Cremonese vs. Monza (Saturday, 2.00pm)
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Still seeking a first Serie A win of the season at the midpoint of their comeback campaign, Cremonese host regional rivals Monza on Saturday.
Promoted together last spring, the teams meet at Stadio Giovanni Zini amid contrasting fortunes of late, as the hosts have lost their last three games to sit rock-bottom of the table; Monza moved nine points clear of the drop zone by stinging Inter with a late equaliser last weekend.
We say: Cremonese 1-2 Monza
No side has conceded more set-piece goals than Cremonese in Serie A this season (10). On the other hand, Monza have let in the joint-fewest (two), and such details are why the latter have adapted much better to the top flight. Even if the hosts can keep things tight heading into the closing stages, a defensive lapse or two could prove costly; allowing their visitors to escape with three precious points.
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Lecce vs. AC Milan (Saturday, 5.00pm)
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After slipping up twice in a matter of days, AC Milan aim to end the first half of their Scudetto defence with a win on Saturday, as they visit Lecce at Stadio Via del Mare.
The champions fumbled two points in stoppage time last week, before crashing out of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday; meanwhile, their hosts have picked up four points since the winter break to sit 11th in the Serie A standings.
We say: Lecce 0-2 AC Milan
Curiously, Lecce are one of two sides yet to score during the first 15 minutes of play in Serie A this season; Milan have netted seven times in the same period (the joint-most in Italy's top flight). The hosts cannot afford a slow start on Saturday, though, as their visitors will be fired up by recent setbacks and are likely to come out all guns blazing.
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Inter Milan vs. Hellas Verona (Saturday, 7.45pm)
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Having let two points slip through their fingers last weekend, Inter Milan aim to stay in touch with the Serie A leaders by beating 19th-placed Hellas Verona on Saturday.
The Nerazzurri fell 10 points adrift of top spot by conceding a stoppage-time equaliser at Monza, while their latest visitors to San Siro picked up just a second win of the season to move off the foot of the table.
We say: Inter Milan 3-0 Hellas Verona
While no side has scored more Serie A goals than Inter before half time this season (19), Verona have conceded the most during the second half (20). Such a combination suggests a fast start for the hosts - if being taken to extra time in midweek does not hinder them too much - and surrender by the Scaligeri after the break.
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Barney Corkhill
