Atalanta will welcome Napoli in what should be a six-pointer for the Serie A title.
As two of Serie A’s finest collide at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday night, Atalanta BC will host SSC Napoli in a fixture loaded with Scudetto implications. Both teams are vying for supremacy at the top of the league table, with Napoli leading the pack and Atalanta just a few points behind in third place.
Atalanta come into this clash after a 1-1 home draw against Juventus earlier this week in a game that highlighted their resilience. Mateo Retegui’s return from injury saw him find the net to cancel out Juventus’s opener, extending La Dea’s unbeaten streak in Serie A to 15 matches. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, however, will be slightly concerned about their recent inability to secure maximum points, having drawn their last three league games.
Atalanta’s attacking potency remains undeniable, particularly at home. The Bergamaschi have scored in each of their last 25 home games in Serie A, averaging 2.5 goals per match during this streak. With players like Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and Mateo Retegui leading their attack, Atalanta will aim to replicate their emphatic 3-0 victory over Napoli earlier this season.
Meanwhile, Napoli are soaring under Antonio Conte, having won their last three league games without conceding a goal. Last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Hellas Verona further solidified their position at the top of the table, as Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa found the back of the net. The Partenopei’s exceptional defensive organisation has been a hallmark of their season, with the team recording 12 clean sheets — the most across Europe’s top five leagues.
Romelu Lukaku has been Napoli’s talisman this season, netting eight goals in his last seven Serie A appearances. and once again be the visitors’ focal point in an attack that has been equally impressive as their defence.
With seven wins in nine away games this season, Napoli’s form on the road provides further confidence heading into this critical fixture. The Belgian will now have a bigger role to play given Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s departure, leaving behind a huge void in the Napoli frontline.
Historically, Napoli have enjoyed success in Bergamo, winning their last three Serie A matches at the Gewiss Stadium. However, Atalanta will be buoyed by their comprehensive win in Naples earlier this campaign, and the stakes are now higher than ever in the race for the Scudetto. 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
Atalanta BC
Atalanta are likely to have Juan Cuadrado available for selection after his recent layoff, which would be a boost for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. However, the hosts will be without the suspended Sead Kolasinac and long-term absentee Gianluca Scamacca, while Odilon Kossounou, who recently suffered an injury, is expected to be sidelined for up to four months.
These absences leave gaps in Atalanta’s defensive lineup, but the squad has sufficient depth to adapt. Gasperini may opt to ease Mateo Retegui back into action following his midweek return, though the forward’s immediate impact — scoring his 13th league goal of the season — makes him a strong candidate for inclusion.
With Retegui leading the Capocannoniere race, his contributions will be pivotal if he features. Nonetheless, the manager could prefer Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman to start in the attack.
In terms of formation, Atalanta are set to deploy a 3-4-1-2 system. Marco Carnesecchi is expected to start between the posts, with a defensive trio comprising Giorgio Scalvini, Isak Hien, and Berat Djimsiti providing cover. On the flanks, Raoul Bellanova and Matteo Ruggeri are anticipated to operate as wing-backs, tasked with supporting both the defence and attack.
The midfield duo of Marten de Roon and Ederson will aim to dictate the tempo and provide stability in the middle of the park. Mario Pasalic is likely to take up the advanced midfield role, offering creativity behind the attacking duo of Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere, who will look to exploit Napoli’s defensive line with their pace and movement.
Probable Lineup (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Pasalic; Lookman, De Ketelaere
SSC Napoli
Napoli will be without star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who completed a high-profile mid-season move to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week. This is a significant blow for Antonio Conte’s side, but they can take solace in the recent form of David Neres, who has excelled this season. Neres is expected to continue supporting Romelu Lukaku, the club’s top scorer, who has been in scintillating form.
Lukaku has contributed one goal and three assists in his last two outings, including setting up both goals in the victory over Hellas Verona. On the defensive front, commanding centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno remains sidelined due to injury, meaning Juan Jesus will continue to deputise in the heart of the defence. Mathias Olivera is set to return to the starting lineup at left-back, providing Conte with additional options at the back.
In terms of formation, Napoli are likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 system. Alex Meret will guard the goal, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, and Mathias Olivera forming the back four. In midfield, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka will take up the holding roles, ensuring stability and control.
The attacking midfield trio will feature Matteo Politano on the right, Scott McTominay in the central playmaker role, and David Neres on the left, providing creativity and support to the lone striker, Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku’s physicality and form will be pivotal as Napoli aim to continue their impressive run.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka; Politano, McTominay, Neres; Lukaku
Key Stats
- Atalanta have won their last two Serie A matches against Napoli, both by a 3-0 scoreline. They last achieved three consecutive league victories over Napoli between April 1997 and February 1998, all with 1-0 results.
- Atalanta have lost their last three home Serie A games against Napoli. This is their longest ongoing home losing streak against a single opponent in the competition. They last lost four or more home games in a row against Juventus between 2005 and 2006, before Gian Piero Gasperini’s era.
- Atalanta are unbeaten in their last 15 Serie A matches (W11 D4). However, they have drawn their last three games. The only longer unbeaten streak in their history was between January and July 2020 (17 games – W13 D4). They have not drawn four consecutive matches since May 2015.
- Atalanta have scored in all of their last 25 Serie A home games, accumulating 63 goals in that period (an average of 2.5 goals per match). This is already a record for the club in the competition.
- Napoli have won their last five Serie A matches, all while keeping clean sheets. Under Antonio Conte, the Partenopei have never conceded two or more goals in a row and are on the verge of achieving six consecutive league wins.
Player to Watch
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku has been the focal point of Napoli’s attack this season and continues to deliver when it matters most. The Belgian striker heads into this high-stakes clash against Atalanta in excellent form, having contributed one goal and three assists in his last two league outings. His ability to not only score but also create opportunities for his teammates makes him a complete attacking threat.
Lukaku’s physical presence, intelligent movement, and lethal finishing will be critical as Napoli aim to break down Atalanta’s well-organised defence. In the post Khvicha Kvaratskhelia era, Lukaku will be expected to shoulder even more of the offensive burden, linking up with David Neres and Matteo Politano to exploit Atalanta’s defensive gaps.
With a proven track record in big matches and an eye for goal, Lukaku is undoubtedly the player to watch in this marquee Serie A showdown. If he can maintain his recent form, he could be the decisive factor in Napoli’s quest to strengthen their position at the top of the table.
Prediction
Atalanta BC 1-2 SSC Napoli
This promises to be a fiercely contested clash between two title challengers. Atalanta’s attacking strength at home will test Napoli’s rock-solid defence, while Napoli’s clinical counterattacking, led by Romelu Lukaku, could expose Atalanta’s backline.
Expect a high-energy game filled with chances on both ends. However, Napoli’s defensive organisation and superior form may edge them past their rivals in a narrow victory. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 victory for Antonio Conte and his charges.
