Serie A Matchday 18 free betting tips, best bets and top odds

Serie A continues this weekend as we head into Matchday 18. With no winter break, the packed football schedule continues with ten matches of top Italian football. Here is our preview and free betting picks for each one of the matches.

Fiorentina vs Torino

Friday, December 29 – 6:30pm CET – Stadio Artemio Franchi

Having had an excellent start to the season in fifth place, Fiorentina will be looking to put pressure on the top four while they extend their four-match unbeaten streak. This week they face the dangerous Torino, who have just one defeat from their past seven matches and have proven to be a bogey team for Fiorentina in recent times. However, Torino averages below a goal per game this season, so the safer bet would be on a low-scoring match.

Napoli vs Monza

Friday, December 29 – 6:30pm CET – Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

With another disappointing defeat last weekend, defending champions Napoli now find themselves outside the top six for the first time this season. Despite having one of the most dynamic attacks in world football, Napoli have been scoreless in their last two matches, which has showcased their defensive concerns. Needing a much-improved performance against Monza, watch out for Georgian winger Kvitcha Kvaratskhelia who will be the focus point of the attack without the suspended Victor Osimhen.

Genoa vs Inter Milan

Friday, December 29 – 8:45pm CET – Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris

After taking a point away from their clash with Juventus two weeks ago, 13th-placed Genoa will be looking to do the same as they face the other title challenger this weekend. Inter Milan sit four points clear of Juventus and will be looking to continue their excellent run of form. With the odds skewed towards Inter, look to pair the result with a clean sheet, as the Milan side haven’t conceded in their past four Serie A matches.

Lazio vs Frosinone

Friday, December 29 – 8:45pm CET – Stadio Olimpico

Recovering from their horrific start to the season, the ninth-placed Lazio now sit just four points off the top six after their comfortable win last weekend. Looking to this weekend, they will need to be wary of Frosinone, who despite their poor league position, forced Juventus to score a late winner last weekend. However, the Frosinone defence has struggled this season, so watch out for Lazio winger Mattia Zaccagni who has two goals in his last three matches.

Atalanta vs Lecce

Saturday, December 30 – 12:30pm CET – Gewiss Stadium

After conceding late in their loss to Bologna last weekend, Atalanta needs to bounce back with a win this weekend as they host Lecce. A side that beat Atalanta in both meetings last season, Lecce will be keen to continue their recent form as they look to avoid a relegation battle. However, Lecce have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last thirteen matches and should be worried as they come up against one of the top attacks in Serie A, so throw in the overs on top of the Atalanta result.

Cagliari vs Empoli

Saturday, December 30 – 3:00pm CET – Unipol Domus

A critical match in the relegation picture, two sides that are desperate for a win face off in Cagliari. Empoli have just one win in their past eight matches and are clearly the worst attacking side in Serie A. Cagliari haven’t been much better this season, sitting just one point above Empoli, but they have won three of their last four home matches. Matches between relegation candidates are always unpredictable, but Cagliari are the stronger side here.

Udinese vs Bologna

Saturday, December 30 – 3:00pm CET – Bluenergy Stadium

Having an incredible start to the season, Bologna have now won their last three Serie A matches and worked their way into the top four. Playing excellent defensive football, this weekend they should be confident once again as they face the low-scoring Udinese. Bologna has not lost to Udinese in their past seven meetings, and with such high stakes, expect their winning streak to continue.

AC Milan vs Sassuolo

Saturday, December 30 – 6:00pm CET – San Siro

After salvaging a 2-2 draw with the last-placed Salernitana last weekend, Milan has now lost any hope of a title challenge, with their top-four spot coming under threat. Needing a win, this weekend they welcome the struggling Sassuolo, who are winless in their last four matches and haven’t kept a clean sheet all season. Milan should be too strong here and look for extra value in the overs on the total goals market.

Hellas Verona vs Salernitana

Saturday, December 30 – 6:00pm CET – Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi

Finally collecting their first win after a run of 15 straight matches without a win, Hellas Verona have now worked their way out of the relegation zone. Facing another excellent chance for some points, they welcome the last-placed Salernitana. A 2-2 draw with Milan last weekend was very impressive, but there are still major concerns surrounding their inability to stop the opposition from scoring. Verona at home will be confident of a result.

Juventus vs Roma

Saturday, December 30 – 8:45pm CET – Allianz Stadium

The final match of the year, Juventus continue their title chase as they face the challenging Roma. Coming off an excellent 2-0 win against Napoli last weekend, Roma will like their chances of an upset here as they continue their hunt for a top four position. Assuming that Inter will win their match, Juventus needs a win here or they will risk dropping multiple games behind. Two of the top scoring sides in Serie A, expect goals from both sides.

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