© Imago
Rock-bottom Monza and Parma are separated by three places in the Serie A table heading into Saturday’s relegation six-pointer at the U-Power Stadium.
Alessandro Nesta’s return has not led to an improvement in results, with the Biancorossi picking up one point from 12 since the centre-back’s reappointment, while their opponents enter gameweek 29 after twice fighting back from one-goal deficits to draw against Torino last weekend.
We say: Monza 0-0 Parma
With Monza winless on home turf in three, firing blanks in each game, and Parma unable to win on their travels since November’s success at Venezia, there is no seeming favourite ahead of Saturday’s encounter in Lombardy.
Thus, the spoils could be shared when both relegation-threatened sides tussle this weekend.
> Serie A preview: Monza vs Parma
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Six games unbeaten in Serie A, Udinese aim to firm up their top-half place on Saturday, when they host relegation-threatened Hellas Verona.
While the Friulani left Rome with a point from Monday’s clash with Lazio, 10-man Hellas lost to Bologna last time out, leaving them just above the drop zone.
We say: Udinese 2-0 Hellas Verona
Currently failing to perform at either end of the pitch, Verona could have their weaknesses exposed away to in-form Udinese.
With some impressive options up front, the hosts should secure three points and keep a buffer between themselves and Serie A’s bottom half.
> Serie A preview: Udinese vs Hellas Verona
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Having avoided a calamitous defeat last week, AC Milan will host Como on Saturday evening, when the regional rivals meet at San Siro.
Amid talk of a crisis, Milan fought back to beat Lecce, but they still sit only ninth in the Serie A standings. Meanwhile, their visitors are on track to secure top-flight survival.
We say: AC Milan 2-1 Como
Although Como have proven to be tricky opponents on home turf, they have recorded just one win from their last 10 away fixtures.
Under the bright lights of San Siro, it remains to be seen whether the Lariani can produce their very best, so Milan may lean on their greater experience to pick up maximum points.
> Serie A preview: AC Milan vs Como
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After taking just one point from their last six Serie A matches, relegation-haunted Empoli will seek an overdue win on Saturday, when they visit mid-table Torino.
Despite enjoying an unprecedented journey into the Coppa Italia semi-finals, the Azzurri have been dismal in the league this calendar year, while their hosts are proving particularly tough to beat.
We say: Torino 1-0 Empoli
Draw specialists Torino should turn their customary one point into three this weekend, as injury-hit Empoli are in awful form.
Despite celebrating two big cup wins in Turin this season, the Azzurri are now set to suffer defeat, leaving them stuck inside Serie A’s bottom three.
> Serie A preview: Torino vs Empoli
