Prediction: Napoli vs Atalanta

Verdict: Napoli win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Saturday evening, Napoli will welcome Atalanta to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Napoli

Starting with the hosts, watching their remarkable winning run come to an abrupt end last weekend, there is no doubt that Napoli will be looking to prove that was nothing more than a minor blip. Despite eventually slumping to a 1-0 loss at home against Lazio, the Azzurri still holding a staggering 15-point buffer at the top of the Serie A table. Still cruising their way towards a first domestic crown since 1990 this year, Luciano Spalletti’s side have only continued to gain a string of plaudits from across Italy. Likewise, getting their Champions League knockout stage adventure off to a dream start as they secured a 2-0 victory away at German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt on February 21st, Napoli are also tipped as a potential European dark horse in 2023. Although Spalletti’s men might have witnessed Lazio draw a line under their seven-match winning run last weekend, the Italian record-breakers should be smelling the chance to make another statement here.

Team News

Mario Rui will once again miss out on Saturday evening after the 31-year-old defender was shown a straight red card against Empoli last month. Missing the last four appearances due to a thigh issue, Napoli are once again sweating over the fitness of Giacomo Raspadori.

Already mustering 19 Serie A strikes this season and continuing to shine since the World Cup break, Victor Osimhen will spearhead Spalletti’s attack.

Atalanta

As for the visitors, while Atalanta might have marked their return from the World Cup’s winter break with their sights firmly set on securing a top-four return, La Dea are now enduring a rather public struggle. Last seen putting in another toothless display as they had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Udinese, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have the feel of a squad seeking a much-needed boost. Although the Bergamo-based outfit might have impressed many on February 11th as they picked up a 2-0 victory away at Lazio, it appears that could have been just a minor boost. In fact, on a run that is highlighted by a stunning 2-1 defeat at home against Leece last month, Atalanta have recorded just a single domestic win from their previous six attempts. Likewise, it should also be noted, when Gasperini’s side welcomed Napoli to the Gewiss Stadium on November 5th, La Dea were hit with a 2-1 loss.

Team News

Picking up a pair of recent knocks, Atalanta have confirmed that they will be without the duo of Teun Koopmeiners and Davide Zappacosta on Saturday evening. La Dea are also sweating over the fitness of Duvan Zapata this weekend due to a muscle injury.

However, while ex-Leicester star Ademola Lookman might be in the midst of a six-match run without a goal, the 26-year-old will lead Atalanta’s charge here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on November 5th, Napoli picked up a 2-1 victory at the Gewiss Stadium.
• Last weekend’s 1-0 loss at home against Lazio brought an end to Napoli’s seven-match winning run across all formats.
• However, Saturday’s hosts have lost just a pair of their 25 Serie A appearances this season.
• Atalanta have managed to record just a single victory from their last six domestic showdowns.
• La Dea have also lost three of their previous four away fixtures across all competitions.

Conclusion

Watching their stellar seven-match winning run come to an abrupt end last weekend thanks to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Lazio, there is no doubt that Napoli will be seeking an immediate response here. However, losing just two Serie A matchups this season and still holding a commanding 15-point buffer at the top of the table, Saturday’s hosts should be relishing Atalanta’s arrival here. Having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Udinese last time out, La Dea have recorded just a single victory from their last six attempts. With that run stemming all the way back to the end of January, Gasperini’s side have come tumbling away from the Champions League spots. With Napoli picking up a 2-1 victory when they made the trip to the Gewiss Stadium on November 5th, we expect a similar outcome this weekend.

Verdict: Napoli win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet