Enzo is hoping to make it three profitable weeks on the trot with his selections for this weekend’s Italian football action
Bologna v Sampdoria
Sat 8th October 19:45
This is a clash between two sides who have not started the season well. Sampdoria have yet to win a game (W0 D2 L6) and currently sit rock bottom with just 2 points. Bologna have performed slightly better (W1 D3 L4) and are in 17th, one clear of the dropzone.
A bright spot for the Rossoblù has been the performances of Marko Arnautovic. The Austrian frontman has scored six goals in eight appearances and is Serie A’s topscorer. Arni hasn’t found the net in 2 games but he should get plenty of chances to get back on track against an opposition who have conceded at least 2 goals in all their away matches. Marko Arnautovic Anytime Scorer @ 6/4 is my first Italian football bet of the weekend.
Udinese v Atalanta
Sun 9th October 14:00
Unlike the previous match, this is between two overperformers. Third take on second in the Dacia Arena in what is an extremely difficult game to call. Both sides have almost identical records with Udinese having (W6 D1 L1) and Atalanta making it (W6 D2 L0). However, in terms of style the teams are polar opposites. Udinese have been scintillating going forward and are tied second with Lazio for most league goals scored. Meanwhile Atalanta’s success is built on defence. La Dea have only conceded three league goals in eight matches.
Like I said, this could go either way but I have a feeling that Atalanta will just shade it. For all the talk about the defence, La Dea are not short of goals either and have netted 12 times in 8 games. Despite winning last time out, Udinese struggled to break down a resolute Verona defence and it took a stoppage time header from a set piece to steal all three points. Atalanta are a more complete side and have the ability to change approach if needed which is something Udinese lack so at a big price Atalanta win @ 15/8 is the bet.
Cremonese v Napoli
Sun 9th Oct 19:45
Newly promoted Cremonese have endured a torrid start to Serie A life. The Grigiorossi are just a point ahead of basement boys Sampdoria in 18th and are living up to their preseason relegation favourites tag with a record of (W0 D3 L5 ).
After losing so many first team players during the summer, there were fears that Napoli would struggle to even crack the top four this season. However, De Laurentis’s summer signings have been inspired with Kim, Raspadori and Kvaratskhelia in particular proving to be more than capable of filling the holes left by Mertens, Insigne and Koulibaly. So far, the Partenopei are unbeaten (W6 D2 L0) and sit comfortably at the summit of Serie A.
This should be a straightforward victory for Napoli but 4/11 for the away win offers no value. Instead, I’m opting for Napoli -1 @ 6/4 which is a decent price. Cremonese were beaten 3-1 by Inter and hammered 4-0 by Lazio, while three of Napoli’s six wins have been by a margin of more than one goal.
Smart Bets
Bologna v Sampdoria: Bologna: Marko Arnautovic Anytime Scorer @ 6/4
Udinese v Atalanta: Atalanta win @ 15/8
Cremonese v Napoli: Napoli -1 @ 6/4
