Verdict: Atalanta win.
Best odds: 2/9
Bookmaker: William Hill
Officially, Atalanta play Sassuolo at home in the last round of the 2018/19 Serie A season, although in truth it will be Sassuolo who will be welcoming Atalanta to their Stadio Citta del Tricolore, due to Atalanta’s stadium being demolished and the new one under construction, expected to open in 2021.
Atalanta
Despite having no home at the moment, Atalanta are going strong. They are undoubtedly the biggest and nicest surprise of the season; not just in Italy. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has put together a truly formidable team.
They go into the season finale sitting third, behind champions Juventus and runners-up Napoli, but with the same number of points as Inter Milan in fourth (66) and one more than AC Milan in fifth. Both Milan teams will surely do their best to win against Empoli and SPAL, respectively, which means Atalanta must make sure they don’t slip up now. They are on fantastic form, winning four and drawing one (away to Juventus) of their last five league games.
Team News
Gasperini will be without the services of three defenders – Hans Hateboer (suspension), Marco Varnier and Rafael Toloi (both injured).
Sassuolo
Sitting 10th with 43 points to their name, Sassuolo, visitors at their own home for this clash, have nothing to play for. Like most mid-table sides across Europe, they are safe from relegation and out of range when it comes to a fight for a place in Europa League. They may, however, look to play an important part in the top-four battle by thwarting Atalanta’s plans.
Their form, however, isn’t great; they won one, lost one, and drew three of their last five league matches.
Team News
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi will be without defenders Giangiacomo Magnani and Federico Peluso who are injured, as well as midfielder Stefano Sensi. Forward Gianluca Scamacca is away on international duty with Italy’s U-20 side.
Conclusion
Given the quality they’ve shown over the course of the season, Atalanta’s table rankings are no fluke. They are unlikely to falter now, at the end of the road, as they look to make history by deservedly appearing in the Champions League. The odds on their triumph are very short, but the reason for it is rather obvious.
Verdict: Atalanta win.
Best odds: 2/9
Bookmaker: William Hill
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
