Serie A leaders Atalanta BC will look to extend their remarkable winning streak to 10 consecutive league matches when they travel to face struggling Cagliari on Saturday. The clash at the Unipol Domus pits the high-flying Nerazzurri against a Rossoblu side battling to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta have been in scintillating form, ascending to the Serie A summit on the back of nine straight victories. Their latest triumph, a 2-1 win over AC Milan, saw them leapfrog Napoli to claim top spot – a position they’ve rarely occupied in recent history. With 11 more points than at this stage last season, La Dea are mounting a serious title challenge.
The prolific partnership of Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman has been instrumental in Atalanta’s success. Both found the net again in midweek, albeit in a narrow 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid – a rare setback in an otherwise stellar campaign.
In stark contrast, Cagliari find themselves embroiled in a fight for survival near the foot of the table. Last week’s 1-0 loss to Fiorentina left Davide Nicola’s men precariously positioned just two points above the drop zone. While they have marginally improved on last season’s points tally, the Isolani face an uphill battle to preserve their top-flight status.
Recent history between these sides has been evenly matched, with each claiming victory in their two meetings last season. However, Atalanta hold the edge over the past decade, winning 10 of their 18 Serie A encounters since 2013.
Atalanta enter this fixture in imperious league form, having won their last nine Serie A matches. Cagliari, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency, with just one win in their previous six outings.
Team News
Atalanta may welcome back top scorer Mateo Retegui to the starting lineup after recent substitute appearances. The prolific striker currently leads the Capocannoniere race and could spearhead an attack featuring De Ketelaere and Lookman. The latter is on the verge of his 50th Serie A goal involvement – a milestone bettered only by Lautaro Martinez since Lookman’s Italian debut.
Gasperini continues to be without long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Juan Cuadrado, while Giorgio Scalvini is doubtful. However, Davide Zappacosta has returned to fitness and may feature.
Cagliari have received a boost with the return to training of Gianluca Lapadula. Roberto Piccoli, on loan from Atalanta, is likely to lead the line against his parent club. Nicola faces a decision on whether to recall the mercurial Zito Luvumbo to the starting XI.
Expected Starting XIs
Cagliari: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Atalanta: Sherri; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello; Adopo, Makoumbou; Zortea, Gaetano, Luvumbo; Piccoli
Match Prediction
Despite their gruelling schedule and the potential for fatigue, Atalanta should have too much quality for a Cagliari side struggling at both ends of the pitch. Expect the visitors to secure a comfortable victory and set a new club record with their tenth consecutive Serie A win.
Prediction: Cagliari 0-2 Atalanta
