what to expect for Atalanta, who are an attacking threat from the off, and they have received a boost with the news that Serbian centre-back Nikola Milenkovic is back in training with a fighting chance of making the big game on Sunday.
He has been out for the last four games after picking up a muscle strain in the Viola’s 1-1 draw with Juventus.
Fiorentina are a better team with the 24-year-old in the back four, conceding just four goals in the five matches in which Milenkovic featured and this could be big news for the visitors.
At the other end of the pitch, Italiano is hoping striker Luka Jovic ups his scoring tally. He is one of a number of players on one goal with no Fiorentina player yet to hit two.
Fellow strikers Christian Kouame and Nicolas Gonzales have scored one each while midfielders Giacomo Bonaventura and Jonathan Ikone have both been on target, while Ricardo Sottil has made two assists.
And Milenkovic is good for a goal as he’s scored 17 in his five seasons with Fiorentina.
History
La Viola has certainly had the better of the head-to-heads since 1995, winning 22 of the 49 encounters, while Atalanta have won 10 and there have been 17 draws.
Fiorentina won all three meetings last year – 1-0 in Florence after winning 2-1 in Bergamo in the league, and they also put La Dea out of the Coppa Italia at the quarter-final stage by emerging victorious from a five-goal thriller as Milenkovic scored La Viola’s dramatic injury-time winner.
Recent form favours the hosts who have won four and drawn two of the last six, while the visitors have won one, drawn two, and lost three.
Atalanta are unbeaten at home with one win and two draws while Fiorentina are yet to win away with one draw and two defeats on the road.
The Serie A 2022 betting oddsare pointing to a home win but, with the draw at 3.30 and Fiorentina at 3.49, all three results are nicely in play here.
That said, I expect Atalanta to come through in front of their Bergamo fans. Viola supporters can support their team with a double chance, Fiorentina or Draw at a price of 1.73. And for an alternative bet, Over 2.50 goals between two teams which like to play on the front foot can be backed at 1.92.
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Serie A: Milan and Juve Duel for Much-Needed Points at San Siro
AC Milan vs Juventus
AC Milan and Juventus both have a long way to go if they are to challenge for this season’s Serie A championship.
Defending champions AC Milan are currently fifth with 17 points which is decent. However, Napoli, Atalanta, and Udinese have had better Serie A 2022 results as they’re all undefeated in eight games thus far.
Meanwhile, their visitors Juventus are at seventh with 13 points. They’re in danger of missing out on a Champions League spot next season if they don’t fix their issues soon and it seems that it’s only going to get worse before it gets better for them.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds predict another tight encounter between AC Milan and Juventus and football fans shouldn’t expect anything less.
Talking Points
AC Milan must be resilient
AC Milan’s title defence have taken a turn for the worse as they’re battling an injury crisis in the midst of one of their toughest stretches this season. From short-term to long-term, I Rossoneri have eight key players out and Stefano Pioli is hopeful that their injury list would ease up sooner than later.
Theo Hernandez, Junior Messias, Simon Kjaer, and Mike Maignan are all dealing with muscular injuries that would sideline them for around a week, while Alexis Saelemaekers, Davide Calabria, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Alessandro Florenzi remain long-term absentees.
With them sidelined, youngsters Rafael Leao, Charles De Ketelaere, Sandro Tonali, and Ismael Bennacer are going to have to step it up while Olivier Giroud will serve as their reliable veteran.
I Rossoneri were just beaten by the Blues in last night’s Champions League group stage matchup as a result, and now they’re in danger to be relegated to the Europa League but there’s still time to turn things around.
Juventus are stuck with Max Allegri
Juventus are coming off a 3-1 win over Maccabi Haifa which is expected if we’re being honest since they’re the stronger side overall.
Adrien Rabiot recorded a brace while Dusan Vlahovic had one and Angel Di Maria was the one responsible for assisting both Rabiot and Vlahovic in the second half.
Juventus boss Max Allegri instructs his players from the sideline during a Champions League clash against Maccabi Haifa
Before taking on Maccabi Haifa, Juventus won 3-0 against relegation-threatened Bologna to finally end their winless run last September.
In the said month, supporters were calling for Allegri’s head due to his rigid tactics since he couldn’t find the right tactical formation and balance, but the club eventually realized that sacking him would prove to be too costly.
