Serie A returns to action after Christmas with a packed weekend of fixtures leading into the new year. Saturday’s matches begin with two crucial relegation battles: Empoli host Genoa, while Parma take on Monza.
Empoli enter the game after two consecutive defeats, most recently against Atalanta, where they showed flashes of good football. Similarly, Genoa, despite their loss to Napoli, proved they can compete against strong opponents. Empoli have not beaten Genoa at the Castellani in nine years, with their last victory dating back to 2015, followed by two losses and two draws. Overall, the head-to-head record is evenly split, with five wins each and eight draws.
Meanwhile, Parma and Monza face off at the Tardini, where their last three encounters have all ended in draws. Their most recent clashes were in Serie B in 2022 (0-0 in Emilia and 1-1 in Brianza). However, a single point may not suffice for either side as both desperately need a win to climb the table. Monza, under new head coach Salvatore Bocchetti, aim to bounce back from recent struggles, while Parma must contend with numerous absences as they look to recover from their 5-0 defeat in Rome. Both teams are eager to prove their resolve in the fight for survival.
Roma overcomes Genoa: El Shaarawy and Dybala lead the giallorossi’s comeback
18 Jan - 08:04 •
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At 6:00 PM, Inter face a challenging away fixture against Cagliari. Simone Inzaghi’s side looks to keep the pressure on league leaders Atalanta. Inzaghi has a strong record against Cagliari coach Davide Nicola, with five wins in their seven previous meetings. Inter have not lost in Sardinia since 2019 (2-1) and will aim to extend that streak. Meanwhile, Cagliari, currently sitting in the relegation zone, are desperate to end a run of four consecutive losses and spark a turnaround.
Saturday concludes with a blockbuster clash between Lazio and Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico. Lazio return home after a humbling 6-0 defeat to Inter and hope to derail Atalanta’s charge for first place. This promises to be an exciting encounter between two sides known for their attacking football. The last meeting in Rome ended with a thrilling 3-2 win for Lazio, their first home league victory over Atalanta since 2017.
The tactical duel between the managers adds another layer of intrigue. Gian Piero Gasperini has three wins against Marco Baroni, but Baroni’s two victories suggest this could be a closer contest than expected.
