Forza La Dea
Salernitana have had a baptism of fire in Serie A, losing their first three matches to a goal differential of -9. Atalanta have won one, drawn one and lost one from their opening trio and will be looking to bounce back and make it back to back away wins on Saturday. La Dea have caught the imagination of European football in the last three seasons, finishing comfortably inside the top four with very little expenditure in the transfer market. Proving that with smart recruitment and an established philosophy, brought in the form of Gian Piero Gasperini, you do not have to break the bank to compete on Europe’s biggest stages.
They were even a little unlucky to fall to Real Madrid, having made the Champions League knockout stages for the second successive season. Life after Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez continues this season but Gasperini will be confident they can compete at the top end once again.
Background
Yes they have Simy and yes they have Franck Ribery. But Salernitana’s numbers so far this season have been that of a side that will struggle to compete against relegation this term. Atalanta will be buoyed by the additions of Teun Koopmeiners, Davide Zappacosta and Merih Demiral this summer, starting to look every bit a Champions League club and should be confident of getting a comfortable win on their travels this weekend.
La Dea are a very short price to win this match in 90 minutes so in looking to find value I am utilising the Asian Handicap. Where I was surprised to find Atalanta just under even money to win by two or more goals, or -1.5, after their defeat to Fiorentina they will be determined to taste victory here.
It has been a tricky opening trio for the visitors taking a 2-1 win over Torino in their season opener, before a goalless draw with Bologna preceded their first loss.
Confidence will be lacking in the hosts’ camp with very concerning back to back 4-0 losses against Roma and Torino having them seemingly staring down the barrel after just three matches. Atalanta will not be any easier, this one feels like a banker away win.
Salernitana are right up against it and a hungry Atalanta side should win comfortably.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
1-0 Atalanta, our only loss of the week.