Betfair Official Blog

European Leagues

Serie A Betting: Minty Roma destined to play supporting role in Italian soap opera

Click here to view market

Using a quite superb Eastenders analogy, Dan Fitch reasons that the title will go to Inter

The title race in Serie A this season has been much like an Eastenders storyline. It's been perfectly obvious right from the very start as to how it will conclude, yet it's been dragged out over many months and has completely failed to create any real tension.

At various stages, it's made me scoff at the ridiculousness of the plot twists and now I just want to be put out of my misery, just like I do at 7.58pm when my girlfriend is glued to BBC1.

We're meant to believe in the casting of Roma as title challengers, but they remain no more believable than the hapless actor who tries to convince as Steven Beale. Since returning to Albert Square with completely different coloured hair, Steven has tricked his sister into believing that their late mother was still alive, kidnapped his dad, shot said dad's wife in the stomach, entered a mental asylum, became a hard working stall owner, romanced Stacey, turned gay in a fortnight and has now just hopped on a Eurostar with his runaway sister, who for some reason wasn't in any way bothered about him pretending that their mum was still alive and shooting lead into her step mother's ovaries.

In short, Steven's character changed depending on which Eastenders script writer was penning that particular episode, which makes him difficult to believe in. Though Roma haven't been as extreme in their fluctuation of character as Eastenders' brooding teenage leprechaun, I still have no belief in them as title winners. They remain like Minty compared to Inter's Phil Mitchell, colourful characters to have around, but unable to command the biggest storylines.

This weekend Roma face Atalanta at home and are just three points off Inter with two games to play. However, though this might sound intriguing, Inter are likely to win at home to Siena (Gus, or at a push Micky Miller), which would effectively give them the title. Yet we live in hope of witnessing some drama and all the action from Roma's clash can be seen on Betfair Live Video. It's guaranteed to be better than the Eastenders omnibus.

Last weekend Roma took full advantage as Inter slipped up to AC Milan. Unlike Barcelona this week, Milan's players still had enough fight in them to not be humiliated by the greatest rivals and won 2-1. Roma narrowed the gap with a 3-0 win at Sampdoria, but remain the outsiders in the title betting at [13.0] whilst Inter are [1.07].

Roma left it late against Sampdoria, scoring their first through Panucci on 75 minutes. Pizarro doubled the lead with a brilliant long range effort, before Cicinho added the last.

But it was the keeper Alexandre Doni who really won the game for Roma, as he made a series of saves to deny the dominant Sampdoria, with the former Roma star Antonio Cassano missing most of the chances.

In midweek Roma were in action again, in the second leg of their Copa Italia semi final against Catania. Roma drew 1-1 on the night to progress 2-1 on aggregate and set up a final with Inter.

It is the fourth season in succession that the two sides have met in the final. Roma were the victors last year, with Inter winning in the two previous seasons and this is where Roma have a genuine chance of winning some silverware over their rivals. Roma are priced at [2.0] to win the cup, with Inter [1.81].

Roma are unbeaten in their last seven games in Serie A, but let themselves down recently with the home draw against Livorno. That said, Roma have a very impressive home record, having lost only one at the Olimpico this season. Atalanta are not in great form, having lost five, won three and drawn two of their last ten matches. They're safe in Serie A and are playing out the season with little intent.

All of which makes the [1.26] for the Roma win a pretty safe bet, with Atalanta [14.0] and the draw [6.6]. Six of the last seven matches between the sides have ended 2-1 and the [9.0] available for a 2-1 Roma win is worth a flutter.

However, with an Inter win likely, I wouldn't count on Roma doing much celebrating.