Serie A Betting - Matchday 13 Preview
20th Nov 2007, 18:49
At a time when Italian football should be celebrating qualification for next summer’s European Championships, it instead trying to come to terms with the impact of another major violent incident, involving several games during the last scheduled weekend of Serie A action. The fatal shooting of a fan caused a frenzied reaction, and three games are still to be replayed. Serie A bettors should pay close attention to the conditions imposed on all fans and how the ongoing security situation might impact matters on the pitch. Despite the upheaval, PinnacleSports.com are still offering up to 60% better Serie A betting odds.
Muted Atmosphere Expected for Atalanta Fixture
Inter Milan’s home fixture against Atalanta on Saturday is likely to be a subdued affair. The death of an Atalanta fan two weeks ago sparked violence in the club’s home game against AC Milan, which was abandoned early on. No travelling fans will be permitted at the San Siro for this weekend’s game, in a game which was already identified as high risk prior to the recent outbreak of trouble. In such strained circumstances it is difficult to assess how teams will react, and whether they can focus on the game itself. Many Italian newspapers are suggesting that escalating trouble may lead to an exodus of players out of Serie A.
Focusing solely on the football, Inter Milan will be looking to cement their position at the top of the division. The Nerazzurri have achieved six consecutive home victories in domestic and European competition, despite the continued absence of captain, Patrick Viera. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in sparkling form, and will be Inter’s chief threat. The off-field problems for Atalanta are in contrast to their form on the pitch, where they have lost just once all season, pushing them into contention for European places. They have won their last two away trips, but will be handicapped by the ban on away support, and may struggle to maintain focus given the intense media pressure on the club. PinnacleSports.com price Inter Milan favourites 2.120 (-1.5) with Atalanta 1.820 (+1.5).
Juventus Looking to Regain Momentum
Juventus coach, Claudion Ranieri, will be looking for his team to regain some momentum with a win against Palermo at the Stadio del Alpi on Sunday evening. Juve are still firmly in the hunt for Champions League places, but with just two wins from their last six games, are not setting Serie A on fire. The Old Lady boasts the best defensive home record (along with Inter) have conceded just three times, which is all the more impressive given the Zebras have been hampered by injuries to key defenders. PinnacleSports.com have them as favourites for the game against Palermo pricing the game - Juventus 1.885 (-0.5 & -1) with Palermo 2.050 (+0.5 & +1).
Palermo have a fourth season of European football in their sites, currently placed seventh. The Sicilians have already been eliminated from this season’s UEFA Cup, but the club’s appetite for European football is reflected in their increasingly ambitious transfer signings. Though some big names have moved on – such as Luca Toni and Fabio Grosso – the club is becoming an incubator for future stars, and captain, Andrea Barzagli, and Cristian Zaccardo are established members of the Azzurri squad. The Eagles are unbeaten in six Serie A games, but five of those ended in stalemate including against top-five teams, Inter and Udinese.