Juventus could take a firm grip of the race for the Serie A title when they return to action against Bologna on Monday.
Juventus have had very little in terms of a challenge for the Scudetto over recent years but Lazio are hoping to change that trend this season.
As Serie A gears up for a return following a three-month break, Juventus lead second-placed Lazio by just a single point.
A ninth successive title looks the most likely outcome and they could land a damaging blow upon their rivals when they hit the field 48 hours before I Biancocelesti.
The Old Lady, who booked their place in the Coppa Italia final courtesy of a goalless draw with AC Milan on Friday, are unlikely to encounter too many problems when they travel to Bologna in the league on Monday.
The defending champions, 10/27 to retain their title, have won their last eight meetings with Bologna across all competitions and are unbeaten in 17 encounters.
Lazio Lead the Chasing Pack
Victory at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara would open up a four-point cushion at the top and pile serious pressure on Lazio, 5/2 Serie A outright, ahead of their meeting with Atalanta on Wednesday.
Lazio’s task looks much tougher as they make the trip to a side well in the mix for a top-four finish.
Indeed, Lazio’s form prior to the break was hugely impressive, enjoying a 21-game unbeaten streak in the league and they need to maintain that level of performance to retain the tag of title contenders.
Atalanta have already sealed a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and are unbeaten in five in Serie A – scoring seven on two occasions during that sequence.
Saturday Double Header
The curtain comes up on top-flight Italian football on Saturday with a double-header which could have an impact at both ends of the table.
Torino have serious concerns over their Serie A status with just a two-point buffer to the drop zone as they prepare to welcome European hopefuls Parma to Turin at 18:30.
The hosts lost seven in a row before the break and can be backed at 6/5 to return to winning ways, while Parma, who are just four points shy of sixth-placed Napoli, are priced at 49/20 to come out on top.
Hellas Verona, 11/10, host Cagliari, 53/20, in Saturday’s second clash at 20:45 with Europe on the agenda.
Verona have serious claims for sixth spot but Cagliari appeared to see their hopes of competing ended prior to the break when they failed to win in 11.
Inter Milan saw their run in the Coppa Italia ended at the last-four stage by Napoli on Saturday but should have more than enough to bounce back at home to Sampdoria on Sunday.
A victory to nil, which can be backed at 23/20, looks to be the most likely outcome when considering Inter’s strong defensive record.
Antonio Conte’s side have conceded just 24 times this term while Sampdoria have only scored 28 goals and are not expected to pose too much threat in the final third.
