Atalanta vs Napoli 04/12/18

04 December 2018

Monday’s Serie A kick-off at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia will see Atalanta trying to bounce back from a 3-2 loss to Empoli, as they prepare to take on Napoli.

After a disastrous performance in their opening eight league outings, the Goddess have raised their game in the following period, securing four consecutive Serie A triumphs, including the one against Inter Milan in Bergamo. Although they have lost two out of six home matches this campaign, the Black and Blues have conceded just three goals in front of the local fans so far, while they have bagged 11 goals in the process. Only two teams in the Italian top flight have scored more goals than Atalanta (25), including their next opponents Napoli. However, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have already conceded 17 goals in 13 Serie A games this term, keeping a clean sheet just three times in the run.

On the other hand, the visitors have once against showed they are the only team that can challenge Juventus for the title. Sitting second in the table with a record of nine wins, two draws, and two losses, the Partenopei currently trail the Bianconeri by eight points, and they have to secure all three points to up the pace with the leaders. Although they are unbeaten in their last six Serie A matches, Carlo Ancelotti’s players have played out two draws during that period, including a frustrating one with Chievo Verona at home last time out. Additionally, both of Napoli’s two failures took place away from the Stadio San Paolo, with Juventus and Sampdoria sweeping Gli Azzurri aside by scoring three goals apiece. However, the last season’s runners-up have clinched two successive victories on the road, defeating Genoa and Udinese in the run.

Provisional line-up – Atalanta:

Gk: Berisha Defense: Djimsiti – Masiello – Mancini – Hateboer – Freuler Midfield: De Roon – Gosens Attack: Papu Gomez – Rigoni – Duvan Zapata

Provisional line-up – Napoli:

Gk: Karnezis Defense: Raul Albiol – Koulibaly – Hysaj – Malcuit Midfield: Diawara – Zielinski – Ounas Attack: Mertens – Callejon – Insigne