Sunday's Serie A predictions including Roma vs. Juventus

Spezia vs. Hellas Verona (Sunday, 11.30am)

Sitting either side of the dotted line denoting Serie A's drop zone, Spezia and Hellas Verona meet at Stadio Alberto Picco on Sunday.

While Verona's recent revival came to a halt with a 3-0 home defeat earlier this week, their 17th-placed hosts - who occupy the last position of safety - fought back to rescue a point last time out.

We say: Spezia 1-1 Hellas Verona

Spezia (six) and Verona (five) are among the three lowest-scoring teams in the second half of Serie A matches this term. The Aquilotti are also the only side yet to score via a substitute; Hellas have netted only once through their subs - and not since August.

A tight draw could be on the cards, then, with either side unable to change the game and take three precious points.

Sampdoria vs. Salernitana (Sunday, 2.00pm)

Having hit rock-bottom earlier this week, Sampdoria once again seek their first home win when they welcome fellow strugglers Salernitana to Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday.

After losing to Lazio, Cremonese's win over Roma sent Samp to the foot of Serie A's standings, but their visitors distanced themselves from the bottom three with an impressive defeat of Monza last weekend.

We say: Sampdoria 1-1 Salernitana

Sampdoria are yet to draw any of their seven league games against Salernitana, but that quirk of history may be ended on Sunday as they lack the firepower to capitalise on their visitors' defensive deficiencies. A point suits the Granata more, though, and would continue Paulo Sousa's promising start as head coach.

Inter Milan vs. Lecce (Sunday, 5.00pm)

Following their latest defeat of a frustrating Serie A season, Inter Milan aim to put things right at the first available opportunity, as they welcome Lecce to San Siro on Sunday.

Beaten by Bologna last time out, Inter's deficit to distant league leaders Napoli grew further, and their main concern now is cementing a top-four finish. Their visitors, meanwhile, lost their first game in four but remain on course to achieve their objective of survival.

We say: Inter Milan 2-0 Lecce

Inter's prowess on home soil should see them overcome their latest setback of an inconsistent season - they should also be fired up in response to criticism for last week's showing. Lecce could be vulnerable at the back without the inimitable Baschirotto, so Lautaro and Lukaku can get back on the scoresheet.

Roma vs. Juventus (Sunday, 7.45pm)

After suffering a shock loss to winless opponents earlier this week, Roma welcome in-form Juventus to Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening.

Two of Calcio's traditional giants convene in the capital, separated by nine points in the Serie A standings due to Juve's penalty, but all the momentum is with a revived Old Lady.

We say: Roma 0-1 Juventus

Juventus are one of two teams, along with leaders Napoil, to have conceded the fewest goals in the second half of Serie A matches this season (eight), while Roma have only conceded nine, so both sides know how to shut up shop.

It is sure to be a close-fought affair in the capital, but more misery for Mourinho could be in store, as Juve are masters of nicking a lead and doggedly preserving their advantage until the last whistle.