Daniele Fisichella’s Top Five Ante-Post Outright Bets

The return of Italian football is just around the corner, and our expert Daniele Fisichella has delved into the most interesting outright markets in his top five ante-post outright bets.

Strategic shifts and managerial changes promise to redefine the Serie A landscape.

AC Milan’s appointment of Paulo Fonseca, formerly of Roma, signals a new era for the Rossoneri. Meanwhile, Empoli’s survival in Serie B is at stake, with their future dependent on effective recruitment and managerial stability. Roma’s consistent progress in Europe highlights their ambitious plans, focusing on youthful reinforcements to break into the elite. In Serie B, Palermo and Sampdoria emerge as the frontrunners for promotion, setting the stage for an exciting battle for top-flight football.

• To Win Outright Without Inter Milan: AC Milan
• To Be Relegated: Empoli 
• To Finish In The Top Four: Roma 
• To Be Promoted: Palermo 
• To Be Promoted: Sampdoria 

2024/25 Season Preview on The Football Betting Pod: Abundant Ante-Post Angles

We’re back, as host Daniel Jenkins is joined by bettingexpert Football Editor, Sam Ingram, and bettingexpert contributor, Jack Wright, who serve up fifteen selections between them.

The pair take a forensic look at the ante-post outright betting markets with the aim of serving up a number of value selections ahead of the return of domestic football in the Premier League, Championship, League One and Two.

AC Milan To Win Without Inter Milan: A Scudetto Contender In The Making?

Italy, Serie A

The strategic decisions made during the transfer window are poised to reshape the Rossoneri’s fortunes in Serie A. The appointment of Paulo Fonseca, previously at Roma, as head coach signals a fresh direction for the Rossoneri.

The club’s primary acquisition, Alvaro Morata, comes as a highly anticipated boost. His arrival fills the gap left by Olivier Giroud’s departure, bringing a blend of experience and prolific goal-scoring ability. Morata’s previous stints at elite European clubs, including Juventus and Real Madrid, have endowed him with the kind of pedigree Milan hopes will transform their attacking dynamics.

Fonseca’s vision for Milan includes a more aggressive offensive strategy. His preferred 4-2-3-1 formation aims to capitalize on the attacking prowess of new and existing players. Christian Pulisic, a versatile forward, is expected to play a central role, possibly in a more advanced position, while Rafael Leao and the dynamic Samuel Chukwueze are set to bolster the wings. The tactical adjustments suggest an emphasis on a more fluid and high-pressing game, potentially reducing the defensive frailties that have plagued Milan in recent years.

Stiff competition

Despite the optimism, Milan faces stiff competition. Juventus, Inter Milan, and Napoli are all formidable contenders for the Serie A title. Milan’s ability to challenge these rivals will hinge not just on Morata’s contributions but also on Fonseca’s success in integrating his tactical innovations and ensuring squad cohesion.

The club’s aggressive transfer strategy, including potential further additions like Youssouf Fofana, indicates a strong intent to address past shortcomings. If the new signings gel well with the existing talent and Fonseca’s strategies bear fruit, AC Milan, who won the title in 2021/2022 and finished runners-up last season, could very well position itself as a serious title contender.

• Ante-Post Selection 1: AC Milan To Win Outright Without Inter Milan
• Best Odds: 3.60
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Empoli To Be Relegated: A Tight Budget And Stiff Competition

Italy, Serie A

Despite a dramatic escape from the drop zone last season, the club’s future remains uncertain due to a series of significant changes and a seemingly tight budget.

Last season’s narrow escape from relegation was a testament to Empoli’s resilience, clinching survival with a last-minute goal against Roma.

However, the departure of coach Davide Nicola, who played a crucial role in that late-season miracle, could be a severe blow.

Nicola’s exit to Cagliari has left the club in the hands of Roberto D’Aversa, who will need to rejuvenate the squad and secure a more stable survival.

The financial constraints are evident as Empoli’s spending during the transfer window remains modest. Last summer, they invested just €9.7 million, making them one of the least spenders in Serie A. With a similar budget expected this year, the club faces the tough task of rebuilding a competitive team without significant financial resources.

Goodbyes

The departure of key players has further complicated their situation. The exits of goalkeeper Caprile, defender Bereszynski, and midfielders Marin and Maleh, among others, have left gaps that need to be filled.

The team is actively pursuing replacements, with potential signings like Gianluca Frabotta and Sebastiano Esposito aimed at strengthening the squad.

Additionally, Empoli’s struggles are compounded by the heightened competition. Teams like Verona, who also flirted with relegation last season, and newly promoted sides, like the ambitious Como and Parma, add to the intense fight to stay in Italy’s top flight.

Last season, the Tuscan club ended the campaign with Italy’s worst attack (29 goals scored, only 15 of which at home) and, based on expected points (calculated with xG and xGA), would have finished in the bottom three.

