Gewiss Stadium is the venue as Atalanta and Monza go head-to-head in a handsomely-looking encounter on the final Serie A weekend. Although the 2022/23 campaign proved a slight improvement compared to last season, La Dea cannot be proud of their domestic achievements this term.
After an underwhelming eight-place finish in 2021/22, Atalanta will return to European competition next season. However, while they remain in firm control of their fate, the hosts could still end up qualifying for the Europa Conference League unless they pick up points in their final league outing in Bergamo.
Coming into the final round of fixtures, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men sit fifth in the Serie A standings despite an action-packed 3-2 defeat at Inter last time out. Only two points clear of seventh-placed Juventus, Atalanta must bounce back and return to winning ways to secure Europa League qualification to avoid depending on the Bianconeri’s result at Udinese.
Even though top-flight debutants Monza have nothing but pride left to play for, Raffaele Palladino’s side could still have a significant role in the European race. Keen to ensure a top-half finish in their first-ever season in Serie A, the visitors head into this round on the back of a 1-0 home loss to fellow promoted rivals Lecce.
That result left Monza only one point clear of 11th-placed Bologna, meaning a failed attempt to upset the odds at the Gewiss Stadium could result in a bottom-half placement. But Palladino’s lads can draw confidence from going unbeaten in eight consecutive league matches (W5, D3) before shockingly losing to Lecce last time out.
Match Preview
Atalanta
Atalanta won’t take the field in high spirits after suffering three defeats in their last four Serie A games, barring a 3-1 win over relegation-battling Hellas Verona in their most recent home outing. Gasperini’s team failed to get on the scoresheet twice across those three losses, casting further doubt on their bid to complete the season on a high.
However, they seemingly have Monza’s number, having won six of their last seven encounters against the Biancorossi in all competitions (D1), including a clear-cut 2-0 triumph in the reverse fixture at the Brianteo. Since none of their six home league matches since early March have ended level (W4, L2), Atalanta will seek another perfect day in Bergamo.
Player to Watch: Rasmus Hojlund
After just one season at the Gewiss Stadium, Hojlund could be on his way out, with several of Europe’s top clubs vying for his signature. Considering five of his last six goals for Atalanta have come in Bergamo, he’ll be keen to say goodbye to the home fans with a bang.
Monza
Upsetting the odds has been Monza’s thing in their maiden season in Serie A. And after racking up three victories on their last four league travels (D1), including a 1-0 win at Inter, they are seeking another massive scalp in Bergamo. Yet an ominously-looking three-match losing run at Atalanta in all competitions could dampen their morale.
Knowing a piece of history is within their grasp, Monza won’t be fazed much by their misfortunes in Lombardy. Unbeaten in their last six away Serie A games (W3, D3), they could make it seven top-flight travels without losing as a promoted side for the first time since Verona achieved that feat in 2000.
Player to Watch: Matteo Pessina
Pessina is all too familiar with this environment, considering he joined Monza on loan from Atalanta last summer. The Italian midfielder has enjoyed a stellar season at the Brianteo, earning the captain’s armband for his outstanding displays for Palladino’s side.
Team News
Atalanta will finish the season severely crippled by injuries. Hans Hateboer, Jose Luis Palomino, Matteo Ruggeri, and Brandon Soppy are still in the treatment room. La Dea boss Gasperini remains hopeful of having Jeremie Boga and Duvan Zapata back to the fold at the 11th hour.
On the other hand, Monza will take this trip without a single injury doubt, which is impressive, given this is a first Serie A season for many of their players.
Atalanta vs Monza Potential Lineups
Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Marco Sportiello; Rafael Toloi, Berat Djimsiti, Giorgio Scalvini; Davide Zappacosta, Marten de Roon, Teun Koopmeiners, Joakim Maehle; Mario Pasalic; Ademola Lookman, Rasmus Hojlund.
Monza (3-4-2-1): Michele Di Gregorio; Armando Izzo, Pablo Mari, Luca Caldirola; Patrick Ciurria, Matteo Pessina, Nicolo Rovella, Carlos Augusto; Dany Mota, Gianluca Caprari; Andrea Petagna.
Atalanta vs Monza Prediction
In any other circumstances, we’d back Monza to topple the odds, yet Atalanta cannot afford a slip-up. Gasperini’s men have vast experience in high-stake contests, so we expect La Dea to win an all-important three points.
Prediction: Atalanta Win
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