Serie A leaders Napoli will welcome the reigning UEFA Europa League holders Atalanta on Sunday.
Serie A leaders SSC Napoli will aim to extend their winning streak to seven matches in all competitions as they host an in-form Atalanta BC at Stadio Maradona on Sunday. This clash between two high-flying teams promises to be an exciting affair, with both sides showcasing impressive form heading into this matchup.
Napoli’s recent form has firmly established them as Scudetto contenders, a notion solidified by their commanding 2-0 victory over AC Milan earlier this week. Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia found the net in the first half, securing a vital win and pulling Napoli 11 points ahead of Milan in the standings. With five consecutive Serie A wins, Napoli are showing the consistency and determination reminiscent of their title-winning form under Luciano Spalletti last season.
Under Antonio Conte, the Partenopei have been virtually unbeatable at home, winning all five of their league matches at Stadio Maradona. Conte, who has ignited a new sense of purpose within the squad, is now on the brink of history. Should he secure a sixth consecutive home win, he would become the first Napoli manager to achieve such a feat from the start of his tenure. While their 100% home record may have been aided by a relatively lenient fixture list, Atalanta will certainly provide a sterner test.
Atalanta have also been on a roll, winning four consecutive league matches and climbing to third place in the table after a 2-0 victory over Monza. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has found its rhythm after a shaky start to the season, with impressive results both in Serie A and Europe. Goals from Lazar Samardzic and Davide Zappacosta, both coming off the bench, demonstrated the depth and versatility of Gasperini’s squad.
La Dea have shown an attacking flair recently, averaging 2.6 goals per game in Serie A. Notably, they hammered Hellas Verona 6-1 in late September and, aside from a frustrating 0-0 draw with Celtic, have been clinical in front of goal.
Their last visit to Naples saw them secure a convincing 3-0 victory over a different-looking Napoli side, and they’ll be keen to repeat that performance. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
SSC Napoli
Conte’s Napoli squad is in excellent shape heading into their clash with Atalanta BC, with only one player unavailable. Midfield maestro Stanislav Lobotka remains sidelined due to a thigh strain, marking the only significant absence for Napoli this weekend. Conte is likely to retain the same starting XI that defeated AC Milan, given the recent form and chemistry displayed by his lineup.
In a probable 4-2-3-1 formation, Napoli are expected to line up with Alex Meret as the goalkeeper. Giovanni Di Lorenzo will occupy the right-back position, providing width and defensive solidity, while Amir Rrahmani and Alessandro Buongiorno form the central defensive partnership. Mathías Olivera is expected to start at left-back, completing the backline.
In the midfield, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa will join Billy Gilmour in a double-pivot role, providing both defensive coverage and transitional play. Scott McTominay is expected to take up a central role in the attacking midfield trio, with Matteo Politano on the right wing and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the left.
This trio will support Romelu Lukaku, who will lead the attack as the lone striker. Lukaku’s recent form, coupled with his ability to both score and assist, makes him a critical asset for Napoli in this matchup.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka; Politano, McTominay, Kvaratskhelia; Lukaku
Atalanta BC
Atalanta will travel to Naples with a few notable absentees due to injuries. Marco Brescianini remains unavailable, joining Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini on the sidelines as long-term injury concerns. Despite these setbacks, Atalanta’s captain, Marten de Roon, is set to make his 281st Serie A appearance, tying the record for most appearances in Serie A for La Dea. He is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Ederson.
In the likely 3-4-2-1 setup, Atalanta are expected to start with Marco Carnesecchi in goal. The back three is likely to consist of Berat Djimsiti on the right, Isak Hien in the central role, and Sead Kolašinac on the left, forming a sturdy defensive trio.
The midfield will feature four players, with Raoul Bellanova occupying the right wing-back position and Matteo Ruggeri on the left. In the centre, Marten de Roon will partner with Ederson, providing stability, defensive coverage, and playmaking abilities from deep.
In the advanced midfield roles, Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman are expected to support the lone striker, Mateo Retegui. Retegui has been in fine form, particularly in away matches, where he has scored four goals in his first five outings this season. His goal-scoring prowess and Italy’s top rank in the Capocannoniere race make him a key figure for Atalanta as they look to challenge Napoli’s defence.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Key Stats
- Out of the last 18 Serie A meetings between Napoli and Atalanta, there has been only one draw (a 2-2 result in October 2019 at Stadio Maradona). Napoli have won 10 of these encounters, while Atalanta have won seven.
- Atalanta won their last away game against Napoli with a 3-0 scoreline in March. However, they have only managed to win back-to-back away games against Napoli once before in Serie A, dating back to 1997 under coach Emiliano Mondonico.
- Since 2022, Napoli have won four of their last five Serie A matches against Atalanta, although they lost the most recent encounter. Atalanta, during this period, have lost more games only against Inter Milan (1 draw, 5 losses).
- Napoli are the only team in Serie A this season with a 100% home record (5 wins in 5 games). They have only twice won their first six home games in a Serie A season, back in 1930/31 and 1987/88.
- Atalanta have won five of their last eight away games in Serie A (1 draw, 2 losses), equaling the number of victories they managed in their previous 18 away league games combined (4 draws, 9 losses).
Player to Watch
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku has been a crucial figure in Napoli’s title charge this season, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess and ability to deliver in high-stakes games. Coming off a brilliant performance where he scored against AC Milan, Lukaku’s impact on Napoli’s frontline has been undeniable. His physicality, combined with his refined finishing and tactical intelligence, makes him a constant threat for any defence.
One of only two players, along with Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, to have both scored and assisted in at least four Serie A goals this season, Lukaku has demonstrated versatility beyond just scoring. His hold-up play allows teammates like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano to make dangerous runs into attacking spaces, creating a dynamic offensive setup for Napoli.
Facing a well-organized Atalanta defence, Lukaku’s ability to find spaces and use his strength in duels will be crucial. His aerial presence and knack for scoring in critical moments give Napoli a considerable advantage, especially with the team’s flawless home record this season. If Lukaku can maintain his form, he could be the key to breaking down Atalanta’s resistance and extending Napoli’s winning streak.
Prediction
SSC Napoli 2-1 Atalanta BC
This matchup pits two in-form teams against each other, with Napoli aiming to protect their perfect home record and Atalanta looking to close the gap at the top of the table. While Napoli have been excellent under Conte and hold the home advantage, Atalanta’s firepower and recent success against top teams could make this a very tight contest. With home support and a balanced attack, Napoli might edge out Atalanta but expect a fiercely competitive match.
