Venezia welcome high-flying Atalanta to the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Sunday as Serie A action resumes following the international break. The hosts find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table, while Atalanta aim to continue their push for European places.
Venezia’s return to Italy’s top flight has been a struggle so far. With just one win and four points from their opening seven matches, the Lagunari occupy 20th place and face an uphill battle to avoid immediate relegation back to Serie B. New manager Eusebio Di Francesco has been unable to spark an upturn in form since replacing Paolo Vanoli, who led the club to promotion last season.
In contrast, Atalanta have recovered from a slow start to climb to 8th in the table. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have won their last two matches in emphatic fashion, scoring eight goals across victories over Genoa in Serie A and Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. La Dea will be eyeing a third straight win to continue their ascent up the standings.
The clash between the two in-form strikers could prove decisive. Pohjanpalo will be tasked with providing Venezia’s main goal threat, while Retegui aims to continue his prolific start to life in Bergamo. Whichever forward proves more clinical may well fire their side to victory.
Di Francesco is likely to set Venezia up in a 3-5-2 formation, looking to stay compact and hit Atalanta on the counter-attack. The hosts will need to be wary of La Dea’s set-piece threat – Gasperini’s side have scored a league-high seven goals from dead ball situations this season.
Atalanta are expected to dominate possession and territory in their usual 3-4-2-1 system. The attacking trio of Charles De Ketelaere, Ademola Lookman and Retegui will aim to break down Venezia’s defensive block.
Atalanta have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning all five of their previous Serie A meetings with Venezia. This includes victories in both of their last two visits to the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo.
Team News
The hosts have several injury concerns to contend with. Midfielder Alfred Duncan remains doubtful with a muscular issue, while Bjarki Bjarkason is still sidelined. Di Francesco may opt to start Mikael Egill Ellertsson or Issa Doumbia in midfield if Duncan is unavailable.
Finland striker Joel Pohjanpalo will lead the line for Venezia. The 29-year-old has two league goals to his name this season and also found the net for his country during the international break.
Atalanta’s defensive ranks have been depleted by injuries. Giorgio Scalvini is a long-term absentee with an ACL injury, while Rafael Toloi, Odilon Koussonou and Berat Djimsiti are all doubtful. Wing-back Matteo Ruggeri is also struggling for fitness.
In attack, Gianluca Scamacca remains out but Mateo Retegui has been in scintillating form as his replacement. The Italy international has seven goals in his first seven Serie A appearances for Atalanta – matching a feat only previously achieved by Mario Balotelli and Roberto Baggio in the three-points-for-a-win era.
Expected Starting XIs
Milan: Joronen; Idzes, Svoboda, Sverko; Candela, Ellertsson, Nicolussi Caviglia, Zampano; Busio, Oristanio; Pohjanpalo
Lecce: Carnesecchi; De Roon, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, Pasalic, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Match Prediction
While Venezia will be desperate for points in their relegation battle, Atalanta’s firepower and momentum should prove too much for the struggling hosts. La Dea have been inconsistent on their travels this season but will expect to claim all three points on Sunday.
Prediction: Venezia 0-2 Atalanta
