Udinese vs. Sampdoria (Saturday, 2.00pm)
© Reuters
Two sides scrapping for Serie A survival meet at the Dacia Arena on Saturday, as Udinese host Sampdoria, who sit just below them in the standings.
Separated only by goal difference - though the Bianconeri have played two fewer games - the teams shared six goals in October's reverse fixture, but both will be in pursuit of maximum points this time, against a relegation rival.
We say: Udinese 2-1 Sampdoria
For all their troubles, Udinese have proved tough to beat on Friulian soil this term, so are set to seize their chance to pull further away from the drop zone against a Samp side which does not travel well.
The home side have a couple of tricky fixtures to follow this match, before a series of battles with bottom-half counterparts, so will be doubly keen to take the initiative.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Roma vs. Atalanta (Saturday, 5.00pm)
© Reuters
Separated by just one place and three points in the Serie A standings, Roma and top-six rivals Atalanta BC convene at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
Following wins for both last time out, victory for the sixth-placed hosts would draw them level with their visitors from Bergamo, but neither side has convinced in recent weeks.
We say: Roma 1-1 Atalanta BC
Both sides' strengths and frailties are well known to each other, but Atalanta's attacking might has largely been replaced by a more disciplined defensive approach of late - particularly in high-profile clashes with Inter, Lazio and Juventus.
Each of those games produced either goalless or low-scoring draws, and another could be in the offing against Roma this week, as their hosts are always vulnerable versus Calcio's top sides.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Cagliari vs. Lazio (Saturday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
After suffering their first Serie A loss since January last week, Lazio look to bounce back against an improving Cagliari side on Saturday evening.
Having lost three of their last six games in all competitions, the capital club travel to Sardinia needing points to stay in contention for European qualification, while their hosts have been among the league's form teams in recent weeks.
We say: Cagliari 1-1 Lazio
Over the past two months, Cagliari have been made of sterner stuff, so will be no pushover for hit-and-miss Lazio when the teams convene on Saturday.
Precedent suggests that the visitors should add another win to their long list of successes over the Isolani, but a combination of grit and organisation can see the home side take another valuable point.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
