Sassuolo vs. Bologna (Wednesday, 3.30pm)
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Sassuolo and Bologna square off at the Mapei Stadium on Wednesday afternoon with the two clubs locked on the same points in the Serie A standings.
However, while 11th-placed Sassuolo are unbeaten in three games, Bologna have suffered defeats in that amount of games over the same period.
We say: Sassuolo 1-1 Bologna
With just one win between them in six outings, this is a difficult match to call. Both teams have the freedom to push for maximum points, but we feel that it is more likely that they cancel each other out in a low-scoring draw.
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Venezia vs. Lazio (Wednesday, 3.30pm)
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Lazio square off against Venezia on Wednesday afternoon knowing that they realistically require all three points to keep in close proximity to the top seven in the Serie A standings.
Despite being on a five-match winless streak, Venezia have recently opened up a seven-point advantage ahead of the relegation zone.
We say: Venezia 1-3 Lazio
While Venezia will relish the challenge of playing host to another high-profile team, Lazio have no option but to produce an attack-minded performance. With that in mind, we expect Sarri's side to have too much firepower for the home side, securing another much-needed win in the process.
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Hellas Verona vs. Fiorentina (Wednesday, 5.30pm)
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Fiorentina go up against Hellas Verona on Wednesday evening looking to extend their unbeaten streak in Serie A to five matches.
While Fiorentina currently sit in sixth place in the standings, Verona are down in 13th position after two successive defeats.
We say: Hellas Verona 1-2 Fiorentina
While home advantage could prove key for Hellas Verona, we cannot ignore the firepower of Fiorentina. With that in mind, a hard-fought victory for the away side appears to be the most likely result, one which will keep them in the mix for the Champions League.
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Inter Milan vs. Torino (Wednesday, 5.30pm)
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Crowned 'Winter Champions' at the weekend, Inter Milan will seek to extend their scintillating form on Wednesday evening when they host mid-table Torino at San Siro.
Serie A's Scudetto holders will not want the year to end, given a streak of six league wins on the spin, and they start as strong favourites despite their visitors' recently improved fortunes.
We say: Inter Milan 2-0 Torino
As Torino boast one of the best defensive records in the division - a remarkable turnaround under Ivan Juric, given the club's previous rearguard woes - Inter's task in finishing off a special year with a win may not be straightforward.
Unbeaten in their last 10 league fixtures ahead of the game - recording eight wins in the process - the hosts have enough momentum on their side to break through any Granata resistance, as their wing-backs assert dominance over those of the visitors.
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Roma vs. Sampdoria (Wednesday, 5.30pm)
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Following one of their best results of the season last weekend, Roma return to Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday to host Sampdoria in Serie A's final round of 2021.
Now up to fifth, and just six points adrift of the top four, the Giallorossi's win over Atalanta will have lifted their spirits before closing the first half of the season on home soil.
We say: Roma 2-1 Sampdoria
A settled side can help Roma to keep momentum from their excellent weekend showing ticking over, so expect them to end an ultimately underwhelming year for the club with a win.
While Samp have fared well enough on the road this term, it will be beyond them to maintain the intensity required to better Mourinho's men on Roman soil.
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Empoli vs. AC Milan (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
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Following three games without a win, and with their Scudetto challenge now starting to falter, AC Milan close out an eventful 2021 with a trip to Empoli on Wednesday.
While the Rossoneri lost narrowly to title rivals Napoli at the weekend, their final hosts before the mid-season break added another point to an impressive tally since returning to Serie A.
We say: Empoli 1-1 AC Milan
Milan are limping to the finish line in 2021, having started out with dreams of Scudetto glory last January - subsequently dashed by their bitterest rivals - and they could now be taking a similar road heading into the new year.
A lack of attacking thrust has been apparent in recent weeks, and Empoli are more than capable of taking advantage of defensive uncertainty since the devastating injury to Simon Kjaer. Therefore, a point will have to satisfy the visitors before they take stock during the brief winter break.
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Napoli vs. Spezia (Wednesday, 7.45pm)
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Following their crucial weekend win at a major Scudetto rival, Napoli welcome lowly Spezia to Stadio Maradona on Wednesday for their final game of 2021.
Beating Milan at San Siro rejuvenates the Partenopei's title challenge ahead of the halfway point in Serie A, while their struggling visitors picked up just their second point in six games on Monday.
We say: Napoli 2-0 Spezia
Recent setbacks in Naples should ensure the home side do not have complacency to contend with on Wednesday, and a thoroughly professional approach can help them end the year with successive Serie A wins.
Certainly a weaker team without some integral cogs in Spalletti's machine, Napoli will still be able to exploit Spezia's numerous failings at the back, and despite fielding an improvised back four, they remain one of the best defensive sides in the league.
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Barney Corkhill
