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Serie A betting tips: Preview, predictions & best bets for Genoa v Napoli

By Sporting Life

Football

Wed July 08, 2020 · 4y ago

Graham Ruthven previews the midweek action in Serie A.

Recommended bets

1pt under 1.5 goals in AC Milan v Juventus at 5/2

1pt Lazio to beat Lecce 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 at 3/1

2pts Napoli to score 2+ goals v Genoa at 8/15

For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record

Genoa v Napoli

Wednesday July 8, 18:30

Gennaro Gattuso has proved more than a few people wrong since taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli. The former midfielder has given Napoli their heart back, but he has also proven himself as more of a tactician than many were previously willing to give him credit for, turning the club’s season around.

Indeed, Napoli come into this game having won five of their last six games, a run which has seen them draw level with Roma in fifth place on points. Kalidou Koulibaly and Diego Demme will both be suspended for the away side, meaning Kostas Manolas and Stanislav Lobotka will likely come in, but Napoli have real momentum behind them at this moment.

This shouldn’t affect them much. Gattuso’s team have been particularly prolific in the second half of games and so 11/10 on the second half to have the most goals seems a reasonable price given there has been 22 second half goals in their last 10 games against just 10 in the first half. This bet has come off in seven of their last 10 outings.

Genoa, on the other hand, face a fight to merely stay in Serie A. Brescia’s win over Verona coupled with Genoa’s draw with Udinese means David Nicola’s side are now just two points above the bottom three.

They have lost their last three home games on the spin, conceding at least three goals in each of those matches. If Genoa are to get anything out of this, they must be compact, something they have struggled to do in recent weeks.

Best bet: Napoli to score 2+ goals at 8/15

AC Milan v Juventus

Tuesday July 7, 20:45

It is one of the biggest fixtures in Italian football, with the country’s two most historically successful clubs facing off, and there’s no shortage of intrigue ahead of this particular game. While AC Milan come into this match on the back of a hugely impressive 3-0 away win over Lazio on Saturday, Juventus are marching towards a ninth straight Scudetto.

As you might expect, the omens are good for the Bianconeri. They have won their last seven games on the spin and are unbeaten in their last 12 matches against AC Milan in all competitions. They have also scored two or more goals in each of their last seven outings.

Cristiano Ronaldo is 11/1 to score from outside the box again having done it in each of his last two games. The absence of Matthjis de Ligt and Paulo Dybala could affect Maurizio Sarri’s side, though.

AC Milan have also been in free-scoring form of late, scoring two or more in each of their last four games. Three wins from their last four games have put them on the brink of a Europa League place. The hosts are 12/5 to pull off a victory that wouldn’t be completely out of the blue given their recent form.

But despite there being over 2.5 goals in 15 of Juve’s last 18 league games, there’s no guarantee there will be goals here. Stefano Pioli’s side will be compact and difficult to break down. Nine of Milan’s last 10 home games against Juventus have seen under 2.5 goals. This could be a tight contest, although the visitors’ greater quality should see them edge it.

Best bet: Under 1.5 goals - 5/2

Lecce v Lazio

Tuesday July 7, 18:30

In suffering defeat to AC Milan on Saturday, Lazio may have bid farewell to their Scudetto chances for this season. Simone Inzhagi’s side must now make up a seven-point difference on pace-setters and defending champions Juventus with just eight games left to play. Lazio can’t afford any more slip-ups or their slim title hopes will vanish completely.

Felipe Caicedo and Ciro Immobile return from suspension for this one, giving Lazio a timely boost. They will face the worst defence in Serie A, with Lecce conceding an astonishing 70 goals in just 30 outings this season. Despite the blank drawn against Milan at the weekend, it seems safe to assume there will be goals in this one.

Lecce have lost each of their last six matches and have conceded at least three goals in five of those six matches. Meanwhile, Lazio have scored two or more in nine of their last 11 games away from the Stadio Olimpico.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Joaquin Correa will be missing for the visitors through injury, but this should still be a comfortable match for them.

Best bet: Lazio to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 - 3/1

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