Serie A 19 & 20 May

Saturday’s game

The only game on Saturday sees AC host Udinese at the Inter Siro. Neither side have much to play for in the league, AC are guaranteed a Champions League spot for next season, the only question is whether they finish third or fourth. Udinese sit in the middle of the table with no chance of European football and no chance of relegation. However, Udinese may be keen to take advantage of a side that is focussed on the Champions League final this Wednesday. If one looks at how AC have performed prior to Champions League matches one will see that they have won their last three encounters and so I am not so sure if AC being distracted stands up to analysis. That coupled with the fact that Udinese have lost their last three games and have a number of players out for this match makes AC a cracking bet at the prices on offer. I recommend a three point bet on AC (-½) at 2.23

[AC lost 3-2]

Sunday’s games

Inter will travel to Atalanta in the hope of adding another few points to their enormous total. The home side will be desperate for three points as they currently sit on the fringe of a European spot and six points from the last two games would give them a great chance of qualification. Atalanta will be missing a few players and I think this match will a close one, but Inter have not lost away from home all season and off a level handicap I think they are great value. Have a two point bet on Inter (level) at 2.12.

[Inter drew 1-1]

Cagliari will host Roma in a must win game if they are to avoid relegation, they are currently just one point above the drop zone with a terrible goal difference. It is true that Roma may be tired from their Coppa Italia final and it is also true that they will have little to play for as their Serie A place is in no danger. However, with a goal start against a team that has lost three of it’s last four games the price seems surreal to me. I recommend a three point bet on Roma (+1) at 1.89.

[Cagliari won 3-2]

Already relegated Ascoli will travel to Chievo who will be going all out for three points to climb out of the drop zone. I am sure Chievo will win this match, the question is, by how much? Ascoli are not in bad form, they beat Palermo last week and a number of matches they have played in recently have been close, now that the pressure is off they seem to be a better side. The Flying Donkeys are not in great goal scoring form and I think Ascoli are decent value (+1¾) at 2.12 and I recommend a two point wager.

[Ascoli lost 1-0]

Reggina will travel to Empoli in the hope of gaining three points and staying in Serie A. Empoli will be hoping that they can bag the points in order to guarantee UEFA Cup qualification. This is an interesting match up as Empoli are not in great form and Reggina are in good form, however, Empoli are a strong side at home and at the price on offer I think they are fair value. Have a one point bet on Empoli (level) at 2.33.

[Empoli drew 3-3]

None of the other games represent great value for me.