Rome rates itself as one of the most romantic cities on the planet, but there’ll be no love lost in the Italian capital on Sunday night when Roma face city rivals Lazio, in the Stadio Olimpico. The Derby della Capitale is always as spicy as an arrabbiata sauce with extra chilli, and with both sides in desperate need of points, it’s definitely not going to be dull.
Roma v Lazio | 30th April 11:30
Second-place Roma are still dreaming of catching the juggernaut that is Juventus and, in turn, winning the Scudetto for the first time since 2001. They know anything but victory and the fat lady will be belting out her greatest hits. Lazio are in pursuit of Napoli for third and a place in next season’s Champions League – but may as well say a reluctant ciao to the Europa League if they lose.
It is then all or nothing for both sets of gladiators in the Eternal City this weekend.
It will be the fourth time the Roman rivals have met this season. Roma were stronger back in December, but more recently Lazio got over the line in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, going through 4-3 on aggregate over two legs.
While both share the Stadio Olimpico, Roma are the ‘home’ team this Sunday. With an 11-point advantage over The Eagles and fresh from their 4-1 thumping of Pescara on Monday, they’re the 41/50 favourites to keep their season alive and kicking.
Lazio demolished Palermo last time out thanks to a five-minute and 19-second hat-trick from striker Balde Keita, and are rated 31/10 to win the derby while the draw which would disappoint both sides is 27/10.
Inter Milan v Napoli | 30th April 19:45
There’s more city rivalry on the menu this weekend as the race to finish as top dogs in Milan reaches its climax. Sixth-place AC Milan have their noses marginally in front, two points ahead of Internazionale in seventh, but with five games left, there are 15 points still up for grabs.
Inter entertain Napoli at the San Siro. They were despatched 3-0 by the Light Blues at the Stadio San Paolo in December but at 43/20 are not fancied to get revenge in the rematch. Napoli are 23/20 to strengthen their grip on Serie A’s third Champions League place.
Crotone v AC Milan | 30th April 14:00
Vincenzo Montella’s Milan head to relegation-haunted Crotone on Sunday, and will be wary of the minnows after being given a hell of a scare by the newly-promoted side before Christmas. The Red and Blacks only got out of jail in the San Siro thanks to a 86th minute winner from Gianluca Lapadula, but despite their previous struggles, they’re 9/10 to take the points while Crotone are 3/1 to claim what would be a famous scalp.
Atalanta v Juventus | 28th April 19:45
The weekend’s action kicks off on Friday night as Juventus travel to the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia to face Atalanta. The leaders are in pursuit of a sixth consecutive Scudetto – a feat never achieved by an Italian club – but boss Massimiliano Allegri has selection issues to settle.
Juve are in the south of France on Wednesday night for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Monaco. They may be tempted to rest players as they chase a domestic and European double. Atalanta. however, are fifth and will be no pushover on their own patch as they look to secure Europa League football next season.
The reigning champions are 28/25 to wrap up what would be their 28th league win in 34 games this season, while Atalanta are 13/5 to inflict a first Serie A defeat on Juventus since January.
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