Cremonese vs. Empoli (Friday, 5.30pm)
© Reuters
Relegation-threatened Cremonese will be looking to claim back-to-back Serie A wins for the first time this season when they play host to Empoli at the Giovanni Zini Stadium on Friday.
While the Gray and Reds find themselves 19th in the table, the Blues are sitting five places further up in 14th with twice as many points.
We say: Cremonese 1-1 Empoli
Cremonese's victory last weekend has given them a timely boost as they embark on a crucial run of fixtures in which they cannot afford to drop points if they wish to avoid an immediate return to Serie B.
Empoli have shown signs of improvement in their last two matches, and although they beat Cremonese on home soil earlier this season, they may have to settle for a share of the spoils on Friday.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Spezia vs. Lazio (Friday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
Seeking to consolidate second place in Serie A, Champions League hopefuls Lazio travel to the Stadio Alberto Picco to face 17th-placed Spezia on Friday.
While the visitors have put together a six-game unbeaten run on the road, the hosts are looking to extend their three-match unbeaten streak on home soil.
We say: Spezia 0-2 Lazio
Lazio have comfortably swept aside Spezia in recent meetings, but a tighter affair could be in store on Friday considering the hosts' improvements over the last two weeks.
Nevertheless, Lazio should have too much strength in the final third and will be regarded as firm favourites to come out on top at the Stadio Alberto Picco.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
