The Serie A is set to return on Saturday after a long international break. The league returns with the match between the defending champions Napoli and Atalanta. Napoli had a fairytale season in the previous year and won the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years.
But the champions are not in their best form as they were last season. They have been struggling since the start of the campaign and are now in 7th with 45 points. Meanwhile, Atalanta FC are also fighting for the top four spots. They are just two points ahead of Napoli, standing in 6th. This match is a great chance for Atalanta to extend their gap with Napoli.
Stats & Facts
- Although Napoli are behind Atalanta, they have an excellent record against La Dea. Napoli have won all their last four games against Atalanta in Serie A. It is also Napoli’s longest winning run against Atalanta.
- The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona has always seen high-voltage clashes between Napoli and Atalanta. Only one of their previous 17 meetings ended in a draw in this stadium. Napoli won 10 matches and Atalanta won the remaining six games during this period.
- Napoli have a strong home record against the La Dea. The champions have won 35 of their 52 home games against Atalanta in Serie A.
- Napoli are now getting their form back despite having a poor start. They are currently unbeaten in their last six matches in Serie A.
- Atalanta have won only one of their last five league games and lost two.
Team News
Victor Osimhen was one of the key players for Napoli in winning the Scudetto last season. Unfortunately, the Nigerian striker has been struggling with injury this season and has missed Napoli’s match against Inter Milan. Additionally, Victor Osimhen was absent for Nigeria’s last two games during the international break in March.
Finally, Osimhen is back again and will start the match for Napoli against Atalanta tomorrow. But his partner Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is in doubt, as he picked up an injury during the match for Georiga.
As for Atalanta, Teun Koopmeiners got a calf injury and could miss tomorrow’s match. Atalanta will also miss the service of Charles De Ketelaere due to his thigh injury.
Possible Lineup for Napoli:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Rui; Anguissa, Lobotka, Traore; Politano, Osimhen, Raspadori
Possible Lineup for Atalanta:
Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Holm, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; Miranchuk, Lookman; Scamacca
Prediction: Napoli 2-1 Atalanta
The return of Victor Osimhen is a massive boost for Napoli. When Osimhen is on the field, Napoli can always hope for a goal. Apart from this, Napoli will have the home advantage when they host Atalanta tomorrow.
So we expect a high-voltage match between the two sides, and Napoli should secure all three points in the end.
Betfair Odds
Napoli: 2.10
Draw: 3.57
Atalanta: 3.57
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