Those victories are small steps and they’re desperately needed so Max Allegri’s coaching job is safe for now. But with big games coming in thick and fast, Allegri will still have to hold his breath.
A date against the defending champions surely makes it more challenging. We’ll see whether they can rise up to the challenge.
History
Juventus have the edge over AC Milan in their overall head-to-heads. In their 174 meetings prior to Saturday night, I Bianconeri have won 67 times, while I Rossoneri won in 51 games along with 56 draws.
These two calcios drew both of their Serie A matches last season (1-1 and 0-0). Should it be honours even again this weekend, it’ll be the third time ever and the first time since a stretch between 1972 and 1973 that they’ve drawn at least three games in a row.
AC Milan are undefeated in four of their last five Serie A matches against Juventus (W2, D2) after losing 13 of the last 14 (W1).
Meanwhile, Juve have won six of their last nine fixtures against AC Milan at San Siro (D1, L2), and they’ve scored twice the amount of goals that they’ve conceded in the process (14 to 7).
This is going to be another close match according to the Serie A 2022 odds. AC Milan were given the slight edge at 2.02, while Juventus are priced at 3.70 and a draw is installed at 3.30 in the 1×2 market.
If it weren’t for injuries, this would’ve been an easier call in favour of AC Milan, so instead we’ll focus more on the possible goal count for this match.
Their recent encounters weren’t that high-scoring as most would expect. And given the collective fatigue from both sides since they’re fresh from their respective Champions League group stage matches, we’re leaning towards recommending Under 2.50 @ 1.78.
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Third faces second in the Serie A match of the weekend when Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta visit Udinese at a packed Stadio Fruili on Sunday.
La Dea have been in and around the top four in the Italian league over the past few seasons and they have made another strong start; but there’s a new star shining brightly among the big boys chasing the Scudetto.
Udinese, led by Andrea Sottil, are the league’s surprise package so far and are on a six-match winning streak – including a 4-0 thumping of Jose Mourinho’s Roma and a 3-1 victory over 2021 Scudetto winners Inter Milan.
Atalanta have won five from the last six, coming into this game with back to back 1-0 wins over Roma and Fiorentina.
So, this is a meeting of two teams which are banging in form.
The latest Serie A 2022 betting odds rate Atalanta and Udinese fourth and eighth favourites to win the Scudetto at SBOTOP odds of 9.00and 41.00. But if leaders Napoli fail to win at Cremonese, the winner of this Serie A clash will go top of the league.
Talking Points
Sottil is made for Udinese
Udinese manager Andrea Sottil during a Serie A clash versus Hellas Verona
The Zebretti’s Serie A 2022 results have been pretty useful to say the least and they certainly look like improving on last season’s 12th place finish.
Only leaders Napoli have scored more than Udinese’s 17 goals and anyone who thought the mighty Inter Milan could halt Udinese’s march was mistaken as Sottil masterminded a deserved victory as his team recovered from an early Nerazzurri strike to win 3-1.
Sottil has done the hard yards as a head coach, taking over at relegation-threatened Serie B side Ascoli in 2020, leading them to safety, and then to a play-off spot in 2021/22.
He left the club by mutual consent and landed in Udinese. And now his new team is scoring plenty of goals, winning games, and they will give one of the most attacking teams in Europe a test on Sunday.
Both Atalanta and Udinese play their football through the middle and are ranked 16th and 19th in the league in terms of crosses. But Udinese have scored six headed goals while Atalanta have just one.
Portuguese striker Beto is top scoring for the Zebretti with five goals and he will be the main threat to La Dea on Sunday.
Captained by Argentine midfielder Roberto Pereyra who has made four assists, this is a well-organised team with plenty of threat and Premier League fans will recognise former Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu, who has already made six assists this season.
Evolving Atalanta
Atalanta is in a period of gentle transition at the moment, but La Dea has serious aspirations for another Champions League place and even has its eye on the top spot after an impressive start to the campaign.
Gasperini took over at the Bergamo club in 2016 and has lifted them to new heights, winning three consecutive third places between 2019 and 2021 before slipping to eighth last season.
A year without European football is the ideal time to reset and, while established stars Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata remain at the club, some newer names are making the headlines.
24-year-old Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners is top scoring with four goals and Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman is improving week by week, scoring the winner against fierce rivals Fiorentina in Atalanta’s last outing.
