The opening week of the 2020-21 Italian Serie A season continues Sunday, September 20, when we’ll see the reigning champs Juventus host Sampdoria at Allianz Stadium in Turin.
The Old Lady won the championship last season, only a point ahead of their closest rival, to extend their streak to nine Serie A titles. On the other side, La Samp battled against the relegation and finished at the 15th spot of the table, seven points above the danger zone.
Sampdoria head to Turin hoping for a good start of the new season, but the hosts are massive favorites for a reason, so we bring you the best betting pick for Juventus versus Sampdoria showdown.
Juventus vs. Sampdoria
Three-way: 1: Juventus -333; X: +480 Draw; 2: West Ham +800
Spread -1.5: Juventus -115; Sampdoria +100
Total 2.5 Goals: Over -175; Under +137
Both Teams to Score: Yes -105; No -125
JUVENTUS
The Old Lady made a few changes this summer but mostly keeping the best players in Turin. Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to lead the way for Juventus after scoring 37 goals in 46 outings in all competitions this past season. He’s not as fast and strong as he’s been a few years ago, but the 35-year-old forward is still too good for the Italian Serie A.
The Old Lady lost Miralem Pjanic this summer, and the 30-year-old playmaker was a big part of the Juventus team, but they signed Arthur from Barcelona to replace Pjanic. Paulo Dybala had 17 goals and 14 assists last year, but he’s doubtful to play due to a thigh injury. Anyway, Juventus possess great depth and a lot of skillful players who can replace the Argentinian forward.
Betting Trends:
- Juventus covered in four of its last five home wins
- Juventus scored two or more goals in six of its previous eight home contests
- Juventus won five straight home games against Sampdoria
SAMPDORIA
La Samp had some difficult time this past regular season, and the fans hope to see something different this term. The 68-year-old Claudio Ranieri remained at the helm and will try to improve the teams’ game, and the former Premier League champ with Leicester City enjoys full support at the moment.
Sampdoria signed a bunch of players in the offseason while keeping most of their key players beside midfielder Karol Linetty. The forward duo Fabio Quagliarella – Manolo Gabbiadini combined for 24 goals last season and will continue to Sampdoria’s frontline. Quagliarella is a former Juventus member and will be highly motivated Sunday at Allianz Arena.
Betting Trends:
- Sampdoria lost three of its last Serie A contests
- Sampdoria scored just two goals in the last five away games against Juventus
Match Prediction
As I’ve mentioned, Juventus have been dominating Serie A since 2012, so don’t be surprised by some paltry odds on them to win when they’re playing at home. At least, Juventus have been one of the most consistent European teams in that span.
The Old Lady won five straight home encounters with Sampdoria and eight of their previous 11 outings at home in all competitions, so the bookies cannot offer you more than -333.
The visitors enter an uphill battle, knowing it probably won’t end well. Sampdoria lost five consecutive games against Juventus in Turin, allowing 16 goals in the process and scoring just two in a return. They’ve managed to cover a 1.5-goal spread only once in that span.
Juventus will control this game for all 90 minutes. The hosts will keep the ball on their feet and dominate in the middle of the park, so I think La Samp won’t stand a chance at Allianz Stadium.
The Old Lady netted 15 goals over the previous six home games in Serie A. With Cristiano Ronaldo healthy, the hosts shouldn’t have any problem to score a few times this Sunday and kick off the new season in style.
Therefore, give me Juventus to cover a 1.5-goal spread at -115 odds.
The Pick: Juventus -1.5 at -115
