Spezia vs. Parma (Saturday, 2.00pm)
© Reuters
After returning to earth with a bump last week, Serie A rookies Spezia seek to extend their opponents' misery on Saturday, as relegation-haunted Parma visit Stadio Alberto Picco.
While the Bianconeri followed up their historic home win over Milan with a humbling three-goal loss at Fiorentina, this week's visitors saw their desperate winless run extended to 14.
We say: Spezia 1-2 Parma
Could Parma finally end their horrible win-free run this week, with only a second away success of the campaign? Having come so close but yet so far at the Tardini last Sunday, the Gialloblu may now be ready to stake a claim for Serie A survival by narrowing the gap between these sides in the standings.
After a disappointing defeat versus Fiorentina - and with a trip to Juventus to come in just a few days time - Spezia may be just short of their sometimes brilliant best, leaving the door open for their visitors to strike.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Bologna vs. Lazio (Saturday, 5.00pm)
© Reuters
A Lazio side rattled by their desperate Champions League defeat in midweek seek to bounce back immediately, as they travel to meet mid-table Bologna on Saturday evening.
Simone Inzaghi's men have surged back into the race for a top-four place in recent weeks, so will not want to surrender momentum, while their hosts are unbeaten this month as they continue to pull away from the Serie A drop zone.
We say: Bologna 0-2 Lazio
Though Lazio may be shell-shocked by their crushing Champions League defeat in midweek, they should benefit from facing significantly lesser opponents this time out, as a limited Bologna team are a far simpler proposition than the reigning world champions.
Ciro Immobile is overdue another goal, as he chases back-to-back Capocannoniere awards, so can return to his ruthless best at Dall'Ara on Saturday.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Hellas Verona vs. Juventus (Saturday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
Third-placed Juventus seek to place pressure on the league-leading Milan clubs on Saturday night, as the defending Serie A champions take on Hellas Verona at Stadio Bentegodi.
Playing a day ahead of their Scudetto rivals and still with a game in hand, Andrea Pirlo's side will meet a well-oiled unit, as the Gialloblu have won each of their last three home games to sit comfortably inside the top half of the table.
We say: Hellas Verona 1-2 Juventus
Two particularly tight defences come together at the Bentegodi, though the champions' back line is in disarray due to numerous injuries.
Though Verona were perhaps fortunate to come away with a draw against a dominant Juventus side in the first game last October, they pose a tough proposition on home turf and can push Juve all the way before succumbing to the Old Lady's greater individual quality in the end.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
