Benevento vs. Sampdoria (Sunday, 11.30am)
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Following a slow start to 2021, Benevento welcome fellow mid-table side Sampdoria to Stadio Ciro Vigorito on Sunday afternoon, with the clubs separated by just four points in the Serie A standings.
Pippo Inzaghi's men have surprised many since their promotion as second-tier champions last summer, but now face a test of their credentials, as the relegation-threatened teams below them start to narrow the gap.
We say: Benevento 2-2 Sampdoria
Hit-or-miss Sampdoria may have to make do with a rare draw at Vigorito this Sunday, with the home side overdue a return to form and potentially reaping the benefits of switching back to a familiar formation.
Benevento are committed to positive principles under Pippo Inzaghi, so can use their attacking resources to strike twice against Samp's breachable backline.
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Udinese vs. Hellas Verona (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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Seeking to extend their unbeaten run to a fourth league game, Udinese entertain Hellas Verona on Sunday, with continuing their ascent of the Serie A standings upmost in their thoughts.
Their Venetian visitors will arrive at Stadio Friuli following two wins and two defeats from their last four outings - with the added intrigue of having just signed their hosts' star striker in the transfer window.
We say: Udinese 1-0 Hellas Verona
Verona's inconsistent phase may continue in Udine this week, as the improving home side can put a stop to their winless streak on home turf.
Even in the absence of star man Rodrigo De Paul, the Bianconeri are capable of grinding out a hard-fought win - perhaps even with a goal from wily winter signing Fernando Llorente sealing the deal.
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AC Milan vs. Crotone (Sunday, 2.00pm)
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The gulf in class and standing could hardly be wider on Sunday, as Serie A's top and bottom teams meet at San Siro.
League leaders AC Milan are expected to make short work of basement side Crotone this weekend, with the chasing pack gaining momentum behind them, while the visitors will arrive in the second city short of both hope and inspiration.
We say: AC Milan 2-0 Crotone
Any failure to secure maximum points from their latest assignment would cause shockwaves around the Italian peninsula, so Milan should remain focused enough to seal a regulation win at San Siro.
With a return to European duty - plus head-to-heads with Roma and Inter - approaching on the horizon, the Rossoneri can make use of their attacking power to put this game to bed before the last half-hour.
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Parma vs. Bologna (Sunday, 5.00pm)
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An Emilian derby with potentially serious consequences at the wrong end of the Serie A standings sees crisis club Parma tackling near neighbours Bologna on Sunday, at Stadio Ennio Tardini.
The hosts are desperate to halt a run of 11 straight winless Serie A matches, while Sinisa Mihajlovic's visiting side have won only once during the same period to slide to 15th place in the table.
We say: Parma 1-0 Bologna
Potentially canny new recruits can help Parma edge a first win in many weeks over the line against Bologna, keeping them in touch with the clubs around them - including their Emilian counterparts.
Impetus provided by an injection of fresh blood could be just what the Gialloblu's misfiring attack has been crying out for, while Bologna's recent miserable run is set to continue despite signs of life last week.
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Lazio vs. Cagliari (Sunday, 7.45pm)
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Currently topping the Serie A form table, rejuvenated Lazio welcome a Cagliari side enduring entirely opposite fortunes to Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening.
In the final game of the 21st round, Simone Inzaghi's confident outfit approach kickoff with five straight victories in the rear-view mirror, while the visitors have failed to win in 13 games.
We say: Lazio 2-0 Cagliari
This game would appear the very definition of 'home banker' on paper and should not play out too differently on grass.
Lazio have finally got the band back together heading into a challenging phase of the season at home and abroad, so should make light work of unfortunate Cagliari on Sunday, with the Sardinian side more likely to get their campaign back on track in upcoming ties with Torino, Crotone and Bologna than at Stadio Olimpico.
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Barney Corkhill
