Empoli vs. Spezia (Saturday, 2.00pm)
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Despite edging closer to safety of late, a setback last week sees Empoli keen to take maximum points from Serie A strugglers Spezia when the teams meet on Saturday.
Ahead of their clash at Stadio Carlo Castellani, the visitors are unbeaten in all three previous top-flight games against their hosts, following a 1-0 win in La Spezia on the opening day.
We say: Empoli 2-1 Spezia
Empoli and Spezia have faced the most shots per game on average in Serie A this season (both over 16), so it could be an open affair at the Castellani. The hosts, though, are in far better form, and home advantage makes them likely winners against absence-hit opponents.
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Lecce vs. Roma (Saturday, 5.00pm)
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Up to third thanks to another win last weekend, Roma aim to keep their foot on the gas down in Lecce, when they visit Stadio Via del Mare on Saturday.
While the capital club have won four from six in Serie A since the winter break, their southern counterparts had gone without victory for four games before seeing off Roma's Coppa Italia conquerors Cremonese.
We say: Lecce 1-1 Roma
Only three teams have returned from Via del Mare with maximum points this season, so Lecce should prove a tough nut to crack for in-form Roma. Indeed, a low-scoring draw could be on the cards in this tussle between two well-drilled sides.
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Lazio vs. Atalanta (Saturday, 7.45pm)
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Separated by just one point and one place in the Serie A standings, Lazio and fellow top-four contenders Atalanta BC clash on Saturday evening, at Stadio Olimpico.
Losing last week saw La Dea slip to fifth, while their hosts were held by lowly Verona to be overtaken by arch-rivals Roma.
We say: Lazio 2-1 Atalanta BC
No team has scored more Serie A goals inside the first half-hour of play than Lazio (14), so there is always the chance they can catch their visitors cold with a fast start. If they do take the lead on Saturday, they will be doubly determined to make amends for recent lapses and keep Atalanta at bay - though not without some difficulty.
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Barney Corkhill