With experienced pair Mario Pasalic and Ruslan Malinovskyi in midfield, there is still plenty of creative muscle in the side.
But defencively, La Dea seems to be more resolute. With Captain Rafael Toloi in the back four alongside Hans Haterboer – who has picked up four yellow cards – and centre-back pairing of Caleb Okoli and man mountain Girogio Scalvini, La Dea has conceded just one goal in four games.
There’s very little to choose between these two teams in the head-to-heads or recent form. Udinese have won 18 of the last 51 encounters while Atalanta have won 17 and there have been 16 draws.
This fixture last season was one to forget for the hosts as La Dea ran out 6-2 winners with Muriel leading the Atalanta charge with a brace.
Udinese have won three and drawn one of their four home games while Atalanta have won all four of their matches on the road.
With Udinese at 2.54 to win, Atalanta at 2.64, and the draw at 3.11, this is a really tough game to call.
Both sides like to play on the front foot and, while Atalanta’s defence has been in fine form, they will each be on the hunt for three points and top spot.
I think that will make it an attacking game with plenty of goalmouth action and, for an alternative bet, a 2-2 draw is priced at 11.08.
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I wouldn’t blame a Bologna fan who’s thinking twice about heading south to the Stadio Diego Maradona on Sunday, because it could be a long afternoon against rampant Napoli.
Yes, I know, proper football supporters follow their team through thick and thin – I should know as a Burnley fan. But the fun is in the winning, and if your chances are less than ten per cent then if you brave the 1,150km round trip from Bologna to Naples then hats off to you!
Serie A leaders Napoli have been in scintillating and ruthless form under Luciano Spalletti and they come into the game on the back of a 4-1 league win away to Cremonese, while Bologna picked up a point in a 1-1 draw at home to Sampdoria.
I Rossoblu boss Thiago Motta has a rather different challenge to Spalletti as his team sits one place and two points above the drop zone after a run of three games which has yielded just the one point.
Talking Points
Confident Napoli have their noses in front
TheSerie A2022 betting oddsrecognise that this is Napoli’s best chance to win the Scudetto for over three decades and here at SBOTOP we have installed the Azzurri as favourites, priced at 2.95, to win a first league title since 1990, with current champions AC Milan at 3.00, Inter Milan at 6.00, Atalanta at 8.00. The big Serie A 2022 news in many ways is the disappearance of Juventus from the reckoning. The Old Lady is priced at 20.00, behind both Roma and Lazio at 13.00 and 19.00 and just ahead of early season upstarts, Udinese.
And after Atalanta drew 2-2 away to Udinese last week, Gli Azzurri have nudged two points ahead at the top of the league, with seven wins and two draws. They have a +15 goal difference and have been even more prolific in the Champions League, with four wins from their first four games and a +13 goal difference. Having battered Ajax 6-1 last week Napoli’s return match with the Dutch on Wednesday turned out to be a closer affair but the Italians still won 4-2.
This is a team brimming with confidence.
21 year old striker Khvicha Kvaratshelia has five goals and two assists in the league while experienced winger Matteo Politano scored his third goal of the campaign in Napoli’s win over Cremonese last week. Portuguese wing back Mario Rui has been a threat going forward with three assists so far while, on the other flank, skipper Giovani Di Lorenzo gives the team great balance and leadership. And the return from injury of striker Victor Osimhen will give Napoli and even bigger threat.
Italy have failed to reach the World Cup finals in Qatar so many of Serie A’s top players are due an enforced break and Di Lorenzo is one star who will have a couple of weeks away from competitive action. But influential midfielder Piotr Zielinski and attacker Hirving Lozano will be on show with Poland and Mexico… after they attempt to help Napoli to stay top of the table as they approach the break.
Marko is the man for Bologna
With six league goals to his name 33 year old Marko Arnuatovic has the experience and goal scoring skills to fire Bologna to safety. He’s scored 20 goals in 42 appearances for the Rossoblu, the last coming in a 2-1 win over Fiorentina, and he has a proven track record across Europe, including in Germany and England. The former Stoke City and West Ham United striker was considered as a prospect by Manchester United this summer, and reports have emerged this week that he actually turned the Red Devils down, having been persuaded by director of football, Marco Di Vaio, that he was the central part of Bologna’s project.
