As the Serie A season enters a critical phase, Hellas Verona prepare to host Atalanta at the Stadio Bentegodi on Saturday in a match with significant implications for both sides. Verona, battling to avoid relegation, faces a formidable challenge against an Atalanta side looking to reignite their title aspirations.
Atalanta’s remarkable run of 11 consecutive league victories has given way to a concerning dip in form. With only one win in their last six Serie A matches, their dreams of a maiden Scudetto have taken a severe hit. Currently sitting third in the table, seven points behind leaders Napoli, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men are desperate to return to winning ways.
The Bergamo outfit’s recent woes were compounded by a 1-0 defeat to Bologna in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, marking a rare goalless outing at home. With their Coppa Italia and Supercoppa campaigns now over, Atalanta’s focus narrows to Serie A and the Champions League, though their chances in both competitions appear slim.
Despite their recent stumbles, Atalanta’s overall form remains impressive, having lost just once in their last 18 league matches. Their head-to-head record against Verona is particularly encouraging, with six wins in their last eight encounters and an average of 2.3 goals per game.
Hellas Verona enter this fixture with renewed hope following some improved results. A vital victory over bottom-placed Monza and a draw against Venezia have lifted the Scaligeri out of the immediate danger zone. However, their home form remains a concern, having failed to score in their last three matches at the Bentegodi.
Paolo Zanetti’s side now have the opportunity to go three games unbeaten for the first time since late 2023 and potentially secure back-to-back Serie A wins for the first time in nearly a year. Their ability to start matches strongly could be crucial, as they have won all five games in which they’ve scored first this season.
Team News
Atalanta’s preparations have been hampered by season-ending injuries to Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca. With a crucial Champions League playoff against Club Brugge on the horizon, Gasperini must also contend with the absences of Sead Kolasinac, Ademola Lookman, and first-choice goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi.
Rui Patricio is expected to continue in goal, while new signing Stefan Posch could make his full debut in defense. Daniel Maldini may feature in attack alongside Serie A’s top scorer, Mateo Retegui.
Verona face their own selection challenges, with midfield options limited due to Reda Belahyane’s departure, Suat Serdar’s injury, and Ondrej Duda’s suspension. Dani Silva, Cheikh Niasse, and Grigoris Kastanos are vying for starting berths. The hosts will also miss top scorer Casper Tengstedt due to an ankle injury.
Expected Starting XIs
Verona: Montipo; Daniliuc, Coppola, Ghilardi; Tchatchoua, Niasse, Kastanos, Bradaric; Suslov, Sarr; Mosquera
Atalanta: Patricio; Posch, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Samardzic; Retegui
Match Prediction
Atalanta’s propensity for fast starts this season, having scored the most goals within the first 15 minutes, could prove decisive against a Verona side that has conceded the most in this period. Despite their recent struggles, Atalanta’s quality and motivation to stay in the title race should see them secure a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Verona 0-2 Atalanta
