Venezia face a difficult challenge against Serie A leaders Inter on Wednesday, with the home side bottom of the table after a poor opening to the season.

After eight matches, Venezia have collected three points and sit 20th. Their record includes one victory and seven defeats.

Inter have made a strong start to their campaign and lead Serie A with 22 points from eight games. They have won seven times and drawn once.

The match begins at 20:30 Moscow time on Wednesday. Live coverage is available on the Match! Football 1 television channel.

A free stream of the game is available on the Winline website, while LiveResult is providing text commentary.

Milan head into Wednesday’s Serie A meeting with Bologna after recording back-to-back victories and appear to be gaining momentum in the Italian top flight.

Ruben Amorim’s side won 2-0 away at Udinese in the eighth round of matches, extending their recent run of results ahead of their next league fixture.

Bologna are 13th in the table with eight points from eight games. They endured a difficult start to the season, but their performances have gradually improved since a change of manager.

Under Raffaele Palladino, Bologna are aiming to produce a more varied and effective attacking style as they look to continue their progress.

The Serie A match begins at 20:30 Moscow time on Wednesday. Live coverage will be shown on Match! Football 2.

A free stream of the match is available on Winline, while LiveResult will provide text commentary.

Demetrio Albertini says football was his “school of life”, from the dressing room at AC Milan to becoming an executive and helping him understand the importance of responsibility, discipline and courage.

The former Italy midfielder is speaking exclusively to Flashscore to mark the publication of his new book, Le lezioni del campo (Lessons from the Pitch), which he wrote himself during the quiet hours between five and seven in the morning.

Albertini, one of the defining midfielders of his generation, describes the book as more than an autobiography. Its starting point is his experience on the Camino de Santiago, a journey that became a metaphor for both football and life. It is also dedicated in part to his friend Roberto, who travelled the Camino with him.

Albertini gave Roberto an advance copy of the book with a dedication on the Sunday. Roberto died the following Wednesday, the day the book was published.

“There are two pivotal figures in the book: Roberto and Franco Baresi,” Albertini says.

The Camino took him from France to Spain, through meetings with fellow pilgrims and the shared effort of reaching O Cebreiro and the final destination. Each stage, he says, offered a lesson: reaching one point does not mean the journey is over because another departure is always ahead.

He also wrote the book for his children, with the aim of passing on the values he and his wife learned from their families in northern and southern Italy.

“Things are achieved through effort and by maintaining a grounded, human pace,” he says. “Ambition is beautiful because it pushes you to improve, but it must never become arrogance.”

From Padova to the biggest stage

Albertini made his senior debut on 15 January 1989, aged 17, in fog and cold. He played for 15 minutes and was congratulated by a supporter who warned him not to lose his way, having seen many young players make their debuts before disappearing.

He continued studying for two years to satisfy his parents, preparing for exams independently. His move to Padova was the next major test, bringing real responsibility.

“At 17, with your debut, you write the title, but then you have to write the rest of the book through the daily life of a player,” he says.

One of the most memorable chapters came at the 1994 World Cup final in Pasadena, when Albertini walked 30 yards after scoring a penalty. It was his first penalty as a professional, and he says the decision was driven by the recklessness of being the youngest member of the squad.

He missed from the spot in 1998, and the emotional effect was entirely different. After the 1994 tournament, when he had also won the Scudetto and the Champions League with AC Milan, two artist friends painted a picture representing the season with one word: “Courage”.

“On the penalty spot, you can practise the technique, but what makes the difference is your self-awareness,” he says.

Albertini credits Arrigo Sacchi with turning him from a player who struck the ball well into a complete footballer. Sacchi told him he had to enjoy watching others play, a lesson that helped him understand the playmaker’s role.

Fabio Capello, meanwhile, had the conviction to bring him back from Padova despite advice to leave him there. Albertini says Capello combined exceptional sensitivity with young players and an ability to manage established stars, knowing when to use encouragement and when to demand more.

Franco Baresi was another central influence. Albertini describes him as the player from whom everyone learned by watching, and says he taught the squad the DNA of AC Milan. Baresi also represented the club’s history, having lived through its difficult period in Serie B before helping restore its fortunes.

Life after AC Milan

Albertini says Silvio Berlusconi was a “father president” who always found the right words to support his development. He recalls initially believing Berlusconi’s phone call to his home was a prank before later being told: “I will always be there for you.”

Berlusconi, Albertini says, transformed the idea of making AC Milan the strongest team in the world from an ambition into reality.

