Saturday's Serie A predictions including Napoli vs. Atalanta BC

Empoli vs. Udinese (Saturday, 2.00pm)

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Both contesting a tightly-packed section of the Serie A standings, mid-table rivals Empoli and Udinese meet at Stadio Carlo Castellani on Sunday.

While the hosts have slipped to 14th after a run of six games without a win, their 10th-placed visitors have barely fared better, taking just four points during the same spell.

We say: Empoli 1-1 Udinese

The last five league meetings between Empoli and Udinese have averaged nearly four goals per game; however, Saturday's clash at the Castellani could be a more cagey affair. Neither side is fluent up front, with both drawing their fair share of games, so a share of the spoils is to be expected.

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Napoli vs. Atalanta (Saturday, 5.00pm)

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After suffering their first Serie A home defeat of the season, Napoli will be determined to resume normal service when they welcome Atalanta BC to Stadio Maradona on Saturday.

The runaway league leaders saw their advantage cut to 15 points following their loss to Lazio, while La Dea's recent downturn has seen them slip out of the top four.

We say: Napoli 2-0 Atalanta BC

Only one of the last 15 Serie A encounters between Napoli and Atalanta has been drawn, and that trend can continue this week as the hosts get back on track after a rare taste of defeat. Their fearsome front line cannot be denied for another 90 minutes, while their visitors have suddenly run short of goals.

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Bologna vs. Lazio (Saturday, 7.45pm)

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After following the best result of their season with one of the worst, Lazio seek to get back on track in Serie A, as they visit Bologna on Saturday.

The Aquile travel to Stadio Dall'Ara having toppled league leaders Napoli before losing at home in the Europa Conference League; meanwhile, their hosts' fine recent record was dented by defeat to Torino at the start of the week.

We say: Bologna -Y Lazio

Even without Immobile's goals, Lazio have the ability to inflict a fourth home defeat of the season on Bologna, whose momentum was stalled by their trip to Turin. Also benefiting from playing in Europe on Tuesday rather than Thursday, the visitors can bounce back from their own disappointment and extend some fine form in Serie A.

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