Serie A Predictions - Week 18

- Atalanta are two points clear of Napoli at the top
- Defending champions Inter lead chasing pack, which also includes Lazio and Juventus
- Monza are bottom with just 10 points so far

Serie A leaders Atalanta go to fourth-placed Lazio in one of the standout games over the Christmas period in Italy, while Juventus host Fiorentina and AC Milan entertain Roma among the other big matches coming up.

Empoli vs Genoa (Saturday, 2pm)

Two teams in the bottom half meet on Saturday when Empoli, who have lost their last two games, host Genoa, who are without a win in their last three and have scored just one goal in that run.

This could be an uninspiring start to the weekend's action with a dull affair predicted at Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Score prediction: Empoli 0-0 Genoa

Parma vs Monza (Saturday, 2pm)

Parma, in 15th, have lost their last three Serie A games, conceding 11 goals in the process.

However, they should be able to get the better of rock-bottom Monza, who have only won once all season.

Score prediction: Parma 2-0 Monza

Cagliari vs Inter Milan (Saturday, 5pm)

Champions Inter have won their last three matches in all competitions without conceding a goal and it could be more of the same when they go to struggling Cagliari.

Score prediction: Cagliari 0-3 Inter Milan

Lazio vs Atalanta (Saturday, 7.45pm)

Arguably the biggest game of the weekend sees Lazio, who are fourth, entertain leaders Atalanta, who are two points clear at the top.

Atalanta were nervy 3-2 winners over Empoli last time out and this could be another closely-fought game with Lazio playing a full part.

Score prediction: Lazio 2-2 Atalanta

Udinese vs Torino (Sunday, 11.30am)

This mid-table clash between Udinese and Torino could well be tight and a draw looks a likely outcome at the Bluenergy Stadium in the early kick-off on Sunday.

Score prediction: Udinese 1-1 Torino

Napoli vs Venezia (Sunday, 2pm)

Napoli are second after two good away wins at Udinese and Genoa and they should make it three from three with a home success over Venezia, who are second-bottom and have won just one of their last seven games.

Score prediction: Napoli 2-0 Venezia

Juventus vs Fiorentina (Sunday, 5pm)

Fifth plays sixth when Juve host Fiorentina and this could be a cracker in Turin.

Juventus are yet to lose in Serie A this season, although they have drawn far too many (10), and they can stay unbeaten by seeing off Fiorentina, who have lost their last two in the Italian top flight.

Score prediction: Juventus 3-2 Fiorentina

AC Milan vs Roma (Sunday, 7.45pm)

Milan are eighth and, like their opponents Roma, who are two places below, will want to be higher in the standings.

This could play out as an entertaining festive draw between two evenly-matched teams at the San Siro.

Score prediction: AC Milan 2-2 Roma

Como vs Lecce (Monday 5.30pm)

Como and Lecce have won just six games between them this season so this could be a dour affair on Monday.

Score prediction: Como 0-0 Lecce

Bologna vs Hellas Verona (Monday, 7.45pm)

Bologna have won three of their last four Serie A games so are favourites to beat Verona, who are just a point and a place above the bottom three and have lost eight of their last 10 matches.

A home win, therefore, looks likely.

Score prediction: Bologna 2-1 Hellas Verona