Leaving in 2002 was painful because Albertini had hoped to finish his career at AC Milan. However, he says he would repeat everything that followed because it changed him as a person.

He joined Atletico Madrid to experience playing abroad rather than for financial reasons, then moved to Lazio after Roberto Mancini contacted him again when he returned to Italy. Although some supporters of Roma view the move negatively, Albertini points out that he had not won the Coppa Italia before doing so with Lazio.

His time at Atalanta was motivated by affection for the club’s history and its youth sector, as well as for coach Mino Favini. At Barcelona, Frank Rijkaard contacted him after seeing him play four or five times, with the club seeking an experienced midfielder because of injuries.

Albertini won LaLiga with Barcelona and shared a dressing room with Lionel Messi, although he admits he did not initially know who the young Argentine was.

“I called a friend from Mantova, a huge Juventus fan, and told him: ‘I’ve seen the new Maradona’,” he says.

The following year, when Juventus played the Joan Gamper Trophy, Fabio Capello asked Rijkaard to give him Messi. From that point, Messi became a regular starter for Barcelona.

Albertini also played alongside Ronaldinho, whose career he believes could have lasted longer with greater discipline. He says Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have shown that elite players can remain at the highest level for 20-25 years.

“Talent is a mission,” he says. “You have it, and you should use it to bring us joy for as long as possible.”

Italian football’s challenge

As a former executive, Albertini believes Italy’s failure to qualify for two World Cups is linked to a desire to achieve the maximum with the minimum effort.

He identifies three major changes: the Bosman ruling, the European Union and collective television rights. In the past, clubs were forced to develop young players because they could select only three foreign footballers.

Italy must now decide whether it wants to be a league that develops players for others or regain its position as the leading competition, Albertini says. Returning to the top, he adds, will require hard work.

Asked what he will be when he grows up, Albertini gives a characteristically concise answer:

“The playmaker.”

Monza face Napoli at the Brianteo on 28 October 2026, with both sides seeking a result to improve their position in the Serie A table.

Napoli go into the match as favourites, but Monza will hope home advantage can help them secure three points.

Monza

Monza are 15th in Serie A with seven points. They are only three points clear of the relegation zone.

The side in red and white ended a difficult run with a convincing 4-0 victory over Cagliari. However, that result was followed by a 3-2 defeat by Torino.

Monza’s recent form leaves them with a difficult task against Napoli, although the source prediction gives the hosts a reasonable chance of success at the Brianteo.

Napoli

Napoli occupy 10th place, having collected 11 points. They are three points behind the European places.

After losing 1-0 to Venezia, Napoli drew 3-3 at home against Roma. They then recorded a 4-3 victory over Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League.

That run has included both defensive problems and attacking strength, and Napoli are expected to have the edge when the teams meet.

Head-to-head record and prediction

Napoli won the most recent meeting between the clubs 1-0.

Across the last five games listed in the statistics, Napoli have won twice, while Monza have recorded one victory. Napoli are rated as the favourites for this fixture.

The prediction is for Napoli to beat Monza and claim all three points.

Match information

The Serie A fixture will be played on 28 October 2026 at the Brianteo.

The source lists access through bookmakers after quick registration, including Winline and Fon.bet.

Genoa host Juventus on 28 October 2026 in the ninth round of Serie A, with the visitors regarded as favourites to claim all three points.

Genoa are 16th in the table with seven points, only three clear of the relegation zone. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with the club alternating between wins and defeats across their past four matches.

After losing 2-0 to Roma, Genoa responded with a narrow 1-0 victory over Venezia. That result moved them clear of the bottom three, but they remain close to danger and will face a difficult test against Juventus.

Juventus arrive in seventh place, having collected 14 points from their opening matches. They are seven points behind the top three and will be aiming to maintain their progress after a positive result in their most recent Serie A fixture.

The Turin side drew 2-2 with Rennes in the Europa League before beating Lecce 2-0 in the Italian championship. That victory was described as a convincing performance and gave Juventus an opportunity to build momentum in the league.

The head-to-head record also favours Juventus. They won the most recent meeting between the clubs 2-0 and have won each of the past four matches against Genoa.

Those results, combined with Juventus’ higher position in the table and stronger points total, make the away side the leading choice ahead of the fixture. Genoa’s fluctuating form is another factor in favour of the visitors, although the hosts will take confidence from their victory over Venezia.

The prediction for the match is a Juventus win. The Turin club are expected to overcome Genoa and take three points from the meeting.

