• Four points separate leaders Inter Milan from Juventus in fifth

• Fiorentina prop up the table, with Pisa and Verona also in the bottom three

• AC Milan boast Serie A's longest unbeaten streak of 15 games

The first Serie A game of 2026 takes place on Friday night as Scudetto hopefuls AC Milan make the trip to mid-table Cagliari

The rest of the games take place over the weekend and the highlight is Saturday's contest between Atalanta and Roma as La Dea’s Europa League-winning coach Gian Piero Gasperini returns to Bergamo with his new team.

Cagliari vs AC Milan (Friday, 7.45pm)

AC Milan are the only team left with an unbeaten away record in Serie A and they should be able to extend that run with three points in Sardinia, although Cagliari rarely draw a blank at home.

Score prediction: Cagliari 1-2 AC Milan

Como vs Udinese (Saturday, 11.30am)

Como's home form has been exceptional and they can boost their European challenge with three points against poor travellers Udinese in Saturday’s early kick-off.

Score prediction: Como 2-0 Udinese

Genoa vs Pisa (Saturday, 2pm)

This is a huge fixture in terms of the relegation battle as Pisa sit three points adrift of safety and Genoa occupy the final safe spot.

Both sides may approach this as a 'must-not-lose' fixture rather than a 'must-win' one at this point in the season, while Pisa have had four 2-2 draws in their last five away games, so there is an obvious correct score prediction for this key game.

Score prediction: Genoa 2-2 Pisa

Sassuolo vs Parma (Saturday, 2pm)

Parma head to Sassuolo seeking a third successive away win but they may come up short. Those are their only road wins of the Serie A season and they came against teams in the bottom three.

The Neroverdi are still just about in European contention and can keep the pressure on those above them with three points.

Score prediction: Sassuolo 1-0 Parma

Juventus vs Lecce (Saturday, 5pm)

Juventus have won their last four in a row in all competitions and have been solid at the back, conceding just one goal across that period.

The Bianconeri should be able to record a routine win over one of Serie A's least effective attacking sides.

Score prediction: Juventus 2-0 Lecce

Atalanta vs Roma (Saturday, 7.45pm)

Atalanta have hit some form and can force themselves right back into the mix for the European spots by denting Roma's Scudetto bid.

Roma were exceptional travellers earlier in the season, but their form has dipped of late and they have struggled in recent games against La Dea, losing five of the last six head-to-head games.

Atalanta can ensure there is no happy return for Gasperini on Saturday.

Score prediction: Atalanta 2-1 Roma

Lazio vs Napoli (Sunday, 11.30am)

Lazio have been strong at home and Napoli have struggled on their travels, so the hosts may be able to pull off a minor upset here against the reigning champions of Italy.

Score prediction: Lazio 1-0 Napoli

Fiorentina vs Cremonese (Sunday, 2pm)

Fiorentina claimed a first league win of the season in their last home assignment and might be able to edge out an inconsistent Cremonese.

Score prediction: Fiorentina 1-0 Cremonese

Verona vs Torino (Sunday, 5pm)

Torino already appear to be meandering towards a mid-table finish and Verona are in desperate need of the points.

The hosts may struggle to break down Il Toro, however, as the visitors have only lost one of their last five away.

Score prediction: Verona 1-1 Torino

Inter Milan vs Bologna (Sunday, 7.45pm)

Inter Milan lead the way in Serie A, but they have struggled against Bologna recently with no wins in normal time in their last three meetings.

Bologna edged out Inter in the Super Cup in December and can frustrate the Nerazzurri once again.

Score prediction: Inter 1-1 Bologna