Atalanta claimed a 1-0 win away at struggling Cagliari last weekend and have had a full week to prepare for the game against Napoli. The visitors failed to build upon that excellent win over Juventus in midweek, as Napoli went down 2-0 in the away leg of their Europa League tie against Granada.
These two teams are neck and neck in Serie A right now with each sporting 40pts. However, Napoli have a game in hand on Atlanta making it even more important for the hosts to win on Sunday.
Atalanta beat Napoli when the pair last locked horns earlier this month in the Coppa Italia, with the scoreline ending 3-1 on that occasion.
Both teams have scored and over 2.5 goals have been produced in five of the last seven meetings between these two clubs, which suggests that we could have a few more goals on our hands this weekend.
The hosts have picked up three wins, two draws and one defeat from their last six matches and head into Sunday’s clash as the clear form favourites. Despite beating Juventus in their last league game, Napoli have only won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six outings in all competitions.
Both teams have scored and over 2.5 goals were produced in four of Atalanta’s last six matches as well as in two of Napoli’s last three away trips, adding further weight to the expectation of goals in this weekend’s game.
Hans Hateboer is set to be out injured until early March but that is the only injury concern Atalanta have ahead of their game against Napoli.
The visitors could be without the services of Andrea Petagn, Hirving Lozano, David Ospina, Diego Demme, Elseid Hysaj, Konstantinos Manolas and Dries Mertens this weekend, all of whom are suffering with injuries.
Everything points towards their being goals in this game for both clubs. However, with the home advantage and extra time to prepare for this game, Atlanta are the most likely winners. In terms of a final scoreline, our money is going on a 3-1 home win.