Serie A Tips: A Cagey Affair At The Via Del Mare

As the seasons winds down in Italy, Enzo turns his attention to the battle for Europe and the fight to stay up

Lecce v Spezia

Sun 21st May 11:30

This weekend at the Via del Mare fans will be treated to a real relegation six-pointer. Just two points separate Lecce in 16th and the visitors Spezia in 18th. Sandwiched in-between are Verona who are ahead of Spezia on goal difference.

These games are notoriously cagey affairs where neither team wants to lose however, I get the feeling that both sides would secretly be happy with a stalemate. A point for Lecce would open up a three point gap between them and the dropzone and, with a far superior goal difference, that effectively becomes four. Spezia have the advantage of a far easier run in than Verona who have yet to play Milan and Atalanta away so, presuming the Mastini don’t spring a couple of surprises, a share of the spoils wouldn’t be the end of the world for Spezia too.

The draw is available at 23/10 but instead I am going to go big and back a 1-1 correct score draw @ 15/2.

Napoli v Inter Milan

Sun 21st May 17:00

Napoli’s job is done and their performance against Monza on Sunday showed that they are only thinking about the holidays. Spaletti also experimented with some new faces during the 2-0 defeat and could do so again this weekend.

For Inter, there is still plenty of work to do if they are to qualify for the Champions League next season. The Nerazzurri have two ways to do so, win the final or finish in the top four. With neither outcome assured, it is imperative that they get a victory at the Maradona to maintain the gap between them and Milan in 5th.

Inter have been in fantastic form of late (W5 D0 L0) so given what is at stake and Napoli’s seeming disinterest, an Inter win @ 13/8 is a price I am willing to take.