Cagliari are two places behind Udinese in the Serie A table heading into Saturday’s gameweek 35 encounter at Unipol Domus.
Nevertheless, the Sardinians, eight points behind their 12th-placed visitors, aim to inflict the Udine outfit’s fourth straight away defeat to give themselves hope of ultimately eclipsing Kosta Runjaic’s team in the final rounds.
We say: Cagliari 1-0 Udinese
While a draw seems likely, Cagliari will back themselves to nick the odd goal at Udinese’s expense.
Considering the Little Zebras are shorn of their two leading goal contributors, Nicola’s team will hope to have enough up top to end a five-match winless run in Sardinia against Saturday’s visitors.
> Serie A preview: Cagliari vs Udinese
Following a streak of four straight wins, Como aim to continue their late surge up the Serie A standings when they visit relegation-threatened Parma on Saturday.
While the Lariani’s recent run has wrapped up another year in Italy’s top flight, their hosts still have work remaining to join them.
We say: Parma 1-1 Como
Having both adapted to Serie A after being promoted together last term, these sides could share the spoils for a second time this season.
While Como are full of confidence, the Tardini has recently become more of a fortress, meaning Parma should pick up at least one point.
> Serie A preview: Parma vs Como
Now clear at the top of Serie A with only four rounds remaining, Scudetto-seeking Napoli will target maximum points when they visit Lecce on Saturday evening.
Playing just before Inter Milan, the Partenopei can pile more pressure on their title rivals by pushing the hosts deeper into danger at Stadio Via del Mare.
We say: Lecce 0-2 Napoli
Having rediscovered their ruthless efficiency, Napoli will not let Lecce stop them taking one step closer to the title.
Even if they are not firing on all cylinders up front, the Partenopei should blunt their hosts’ tepid attack and score at least once themselves.
> Serie A preview: Lecce vs Napoli
With no time to rest after an epic six-goal thriller in Spain, Inter Milan resume their ailing defence of the Serie A title on Saturday, when they welcome Hellas Verona to San Siro.
Inter may have impressed in Barcelona, but three straight domestic defeats have left them playing catch-up to Napoli, also ending their run in the Coppa Italia; meanwhile, Hellas still need points to secure survival.
We say: Inter Milan 1-0 Hellas Verona
It may not be pretty, but even tired and absence-hit Inter should still have enough gas in the tank to rack up yet another win over lowly Verona.
Hellas have little to offer up front, so the reigning Serie A champions can get their noses in front before saving some energy for Barcelona’s arrival.
> Serie A preview: Inter Milan vs Hellas Verona
