Third-placed Atalanta host league leaders Napoli at the Gewiss Stadium in a top-of-the-table clash that could significantly influence the destination of the 2024/2025 Scudetto.
For the hosts, hopes of winning their first-ever Serie A title were flying high in the first half of the season when they surged to the top of the table before Christmas.
However, things have taken a turn for the worse since then, as Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are now winless in their last four outings across all competitions, including a 1-1 home draw against Juventus and a Super Coppa semi-final loss to Inter.
This game, therefore, provides an ideal chance for La Dea to get back on track and reaffirm their title aspirations, as a win would pull them within a point of Napoli.
However, that may be easier said than done, as Atalanta have lost their last three home games against the Partenopei. But they can take some confidence from their commanding 3-0 win in Naples in November, where Ademola Lookman scored a brace.
Interestingly, Lookman has scored in both of his previous home appearances for Atalanta against Napoli. Gasperini will be hoping the Nigerian forward can keep that streak alive, as his goals could be pivotal in getting a result from this fixture.
Goals, however, have been hard to come by for La Dea in recent weeks. After hammering in nine across wins against Cesena and Empoli, they’ve managed just two in their last four games, drawing blanks in half of those.
Gasperini will need to find a way to reignite his side’s attacking spark if they are to stand any chance of a result.
History Chasing Conte
Statistically, Atalanta’s season-long average of 2.36 goals per game suggests they have the firepower. But they’re up against a Napoli side on a five-game winning streak and with the best defensive record in Serie A – just 12 goals conceded all season, including a league-high 12 clean sheets.
Antonio Conte’s side have won their last three in the league ‘to nil’ and boast the best away record in the Italian topflight, having secured 23 points on the road and conceding only six goals in those fixtures.
This combination of impenetrable defence and attacking efficiency suggests Conte’s bid to become the first manager to win Serie A with three different sides, having done so with Juventus and Inter Milan, may well gather more steam after this one.
Betting Tip: Napoli to Win or Draw
18/01 20:45 Atalanta – Napoli Napoli to Win or Draw @ 1.56 (Betking)
These two sides have been evenly matched across their last 35 meetings, with Napoli holding a slight edge with 15 wins to Atalanta’s 14. Six games have ended in draws. Their encounters usually produce goals, with an average of 2.8 per game.
However, Atalanta’s current form raises doubts about whether they can truly test Serie A’s top defence. Despite their decent home scoring record, their inability to win in their last four outings suggests they face an uphill task on Saturday.
La Dea cannot even rely on the fact they’re playing at home as they struggle in this matchup having suffered three consecutive losses to Napoli at the Gewiss Stadium.
Napoli, on the other hand, are in superb form. With a five-match winning streak and the best defence in the league, they’re unlikely to leave Bergamo empty-handed.
Given the importance of this game in the title race, the visitors are unlikely to take unnecessary risks. Even a draw would maintain their lead at the top of the table, and there is no one better than Antonio Conte at setting up a side to get a result.
Back Napoli to Win or Draw at 1.56 odds on Betking.
Atalanta vs Napoli - Napoli to Win or Draw @ 1.56
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