Match facts

- Juventus are the favourites.

- Juventus won the most recent meeting 2-0.

- Juventus have won their past four matches against Genoa.

- Genoa have alternated between victories and defeats in their last four games.

- Genoa have seven points and sit 16th in Serie A.

- Juventus have 14 points and are seventh.

- Genoa are three points above the relegation zone.

- Juventus are seven points behind the top three.

The match is scheduled for 28 October 2026. Information accompanying the prediction states that the game can be viewed through bookmaker services following registration.

Venezia will host Inter in the ninth round of Serie A on 28 October 2026, with the sides approaching the match at opposite ends of the table.

The home side are bottom in 20th place after collecting only three points from their opening eight matches. Venezia’s record consists of one victory and seven defeats, leaving them under pressure to halt their poor run.

Their only win came against Napoli, when they secured a 1-0 success. However, that result was followed by a 1-0 defeat by Genoa, meaning Venezia have not been able to build any momentum from their victory.

Inter begin the fixture in second place with 22 points. They trail leaders Lazio by three points and will have the opportunity to maintain their challenge near the top of the Serie A standings with another win.

The Milan side have won their past three matches. Following a 3-1 victory over Bologna, Inter defeated Fiorentina 2-1 before overcoming Shakhtar in the Champions League. They secured a 1-0 win in that match despite playing part of the game with one fewer player.

Inter are also strongly favoured by the available match prediction. Their recent record against Venezia supports that assessment: Inter won the most recent meeting 5-1 and have prevailed in each of their past five matches against their opponents.

The prediction for the fixture is an Inter victory with a goal handicap, with the Milan club expected to take all three points.

Inter’s current three-match winning sequence, their position just three points behind Lazio and Venezia’s position at the foot of the table all point to a clear contrast in form before the meeting. However, the match must still be settled on the pitch, with Venezia seeking a response after their defeat by Genoa and Inter attempting to continue their run of victories.

The match preview also includes betting information and refers to registration with bookmakers before access to the listed services. The operators named are Winline and Fon.bet.

Parma and Udinese meet in Serie A on 28 October 2026, with both clubs aiming to halt three-match losing runs. The sides are separated by two places in the table but have four points each, and the match is rated as a closely balanced contest.

Parma arrive in 19th position, with their distance from the safety of 17th place determined by additional criteria. The Crusaders have lost their past three matches, including a 3-0 defeat by Torino and a 2-1 loss to Lazio.

Udinese are currently 17th and are also involved in the fight to avoid relegation. The Friulani have four points, with their advantage over the relegation places likewise decided by additional criteria.

Their recent form mirrors that of Parma. Udinese followed a 3-0 defeat by Lecce with a 2-0 loss against Milan, leaving them with three consecutive defeats before this fixture.

Head-to-head record

The teams are considered to have broadly equal chances of winning the match. Parma won the most recent meeting 1-0, but the Crusaders have recorded only one victory in their past five games against Udinese.

Both clubs therefore go into the match looking to reverse a poor run of results, while their positions in the table underline the importance of the points on offer.

The prediction for the game is a draw, with the expectation that Parma and Udinese will cancel each other out over 90 minutes.

The match is scheduled for 28 October 2026. Viewing options listed for the fixture include bookmakers following quick registration, with Winline and Fon.bet named as sources.

Milan will host Bologna in the ninth round of the Italian championship on 28 October 2026, with the home side entering the match as the bookmakers’ favourite.

Milan are fifth in the Serie A table with 18 points from five wins and three draws. They are seven points behind leaders Lazio in the live standings.

The Rossoneri’s latest Serie A match ended in a 2-0 victory over Udinese. However, their most recent European fixture brought a disappointing result, as they were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth in the Europa League.

Bologna occupy 13th place in Serie A and have collected eight points. They are 10 points adrift of the European qualification places.

After losing 3-1 to Inter, Bologna responded with a win in their most recent league game. They defeated Cagliari 2-0.

Milan have the stronger recent record between the sides. Their last meeting ended in a 3-0 victory for Milan, while the Rossoneri have won three of the teams’ past five matches.

The prediction is for another Milan victory, with the home side backed to claim all three points against Bologna.

The original betting information identifies Milan as the favourite but does not provide specific match odds. It also lists Winline and Fon.bet as bookmaker sources available after registration.

Monza host Napoli in the ninth round of Serie A, with both sides looking for a result to improve their position in the table.

