Roma vs. Atalanta (Thursday, 5.30pm)
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Following contrasting results at the weekend, reeling Roma welcome red-hot Atalanta to Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, with their domestic form taking an ill-timed nosedive while the visitors have won five on the spin.
A hard-earned success against Juventus on Sunday sees Gian Piero Gasperini's team pressing Milan for a top-two finish, as Roma slipped out of contention for Champions League qualification with a third loss in five.
We say: Roma 1-2 Atalanta BC
Roma's record against the big boys of Serie A has been dubious throughout Paulo Fonseca's reign and particularly so this term. Though the Giallorossi have put together a largely impressive home run in 2020-21, the Olimpico has been less of a fortress of late.
As Atalanta have proved they can win games in more ways than just their customary all-out attacking mode, they can see their abundance of pace and guile in attack punish the home side's absent-minded defence on several occasions.
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Napoli vs. Lazio (Thursday, 7.45pm)
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Separated by two points and one place in the Serie A standings, fifth-placed Napoli meet closest rivals Lazio on Thursday, with staying in the race for a Champions League place at stake.
For both teams, the possibility of a place in the top four remains alive as they sit near the top of the recent form table ahead of the game.
We say: Napoli 2-1 Lazio
Lazio may have exploited their soft recent schedule to close the gap to Napoli before this vital game, but have rarely looked like replicating their potent peak of last season.
In Simone Inzaghi's absence, then, his men may be found out against a slick-passing and well-focused home side, who have goal threats popping up all across the final third.
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Barney Corkhill
