European Betting Pointers: Mancini making waves at Inter

Mancini: you wouldn't like him when he's angry

Ahead of some key clashes in Europe's major leagues this week, Louis Massarella's latest 'betting pointers' column focuses on the fortunes of the managers involved...

How the Blues have bounced back under Bobby

While much of the focus ahead of the Ruhr derby (Saturday, 14:30) will be on the resurgence of Jurgen Klopp's Dortmund, Schalke have gone from 11th to the Champions League places since Roberto Di Matteo's arrival in October, winning eight Bundesliga games.

Faced with a horrific injury list, the Italian has tightened The Miners up, ditched the suit in favour of a tracksuit in a nod to the club's working-class fanbase and proved his tactical flexibility by dabbling with a 3-5-2. Will it be enough to win at the home of their big rivals, though?

Just two away victories in the league under Di Matteo suggests not, but he's not afraid to adopt a cautious approach - which has caused some fans to grumble - so a low-scoring draw is a good bet, even in a derby that defies the form book more than most. 1-1 is 10.09/1 in the correct score market.

Leonardo's masterpiece taking shape at Monaco

There were a few raised eyebrows when little-known Portuguese Leonardo Jardim succeeded Claudio Ranieri as Monaco coach in the summer, and a few more when AS made a stuttering start to the season. But having sold James Rodriguez and loaned out Radamel Falcao in the summer, the club's billionaire owners had decided that the big spending would be curbed and the focus on youth development increased.

In Jardim, they believed they had the perfect man, one who had worked wonders with Sporting Lisbon's young players. And so it has proved. Since November, Monaco have lost just once. They've probably left it too late for a title bid, but having not lost at home since September, they'll be confident of putting a dent in PSG's hopes.

The champions are unbeaten in six, but have rarely convinced this season, 10 draws undermining their title defence as much as their two defeats. Another draw is 3.185/40.

Nuno gets the Oranges' juices flowing

Another surprise Portuguese success story is developing at Valencia, who plucked Nuno Espirito Santo from Rio Ave in the close season and have been rewarded with another strong push for a Champions League place on a limited budget - and, in fact, they are still in touch in the title race.

Nuno demands a high-energy approach from his players and isn't averse to a few media mind games, either. And while David Moyes' Socieded are also on the up, they'll do well to escape with anything from the Mestalla, where Valencia have lost just once this season, 1-0 to Barcelona. The Oranges also average nearly three goals a game at home, so 3-0 (13.5n/a) and 3-1 (14.5n/a) are both tempting.

Max cracks it at Juve

After the departure of Antonio Conte to the Italian national team just one week into pre-season training, Juventus fans were outraged with the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri, partly because of his supposedly negative tactics but mainly because of his Milan past. But he won them over by not trying to change too much too soon and his team now sit nine points clear of Roma, their opponents on Monday March 2.

Rudi Garcia's side, on the other hand, have faded as they did last season after a run of frustrating draws, leaving the manager under pressure. Unless they beat Juve, their already slim title chances will be all but non-existent. There's little to suggest they will, though, especially with a tough trip to Rotterdam in midweek. Juve's to start their title party early? It's 2.47/5 for an away win and given they've on shipped 13 league goals this season, it's worth including a clean sheet if you're looking for a scoreline. 

Mancini's second coming already looking lively

Staying in Italy, and Roberto Mancini has certainly made an impact on his return to Inter, with Nemanja Vidic and Dani Osvaldo among those to be on the wrong end of Mancini's notoriously short temper. Until recently, though, results had barely improved under the former Manchester City boss, but two convincing wins in as many weeks have given them a stiff of a European place and, just as importantly, puts them hot on the tails of Milan.

A Champions League place is probably out of reach - unless they win the Europa League - but expect Mancini's side to take some big scalps before the end of the season, starting with fourth-place Fiorentina at home on Sunday (17:00 kick-off). The Viola haven't lost in nine, but face a humdinger against Spurs on Thursday. Mancini's team are notoriously cautious against the better teams, though, so a low-scoring affair in the Sunday showdown is just as likely. Under 1.5 goals is 3.412/5.