Atalanta vs Sassuolo
Atalanta have a tricky test this weekend as they’ll host Sassuolo at Bergamo for their next Serie A contest.
Although La Dea are expected to be in the top four this season, not everyone predicted that they’ll be sitting at second place in the Italian top-flight table.
The top spot is within their reach since they’re only trailing by two points against leaders Napoli, who also have an important game against Bologna.
Sassuolo, on the other hand, are at ninth with 12 points and they’ll be pushing for a European berth once again this term.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds are backing Atalanta to win, but Sassuolo are certainly no pushovers as shown in their most recent encounters.
Talking Points
Atalanta coping well despite key absences
Atalanta have recorded their best start to a Serie A campaign with 21 points after nine games despite being undermanned, which is a tip of the cap for Gian Piero Gasperini.
Despite the losses of Juan Musso, Duvan Zapata, Jose Luis Palomino, and Berat Djimsiti, Atalanta haven’t skipped a beat because their youngsters are stepping up and embracing the challenge. Furthermore, Hans Hateboer is another key absence for Atalanta this weekend after receiving another booking in their last game.
Caleb Okoli and Giorgio Scalvini have formed a robust back three alongside Merih Demiral, conceding only five league goals for the joint-best defencive record in Italian top-flight.
On the other side of the pitch, Teun Koopmeiners and Ademola Lookman have been thriving at more advanced roles and they’re leading the team in scoring with seven goals and two assists combined.
Veteran Luis Muriel is also coming along as he opened his scoring account this season during their 2-2 draw against Udinese in the last time out. The Colombian centre-forward will aim to score in successive appearances for the first time since April to reach his 100th Serie A goal on Saturday.
If it ain’t broke, then you shouldn’t fix it so Gian Piero Gasperini is likely to maintain the same rotation, although he would prefer to have a healthier squad in the matches to come.
Sassuolo missing their talisman
Domenico Berardi’s return couldn’t come soon enough for I Neroverdi. The 28-year-old winger has been out for the last month because of a muscular injury, but reports suggest that he’ll be back sooner than later.
He was supposed to play against Inter Milan on Saturday, but he was taken off the lineup in the last minute as a precaution. For now, the best case scenario for Sassuolo is that he’ll appear on the bench this weekend.
Alessio Dionisi doesn’t have much options up front as they only have Davide Frattesi and Andrea Pinamonti who can give Atalanta’s backline problems. Frattesi and Pinamonti have five goals total, but neither have notched an assist thus far.
Sassuolo’s Serie A 2022 results so far are okay, but they need to be more consistent if they plan on achieving their main objective this term.
History
Atalanta have been superb at home against Sassuolo as they’ve won each of their last five Serie A games against them while scoring at least two goals (16 total goals). The last time that they couldn’t beat I Neroverdi at home was a 1-1 result back in April 2017.
However, Sassuolo won their last league meeting with Atalanta in April as Hamed Traore notched a brace at home while Luis Muriel prevented a clean sheet during added time. Prior to this victory, I Neroverdi were winless in 15 consecutive matches against La Dea (D5, L10).
Sassuolo believe that they have a chance against their hosts since they’ve secured a clean sheet in their last two Serie A road games. They can go three games without conceding away from home for the first time since December 2020 when they were still coached by current Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Betting Tip
As mentioned, Atalanta are the favoured side in the Serie A 2022 odds since they’re priced at 1.67, while Sassuolo are pegged at 4.80 to win and chances for a draw are at 3.80 in the 1X2 market.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side is likely to take all three points, but the visitors are going to make them earn it. Both clubs have improved their defences, so going for Under 2.75 @ 1.88 is not a bad idea. Given that Atalanta have always taken the initiative in their league games so far this season, another bet worth considering is First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.25 in their favour.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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