Atalanta BC will host Genoa at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday evening in a Serie A encounter that sees both teams looking to improve their league positions. While Atalanta come off an impressive Champions League victory, their domestic form has been inconsistent. Genoa, meanwhile, are struggling near the relegation zone and desperately need points.
Atalanta currently sit 11th in Serie A with 7 points from 6 matches, having won 2, drawn 1, and lost 3. Their last league outing saw them salvage a late 1-1 draw against 10-man Bologna. However, they bounced back emphatically midweek with a 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
Genoa find themselves in 17th place with just 5 points, having lost 4 of their last 5 matches across all competitions. Their most recent defeat was a 3-0 loss to Juventus, which followed a painful penalty shootout exit to rivals Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.
The historical record heavily favors Atalanta in this fixture. Since Gian Piero Gasperini left Genoa in 2016, Atalanta have won 9 and lost only 1 of their Serie A meetings. Genoa have failed to score in their last three league visits to Bergamo.
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic and Ederson looking to control proceedings against Genoa’s Emil Bohinen and Morten Thorsby. In attack, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman will aim to continue his good form against Genoa’s defense led by Mattia Bani.
Team News
Atalanta have several injury concerns. Long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini (both ACL) are out until next year. Marco Brescianini is also injured, while Berat Djimsiti and Odilon Kossounou picked up knocks in midweek. Matteo Ruggeri is doubtful with a knee problem.
Genoa are missing key midfielders Milan Badelj and Morten Frendrup. Junior Messias, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Caleb Ekuban are also in the treatment room, though Messias could potentially return for this match.
Expected Starting XIs
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; De Roon, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Samardzic, Lookman; Retegui
Genoa (3-5-2): Gollini; De Winter, Bani, Vasquez; Sabelli, Thorsby, Bohinen, Miretti, Martin; Vitinha, Pinamonti
Match Prediction
Given Atalanta’s strong home record and Genoa’s recent struggles, the hosts are favored to win this encounter. Atalanta’s attacking prowess, evidenced by their 18-game scoring streak at home, should prove too much for Genoa’s defense, which has been particularly vulnerable in the second half of matches this season.
Prediction: Atalanta 2-0 Genoa
