Saturday's Serie A predictions including AC Milan vs. Sampdoria

Cremonese vs. Bologna (Saturday, 2.00pm)

Knowing failure could see them slip out of Serie A after just one season, Cremonese host mid-table Bologna on Saturday, at Stadio Giovanni Zini.

While the Grigiorossi are six points from safety with three games remaining and are in need of a minor miracle, their visitors still want to claim a top-half finish.

We say: Cremonese 1-0 Bologna

With safety long secured and Europe effectively out of reach, Bologna could find themselves ambling towards the campaign's conclusion - by contrast, Cremonese are in a win-or-bust situation. With their backs to the wall, the hosts can eke out just a fifth league win of the season - though that may not be enough to keep them afloat.

Atalanta vs. Hellas Verona (Saturday, 5.00pm)

Battling for their Serie A survival, Hellas Verona visit European challengers Atalanta BC on Saturday evening, when the teams convene in Bergamo.

After defeat to Torino last week, Hellas were left level on points with 17th-placed Spezia heading into their final three fixtures; meanwhile, La Dea lost a second successive game to slip down to seventh.

We say: Atalanta BC 1-0 Hellas Verona

Neither side is full of confidence in the final third, and Atalanta's home record leaves a lot to be desired, so it could be just a single goal which separates the sides in Bergamo.

AC Milan vs. Sampdoria (Saturday, 7.45pm)

After the crushing disappointment of their midweek exit from Europe, AC Milan aim to get their top-four challenge back on track in Serie A when relegated Sampdoria visit San Siro on Saturday.

As the curtain closes on their top-flight stay, Samp arrive in Italy's second city on an eight-game winless run, while their hosts have won just one of their last four league matches to slip down the standings.

We say: AC Milan 1-0 Sampdoria

As Serie B-bound Sampdoria concede goals at a rate of more than two per game when on the road, even Milan's tired and demoralised front line can score in Saturday's late kickoff.

It may be attritional at times, but the hosts will be spurred on by knowing even a fifth-placed finish could secure their Champions League return if Juventus are ultimately docked nine points as expected.