Monza returned to Serie A with the immediate objective of staying clear of the relegation zone, and so far they have managed to do so. They have seven points and sit 15th, four points behind Napoli.

The hosts may take encouragement from playing at home, particularly given Napoli’s inconsistent form and the number of setbacks they have suffered this season. Monza will hope to build on their recent home performances when they face Max Allegri’s side.

Monza were beaten 3-2 away by Torino in their last Serie A match. Before that, they recorded a convincing 4-0 victory over Cagliari.

Napoli have also fallen well short of their expected position under Allegri. They are 10th in Serie A and sit 11 points behind the leaders, leaving them in need of points to begin repairing their league campaign.

A well-prepared Napoli side could still be expected to challenge for victory away from home against Monza. The visitors drew 3-3 with Roma in their previous league match, while their most recent win came in the Champions League, where they defeated Bodø/Glimt 4-3.

The clubs’ recent meetings also favour Napoli. Monza have lost three of their past five matches against them, recording one victory during that run.

Napoli’s away form remains a concern, however. They have failed to win any of their past four matches on the road in all competitions. Monza, meanwhile, have lost five of their last 10 games across all tournaments.

Pinnacle888’s odds make Napoli clear favourites for the match. A Monza victory is priced at 4.4, while the odds for a draw are 4. Napoli are available at 1.75 to win.

The suggested selections are a Napoli victory at 1.75 and “both teams to score – no” at 1.68.

Milan host Bologna in the ninth round of Serie A, with the home side backed to continue their push towards the title. The hosts are fourth in the table on 18 points, four behind the leaders, while Bologna sit 13th with eight points.

Milan have made a generally positive start to the campaign, although they have suffered occasional defeats. Their position means a victory is important if they are to remain involved in the title race, and they go into this fixture as favourites. However, Bologna cannot be dismissed despite their difficult start.

Milan’s two most recent matches produced contrasting results. They defeated Udinese 2-0 in the Italian league before suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth in the Europa League.

Bologna have also struggled for consistency and are not involved in European competition this season. They have collected only eight points from their opening matches in Serie A and trail Milan by 10 points.

Their immediate priority is to stay clear of the relegation zone while attempting to find greater stability. Bologna’s latest league result was a 2-0 away victory against Cagliari, but that was followed by a 3-1 home defeat by Inter.

Pinnacle888 odds

Pinnacle888 price a Milan victory at 1.63. The odds for a draw are 4.05, while Bologna are listed at 5.4 to win.

Form and head-to-head record

Milan have lost two of their past 10 matches in all competitions.

Bologna’s away record across their last 10 matches is evenly split, with five wins and five defeats.

Milan have won three of the teams’ last five meetings, while Bologna have taken victory in the other two.

Betting forecast

The suggested Pinnacle888 selections are a Milan win at 1.63 and more than 2.5 goals in the match at 1.82.

The match is listed as available to watch free through bookmakers after quick registration, with the source information naming Winline.ru and Fon.bet as advertising links.

Genoa welcome Juventus in the ninth round of Serie A, with the hosts looking to take advantage of their opponents’ recent inconsistency. Juventus are priced as strong favourites by Pinnacle888, while Genoa face the match just three points above the relegation zone.

Genoa seeking another home result

Genoa’s lack of goals has contributed to a difficult start to the season. They have collected seven points from their opening matches and sit 16th in the table, leaving them only three points clear of the relegation places.

The home side will hope to avoid defeat against Juventus, who have not been at their best in recent weeks. Genoa’s most recent home fixture ended in a narrow 1-0 victory against bottom-side Venezia. Before that, they lost 2-0 away to Roma.

Juventus aiming to build momentum

Juventus have struggled to put together consecutive victories since the end of September. Their form has also been affected by their Europa League campaign, where they dropped points in a draw.

The visitors could face a challenging evening in Genoa, and the match assessment suggests an early Juventus goal would be important. Taking the lead, particularly in the first half, would disrupt Genoa’s plans and increase pressure on the home team.

Juventus’ latest match brought a 2-0 away win against Lecce. In their previous Europa League fixture, they drew 2-2 with Rennes.

Pinnacle888 odds

Pinnacle888 lists the following prices for the match:

- Genoa to win – 5.6

- Draw – 3.8

- Juventus to win – 1.65

Key statistics

Juventus have scored in eight of their past 10 away matches.

Genoa have lost six of their last 10 games in all competitions.

Juventus have won each of their past four meetings with Genoa.

