Spezia vs. Benevento (Saturday, 2.00pm)
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Two promoted sides with a fighting chance of Serie A survival meet at Stadio Alberto Picco on Saturday, as Spezia go head-to-head with faltering Benevento for three precious points.
While the Ligurian club have failed to win in their last three games, Pippo Inzaghi's men have fared even worse in recent weeks, with just one league success since the turn of the year.
We say: Spezia 2-1 Benevento
Level on points in the lower echelons of the Serie A standings, few would have backed both Spezia and Benevento to stay up at season's end, but salvation is in sight if they can hold their nerve as established outfits Torino and Cagliari seek to overhaul them.
The visitors' prospects, though, are somewhat worse, given a lamentable record during the past two months, so a Spezia side who have remained relatively buoyant all season long should have the edge when it comes to confidence in the final third.
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Udinese vs. Sassuolo (Saturday, 5.00pm)
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Following dramatic draws against Serie A big guns in midweek, both Udinese and fellow mid-table side Sassuolo will be seeking maximum points when they meet at the Dacia Arena on Saturday evening.
While the Zebrette saw victory against Milan snatched from their grasp in the dying seconds, their visitors this weekend managed to rescue a point in a six-goal thriller with Napoli.
We say: Udinese 1-1 Sassuolo
The form table would indicate that there should be little chance of an away win at the Dacia Arena, as Udinese have been admirably resilient lately, losing just once in the past eight rounds - to Roma, at their previously impenetrable Stadio Olimpico fortress.
Though Sassuolo have, conversely, prevailed just once during their past eight outings, signs of life have begun to flicker during back-to-back draws in recent days and there is every chance of a positive result for the Neroverdi.
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Juventus vs. Lazio (Saturday, 7.45pm)
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Juventus seek to keep their Scudetto defence alive on Saturday evening, as they welcome a Lazio side that could draw to within three points of the hosts with victory in Turin.
Following an inconsistent spell, the champions are in danger of losing touch with table-topping Inter, while the Aquile are desperate to remain in the mix for a European place at the end of the season.
We say: Juventus 2-1 Lazio
Juventus are particularly impenetrable on Turin turf and a seventh straight home win in the league is certainly on the cards against a stumbling Lazio side - though perhaps half an eye may stray towards their upcoming fight for Champions League survival next week.
The visitors, meanwhile, are keen to wash away the troubles of the past fortnight and keep themselves in contention for a return to European competition next season. If they can stem a recent flood of self-inflicted defensive errors, then the Biancocelesti may even have a shot at gleaning a point from one of the toughest fixtures in the diary.
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Barney Corkhill
