Sunday's Serie A predictions including Lazio vs. Roma

Juventus vs. Sampdoria (Sunday, 11.30am)

Having teetered on the brink of full-blown crisis, a midweek win gave Juventus their belated first win of the Serie A season, ahead of the visit of Sampdoria on Sunday.

The visitors arrive in Turin after a thumping by Napoli last time out, while Juve squeezed past Spezia on a nervous night in the Ligurian port city.

We say: Juventus 2-0 Sampdoria

Getting over the line on Wednesday will give Juventus space to breathe, and they can back up their first league victory with another at the expense of inconsistent Sampdoria.

The Bianconeri's attacking options are slowly stirring into life - with flickers of promise from Chiesa, Dybala, Morata and Kean in recent weeks - and that firepower should prove enough to overwhelm their visitors.

Empoli vs. Bologna (Sunday, 2.00pm)

Newly-promoted Empoli will be looking to claim successive Serie A victories when they host Bologna at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Sunday.

Both sides have an even record from their previous 14 meetings in the top flight, winning four games each as well as drawing six times.

We say: Empoli 2-2 Bologna

Both sides have made decent starts to the new campaign, though they do look vulnerable in defence and so goals are to be expected on Sunday.

With little to separate these two evenly-matched teams, an entertaining score draw could be on the cards at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Sassuolo vs. Salernitana (Sunday, 2.00pm)

Sassuolo will be looking to claim their first Serie A victory since the opening day when they host basement club Salernitana at the Stadio Citta del Tricolore on Sunday afternoon.

The two sides have never met in the Italian top flight, but have locked horns in Serie B and the Coppa Italia, with the Neroverdi winning each of the last three encounters.

We say: Sassuolo 3-1 Salernitana

Sassuolo may have struggled in recent weeks, but as Sunday's favourites they are expected to claim all three points on home soil.

Salernitana will be looking to take advantage of the Neroverdi's poor run of form, however their defensive frailties could once again cost them on the road against one of the league's most attacking outfits.

Udinese vs. Fiorentina (Sunday, 2.00pm)

Despite a midweek loss on home territory, Fiorentina have started the Serie A season with a new lease of life, and they now visit Udinese at Stadio Friuli on Sunday.

While the Viola were beaten by champions Inter on Tuesday, their hosts lost a second successive game to falter after a successful start of their own.

We say: Udinese 1-1 Fiorentina

Udinese finally broke their long winless run against Fiorentina earlier this year and are set to back up that first win for four years with a draw versus the Viola at the weekend.

Though the home side are short of a true goalscorer - while their visitors always pose a penalty-box threat when Dusan Vlahovic is around - they can grind out a point to stop their losing trend of recent days.

Lazio vs. Roma (Sunday, 5.00pm)

Eternal City rivals Lazio and Roma clash at Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening, as the Derby della Capitale takes centre stage in the sixth round of the Serie A season.

While the nominal 'home' side have faltered in recent weeks, their Giallorossi counterparts are flying high under Jose Mourinho, who pits his wits against fellow ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri this weekend.

We say: Lazio 1-2 Roma

Separated by four points in the standings ahead of Sunday's clash, the gap is set to grow further in Roma's favour, as they can capitalise on a transitional period for Lazio under very different management.

The Giallorossi's goal threat is diminished a little by their captain's absence, but their three-man line behind the striker possesses more than enough guile and prowess to seal all three points in the season's first Derby.

Napoli vs. Cagliari (Sunday, 7.45pm)

Seeking to prolong their perfect start to the Serie A season, leaders Napoli welcome struggling Cagliari to Stadio Maradona on Sunday.

While the visitors are still searching for a first league win of the 2021-22 campaign, the Azzurri have been brushing off all-comers with a series of impressive performances and results.

We say: Napoli 2-0 Cagliari

Only a touch of understandable fatigue may slow down the relentless progress of Napoli this weekend, as their incessant fixture list will perhaps take its toll during the second half.

By then, though, the Azzurri should already have secured a lead over hapless Cagliari, who are in for another season of struggle and strife, while their opponents dream of the Scudetto.