Bologna vs. AC Milan (Saturday, 2.00pm)
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After the worst week of an otherwise successful season, Serie A leaders AC Milan visit mid-table Bologna on Saturday, needing to avoid a third straight defeat to keep ahead of the chasing pack.
Losses against local rivals Atalanta and Inter Milan in both league and cup have unsettled Stefano Pioli's side ahead of their trip to Emilia-Romagna to face the underwhelming Rossoblu.
We say: Bologna 1-2 AC Milan
As the impact of injuries and fatigue set in for the visitors following a hitherto sparkling campaign, this could be a rare opportune moment for Bologna to take on one of their most feared opponents.
Under Stefano Pioli so far though, Milan have proved to be made of sterner stuff and can edge past their Emilian hosts on Saturday, with several squad players coming to the fore.
Our tipster partners are predicting under 3.5 goals.
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Sampdoria vs. Juventus (Saturday, 5.00pm)
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Three wins in a week have rejuvenated defending champions Juventus going into the second half of the Serie A season, as they prepare to meet Sampdoria at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Saturday evening.
Claudio Ranieri's home team, meanwhile, await the champions' arrival having put together rare back-to-back victories of their own to move into the top half of the table.
We say: Sampdoria 1-1 Juventus
Surely Serie A's most hard-to-predict side, Sampdoria have rarely drawn this term but would gratefully receive a point against Juventus this weekend.
On the other hand, Juve have tied too many league games so far and may again be held by an improving and increasingly confident outfit - one featuring several men with sufficient experience to frustrate the champions.
Our tipster partners are predicting an away win.
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Inter Milan vs. Benevento (Saturday, 7.45pm)
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Having spurned the chance to be crowned Italy's 'winter champions' last week, Inter Milan bounced back to beat their city rivals in a fiery cup clash ahead of Saturday's visit of Benevento.
With the ripples from a seismic Milan derby still being felt around the peninsula, Antonio Conte now prepares his men for the challenge of old Azzurri teammate Pippo Inzaghi's overachieving side.
We say: Inter Milan 3-1 Benevento
Even taking the visitors' 'surprise package' label into account, it is hard to foresee any result other than an Inter win this Saturday.
The great number of attacking options - particularly out wide - available to the Nerazzurri should see them breach Benevento's back line on more than one occasion at San Siro, to keep the pressure on leaders Milan.
Our tipster partners are predicting over 2.5 goals.
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Barney Corkhill
