WhoScored Tipster: Serie A Opening Weekend Top Tips

Serie A, the last of Europe’s top 5 leagues to begin, returns this weekend. The first set of fixtures is a treat for the fans, providing us with games such as Roma vs Fiorentina and Milan vs Lazio. Serie A is struggling to recover its prestige, but the season starts without a clear favourite. At least 5 clubs harbour Scudetto ambitions, with the league as unpredictable as it comes.

LIKELY BETS

Sassuolo vs Cagliari: OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.70

Zdenek Zeman returns to football management and as is the custom with the experienced Czech; goals are expected. Up against Eusebio Di Francesco, a manager inspired by Zeman, there is likely to be plenty of action at either end. Cagliari’s defence has been dismantled, but the team remains effective going forward and this encounter could the first in a long line of ‘Over 2.5 Goal’ results.

Torino vs Inter: UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.80

2 of the 3 clubs that had early starts to the season meet this weekend. Inter have struggled to break down teams who sit deep in the past, yet travel to Torino on the opening weekend, whose manager sets his side up to play a counter-attacking game when facing Serie A’s bigger clubs. Manager Giampiero Ventura lost star striker Ciro Immobile over the summer and with Torino likely to sell Alessio Cerci before the transfer window closes, il Toro could be even more reluctant to commit men forward.

Udinese vs Empoli: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.90

Andrea Stramaccioni is the new Udinese manager, which is likely to result in a high number of defensive errors, but also an offensive approach. Newly promoted Empoli aren’t as strong as Udinese, but at least have strikers Francesco Tavano and Massimo Maccarone to score the goals to help keep them in Italy’s top tier.

TEMPTING BETS

Roma vs Fiorentina: HOME WIN @ 1.66

There is no clear favourite for the title this season but Roma certainly look in good shape (never ruling out Juventus). Their opener is likely to be one of the most beautiful games played in recent years: Garcia and Montella are both praised for playing the most enjoyable football, but the Viola manager can't count on the same kind of squad as his counterpart. Fiorentina still have some holes to plug in their defence, and again will be without Giuseppe Rossi for what is rumoured to be a 1-month lay-off.

Cesena vs Parma: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 2.00

Cesena are the side with the most problems in their squad. Their real real strength, however, is when playing at home with very vocal support from the fans who simply love their manager. Enthusiasm is always important in home debuts, though the visitors have the luxury of a player like Cassano in their ranks, who is able to provide plenty of scoring chances in any game.

Palermo vs Sampdoria: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.90

Palermo have already suffered a shocking home defeat in the Coppa Italia against Serie B side Modena, which means they will have to react. However, with the hosts already putting themselves under pressure Mihajlovic is likely to be licking his lips, with the Serbian's composure in leading Sampdoria the main skill of the blucerchiati.

LONG-SHOT BETS

Atalanta vs Verona: HOME WIN @ 2.05

Compared to the season Verona enjoyed last season, this campaign could be something of a nightmare. Almost all of their assets have been sold and while the team will need time to play together and gel, all in all the squad has been left with less quality in it. Atalanta's home is one of the most difficult places to go in Italy, too.

Milan vs Lazio: DRAW @ 3.40

Relegation was being mooted prior to this season, but then Milan beat Juventus in a friendly and now experts are more confident about the upcoming campaign. The season won't be a complete disaster, but they do need to be given time. Lazio had one of best transfer windows of Italy's top teams, but many key players were involved in the latter stages of the World Cup, so it could take a while before they regain full fitness.

Genoa vs Napoli: AWAY WIN @ 1.95

Benitez is already on the edge. Napoli are out of the Champions League, and after Wednesday's humiliating defeat to Athletic Bilbao they need to save some face this weekend. Genoa play well as a collective, but they lost Gilardino and Vrsalijo in the off-season without replacing them properly. This seems the game perfect for Gonzalo Higuaín to release some anger.

What are your top tips for the opening weekend in Serie A? Let us know in the comments below