Serie A: Inter and Samp scuffle, while AC Milan meet Napoli
Serie A boasts a selection of headline-grabbing games this matchweek, with both Milan giants in action against formidable foes.
Title chasers Inter Milan square-up to Sampdoria on the road, as city rivals AC Milan host Napoli, with both Lombardy clubs in need of victory. Here, Coral experts bring you the best bets from Italy’s tantalising televised top-flight battles on Sunday.
Roberto Mancini’s men require a strong reaction following a 4-1 thrashing by surprise league leaders Fiorentina last time out. Previously unbeaten before that drubbing, second spot Inter are evens to take all three points at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
The Nerazzurri have an abundance of net threats in lethal Argentine marksman Mauro Icardi (4/1 to have the final say) and poaching compatriot Rodrigo Palacio (5/4 to grab a goal anytime), though Manchester City-owned striking star Stevan Jovetic is likely to miss out through injury.
Still, Inter’s excellent recent record against Sampdoria, with just one loss in the last 10, should see the Milanese men through, and plumping for the guests at 3/1 to win with both teams to score is superb value.
Yet to be defeated on home soil, Samp should be stubborn, and have an intimidatingly in-form striker in Eder Martins. The Brazil-born Italy international has fired in first for all three of the Blucerchiati’s Serie A home games, with Walter Zenga’s side going on to win all of those clashes.
So, back incisive Eder at 6/1 to bag the opener, while talented Colombian attacker Luis Muriel is 2/1 to make a difference anytime.
AC Milan v Napoli
San Siro-sharers AC are currently marooned in mid-table, and will be keen to make up ground on noisy neighbours Inter with a win versus Napoli, which they are 19/10 to do in this evening kick-off.
Only behind the Little Donkeys on goal difference, Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side could leapfrog into the top 10 with a triumph on home turf, where they have a perfect record so far across all competitions.
Yet, placing a stake for the Rossoneri at 11/5 to pinch a point could be more profitable, after Campania club Napoli downed champions Juventus last time out in the league. Having succumbed to just one defeat all season, a draw looks devilish value.
As for scorers, Mihajlovic’s armory appears the more enticing to back with Luiz Adriano (6/1 to draw first blood), Carlos Bacca (6/4 to strike anytime) and Mario Balotelli (7/4) all to choose from. While, for the Neapolitan visitors, hitman Gonzalo Higuain (9/2 to have the final say) is always most likely to ripple the net.
Coral’s top tip: Eder is sensational at 6/1 to score first for Samp again.