A crucial clash in the Serie A title race is set to unfold at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday evening as third-placed Atalanta host league leaders Napoli. This highly anticipated matchup pits two of Italy’s most exciting teams against each other in a contest that could have significant implications for the Scudetto.
Atalanta enter the match on a 15-game unbeaten streak in Serie A, though their momentum has slowed slightly with three consecutive draws. Their most recent outing saw them battle to a 1-1 stalemate against Juventus, with top scorer Mateo Retegui coming off the bench to equalize. While La Dea’s home form has been impressive this season, they’ve surprisingly lost their last three Serie A matches against Napoli at the Gewiss Stadium.
Napoli, meanwhile, arrive in scintillating form, having won their last five league matches. Antonio Conte’s side has been particularly stingy defensively, keeping clean sheets in their last three outings. Their away record is formidable, with seven wins and just one loss from nine matches on their travels this season.
This match promises to be a fascinating tactical duel between two of Italy’s most respected coaches. Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta are known for their high-intensity, attacking football, while Antonio Conte has instilled a winning mentality and defensive solidity in this Napoli side.
Atalanta’s home record is impressive, having scored in their last 25 Serie A matches at the Gewiss Stadium, averaging 2.5 goals per game. However, Napoli boasts the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues, with an impressive 12 clean sheets this season.
Team News
Napoli have been hit by the unexpected departure of star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain, a move that has undoubtedly disappointed manager Antonio Conte. However, David Neres has stepped up admirably to fill the creative void, providing support for the in-form Romelu Lukaku.
Napoli’s defensive lineup remains a concern, with Alessandro Buongiorno still sidelined due to injury. Juan Jesus is expected to continue deputizing in the centre of defence, while Mathias Olivera is set to make his return at left-back. On the other hand, Atalanta’s squad is showing signs of improvement. Juan Cuadrado may be available for selection following his recovery from injury, though the team will still be without Sead Kolasinac (suspended), Gianluca Scamacca (long-term injury), and Odilon Kossounou, who could be out for up to four months.
A key decision for Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini will be whether to start Mateo Retegui, who made an impressive return midweek by scoring his 13th league goal of the season. This tally puts Retegui at the top of the Capocannoniere rankings, potentially making him the most prolific Italian scorer for Atalanta since Cristiano Doni in the 2001-02 season. However, Gasperini may opt to start with Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman instead, leaving Retegui as an impactful substitute option.
Expected Starting XIs
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Pasalic; Lookman, De Ketelaere
Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka; Politano, McTominay, Neres; Lukaku
Match Prediction
Given the quality of both sides and the high stakes involved, this match could be a tense, closely-fought affair. Atalanta’s home advantage will be countered by Napoli’s excellent away form and recent dominance in this fixture.
Prediction: Atalanta 1-1 Napoli
