Fiorentina vs. Spezia (Friday, 5.30pm)
© Reuters
Having earned headlines and praise following their deserved win over the league leaders last week, Serie A surprise package Spezia now travel to meet Fiorentina on Friday evening.
Defeating mighty Milan on home turf took the Ligurian side 12th in the table, some two points and four places above this week's hosts, whose form has started to slide.
We say: Fiorentina 1-1 Spezia
Only Fiorentina's superior home form offers enough evidence to back the hosts for a score draw against one of the best promoted sides in recent years.
Defensive absences and the inevitable comedown from their historic victory last Saturday could take the edge off Spezia's performance levels, so they will be quite happy to return to Liguria with a point.
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Cagliari vs. Torino (Friday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
Two desperate sides meet in a crucial basement battle on Friday night, as Cagliari host Torino at Sardegna Arena, with both teams seeking to finally end miserable winless streaks in Serie A.
The Isolani have failed to taste victory for 15 matches now, while their visitors have become Calcio's draw specialists and want to avoid an eighth straight game without a win.
We say: Cagliari 1-2 Torino
The stage is set for an intense scrap for three valuable points in the quest for Serie A salvation, as one team's winless streak could finally be brought to an end.
Featuring a more consistent setup and selection - and with one of Serie A's top strikers leading from the front - Torino can ultimately prevail in a hard-fought encounter under Friday night lights.
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Barney Corkhill
