The sixth matchday of Serie A
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Shall we make a bet?
Hardly any time to digest the fifth round of the league, and here we are facing the sixth. Let’s console ourselves: starting from next year, with the Champions League reform courtesy of UEFA, things will likely get even tougher…
Tuesday, 8:45 PM: Juventus vs. Lecce
Even Transfermarkt, the unemotional evaluator of football values, attempted to rationalize Juventus’ disappointing performance against Sassuolo. Allegri claims, “Winning the title would be a miracle,” and the German portal showcases the top ten values of Italian teams, where Juventus ranks fourth.
The algorithm – which, of course, can’t provide arguments – conveniently forgets to mention that Sassuolo doesn’t even make the list… And Lecce isn’t there either, despite being considered ‘affordable’ – as Transfermarkt suggests – yet they’ve been achieving remarkable results. Disregarding algorithms and coach’s alibis, the prediction stands firm at ‘1’ (at 1.53 on Bet365).
Wednesday, 6:30 PM: Cagliari vs. Milan
Admittedly, Cagliari has been struggling, at least in terms of scoring (1 goal in 5 games), but they exhibit a cohesive team dynamic, which may prove beneficial while waiting for their forwards to awaken. On the other side, there’s Milan, an expensive team (according to Transfermarkt…), but one that fails to inspire much confidence. ‘X’ seems like a reasonable choice; let’s not dwell on it further (at 4.20).
Wednesday, 6:30 PM: Empoli vs. Salernitana
While Andreazzoli may not possess magical abilities, he is an exceptional football educator. Empoli, despite its perplexing start, displayed faint signs of resurgence, even against Inter. At this juncture, they only require their first goal and victory. Salernitana, it seems, is the ideal sacrificial lamb: ‘1’ (at 2.30).
Wednesday, 6:30 PM: Verona vs. Atalanta
Historically, this match has always been ‘risky’ due to the animosity between the two sets of fans. Fortunately, it’s the players on the field who have no grievances to settle. In a world where Gasperini enjoys universal admiration, the match would end ‘2,’ but in reality, his popularity is limited, making ‘X-2’ a prudent choice (at 1.20).
Wednesday, 8:45 PM: Inter vs. Sassuolo
It’s heartwarming that Sassuolo found their form thanks to Juventus, but it’s evident that replicating such feats at the San Siro will be a formidable task. Therefore, ‘1’ without hesitation (at 1.33).
Wednesday, 8:45 PM: Lazio vs. Torino
Clearly, something has gone awry in Sarri’s system, while Juric’s Torino remains meticulously organized, as always. Consequently, ‘X’ (at 3.30).
Wednesday, 8:45 PM: Napoli vs. Udinese
Napoli realized early on that emulating last season’s performance was an unattainable feat, prompting Spalletti’s farewell gesture to Maradona while the credits were still rolling. More recently, it’s become evident that Napoli couldn’t ‘decode’ Garcia either. For those willing to take a gamble, the ‘X’ at 5 might be an enticing option…
Thursday, 6:30 PM: Frosinone vs. Fiorentina
Two teams in fine form, guided by tactically astute managers, and both eager to solidify their positions in the standings. In short, a perfect scenario for an ‘X’ (at 3.60).
Thursday, 6:30 PM: Monza vs. Bologna
Bookmakers – who rely on statistics – favor the home team, despite it belonging to a lower division compared to the visitors (although this fact will become apparent later in the season). Palladino is managing his second stint among the top clubs effectively, while Thiago Motta grapples with harnessing the talent of Zirkzee, the Dutchman who envisions himself as Van Basten before reaching that level. Consequently, ‘X-2’ (at 1.53).
Thursday, 8:45 PM: Genoa vs. Roma
Two coaches, Gilardino and Mourinho, whom I follow with admiration; two teams currently closely matched in the standings, but expected to diverge soon. Perhaps not immediately: ‘X’ (at 3.25).
In conclusion
I continue to recommend betting on individual matches (as combined bets often favor the bookmakers). However, for those unwilling to exceed a 10-euro stake but hopeful for a substantial payout, I suggest selecting Juventus-Lecce ‘1,’ Empoli-Salernitana ‘1,’ Inter-Sassuolo ‘1,’ Monza-Bologna ‘X2,’ and Verona-Atalanta ‘X2’: with just 10 euros, Bet365 could potentially return 86.40
