Serie A Predictions: Back Leão To Get Off The Mark

Enzo is hoping to bounce back this weekend with four Serie A predictions for matchday 3 including a very nicely priced anytime scorer

It was an eventful weekend in Italy with some shock results and shocking Serie A predictions from myself. The first of my picks,Roma, suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Verona. The Giallorossi were a little unlucky not to come away with a point after rattling the frame of the goal on three occasions. Talk of Andrea Belotti’s renaissance may have been premature as il Gallo huffed and puffed but offered very little threat upfront. In the meantime, a much needed alternative arrived in the form centre forward Sardar Azmoun. Romelu Lukaku is also on the brink of putting pen to paper and is doubtless in the process of crafting a statement proclaiming how it was always a childhood dream of his to play for Roma.

Juventus were held at home by a plucky Bologna side in controversy filled clash. The 1-1 draw will have reined in the early enthusiasm that abounded after the Bianconeri’s electric opening day display and in truth, the game could have gone either way. On the plus side, Dusan Vlahovic was on target again and there are signs he might be coming back to his best.

Finally, Salernitana and Udinese played out a 1-1 stalemate, scuppering my over 2.5 prediction. The ageless Antonio Candreva was instrumental once again when he provided Boulaye Dia with a beautiful assist to snatch a point for the Granata.

Anyway here are my Italian football predictions for Matchday 3. Hopefully this weekend will be a bit kinder.

Roma v AC Milan Prediction

Fri 1st Sep 19:45

This is a clash of two sides who have had very different starts to their respective campaigns. Roma collected just one point from their very winnable first two fixtures and are still in the process of trying to rectify their problems up front.

In contrast, Milan have come out of the traps flying. A 2-0 victory over Bologna was followed by a 4-1 battering of Torino. Olivier Giroud and new signing Christian Pulisic have hogged the headlines with five goals and an assist between them and the duo’s antics have slightly overshadowed the contribution of Rafael Leão. The Portuguese forward has yet to score but did chip in with two assists and two very strong performances. It’s is only a matter of time before he opens his account with a goal and there seems like no better time to do it than against a struggling Roma. Rafael Leão to score anytime @ 3/1 is my first Serie A betting prediction.

Inter v Fiorentina Prediction

Sun 3rd Sep 17:30

Like their city rivals Milan, Inter are two wins from two. Despite losing so many key players, Inzaghi’s side looks to have gelled nicely and star striker Lautaro has hit the ground running with three goals.

Fiorentina too started brightly and opened up with a 4-1 hammering of newly promoted Genoa. Things went downhill from there and the Viola were rocked by a spirited Lecce comeback to steal a point and a defeat to Rapid Vienna in the Conference League qualifiers.

Historically, Fiorentina have been a bogey team for the big boys but I feel Inter will have too much for them on Sunday especially after playing the second Conference League qualifying leg on Thursday. I do however see them giving it a bash and getting on the scoresheet. So far, Vincenzo Italiano’s side have scored six times in the opening two fixtures and I see no reason why the goals should dry up now so BTTS & Inter win @12/5 is the bet.

Lecce v Salernitana Prediction

Sun 3rd Sep 19:45

Since Poalo Sousa took charge at Salernitana, Antonio Candreva has been given a new lease of life playing in a more forward role. The Candyman picked up where he left off last season and has contributed a brace and an assist in his first two games. Considering his explosive start I find it astonishing that Antonio Candreva to score anytime is a whopping 5/1 and has to be worth a punt against a leaky Lecce.

Empoli v Juventus Prediction

Sun 3rd Sep 19:45

My final Serie A prediction for the weekend is an old favourite, Juventus to win to nil @ 7/4. Nineteen of the Bianconeri’s league victories last season came without their opponents finding the net and they began the new campaign with a 3-0 win over Udinese. On Sunday they take on Empoli who are not renowned for their potency. In 2022/23 they only managed to score 37 goals and have yet to do so in this campaign.