Marko Arnautovic celebrates as Bologna beat 10-man Fiorentina 2-1
In the middle of the park, experienced Chilean midfielder Gary Medel is a formidable opponent. Now 35 years of age he’s seen it all, as a Copa America winner with Chile and a big player with Sevilla in La Liga and Inter Milan in Serie A. Nicknamed Pitbull, the hard tackling Medel will be happy if he can turn this match into a scrap.
Bologna lost this fixture 3-0 last season as Lorenzo Insigne scored a brace of penalties (one of them conceded by Medel) and the Rossoblu can’t afford to be so generous this time around.
History
Napoli have won 20 of the last 37 encounters with Bologna, losing 11 and drawing six; but while the head to heads have been reasonably well contested there is a gulf between the two in terms of recent form.
Bologna have just one win from the last six while Napoli won all six.
And there is a beautiful symmetry, for Napoli fans anyway, in the fact that the Azzurri have won three and drawn one at home in the league, while Bologna have drawn one and lost three.
So what’s it going to be…another Napoli win (and another Bologna defeat) or a draw?
Well, as you see I’m discounting Bologna at 10.12 for a start and a draw at 5.03 seems unlikely to me. With Napoli at 1.27 I’m looking for value and I expect them to win by two clear goals. Bologna have two experienced and quality campaigners, but I think they will need more than that to stop the Azzurri.
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Serie A: Sassuolo Will Challenge Atalanta’s Scudetto Credentials
Atalanta vs Sassuolo
Atalanta have a tricky test this weekend as they’ll host Sassuolo at Bergamo for their next Serie A contest.
Although La Dea are expected to be in the top four this season, not everyone predicted that they’ll be sitting at second place in the Italian top-flight table.
The top spot is within their reach since they’re only trailing by two points against leaders Napoli, who also have an important game against Bologna.
Sassuolo, on the other hand, are at ninth with 12 points and they’ll be pushing for a European berth once again this term.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds are backing Atalanta to win, but Sassuolo are certainly no pushovers as shown in their most recent encounters.
Talking Points
Atalanta coping well despite key absences
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini reacts during the Serie A match against Udinese
Atalanta have recorded their best start to a Serie A campaign with 21 points after nine games despite being undermanned, which is a tip of the cap for Gian Piero Gasperini.
Despite the losses of Juan Musso, Duvan Zapata, Jose Luis Palomino, and Berat Djimsiti, Atalanta haven’t skipped a beat because their youngsters are stepping up and embracing the challenge. Furthermore, Hans Hateboer is another key absence for Atalanta this weekend after receiving another booking in their last game.
Caleb Okoli and Giorgio Scalvini have formed a robust back three alongside Merih Demiral, conceding only five league goals for the joint-best defencive record in Italian top-flight.
On the other side of the pitch, Teun Koopmeiners and Ademola Lookman have been thriving at more advanced roles and they’re leading the team in scoring with seven goals and two assists combined.
Veteran Luis Muriel is also coming along as he opened his scoring account this season during their 2-2 draw against Udinese in the last time out. The Colombian centre-forward will aim to score in successive appearances for the first time since April to reach his 100th Serie A goal on Saturday.
If it ain’t broke, then you shouldn’t fix it so Gian Piero Gasperini is likely to maintain the same rotation, although he would prefer to have a healthier squad in the matches to come.
Sassuolo missing their talisman
Domenico Berardi’s return couldn’t come soon enough for I Neroverdi. The 28-year-old winger has been out for the last month because of a muscular injury, but reports suggest that he’ll be back sooner than later.
He was supposed to play against Inter Milan on Saturday, but he was taken off the lineup in the last minute as a precaution. For now, the best case scenario for Sassuolo is that he’ll appear on the bench this weekend.
Alessio Dionisi doesn’t have much options up front as they only have Davide Frattesi and Andrea Pinamonti who can give Atalanta’s backline problems. Frattesi and Pinamonti have five goals total, but neither have notched an assist thus far.
Sassuolo’s Serie A 2022 results so far are okay, but they need to be more consistent if they plan on achieving their main objective this term.
Atalanta have been superb at home against Sassuolo as they’ve won each of their last five Serie A games against them while scoring at least two goals (16 total goals). The last time that they couldn’t beat I Neroverdi at home was a 1-1 result back in April 2017.
