Serie A Betting - Week 4 Preview
20th Sep 2007, 20:14
This must have been an uncomfortable week for supporters of Juventus, as the Champions League kicked-off without them. Much like Bayern Munich, absence from Europe’s biggest club competition is a bitter pill to swallow, but nothing in football is forever. The Old Lady’s game at Roma on Sunday, could signal a changing of the guard in Italian football. Check PinnacleSports.com for up to 60% better Asian Handicap prices on the game.
Unbeaten Roma Welcome the Old Lady to the Capital
Roma are out to prove that last season’s second place finish and Coppa Italia win were no fluke. They have already defeated Inter Milan in the Italian Super Cup, won their opening Champions League group game, and are the only team in Serie A with a 100% record, and no goals conceded. That position will be severely tested with the visit of Juventus on Sunday. Coach, Luciano Spalletti, fielded his strongest eleven for Roma’s midweek win over Dynamo Kiev, while Juve players should be fresh having had no European commitments.
After the euphoria of the return to Serie A and two opening victories, Juve were brought down to earth last week. Claudio Ranieri’s side lost at home to Udinese, a result that illustrates how far they have to go to regain their former position among Italy and Europe’s elite. As if the defeat wasn’t bad enough, Ranieri lost midfielder Mauro Camoranesi with a muscle problem which could sideline him for several months. The Old Lady looked far less threatening after the Italian international’s exit, and will need a much improved performance at the Stadio Olimpico, still missing Zebina and Boumsong in defence. PinnacleSports.com price them underdogs 2.35 (0/scratch & +0.5) with Roma attracting strong support 1.690 (0/scratch & -0.5).
Genoese Derby Returns After Twelve Year Absence
For the first time since 1995, Genoa and Sampdoria, will meet for a Genoese Derby at the Marassi, the stadium shared by the neighbouring clubs. The fixture reappears in the Serie A calendar after Genoa gained promotion behind Juventus and Napoli. Known as the Derby Della Lanterna (Derby of the Lantern) the game is a notoriously heated affair, for which form is likely to go out the window.
Genoa would love to record their first league win of the season in this fixture, having drawn twice and lost heavily at home to AC Milan. Sampdoria lost last week in Naples, their first away fixture, and second consecutive blank. They also have a home UEFA Cup fixture on Thursday, having already played four qualifying games to get to that stage. That means they have played twice as many games as Genoa, which can be interpreted in both a negative and positive light by bettors. PinnacleSports.com make Sampdoria slight favourites 1.877 (0/scratch & -0.5) with Genoa (0/scratch & +0.5).