Suggested bets

The recommended selection is a draw at odds of 3.8, alongside fewer than 2.5 goals in the match at 1.75.

The source also states that the fixture can be watched free through bookmakers after quick registration, listing Winline and Fon.bet as advertising sources.

Venezia host Inter in the ninth round of Serie A, with the visitors heavily favoured to take three points and preserve their position at the top of the table.

Venezia have struggled for consistency since returning to Serie A and have lost most of their recent matches. Their only notable exception came against Napoli, but the team has yet to find a reliable way to adapt to the division once again.

The hosts’ prospects of beating the Italian champions appear limited. Their best hope may be that Inter are below their best physically, although even that would be unlikely to make Venezia favourites at home.

Venezia were beaten 1-0 away by Genoa in their last league match. Before that, they secured a 1-0 victory over Napoli.

Inter remain in first place with 22 points, although their recent performances across different competitions suggest they are not in their strongest form. They are ahead of Lazio on goal difference, meaning a victory against the league’s underdogs is important if they are to retain that advantage.

Depending on other results, three points could also allow Inter to move clear at the top of Serie A.

In their previous league fixture, Inter scored a late winner to beat Fiorentina 2-1. They then claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar in the Champions League.

Pinnacle888 odds

- Venezia to win – 8

- Draw – 5.7

- Inter to win – 1.35

Key statistics

Inter’s last three away matches have ended with both teams scoring.

Venezia have won two of their past 10 matches, losing the other eight.

Inter have beaten Venezia in seven of their last eight meetings, with the other game ending in a draw.

Betting prediction

The suggested selections from Pinnacle888 are a draw at half-time, priced at 3, and fewer than four goals in the match, offered at 1.52.

Inter’s recent results have not been entirely convincing, but their record against Venezia and the hosts’ current run point towards the visitors avoiding defeat. A cautious opening period and a match finishing below four goals are the recommended outcomes.

Former Milan forward Andriy Shevchenko has spoken favourably about the work of Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese coach who took charge of the club last summer.

The Kyiv-born former striker is regarded as one of the club’s most celebrated players. Shevchenko left in 2006 after a distinguished spell with the team.

During his time at the club, he won the Champions League and was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2004.

Four clubs remain unbeaten after the opening eight rounds of the Italian championship, a situation that has pleased former Russia manager Fabio Capello.

The teams yet to taste defeat are Milan clubs Inter and Milan, alongside Roma and Lazio from the capital.

Inter are the reigning Serie A champions.

Lazio forward Mattia Zaccagni said he dedicated his goal to his uncle after helping his side to a comprehensive 6-2 away win over Sassuolo in the ninth round of the league season.

Zaccagni found the net during an impressive performance by the Rome club, although he was unable to convert a penalty.

Lazio will face Cagliari in their next match.

Former striker Antonio Cassano has renewed his criticism of Massimiliano Allegri, saying the manager should be suspended for six months.

Cassano is well known for his negative view of Allegri and has maintained that stance as Napoli sit only 10th in Serie A.

Former striker Antonio Cassano has renewed his criticism of Massimiliano Allegri, saying the manager should be suspended for six months.

Cassano is well known for his negative view of Allegri and has maintained that stance as Napoli sit only 10th in Serie A.

Former striker Antonio Cassano has renewed his criticism of Massimiliano Allegri, saying the manager should be suspended for six months.

Cassano is well known for his negative view of Allegri and has maintained that stance as Napoli sit only 10th in Serie A.

Napoli have begun assessing a possible move for Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Rest, despite the next transfer window still being some way off.

The Serie A club are already working on potential deals, with a move in January among the possibilities being considered. The player has attracted the attention of Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna.

Rest, who was born in 2005, has established himself as one of France’s promising young goalkeepers during his time with Toulouse in Ligue 1. The French top flight has developed a reputation as a prominent breeding ground for emerging talent.

Calcionapoli1926.it, citing journalist and transfer-market expert Ekrem Konur, reports that Napoli are not alone in monitoring the goalkeeper.

Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Aston Villa and Ipswich Town are also understood to be following Rest’s progress.

Former Italy forward Antonio Cassano has questioned Goncalo Ramos after reviewing the latest Serie A round, changing an opinion he expressed only a few weeks ago.

Discussing Milan, the former playmaker said Ramos must provide goals to justify his role.

“Ramos has to score. Without goals, he is ballast,” Cassano said.

Ramos previously played for Paris Saint-Germain.