However, Sassuolo won their last league meeting with Atalanta in April as Hamed Traore notched a brace at home while Luis Muriel prevented a clean sheet during added time. Prior to this victory, I Neroverdi were winless in 15 consecutive matches against La Dea (D5, L10).
Sassuolo believe that they have a chance against their hosts since they’ve secured a clean sheet in their last two Serie A road games. They can go three games without conceding away from home for the first time since December 2020 when they were still coached by current Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
As mentioned, Atalanta are the favoured side in the Serie A 2022 odds since they’re priced at 1.67, while Sassuolo are pegged at 4.80 to win and chances for a draw are at 3.80 in the 1X2 market.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side is likely to take all three points, but the visitors are going to make them earn it. Both clubs have improved their defences, so going for Under 2.75 @ 1.88 is not a bad idea. Given that Atalanta have always taken the initiative in their league games so far this season, another bet worth considering is First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.25 in their favour.
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Second plays fifth at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Sunday in one of Europe’s most enticing matches of the weekend. This Serie A game between Atalanta and Lazio is box office stuff.
Atalanta come into the game on the back of a 2-1 victory over Sassuolo and are one of only four teams in the big European leagues to remain unbeaten alongside Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Scudetto leaders Napoli. Meanwhile, Lazio drew 0-0 at home to Udinese after a run of big wins, and I Biancocelesti could leapfrog their hosts with a win.
Atalanta are eyeing top spot and a victory might well be enough to lift La Dea to the summit, as leaders Napoli have a difficult away trip to Roma who currently sit fourth in the table.
It all adds up to a fascinating weekend in the Italian league, and that’s before we even consider the fixtures for the Milan giants and Juventus.
Talking Points
Lookman is Atalanta’s big find
La Dea is going through a period of quiet transition under long-time manager Gian Piero Gasperini. So long the most attacking and free scoring team in Europe, Atalanta still play attractive football, but a little less swashbuckling.
After an eighth place finish last season, many Italian football fans expected Atalanta to be on the periphery of the top four race but they are in the thick of it, and the form of summer recruit Ademola Lookman is one of the reasons why.
The former Leicester City and RB Leipzig winger has settled quickly in Bergamo and has taken on some of the scoring responsibility, with the legendary duo of Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata only scoring one between them.
Lookman has bagged four, including one in a recent clash with the Serie A surprise package Udinese which ended in a 2-2 draw. Lookman has always been an exciting prospect and now at 25 years of age, he is coming into this prime.
Elsewhere, midfield star Teun Koopmeiners is dominant in midfield and he too has scored four, while summer signing Brandon Soppy is performing well with three assists to his name.
They have recorded three 1-0 victories, and at SBOTOP odds of 11.00 to win, the 2022/23 Scudetto are in the mix for the big prize.
Immobile out and Alberto frustrated
Lazio talisman Ciro Immobile will return in early 2023
Lazio have made a big impression on the early 2022/23 title race, so much so that they are within touching distance of the leaders. But despite his team scoring freely with 21 goals and only Napoli (25) have scored more, manager Maurizio Sarri has problems to solve up front.
Star striker Ciro Immobile is sidelined and could be out until after the World Cup after limping off with the thigh strain during Lazio’s match with Udinese at the weekend.
Immobile has been nominated for Player of the Year at the Globe Football Awards after winning his fourth Capocannoniere last season and he’ll be a big miss. But the Rome giants have other players who know where the goal is.
Before the 0-0 draw with Udinese, Lazio had registered three consecutive 4-0 Serie A wins in a row, against Cremonese, Spezia, and Fiorentina.
Immobile scored one against Fiorentina and didn’t hit the scoresheet against Spezia. The other goals are coming from 30-year-old Luis Alberto who has scored three alongside midfield general Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and attacking midfielder Mattia Zaccagni.
Alberto has recently expressed his frustration at lack of game time under Sarri. He has only started three of the 10 league games so far, being used as a substitute in the other seven, and the former Liverpool man has been linked with a move to La Liga side Sevilla.
That may be so, but Alberto has his chance now to show he can command a starting place for Lazio and Sarri needs him to keep scoring goals following the unfortunate Serie A 2022 news that Immobile will be out for a while.
