Prediction: Parma vs Atalanta

Verdict: Atalanta win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Marking their return from November’s international break this weekend, Atalanta will travel to Parma on Saturday night.

Parma

Starting with the hosts, while Parma might have stormed their way to a Serie A return for this season, the Crusaders have a real battle on their hands to keep hold of their top flight status. Despite heading into November’s international break with a much-needed 2-1 win away at Venezia, that is just the second victory that Fabio Pecchia’s men have collected from any of their first 12 Serie A appearances. Marking their return from the fortnight interval holding just a three-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone, Parma have gained a reputation for their glaring issues on home soil. Last seen at the Stadio Ennio Tardini slumping to a toothless 1-0 defeat at the hands of Genoa, Saturday’s hosts have collected just a single point from any of their previous four top flight showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Team News

Still yet to make a single appearance so far this season, Parma will once again be without Iceland international Bark Bjarkason this weekend. However, aside from the one-time Venezia midfielder, Pecchia’s men have reported a clean bill of health and have not fresh injury concerns.

Finding the net against Venezia prior to November’s international break, France U21 international Ange-Yoan Bonny will lead the line here. Making a permeant move to the Stadio Ennio Tardini over the summer, Japan international Zion Suzuki will start between the sticks on Saturday night.

Atalanta

As for the visitors, making real history back in May as they got their hands on a maiden piece of European silverware, Atalanta have only continued on another famous flurry this season. Heading into November’s international break with a 2-1 victory at home against Udinese, La Dea find the mood around Bergamo at a red-hot high. Springing what was a famous upset earlier in the month as they stormed their way too a 3-0 romp away at Napoli, Gian Piero Gasperini has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits from across the continent. Marking their return from November’s fortnight interval sat just a single point adrift of climbing to the top of the Serie A table, Atalanta will be looking to make another statement here. Likewise, unbeaten in each of their first four Champions League showdowns this season, Saturday’s guests should be smelling a real opportunity when they travel to the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Team News

While Belgium international Charles De Ketelaere might have missed out against Udinese prior to November’s international break, Atalanta are hopeful that the former AC Milan star will be able to feature here. However, despite inching towards a first-team return, Gianluca Scamacca remains on the sidelines and will play no part on Saturday night.

Already notching six Serie A strikes so far this season and once again linked with a big-money move away from Bergamo, ex-Everton forward Ademola Lookman will play a leading role. Likewise, enjoying a sensational start to life in Bergamo, Mateo Retegui will lead the line.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Parma and Atalanta last met at the Stadio Ennio Tardini back in May 2021, La Dea stormed their way to an action-packed 5-2 victory.
• In fact, Atalanta have won each of their last six straight Serie A meetings against Saturday’s hosts.
• The reigning Europa League champions have won each of their last five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 15-2.
• Parma have collected just a single point from any of their last four Serie A showdowns in front of their own supporters.
• The Crusaders have failed to record a clean sheet in any of their first seven home fixtures across all competitions.

Conclusion

Marking their return from November’s international break sat just a single point adrift of climbing to the top of the Serie A standings, Atalanta should be smelling a real opportunity here. Winning each of their last five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 15-2, the reigning Europa League champions should also be excited by a dominant record against Saturday’s hosts. Including a 5-2 romp when they last travelled to the Stadio Ennio Tardini back in May 2021, they have also won all of their previous six Serie A showdowns against Parma.

Verdict: Atalanta win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster