Prediction: Atalanta vs Milan

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365

Serie A heavyweights Milan travel to Atalanta in an attempt to strengthen their top four chances and end a poor patch of results against the in-form Bergamo-based side.

Atalanta

With only one defeat in their last eleven games in all competitions and nine in the league, Atalanta find themselves only one point short of the Champions League spot in the Serie A standings. They are, in fact, trailing behind their Saturday’s rivals and the game at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d[Italia will be a great chance to test their top-four credentials.

Atalanta have been demonstrating their warrior spirit for a while now in the Italian top flight and it has been particularly strong this season with La Dea averaging three goals per game in their most recent Champions League push. Heading into what could potentially be a crucial game for the hosts, Atalanta will hope to extend their positive run which – among others – included a win and a draw against the reigning champions, together with positive results against the Rome-based clubs Roma and Lazio. It’s worth mentioning that Atalanta managed to keep a clean sheet in five of their last 11 games which is more than enough to suggest their strength and organization at the back.

Team News

Gian Piero Gasperini should have an almost full crop to pick from but he is unlikely to make notable changes to his high-flying team.

The Italian defender Marco Varnier continues to miss out due to injury whereas Berat Djimsiti could replace Palomino at the back.

Milan

Having endured a difficult start to the Serie A season, Milan are finally beginning to show their true strength and potential under the club legend Gennaro Gattuso.

 The temperamental Italian has led Rossoneri to their best unbeaten league run since March 2018 and will be looking to build on the six-game league run. In fact, Milan have suffered only one defeat – a 1-0 loss at the hands of Juventus in the Italian Super Cup – in nine matches across all competitions and are expected to be heading to Atalanta in high spirits. Currently sitting in fourth with only one point ahead of Atalanta, Roma and Lazio alike, Rossoneri will be eager to get out of the top-four clutter with three points in Bergamo. In order to do so, they would once again need to rely on their January signing Krzysztof Piatek who’s been in super form ever since joining Milan from Genoa in January. The 23-year-old Polish forward bagged four goals in three appearances for Milan and is widely expected to keep his place in the starting line-up ahead of Patrick Cutrone.

Team News

Giacomo Bonaventura, Pepe Reina and Christian Zapata are set to miss the Atalanta game through injury.

Mattia Caldara and Lucas Biglia are nearing full fitness and could be given a place on the bench.

Key Factors to Consider

• Only one point separates Atalanta and Milan in the standings
• There have been 4 draws in last 5 meetings between the two sides
• Milan are winless in last 7 matches against Atalanta
• Atalanta last defeated Milan at home six games ago, in 2016
• Krzysztof Piatek scored 3 goals in 3 matches for Milan

Conclusion

With both sides boasting the irresistible attacking force upfront the forthcoming clash between Atalanta and Milan should be rich in goals. Atalanta will be looking to maintain their fine home form whereas Milan are looking at a great challenge to their top-four ambitions and will have to go for it.

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365