History
The Romans have had the better of the head-to-heads, winning 22 of the last 49 encounters while Atalanta have won 14 and there have been 13 draws.
Both games were drawn last year, 2-2 in Bergamo and 0-0 in Rome, and there is little to choose between the two sides in terms of recent form.
Atalanta have won four and drawn two of the last six, while Lazio have won three and drawn three in all competitions.
La Dea are unbeaten at home with three wins and two draws, while Lazio are unbeaten away with two wins and two draws.
The latest Serie A 2022 betting odds pitch Lazio at 3.64 with the draw at 3.16 but I think the ever-evolving Atalanta will have enough to win this six-pointer in front of their home fans with the advantage of knowing Lazio’s main man is out. However, I think it will be a hard-fought game and, for an alternative bet, 2-3 goals is available at a price of 1.94.
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Serie A: Spalletti Has a Score to Settle With Mourinho
AS Roma vs Napoli
The Serie A match to watch out for this weekend is probably the one between AS Roma and Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday as the best team in the Italian top-flight takes on an ambitious top four contender.
Napoli – who lead the pack with 26 points – will aim to further assert their title credentials at the expense of their visitors AS Roma, who are four points behind I Partenopei – which is good for fourth place as of this writing.
Luciano Spalletti will also use this chance to finally get his first victory over Jose Mourinho. However, the Special One is intent on making a bold statement.
Talking Points
Dybala still out, but AS Roma have other weapons
Paulo Dybala’s return for AS Roma didn’t last too long as he’s back to the treatment room once again. The Argentine centre-forward played and scored against Inter Milan, Real Betis, and Lecce, but he picked up a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him for a couple of weeks.
The 28-year-old is I Giallorossi’s most productive player with seven goals and two assists, so his services will be missed. At the same time, he’s also fighting against time with World Cup 2022 on the horizon.
With Dybala out, Jose Mourinho is hopeful that Tammy Abraham returns to the Serie A 2022 highlights reel since he hasn’t scored for more than a month. The former Chelsea winger will join forces with Andrea Belotti and Lorenzo Pellegrini – who scored the winning goal on Tuesday against Sampdoria – up front.
AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho during the Europa League match against Real Betis
Nicolo Zaniolo is another player to monitor since he has yet to open his account this term. His campaign so far has been filled with ups and downs, but Mourinho still trusts him despite his struggles.
With a ban expected following his red card against Real Betis in the Europa League – although they’re going to file an appeal – Mourinho would likely play him in more Serie A games to get him back into rhythm.
Meanwhile, Chris Smalling’s goals has been a pleasant development for AS Roma considering he’s a centre-back. The former Manchester United man has scored in two of their last three league games.
The wins keep on coming for Napoli
Since the departures of Lorenzo Insigne, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Fabian Ruiz, Napoli have turned into a whole different team. Luciano Spalletti’s emphasis on strength in numbers has been getting the job done for I Partenopei.
Among the 25 goals scored so far, Napoli have had 15 different scorers – which represents the most by any team across Europe’s top five leagues.
Their young guns Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Giacomo Raspadori, Victor Osimhen, and Giovanni Simeone have been quite productive as all of them have at least four goals apiece.
Veterans Piotr Zielinski, Matteo Politano, and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa have been steady too for I Partenopei. Anguissa, who just earned a permanent move here this summer, is reportedly set to sign a new deal with the club since he’s been one of their most impactful players.
Napoli have had AS Roma’s number lately here in Serie A as the latter has only won once in their last eight league meetings (D3, L4), with their last win being a 2-1 result on November 2019.
Last season, Napoli and AS Roma shared points in their two league meetings with only two goals between them. These two sides haven’t drawn for three straight since 1995.
AS Roma haven’t won in their last 12 Serie A home games against top four sides at the beginning of a matchday (D7, L5) since May 2019 when they were still coached by Claudio Ranieri (2-0 vs Juventus).
However, they could win four in a row for the first time under Jose Mourinho this weekend. The last time that they managed to do so was in August 2020 under Paulo Fonseca.
I Partenopei are on a 10-game winning streak across all competitions. Their longer winning run was 11 games back between April and September 1986 under Ottavio Bianchi.
Napoli were given the slight advantage in the SBOTOP Serie A 2022 odds as they’re installed at 2.40 to win, while AS Roma are priced at 2.88 and a draw is at 3.25 in the 1X2 market.
