Prediction: Atalanta vs Napoli

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365

Revived Atalanta will be looking to put a dent into Napoli’s title bid and at the same time further close the gap behind European positions when the two sides square off at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. Their opponents, on the other hand, hope to remain at the Serie A summit with fifth straight triumph.

Atalanta

Having impressed to achieve a fourth-place finish in Serie A last term and secure European qualification, Atalanta faced a new challenge this season called Europa League. Orobici passed the test with flying colours as they topped their group ahead of Lyon and Everton, but their league performances did suffer a bit. However, as soon as the first part of the European campaign ended, Atalanta started raising their form, and they have been pretty impressive of late. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men recorded 8 wins, 2 draws and just 1 defeat in last 11 fixtures on all fronts, securing their place in the Coppa Italia semis, while also climbing to seventh in the Serie A standings. Atalanta recovered well from the unexpected league defeat to Cagliari as they first eliminated Napoli from Coppa Italia before defeating AS Roma in the league. Orobici have now defeated AC Milan, Napoli and AS Roma in their last three away fixtures, but now it’s time to try and improve the home form as well.

Team News

Andreas Cornelius looks set to keep his place up front, but Marten de Roon is banned, meaning that Bryan Cristante will be recalled.

Napoli

Twenty games into the new campaign and Napoli are still going strong, leading what looks it will be a two-horse race for the Serie A trophy. The Azzurri are one point clear of holders Juventus after both sides recorded four successive wins. Maurizio Sarri’s side defeated Torino, Sampdoria, Crotone and Hellas Verona in their last four league fixtures, but they were beaten at home by Atalanta in Coppa Italia quarter-finals. The league clash at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia will be a perfect opportunity for Napoli to try and get revenge on the Bergamo outfit, but it is clear they will not have an easy job on Sunday morning. The Azzurri do have reason for optimism ahead of the trip up north having recorded impressive 12 wins in last 13 away fixtures in the league. Napoli have shown plenty of improvement at the back, keeping four clean sheets in last seven, albeit conceding two goals in said Coppa Italia clash with Atalanta. Everything suggests that Mauricio Sarri’s charges will have to outscore the opposition if they want to hold on to the first place in the standings, which should guarantee us an entertaining encounter in Bergamo.

Team News

Star player Marek Hamsik looks set to miss out with a bout of flu, whereas Faouzi Ghoulam and Arkadiusz Milik are not yet ready to return.

Key Factors to Consider

• Napoli won 12 of last 13 away games in Serie A
• Atalanta recorded 2-1 win at Stadio San Paolo on 2nd January
• Both teams scored in six of their last eight meetings
• Atalanta won three of last five home games vs Napoli (D1 L1)
• The Azzurri won five of last six fixtures, losing only to Atalanta

Conclusion

With both sides brimming with confidence and nurturing attractive attacking football, chances are we will witness a highly entertaining encounter in Bergamo. Choosing the winner might be too close to call, but our advice is to bet on both teams to score.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365