• Loading...
Loading...

Serie A Gameweek 21 Preview: Atalanta BC vs Napoli

  • FIy999 2025/01/18 07:33
  • 0

Two of Italy's top three convene in Bergamo on Saturday evening, as Scudetto rivals Atalanta BC and Napoli vie for victory at the Gewiss Stadium.


preview


Leaving them four points behind first-placed Napoli, Atalanta were held on home turf by draw specialists Juventus earlier this week, as both sides caught up a fixture delayed by their participation in the Supercoppa Italiana.


An absorbing first half was followed by an end-to-end encounter after the interval, as Juve seemed set to dent La Dea's superb home record after breaking the deadlock; however, Serie A's top scorer then emerged from the bench to square the scores with a typical poacher's finish.


Italy striker Mateo Retegui returned from injury to head his side level, before both sides had a shot cleared off the line and had other chances saved but ultimately failed to find a winner.


Though the outcome was tinged with disappointment for Gian Piero Gasperini's men - who had previously lost in the Supercoppa semis to Inter Milan, then scraped a fortunate point against Udinese - they remain unbeaten in 15 league matches, having drawn each of the last three.


A first Serie A draw at the Gewiss Stadium followed seven wins and just one loss this term; while stretching back to last season, Atalanta have scored in all of their last 25 top-flight home fixtures, averaging 2.5 goals per game.


Therefore, the Europa League winners - who will resume their Champions League campaign at home to Sturm Graz next week - may expect to continue their recent dominance over Napoli.


Two months ago in Naples, Ademola Lookman struck twice before Retegui added La Dea's third at Stadio Maradona, making it consecutive 3-0 wins for the reigning Europa League champions.


Curiously, though, Atalanta have lost their last three Serie A home games against Napoli, so history will certainly be on the visitors' side in that respect.


Last weekend, Antonio Conte's team extended their lead at the top by sweeping aside Hellas Verona, as Giovanni Di Lorenzo's powerful shot was deflected in off Gialloblu goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo, before Frank Anguissa sealed the deal with a sublime finish.


Napoli have won their last three games without conceding a goal, and they will now be looking for their sixth straight victory since losing to Lazio in early December.


Set to fight it out with Atalanta and reigning champions Inter for the Scudetto, they have recorded the most clean sheets across Europe's top five leagues this season - an impressive tally of 12.


The Partenopei also boast a superb away record, with seven wins and only one loss from nine league matches on their travels, so they have nothing to fear heading into Serie A's Saturday night showdown.


Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:

Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Pasalic; Lookman, De Ketelaere


Napoli possible starting lineup:

Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka; Politano, McTominay, Neres; Lukaku


Loading...
Try leaving your comments

0comments

  • Hot
  • Time

No comments available