Serie A 27 & 28 Jan

Saturday’s games

Udinese will travel to Torino having won last week against Messina. Torino have lost their last two and have not won in four games, however, they did have to play both Roma and Inter in that period. I would stay well away from betting on this match for two reasons, firstly Udinese’s away form has been poor recently and secondly the bookies are giving nothing away with the handicaps. The only aspect of this game that I would bet on would be the number of goals scored, both sides are low scorers at the moment and so I recommend a two point bet on under 2.5 goals at 1.57.

[Udinese won 3-2]

Lazio travel to Sicily where they will take on third placed Palermo. Although the Sicilians have a ten point cushion between third and fourth place they will not want to let Lazio come any closer to them than they are at present (12 points behind). The Romans have a terrible record against Palermo, they have not won there since 1973. Palermo have a fantastic home record, only losing twice at home and winning the rest of their games. To make matters worse for Lazio, they have just lost their captain, Oddo to AC Milan this week. One thing is certain, this match will be no walkover for Lazio.I recommend a two point bet on Palermo (-0.5) at 2.10.

[Lazio won 3-0]

Sunday’s games

Atalanta will be hoping to continue their good run this year as they welcome fourth place Catania to the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. Atalanta have won their last two games and are looking good, Catania beat Empoli last week, but have lost their last two away games. Catania will miss their top scorer Spinesi, he is on a three match suspension, Colluci is also suspended. The home side have no injury problems and with some players returning to the side, the overall team should be stronger than ever. I will be having a three point bet on Atalanta (-3/4) at 2.04 and a two point bet on Over 2.5 goals at 1.95.

[Atalanta drew 1-1]

Chievo will host high-flying Empoli who are currently in fourth position. Although Empoli are having a fantastic season, their away form has been poor of late. Both teams have struggled to score this season and so I recommend a two point bet on Under 2.5 goals at 1.66.

[Chievo drew 0-0]

Inter are currently riding a wave of form that seems to sweep all before it, they travel to Sampdoria in a repeat of the Copa Italia clash that saw Inter win 3-0 just a few days ago. I can’t see Sampdoria winning this one and the handicaps seem reasonable. Have a two point bet on Inter (-3/4) at 2.05.

[Inter won 2-0]

None of the other games represent great value for me.