Serie A 14 & 15 April

Saturday’s games

Cagliari will host Empoli in the first Serie A game this weekend, whereas the home side sit comfortably in the middle of the table, the visitors are still challenging for a UEFA Cup spot. Cagliari have been in good form lately, losing only once in their last five matches. Empoli have lost to AC and Lazio recently and that may have knocked the stuffing out of them. The bookies seem to have the handicaps spot on here and this match is a no bet for me.

Chievo will travel to Udinese, hoping to gain three points in order to move further away from the drop zone. Udinese sit mid-table, safe from the drop but not in contention for a UEFA Cup spot. Both sides have been inconsistent this season so it is a tough match to call. Chievo currently have some defensive problems and their away form is poor. Udinese are a strong side at home and I recommend a one point bet on them (-1/2) at 2.12.

[Udinese won 2-1]

Sunday’s games

On fire Lazio will travel to bottom placed Ascoli, I can’t see the homeside getting any points out of this encounter. The question is, what will the scoreline be? The last two games Ascoli have considered four goals in each to Empoli and Fiorentina and they are definitely going down next season. Lazio have moved to within 7 points of Roma (thanks to eight straight wins) and will be wanting to cement their Champion’s League place. Have a two point bet on Lazio (-1 ¼) at 2.10.

[Lazio drew 2-2]

Fiorentina sit four points behind Empoli and a UEFA Cup spot and will be hoping for three points against Siena. Fiorentina’s main problem this season has been inconsistency and it is difficult to predict how they will perform from on week to the next. I think the bookies are slightly off with the handicap and recommend a one point bet on Siena (+1 ½) at 1.83.

[Fiorentina won 1-0]

AC Milan lie just one point behind struggling Palermo and will need three points if they are to move into a Champions League spot. They travel to struggling Messina who have not scored in three games and have lost their last three, confidence will be at rock bottom. AC will be in confident mood after their great result against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night and if they bring that into their domestic game then Messina will have no chance. I think AC are great value (-1) at 1.97 and I recommend a three point bet on them.

[AC won 3-1]

None of the other games represent much value for me and are best left alone.