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SSC Napoli's Italian coach Luciano Spalletti gesticulate during the Serie A football match between SSC Napoli and Torino at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium Naples, southern Italy, on October 17, 2021. (Photo by Antonio Balasco / Controluce via AFP)

SSC Napoli remains atop the Italian Serie A division. Can their position be compromised during Matchday 9? Let's break down the most intriguing fixtures from Saturday's Serie A schedule.

The Serie A continues delivering surprises each week, making it still one of Europe's most difficult leagues to predict in terms of match outcomes.

The title is up for grabs, but there's little consistency outside of Napoli and AC Milan.

Here are my top betting picks and predictions for the Serie A Matchday 9 schedule on Saturday (Odds via FanDuel, Unibet, and DraftKings).

Serie A Matchday 9 Picks

Sassuolo vs. Venezia – Sassuolo to win (-167 via Unibet)Bologna vs. AC Milan – Over 2.5 goals (-152 via FanDuel)Hellas Verona vs. Lazio – Lazio to win (+125 via DraftKings)

Serie A Matchday 9 Predictions

Sassuolo vs. Venezia - Sassuolo to win (-167)

Sassuolo Calcio and Venezia are both sitting on eight points in the Serie A table. Each side has been unpredictable lately, but I expect the visiting team to struggle at the MAPEI Stadium.

Venezia's lack of goal-scoring prowess away from home stands out. Three of their five away games have resulted in goalless trips, and they've conceded during each match.

Meanwhile, Sassuolo had little to celebrate after their last Serie A clash resulted in a 2-2 draw to Genoa, who field the division's worst defense. The high-flying Sassuolo we knew and loved from a couple of seasons ago no longer exist, but they often provide tight encounters when playing on their home turf.

Because of their confidence, Venezia will believe they stand a fighting chance this weekend. Though their 1-0 win over Fiorentina was encouraging, we can't expect them to record back-to-back victories after such an inconsistent season thus far.

Sassuolo can earn the narrow victory they so desperately need in an encounter I expect will be tight.

Bologna vs. AC Milan - Over 2.5 goals (-152)

AC Milan is among Serie A royalty alongside Napoli as the only unbeaten squads this season. They're currently in second place, and the club is proving to be a serious title contender.

Of course, it's a little early for title predictions, but an undefeated streak through eight matchdays is impressive.

A midweek Champions League meeting with FC Porto resulted in misery for the Rossoneri, and yes, tired legs could be a factor on Saturday.

Bologna isn't experiencing the same success, but their goal-scoring ability is shining through. They've now scored in five consecutive games, including a 3-0 win over Lazio.

This fixture could be a thrilling encounter, and an AC Milan win would be their 14th away victory of 2021.

However, the goals market seems to be the most valuable play, and this match is likely to feature three goals because both squads can penetrate each other's defense.

Hellas Verona vs. Lazio - Lazio to win +125

Hellas Verona has been one of the most unpredictable Serie A squads this term. With three wins and two losses over their previous five home fixtures, it's difficult to project if they're going to show up.

Looking at the bigger picture, Verona has produced a mere three wins over their previous 17 Serie A games, a trend that doesn't favor them when facing the league's joint-third highest-scoring team.

Lazio is in fifth place, and I Biancocelesti have been a goal-scoring machine throughout their four wins, two losses, and two draws. They can deliver Verona their fifth loss of the season.

To make the Lazio moneyline more intriguing, bookmakers are offering impressive +125 odds. I won't ignore that plus-money price, especially when Lazio has avoided defeat in 10 of their last 11 meetings with Verona.

Serie A Matchday 9 Quick Picks

Roma vs. Napoli: Both teams to score (-186 via DraftKings) | Roma is among the top contenders during the Serie A title chase, and they'll be eager to hand Napoli their first loss of the season. When the stakes are raised, expect goals at both ends and take each team to score.

Sassuolo vs. Venezia: Sassuolo to win (-167 via Unibet) | Two teams with questionable form, and neither squad is performing solidly. The home side should be able to take advantage of its surroundings.

Bologna vs. AC Milan: Over 2.5 goals (-152 via FanDuel) | The Serie A front-runners travel to Bologna following a midweek UCL clash. Full fitness could be compromised, but AC Milan will still be able to score goals. Meanwhile, Bologna can capitalize and notch a goal of their own.

Helles Verona vs. Lazio: Lazio to win (+125 via DraftKings) | The value is one of the primary reasons why taking the Lazio moneyline is an unmissable wager. Verona is underperforming, and if any squad can take advantage, it'll be the third-joint highest-scoring team in the Serie A.