Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan go into the weekend atop Serie A thanks to goal difference. If the Nerazzurri want to stay in first place in Serie A, they must win against Atalanta to stay ahead of Juventus.
Inter Milan’s recent results against Atalanta have not been good. The Nerazzurri are winless in three straight games against Atalanta. Will that change at the San Siro on Saturday night?
Atalanta are fifth in Serie A, winners of their last two games in the league. La Dea haven’t been as strong as last term but find themselves just one point off of the top four. A win and Roma loss, would propel Atalanta into the Champions League qualification places.
Defeating Inter Milan is easier said than done. Conte’s team has lost just once this season. That defeat occurred at San Siro against Juventus with Inter Milan falling 2-1. Since that defeat, Inter Milan are unbeaten in five straight matches at home.
Atalanta have taken 18 points from a potential 27 on their travels this term. Their last six away games have seen just two end in victory while three finished as draws. Atalanta’s most recent away fixture against Bologna ended in a 2-1 loss.
#FridayFeeling 😃 🔜 #InterAtalanta 👀#GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/u19PIi0HY3— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) January 10, 2020
#FridayFeeling 😃 🔜 #InterAtalanta 👀#GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/u19PIi0HY3
Gian Piero Gasperini welcomed back Atalanta’s top striker Duvan Zapata last weekend. The Colombian had a complicated thigh injury but was able to come off the bench against Parma. He could start at the San Siro.
Inter Milan are coming off of a big away win versus Napoli last Monday night, 3-1. Romelu Lukaku scored twice to continue his hot run of form. How bad would Manchester United like to have him back? Lukaku has 14 goals in 18 matches.
Conte will have Alexis Sanchez available for selection on Saturday. The Chilean has recovered from a dreadful knee injury and was on the bench against Napoli. Danilo D’Ambrosio is unlikely to play due to a hamstring injury. He missed Inter Milan’s game on Monday night.
Nicolo Barella has also recovered from a serious knee issue and came off the bench against Napoli. There could be a place on Conte’s bench for Kwadwo Asamoah as he recovers from a knee injury.
These teams have not played this season. Both are in-form and Saturday’s game will be very close. Inter Milan have far more attacking weapons that Atalanta and it are those weapons that should see the Nerazzurri win at home.
The two teams should both score and combine for over 2.5 goals. Lukaku could be the difference for Inter Milan and is likely to get on the scoresheet.