Friday's Serie A predictions including Hellas Verona vs. Torino

Cagliari vs. Empoli (Friday, 5.30pm)

With Cagliari still seeking their first Serie A win and Empoli defending an unbeaten record, both teams will have plenty at stake when they meet on Friday evening.

The visitors arrive in Sardinia having held two Champions League clubs and beaten Roma, while their hosts' sole success came in the Coppa Italia.

We say: Cagliari 1-0 Empoli

There have been only four league goals scored between these two sides this season, so it may be that a single strike could decide the points' destiny.

Backed by their noisy home fans, Cagliari can get off the mark with an overdue victory, just edging out their visitors from Tuscany.

Hellas Verona vs. Torino (Friday, 7.45pm)

Riding high in the early Serie A standings, Torino will try to extend their fine start to the season on Friday evening, when they visit Hellas Verona at Stadio Bentegodi.

Occupying fifth place, with eight points already on the board, Toro will meet a Hellas side that have been either win or bust so far this term.

We say: Hellas Verona 1-2 Torino

Verona have exceeded expectations so far this season, but Torino are looking lively under new management and could sneak away from the Bentegodi with three points.

Victory would keep Toro among the early front-runners in Serie A, as they pursue a long-awaited return to Europe for next season.