In summary, Empoli’s fight for survival hinges on effective recruitment and the new manager’s ability to stabilize the squad. Without substantial improvement and a bit of luck, the club could face the first relegation in Serie B in the past four seasons.

• Ante-Post Selection 2: Empoli To Be Relegated
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Roma To Finish In The Top Four: The ‘Pichichi’ is in town

Italy, Serie A

The capital club’s ambitions are underscored by a significant financial commitment, with approximately €100 million invested in bolstering their squad.

Under the stewardship of Daniele De Rossi, who has taken over from José Mourinho, Roma is making decisive strides in the transfer market.

The arrival of Valentin Soulé, a promising Argentine playmaker from Juventus for €30 million, is a testament to their strategic shift towards investing in young talent.

Soulé’s flair and creativity, he scored 11 times and provided three assists with newly promoted Frosinone last year, are expected to elevate Roma’s offensive play, contributing to a more dynamic and attacking style of football.

Roman incomings

Complementing Soulé’s addition is the acquisition of Artem Dovbyk, the prolific Ukrainian striker from Girona.

Dovbyk, who was the top scorer (24 goals) in La Liga last season, arrives at the Stadio Olimpico with a hefty price tag of €38 million.

His presence addresses Roma’s pressing need for a reliable striker, especially following Romelu Lukaku’s departure. Dovbyk’s consistent goal-scoring form and ability to offer both finishing prowess and playmaking support make him a crucial piece in De Rossi’s tactical puzzle.

Additionally, the recruitment of young talents like Le Fée, Dahl, and Sangaré further reinforces the club’s future ambitions. While these players represent a longer-term vision, their integration into the first team promises to enhance Roma’s depth and versatility.

The Friedkin family’s financial backing and De Rossi’s managerial acumen, coupled with these strategic signings, position Roma as a serious contender for a Champions League berth.

Roma have improved year on year, having reached two European cup finals and a semi-final in the last three seasons. Now, the club’s proactive approach in the transfer market and its focus on rejuvenating the squad with promising young players suggest a well-orchestrated bid to break into Europe’s elite competition.

• Ante-Post Selection 3: Roma To Finish In The Top Four
• Best Odds: 2.75
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Palermo To Be Promoted: Ambition and Investment

Italy, Serie B

The 2024/2025 Serie B season is gearing up to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory, with historic and ambitious clubs vying for promotion to Serie A. Palermo and Sampdoria stand out as the leading candidates for a return to the top flight.

The Rosanero, now under the management of Alessio Dionisi, who was last season at Sassuolo, is considered the team to beat this season.

After finishing sixth in the regular season and being eliminated in the semi-finals of the playoffs last term, Palermo, owned by the City Football Group, have strengthened their squad significantly. The summer transfer window has seen the arrival of high-profile players, including striker Thomas Henry, as Palermo aims to build on last season’s promising performance.

With odds of 3.25 on Bet365 for winning the league, Palermo is seen as the primary contender for promotion.

Although the team will start their campaign with three away matches due to renovations at the ‘Renzo Barbera’, Palermo remains a strong favorite thanks to its depth and quality.

• Ante-Post Selection 4: Palermo To Be Promoted
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Sampdoria To Be Promoted: The Blucerchiati Return

Italy, Serie B

Sampdoria, having been relegated to Serie B in 2022/2023, is well-positioned to make an immediate return to Serie A.

Under the guidance of Andrea Pirlo, the club showed significant improvement in the latter part of the previous season, finishing in a commendable seventh place.

The summer transfer activity has seen targeted investments to bolster the squad, reflecting clear ambitions for the season ahead.

With odds of 7.00 on Bet365 for winning the league, Sampdoria is regarded as one of the main contenders for promotion.

The Blucerchiati benefit from a well-rounded squad and Pirlo’s experience, which could prove crucial in their push for top-flight football.

Andrea at the helm

Despite Palermo and Sampdoria being strong favorites, they face stiff competition.

Sassuolo, relegated from Serie A after 11 seasons, boasts a high-quality squad and is aiming for an immediate return to the top tier.

With Fabio Grosso at the helm, who achieved promotion with Frosinone two seasons ago, the Neroverdi have shown they can compete at the highest level.

Cremonese, who were narrowly defeated in last season’s playoff final, is another team to watch. With significant summer signings and an experienced coach in Giovanni Stroppa, the Grigiorossi are set to challenge for promotion once more.

Additionally, Salernitana and Frosinone, both relegated from Serie A, are also in the mix for promotion.

Salernitana has bolstered its squad with players like Lovato and Bonazzoli, while Frosinone, under new management with Vincenzo Vivarini, aims to bounce back immediately.

• Ante-Post Selection 5: Sampdoria To Be Promoted
• Best Odds: 2.75
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Daniele Fisichella’s Top Five Ante-Post Outright Bets Odds via bet365 as at 08:25, 5th August 2024 – odds for best bets may now differ.

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