Box office Serie A on Saturday evening
Atalanta welcome Napoli to Bergamo in a top of the table clash in Serie A on Saturday evening.
La Dea have the advantage of not competing in European football this season in terms of their domestic efforts and Gli Azzurri are at a disadvantage in recovering from their 2-0 defeat in Liverpool on Tuesday evening.
Atalanta have made an excellent start to the season, not to the same extent as Napoli, but there was a feeling that they had reached the end of a cycle in finishing eighth last term and that it could be the time for Gian Piero Gasperini to move on from the club.
The 64-year-old is having none of it and will still be believing that they can compete for the Scudetto, and a positive result on Saturday would be a huge step towards that.
Process
Gli Azzurri’s underlying numbers back up their league position and it is no surprise to see them at an odds on price to win the league outright.
That said, the depth in their squad is not on the level of the Milan clubs and that could bring a closer title race into play as the season progresses.
La Dea are slightly overperforming in their defensive third and with the potency of Napoli’s attacking contingent this season, it is hard to persuade anyone away from backing a goals-based angle.
Atalanta have conceded eight goals from 12 matches, a great start for their rearguard, from chances equating to 11.3 expected goals (xG) against, still a healthy process, at an average of 0.94 xGA.
They are in a great position to regain a position inside the top four and qualify for the Champions League this season, and they have the ability to benefit from Napoli’s busy schedule.
Napoli are posting 2.3 xGF per game in Serie A so far, and Luciano Spalletti will be aware of the commanding gap that they can open up in victory in Bergamo.
Goals?
Goals stands out here at a backable price, La Dea have been impressive at the back, but both sides should rise to the challenge, both managers suit an attacking style of play.
Atalanta have scored in nine of ten.
Atalanta have conceded in five of ten.
Atalanta have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Atalanta have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
Napoli have scored in nine of ten.
Napoli have conceded in seven of ten.
Napoli have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Napoli have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-1 Napoli, a huge away win for Gli Azzurri.