Serie A talking points as Juventus look to strengthen title grip and Benevento finally face drop

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  • Bryan Cristante (r) scores the opening goal in November for Atalanta versus Benevento.

    Juventus will look to cement their iron grip on a seventh-successive Serie A title in Wednesday’s fixtures, while at the bottom end of the table sorry Benevento could finally be put out of their misery.

    Here are the highlights from a packed mid-week evening of matches:

    BENEVENTO V ATALANTA (20:00)

    And now the end is near for Benevento.

    A debut top-flight campaign that began with a record-breaking 14 losses will see the drop earned with five matches left if they are defeated by Europa League-chasing Atalanta and either SPAL or Crotone triumph in their fixtures.

    The Stregoni have improved of late, last week’s 2-2 draw at fellow strugglers Sassuolo representing their first away point. They will hope giant Mali centre forward Cheick Diabate can make it four matches on the spin with a two-goal haul.

    Opponents Atalanta cannot waste any more time if they want another European campaign. They must record an excellent seventh win from 10 road matches in Serie A.

    Prediction: 0-3

    CROTONE V JUVENTUS (22:45)

    Juve minds may be slipping towards Sunday’s summit meeting at home to Napoli.

    But this would be a mistake. Shock defeat to Walter Zenga’s relegation battlers allied with a Partenopei victory against mid-table Udinese would close the gap to a nervy three points ahead of the battle to come at Allianz Stadium.

    In Serie A, Allegri’s men have lost just twice all season and have the best away record with 41 points. It would take something incredible for Crotone to prevail – but this is what they need.

    ‎I Pitagorici performed a miracle escape job last term and a strong result on Wednesday could inspire a similar run.

    Prediction: 0-2

    HELLAS VERONA V SASSUOLO (22:45)

    Teams moving in contrasting directions during the deciding part of the season are set to meet at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.

    Hosts Verona have lost four and won one of their last five matches to see themselves two places and three points from safety. In contrast, Sassuolo are undefeated in six run-outs and sit four points from the danger zone in 15th  – although their last victory in the league came on March 17.

    An injury to on-loan Juventus teenager Moises Kean has not helped the Verona cause. The 18-year-old is their top scorer with four goals from 19 top-flight matches.

    Prediction 1-1

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