Salernitana vs. Empoli (Saturday, 2.00pm)
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Two promoted clubs clash on Saturday, as Salernitana welcome Empoli to Stadio Arechi with the sides having experienced contrasting starts to the Serie A season.
While the hosts - who switched managers in midweek - have won just once so far and sit rock-bottom of the standings, their visitors from Tuscany have adapted better and occupy a mid-table spot.
We say: Salernitana 1-2 Empoli
Though the sudden impact of a managerial change may lift spirits in the Salernitana camp, they can be crushed instantly by an Empoli outfit who only had their positive start ended by a pair of Serie A heavyweights.
The visitors are a much better prospect to retain their elite-level status next May, and can keep their former Serie B colleagues in the mire with a win on Saturday.
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Sassuolo vs. Venezia (Saturday, 5.00pm)
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Following a tough start to the Serie A season for either side, Sassuolo and Venezia meet on Saturday evening at the Mapei Stadium.
The Neroverdi will play hosts to the improving Venetians with the teams level on points and separated only by goal difference in the standings.
We say: Sassuolo 2-1 Venezia
Sassuolo can jump ahead of their counterparts in the table on Saturday, as their defensive deficiencies will not be so ruthlessly exposed by a Venezia side that has struggled for goals so far.
The hosts' own attacking shortcomings have been out of character, considering their reputation as great entertainers over the past couple of years, so if Scamacca and Berardi can hit it off this weekend they can get back to winning ways.
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Bologna vs. AC Milan (Saturday, 7.45pm)
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Following further European disappointment in midweek, AC Milan travel to Bologna on Saturday, seeking to keep their pursuit of a first Serie A title in over a decade on track.
While the Rossoneri's fast start has kept them up with the early pace in the Scudetto race, their hosts this weekend have enjoyed a bright beginning of their own to sit eighth in the standings.
We say: Bologna 1-1 AC Milan
As Bologna have proved a tougher nut to crack of late, they can deny Milan maximum points for only the second time this term, but will not quite end their barren run versus the Rossoneri on home turf.
Pioli's men can stay unbeaten domestically with a draw, as they look ahead to the return fixture with Porto and fixtures against Roma and fierce rivals Inter in the coming weeks.
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Barney Corkhill
