Here are our Serie A picks for Friday 4 September 2026. Our model likes 6 bets here. The one it likes most is Venezia vs Fiorentina: Fiorentina +0 Goal Handicap, priced at -125 when we wrote this. Here is the thinking behind each pick, in plain English.
Venezia vs Fiorentina: Fiorentina +0 Goal Handicap (-125)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
When Venezia hosts Fiorentina, the dynamics tip heavily in favor of the visitors. Despite their own struggles, Fiorentina has a stronger overall record and a recent uptick in form, managing to secure points against tougher opposition. Venezia’s home woes are glaring, with just one win in their last five matches and a concerning average of just 0.8 goals scored per game. In contrast, Fiorentina's recent performances show they can be resilient, even if their scoring has also been subpar lately. What’s compelling is that both teams have been lackluster in attack, but Fiorentina's defense has proven slightly more dependable, conceding fewer than their hosts. With Venezia averaging a meager 0 xG at home, backing Fiorentina on a zero handicap feels like a smart move. In a match where both teams are struggling to find the net, the visitors have the edge to secure at least a draw, making this a strategic play.
Real Betis vs Real Madrid: Real Betis +1.5 Goal Handicap (-132)
Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing
As Real Betis prepares to host Real Madrid, it’s the perfect storm for a handicap bet on the home side at +1.5. Betis has been formidable at home, boasting three wins in their last five outings and averaging a solid 1.8 goals per game. Their defense has tightened up too, conceding just 0.6 goals at home, which suggests they can stifle Madrid’s attack. Madrid, despite a perfect away record, has struggled to break down Betis historically, with the last five encounters yielding only a couple of wins for them. While Los Blancos average 1.2 goals away, their xG numbers reveal a slight vulnerability. With Betis in decent form and their ability to frustrate the big teams, backing them on the handicap at +1.5 feels like a savvy play. This matchup has all the makings of a close contest, making the +1.5 cushion for Betis an enticing option.
Real Betis vs Real Madrid: Real Betis +1.5 Goal Handicap (-132)
Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing
As Real Betis prepares to host Real Madrid, the stage is set for a captivating showdown. Betis has been solid at home, boasting a 4-1-0 record in their last five at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, averaging an impressive 1.8 goals per match while conceding only 0.6. Their recent form suggests a team that not only defends well but also knows how to find the net. On the flip side, while Real Madrid is unbeaten away in their last five, their offensive output has been less explosive than usual, averaging just 1.2 goals. Betis’s ability to frustrate even the best, coupled with their solid defensive displays, makes the +1.5 handicap a tempting prospect. With Betis likely to put up a strong fight, this bet feels like a savvy play as they aim to capitalize on their home advantage against a star-studded Madrid side.
Genoa vs Como: Over 9.5 Total Corners (+164)
Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing
As Genoa squares off against Como, the corners market presents an enticing opportunity, particularly with a line set at over 9.5. Genoa’s recent struggles at home—averaging just 0.6 goals and conceding 1.8—suggest they will be under pressure, likely forcing them to defend and concede corners. Their average of 12.6 shots at home, coupled with Como’s solid away form where they rack up 15 shots per game, indicates a high likelihood of corner kick opportunities. Como, riding a wave of momentum with four wins in their last five, tends to apply aggressive pressure, which could lead to numerous set-pieces. With both teams averaging around 1.4 to 1.2 corners per match, it’s clear that this matchup is primed for plenty of corner action. Bet on the over; the trends align perfectly for a thrilling clash that keeps the corner flags waving.
Genoa vs Como: Over 8.5 Total Corners (-102)
Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing
As Genoa prepares to host Como, the corner count could see an exciting uptick. Genoa's recent home games have seen a flurry of activity, averaging over 12 corner attempts themselves, even while struggling for goals. Their last five outings at home have produced a combined average of nearly 13 corners, despite a lack of scoring. Meanwhile, Como has been in fantastic form on the road, consistently generating chances, averaging around 15 shots per game. With both teams likely pushing for dominance in this matchup, expect the corner flags to flutter. Genoa's need to break their home winless streak and Como's attacking prowess create the perfect storm for corners, making the "Over 8.5" a compelling play. Given the current trends, this matchup screams action on the flanks, setting the stage for a delightful corner-fest!
Lille vs Troyes: Under 2.5 Total Goals (+106)
Odds available at fanduel at time of publishing
As Lille prepares to host Troyes, the expectation for a high-scoring affair feels misplaced. Recent trends paint a different picture; Lille's attack has struggled at home, averaging just 1.2 goals in their last five matches, while Troyes has managed only one goal per game in their last outings. Both teams’ xG metrics back this narrative, with neither side showing much creativity recently. Troyes' away form is particularly worrisome, conceding an average of 2.4 goals against while managing a paltry xG. Lille's defensive solidity, coupled with their tendency to keep games tight, suggests a low-scoring contest. With the stakes high and both teams battling for points, expect a cautious approach that leads to under 2.5 goals in this Ligue One clash.
That is the model's read on today's Serie A card. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back anything. And if a game does not feel right to you, the strongest move is to skip it -- there is another one tomorrow.
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