Prediction: Parma vs Juventus

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

The 2019-20 Serie A season will begin on Saturday with a thrilling encounter between the reigning champions, Juventus, and Parma. The Old Lady are aiming for another title run, while Parma will try to extend the solid run of form they showed down the stretch of the 2018-19 season. Undoubtedly, the hosts will attempt to pull the upset in front of their fans. Kick-off for this match will be at 17:00 hrs BST.

Parma

Parma didn’t have a good record at home during the 2018-19 Serie A season after notching just five wins in 19 matches (W5, D7, L7), and they also struggled on the final third since they couldn’t score entirely in seven outings. However, Parma ended the campaign on a strong note since they were undefeated in their last four league outings (W1, D3) at Stadio Ennio Tardini. They’re not favourites entering this contest, but should be confident of at least complicating Juventus. Parma found the back of the net on both matches against Juventus last season (D1, L1) and have lost just once in their last three SA outings against The Old Lady (W1, D1, L1). There is a gulf of difference when it comes to quality on both sides, but Parma should at least look competitive against the reigning Serie A champions.

Team News

Juraj Kucka might be Parma’s lone absentee ahead of this game. He has been dealing with a calf problem.

Juventus

Maurizio Sarri won’t be on the bench for Juventus’ Serie A opener due to respiratory problems, but that might not matter much considering the strength of Juventus on both sides of the ball ahead of the upcoming campaign. The reigning league champions have won the last eight Serie A titles, and will aim to begin their search for a ninth straight title on the road. In this context, The Old Lady are unbeaten in three consecutive SA opening day fixtures away from home (W3). They have also lost once during their last eight Serie A title-winning campaigns (W7, L1), keeping a clean sheet four times. Juventus only conceded 17 goals away from home in the 2018-19 Serie A campaign, and the additions of both Gianluigi Buffon and Matthijs de Ligt should make Juventus defence even stronger. There’s no doubt they should be clear favourites ahead of this contest.

Team News

Back-up goalkeeper Mattia Perin has been ruled out of this match due to a shoulder injury. Winger Marko Pjaca is also out with a knee problem.

Key Factors to Consider

• Parma are undefeated in their last four Serie A matches at home (W1, D3).
• However, the home side only registered five wins at home during the 2018-19 season (W5, D7, L7).
• Juventus have dropped just two of their last seven trips to Parma (W3, D2, L2).
• The last two H2H matches between these two sides produced nine goals. Six of those strikes arrived during the second half.
• Juventus only conceded 17 goals away from home last season.

Conclusion

Both H2H matches last season produced over 2.5 goals. The same thing has happened in two of Parma’s last three competitive home matches. Expect that trend to continue ahead of this match.

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport