Spezia vs Atalanta

Atalanta’s bid to turn their fortunes around following an abysmal end of 2022 takes them to the Stadio Alberto Picco to meet bottom-half Spezia in their opening 2023 Serie A fixture.

Following a dreadful three-match losing Serie A streak, Spezia looked on course to turn a corner by putting together consecutive league matches without losing (W1, D1) before the World Cup break hindered their momentum. Stuck only six points clear of the relegation zone, ‘I Aquilotti’ will hope to pick up where they left off in November and perhaps halt an underwhelming run of three consecutive Serie A defeats at the hands of Atalanta by an aggregate score of 11-4. However, it’s worth noting that Luca Gotti’s men have suffered seven losses in their last eight Serie A encounters against sides to start a matchday ahead of them in the standings (D1).

Meanwhile, an action-packed 3-2 home defeat to Inter Milan on the cusp of the mid-season hiatus made it three Serie A losses in a row for a downtrodden Atalanta. Despite losing four of their last five league matches (W), ‘La Dea’ are still relevant in the top-four race, with fourth-placed Lazio only three points away. Playing on the road in their first Serie A outing in 2023 may be helpful, as before losing 2-1 at Lecce on their last top-flight travel, Atalanta had gone unbeaten in their first six away league fixtures this season (W5, D1). Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have been impressive at the back outside Bergamo in 2022/23, conceding a league joint-low four away goals in Serie A thus far.