Atalanta's defense is rarely discussed, as the club has long been the attacking standard of Italy. Under manager Gian Piero Gasperini, La Dea has developed a strong offensive identity, scoring the most goals in Serie A for three seasons. However, the club’s defensive weaknesses may cost it a chance to win its first title.
Antonio Conte received a coaching award and looked back at his Inter spell: “They were two intense years, which I lived with enthusiasm and passion. I was asked to bring them back to winning ways and they will be a competitive team for years." The gaffer also discussed the Tottenham star.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the Bianconeri’s ranks has left the club reeling in attack, as they currently suffer from lack of consistency up front.
In a weekend that saw the majority of the top sides struggling against supposedly-weaker opposition, the reigning champions emerged as the ultimate winners. After 17 rounds, Inter find themselves in the lead thanks to recent slipups from Milan and Napoli. Therefore, the Nerazzurri will surely feature in our Tops and Flops of Serie A Round 17.
Roma came back to winning ways in the Monday night match of Serie A Round 17 as they disposed of Spezia 2-0 with goals from defenders Chris Smalling and Roger Ibanez. After two domestic losses in a row, José Mourinho's Giallorossi built up on their Conference League win in Sofia to break their negative trend in the Italian top-flight.
Giovanni Simeone is putting together a career year at Verona. He has hit the net 12 times, with no penalty kicks, and has already scored twice as much as in the entire previous season. Sevilla and West Ham are already chasing after more, but the suitors will pile up if he keeps it up.
Federico Bernardeschi has been getting consistent playing time in the past month thanks to some injuries, and he has fared well. The winger was on the chopping block at the beginning of last summer, but he is now rumored to be keen on penning a new contract and staying long-term.
Gianluca Scamacca is poised to stay put in January unless somebody blows Sassuolo away with a massive offer, which is unlikely. Most of the biggest Italian sides are eyeing him. The striker does not have a clear preference, but he wants to have a major role in his next team.
The second Champions League draw was not as favorable as the first one for Juventus and Inter. The Bianconeri will have to combat the team that just knocked out Atalanta, Villarreal. The Nerazzurri will face one of the top contenders, Liverpool.