Prediction: Fiorentina vs Atalanta

Verdict: Both sides to score – No

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: bet365

Fresh from their frustrating defeat at the hands of Inter Milan, the fifth-placed Serie A side Fiorentina will play host to underperforming Atalanta on Sunday afternoon. Inconsistency has been the main problem for both sides early on in the season and this forthcoming fixture is a perfect chance for both sides to try and get a much-needed morale boost.

Fiorentina

Fiorentina have thus far endured a mixed start to their Serie A campaign which saw them win all three home matches in the league and none of the same number of games played on the road. A single point – from a 1-1 draw at Sampdoria – is a worrying sign for Stefano Pioli and his men who now look to get back to winning ways after a frustrating loss at Inter Milan.

Fiorentina put in a strong display against the Serie A heavyweights but were eventually left to rue the refereeing which – in their view – cost them dearly. Inter Milan took a lead through Mauro Icardi in the final moments of the first half when Fiorentina were done harm through a disputable VAR decision that saw the Nerazzurri given a penalty. Viola tried to get back in the game and went on to equalize through an own goal scored by Milan Skriniar but Danilo D’Ambrosio scored a winner in the 77^th minute to give Fiorentina yet another heartbreak on the road. Pioli’s charges will be looking to make an instant response this time out against Atalanta and lashing out over unfavourable refereeing can be expected for the Sunday’s match.

Team News

Fiorentina will have no selection headaches ahead of the Atalanta clash.

The in-form summer recruit Marco Pjaca could be given a starting role after coming on as a second-half substitute at Inter Milan.

Atalanta

The 2018/19 season did not have the best of starts for Atalanta who will have huge problems replicating their fantastic results from the last couple of seasons. Under the guidance of the experienced tactician Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta played in Europe in each of their last two seasons and even got into the knockout stage of the Europa League last year, when they were ultimately edged out 4-3 by Borussia Dortmund in the round of 32.

Widely recognized as one of Italy’s selling clubs, Atalanta went through a squad reshaping this summer as well with several players – most prominently Bryan Christante – leaving the club and new ones having yet to settle in properly. As a result, Atalanta are struggling with inconsistency which saw them record only one win in six league matches. The Orobici are coming off from a goalless home draw against Torino this week. It was a frustrating result following a morale-injecting 2-2 draw at AC Milan and another proof of Atalanta’s struggles to find consistency early on in the season. Gasperini’s men will – however – hope to put in a strong performance against a big rival and once again, after AC Milan, snatch at least a point away from Fiorentina. It will be easier said than done but Atalanta are – despite their struggles – known as a tough nut to crack.

Team News

Gian Piero Gasperini will have almost a full crop of players to pick from with the exception of the 20year0old Italy defender Marco Varnier who has yet to feature this season due to his knee injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Fiorentina have won all of their three home matches this season
• Atalanta are without an away win early in the Serie A season
• Last four meetings of the two sides ended in a draw
• There were under 2.5 goals scored in last 4 matches between Fiorentina and Atalanta
• Fiorentina have yet to lose a home game to Atalanta

Conclusion

Fiorentina seem to be one team at home and a completely another away. Viola recorded all three wins in home matches this season and we are fairly certain they will have plenty about them to see Atalanta off. The Orobici have already stunned AC Milan and sure know their way around big clubs which is why we feel this is going to be an interesting match despite the expected lack of goals.

Verdict: Both sides to score – No

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: bet365