Serie A returns to action after the international break as Napoli and Atalanta go head-to-head in Saturday’s top-seven six-pointer at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Both sides have set their sights on a coveted Champions League finish and can’t afford a slip-up in this match-up.
Despite one of the worst title-defending campaigns in Serie A history, Napoli are still in contention for a top-five finish. Since the Italians will likely get an additional spot under the new Champions League format, Francesco Calzona’s men commence Gameweek 30 only six points adrift of their goal.
Napoli headed into March’s two-week hiatus in high spirits after Juan Jesus’ late header inspired them to a 1-1 draw against runaway leaders Inter. Though back-to-back stalemates might not be the best warm-up for this high-stakes duel, Partenopei can draw confidence from avoiding defeat in their last six league outings (W2, D4).
On the other hand, the international window came at an opportune moment for Atalanta, even though they claimed a 2-1 home win against Sporting CP to advance into the Europa League quarter-finals. Gian Piero Gasperini’s troops have underperformed in Serie A since demolishing Sassuolo 3-0 in mid-February.
They have since won just two points across four league matches (D2, L2). But it’s worth noting that their last top-flight fixture yielded a commendable 2-2 draw at Juventus, keeping Atalanta only four points below fifth-placed Roma at the start of this round.
Match Preview
Napoli
After losing four of their opening seven home league games this season, Napoli have turned the Maradona Stadium into a fortress again, going unbeaten in their last seven such contests (W4, D3). However, if there’s a side capable of halting the reigning champions’ home resurrection, it’s Atalanta.
Calzona’s charges have picked up just two victories in their last seven encounters against La Dea in Naples (D2, L3) despite scoring almost at will lately. Napoli have netted at least two goals in four of the five most recent meetings with Atalanta they hosted, including a 2-0 triumph in this corresponding fixture last season.
Home and away, they’ve scored multiple goals in their last seven Serie A clashes against this opposition. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Elif Elmas were on the scoresheet as Napoli conquered Bergamo in November, running out 2-1 victors.
Atalanta
Atalanta will be eager to settle the account this weekend after seeing their match against Fiorentina postponed due to La Viola CEO’s hospitalization hours before the kick-off. The abovementioned win against Sporting ended La Dea’s dismal six-game winless streak (D3, L2). But it also marked their sixth consecutive failed attempt to keep a clean sheet.
Defensive frailties don’t bode well for Atalanta’s bid to halt a three-game winless away league stretch (D2, L1). In their defense, they were up against top-four opposition on each occasion. But their disappointing performances against better opponents have seen them fail to win any of their eight away games against the sides ranked 11th or higher (D3, L5).
Gasperini’s’ best hope of defying that dreadful record could be Ademola Lookman, who has found the net in two of his last two appearances against Napoli.
Team News
Napoli suffered a significant fitness blow during the international break. Although Georgia squeaked past Greece on penalties in the qualifying playoff final to secure their first-ever appearance at the European Championships, Kvaratskhelia sustained a muscle injury. But he’s the only unavailable player in the home camp.
As for Atalanta, Charles De Ketelaere remains the only high-profile absentee. However, with Teun Koopmeiners firing on all cylinders, Gasperini will not lose much sleep over the Belgian’s injury, especially as he can call upon Gianluca Scamacca.
Napoli vs Atalanta Potential Lineups
Napoli (4-3-3): Alex Meret; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Mario Rui; Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka, Hamed Traore; Matteo Politano, Victor Osimhen, Giacomo Raspadori.
Atalanta (3-4-3): Marco Carnesecchi; Giorgio Scalvini, Berat Djimsiti, Sead Kolasinac; Emil Holm, Teun Koopmeiners, Marten de Roon, Matteo Ruggeri; Aleksey Miranchuk, Ademola Lookman; Gianluca Scamacca.
Napoli vs Atalanta Prediction
Given the stakes, a low-scoring contest could be in store, regardless of traditionally goal-glutted meetings between these sides. Napoli’s propensity for sharing the spoils under Calzona is a potentially ominous sign for the home faithful, considering another draw could significantly derail Partenopei’s chances of closing the gap on Roma.
Nonetheless, we believe this fixture will end all square for the first time since 2019.
Prediction: Draw
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