Monza vs. Cagliari (Sunday, 11.30am)
© Imago
After both ended 2024 with four straight Serie A defeats, relegation rivals Monza and Cagliari will vie for victory in their year-opening fixture on Sunday.
While the Brianzoli are marooned at the foot of the standings, their Sardinian counterparts are just four points better off and also sit inside the drop zone.
We say: Monza 0-1 Cagliari
Cagliari always find it tough to take points back home from the mainland, but they will rarely have a better opportunity to do so.
As Monza are low on confidence and must do without key players, it may take more time for their new coach to make an impact.
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Lecce vs. Genoa (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Separated by three points in the Serie A standings, Lecce and Genoa will both aim to pull further clear of danger when they meet on Sunday.
The two sides kick off 2025 at Stadio Via del Mare, with both having improved their form under new management.
We say: Lecce 0-0 Genoa
Neither side are renowned for their goalscoring prowess, so it could be a low-scoring - or even no-scoring - contest at Stadio Via del Mare.
While Genoa have a good record on the road, Lecce are much tougher to beat on home turf and can hold out for a valuable point.
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Torino vs. Parma (Sunday, 5.00pm)
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Only two points apart in the Serie A standings, mid-table pair Torino and Parma will start 2025 with a meeting at Stadio Olimpico Grande on Sunday.
Toro are still just in front of their Emilian counterparts despite a significant downturn, while Parma are on course to fulfil their goal of top-flight survival.
We say: Torino 2-1 Parma
Torino rarely score more than once, but Parma concede goals at a rate of two per game when travelling away from home.
The Granata may therefore take the chance to claim maximum points on home turf, boosting their confidence before next week's Derby della Mole.
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Roma vs. Lazio (Sunday, 7.45pm)
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Trailing their old foes by some 15 points in the Serie A standings, Roma will fight to reduce that deficit in Sunday's Derby della Capitale against Lazio.
Coming into the 184th Rome derby since 1929, the Giallorossi are aiming to get back on their feet after a dismal year, while the Biancocelesti can look back on the past few months with pride.
We say: Roma 1-2 Lazio
Roma may have steadied the ship, but Lazio are a class above their city rivals this season and can score more than once past a vulnerable defence.
Blessed with attacking options, the Biancocelesti should secure a win that takes them even further ahead in the standings, starting 2025 in style.
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Ben Knapton
