With only four points separating the top three, Italian football is promising a pulsating run-in as Juve try to win a sixth title in a row.
Fiorentina gave the chasers a shot in the arm two weeks ago, beating the Bianconeri to drag the champions back into the pack; and Match Day 22 pits the top two away from home in football games which both expect to win; but neither is a gimme.
The way it’s going, this season could present the biggest threat to Juventus, the betting websites’ annual favourites in years, as the threat doesn’t just come from Roma in second; Napoli sit only three points further back having won the last five games in all competitions.
WEEK 22 SUNDAY:
Lazio vs Chievo
A further four points back, Lazio are having a strong season in fourth place and entertain mid-table Chievo on Sunday. Both lost last week, Lazio at Juventus and Chievo suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Fiorentina making it five consecutive losses. A repeat of last season’s 4-1 home win could be on the cards. With a – 1.25 handicap Lazio is at 2.29.
Inter Milan vs Pescara
Unfortunately, the bottom three already look doomed and no more so than new boys Pescara. A trip to fifth-placed Inter, a team really on the up with seven consecutive wins, is likely to confirm their fate, with no little pain I fear.
Torino vs Atalanta
Atalanta are well in the hunt for a European spot after a spectacular first half to the season and can improve on sixth place if results go their way. Torino have stuttered a little recently, without a win in three and down in ninth.
Sassuolo vs Juventus
The Old Lady has a crucial game in hand at the top of the table but can’t afford a mess up against 14th-placed Sassuolo. In a sluggish season, Eusebio di Francesco’s team finally seems to have awoken with back to back wins, albeit against the bottom two, but that will give them a spring in the step. A home win, with the aid of a + 1.25 start is available at 1.81.
Sampdoria vs AS Roma
Any slip ups and Luciano Spalletti’s second-placed Roma will be ready to pounce in Sampdoria. Roma have won five in a row in all competitions including a 4-0 stuffing of their hosts in the cup last week.
Udinese vs AC Milan
Gerard Deulofeu came on as sub in Milan’s Coppa Italia defeat to Juve and could get a start against Udinese in a game the Rossoneri will target to win. Udinese have lost three on the run including a disappointing reversal at Empoli last week.
Fiorentina vs Genoa
Juve’s conquerors are in eighth and the Viola are odds on to continue its good run of form against a Genoa side which drew at home to relegation fodder Crotone last week, after a run of six consecutive defeats.
Cagliari vs Bologna
There’s little to choose between 11th-placed Cagliari and Bologna in 10th, both with 26 points. Both have won two and lost two in the last four and so a draw looks on the cards!
Crotone vs Empoli
With an eleven-point gap between 18th-placed Crotone and 17th-placed Empoli, this has to be near to a last chance for the hosts. Win and there’s a glimmer of hope, but lose and you’re surely cut adrift.
WEEK 22 MONDAY:
Napoli vs Palermo
Third-placed Napoli have an easier task against another of the seemingly doomed three, Palermo. Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini is subject of transfer speculation, with Southampton interested, but Napoli have plenty of firepower and Palermo’s pinks could be in for a roasting.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