Another bet worth considering is Under 2.75 @ 1.83 since their recent encounters have been low-scoring. That might be the case again this Sunday, but we do believe that Napoli are going to edge out AS Roma for the three points.
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Serie A: Napoli Can Leave Everyone in the Dust Before the Break
The games continue to roll here in Serie A as we’re approaching the next international break since World Cup 2022 is on the horizon.
11 matchdays in and Napoli remain leading the fray with 29 points, while defending champions AC Milan, Lazio, and Atalanta round out the top four and are within striking distance, meaning that there’s no room for complacency for I Partenopei.
Another matchday means another set of fun games in the Italian top-flight, and SBOTOP football fans have these top options to choose from this weekend.
Lazio vs Salernitana
Lazio will have to change their approach to matches because of the absence of Ciro Immobile, who’s expected to be out for a while after suffering a hamstring injury against Udinese 10 days ago.
I Biancocelesti did get a vital win over fellow contenders Atalanta on Monday because of Mattia Zaccagni and Felipe Anderson’s goals, and they’re going to need more from them, as Maurizio Sarri recently stressed.
Before hosting Salernitana, Lazio have an important match against Midtjylland on Thursday. I Biancocelesti are locked in a tight battle in Group F of the Europa League so they’re in a must-win situation.
Even if fatigue is going to be a factor, Lazio should have enough to beat Salernitana. I Granata have been inconsistent as they’ve alternated wins and losses in their last four and they are 11th in the standings.
Boulaye Dia and Krzysztof Piątek are Salernitana’s top attacking threats, but breaking down the best defencive unit in the league (only 5 goals conceded) currently is going to be a tall order.
Torino vs AC Milan
Torino finally ended their winless streak when they defeated Udinese on Sunday. They also won versus Citadella in the Coppa Italia second round prior to that, so they have built some momentum.
But AC Milan are in much better form than their hosts as they’ve won five consecutive matches across all competitions – including a 4-0 drubbing against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League group stage last night.
AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli acknowledges the fans before their Champions League match against Chelsea starts
It’s all clicking for I Rossoneri as 14 different players have already scored so far this term. Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud are leading the way with six goals apiece, and they have eight goals combined as well.
Il Toro, on the other hand, have slightly changed their approach with hopes of turning around their Serie A 2022 odds. They’ve introduced Pietro Pellegri as their new lone striker and he quickly repaid their trust as he opened his scoring account this season.
Inter Milan vs Sampdoria
2021 champions Inter Milan have some catching up to do if they are to get back into the title race this term. After suffering back-to-back defeats against Udinese and AS Roma, the Nerazzurri have improved their Serie A 2022 results with three consecutive league victories against Sassuolo, Salernitana, and Fiorentina.
There’s more good news for Simone Inzaghi’s side as Romelu Lukaku is set to return soon. The Belgian striker has been out with a thigh injury for two months and the Nerazzurri were struggling to cope with his absence.
As for Sampdoria, they’re coming off a 1-0 win over Cremonese yesterday. I Blucerchiati need three more points against I Nerazzurri in order to get out of the relegation zone.
Atalanta are plotting for a bounce back following their loss to Lazio on Monday. La Dea were reduced to 10 men in the said match as Luis Muriel was sent off at the 90th minute, so that’s one less star for them.
This means that Ademola Lookman would need to assert himself against Empoli. The former Leicester City man has settled quickly in Bergamo and he has four goals and one assist under his belt.
Gian Piero Gasperini is hopeful that Duvan Zapata will be back to bolster his attacking options. The Colombian has missed seven games already due to a thigh injury.
Empoli’s morale is down following a 4-0 capitulation at the hands of Juve, but they did secure a 1-0 win over Monza in the week prior.
Napoli vs Sassuolo
Napoli vs Sassuolo is probably the match of the weekend. I Partenopei have yet to lose a game all season, so I Neroverdi have plans to spoil the party at the Diego Maradona Stadium.
This game is basically a showcase of young, tantalising talents because the top scorers from the two sides are under 25 years old. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Giacomo Raspadori, and Victor Osimhen will lead the line for Napoli, while Sassuolo have Davide Frattesi, Armand Lauriente, and Andrea Pinamonti up front.
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