Udinese vs. Salernitana (Tuesday, 5.30pm)
© Reuters
Seeking to extend their recent upturn in fortunes with a final win of 2021, Udinese welcome rock-bottom Salernitana to the Dacia Arena on Tuesday.
While the home side have enjoyed a 'new-manager bounce' to post back-to-back victories in league and cup, their southern visitors are still rooted to the foot of the table amid threats of expulsion from Serie A.
We say: Udinese 2-0 Salernitana
Even in the spirit of the season, it is difficult to see Salernitana being gifted even a goal on Tuesday, let alone a point, as they slip further adrift of safety.
Udinese will regret the timing of the mid-season break given their recent improvement, but have time for one more home win, which they will seal due to their greater attacking confidence and the visitors' ongoing defensive woes.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Genoa vs. Atalanta (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
Two sides at opposite ends of the Serie A standings convene for their final fixture of 2021 as Atalanta BC visit struggling Genoa on Tuesday.
La Dea coach Gian Piero Gasperini returns to Stadio Luigi Ferraris to take on his old club, following a heavy loss which ended his side's charge towards the top, while the hosts have won just once so far as the season's first half draws to a close.
We say: Genoa 1-2 Atalanta BC
Fuelled by their failure at the weekend, Atalanta can press on towards the top of the table by closing out the first part of the season with another away win.
The chance to establish themselves as Scudetto contenders certainly presents itself in the coming weeks, as after facing Genoa - whom they should beat by exploiting their weaknesses out wide and at the back - they meet Torino and Udinese just after the brief winter break.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Juventus vs. Cagliari (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
Seeking to stay in touch with Serie A's top four ahead of the mid-season break, Juventus host lowly Cagliari in their final fixture of 2021 on Tuesday.
In contrasting form, the two sides convene in Turin, with Juve winning four of their last five games in all competitions and their visitors still searching for a first victory since October.
We say: Juventus 2-0 Cagliari
Even if Juve have faltered against some of Serie A's minnows during the last year or so, a routine win to end 2021 must surely be on the cards against Cagliari.
With confidence visibly draining away during their crushing home defeat at the weekend, the Rossoblu will be no match for a home side that is fully focused on catching the once-distant top four.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
