Bologna shouldn’t be too far from their strongest, with first choice goalkeeper Mirante potentially returning after a lengthy spell out, leaving Verdi as the only first choice option unavailable. His absence does decrease creativity, while Taider will be hopeful of a recall after being on the bench due to illness against Palermo last time out. They have competition at fullback and in midfield. Having ended a run of seven without a win last week, they’ll be looking to build on that, with the added motivation of trying to stop an in-form Atalanta. They’ll want to keep it tight and aim to grind out a result, with a low-scoring affair suiting, while having not conceded more than a single goal in any of their last fourteen at home, they’ll be confident of avoiding defeat if they can score.
Atalanta have mixed news going into the game, as they lose centre back Rafael Toloi to suspension and will also be without goalkeeper Berisha due to a knee problem. Sportiello is a good replacement in goal, but is a downgrade on form, while they have Zukanovic to slot in at centre back. Getting Conti and Drame back is a plus and they’re expected to start on the flanks. Gasperini’s side visit Bologna as the form side in Serie A, winning seven of their last eight and each of the last five in a row. They’re enjoying a great spell, playing without fear, and they’ll be keen to keep their superb run going. With clean sheets in their last three on the road and defence the foundation of their success, they’ll aim to keep it tight, but won’t just sit back and defend.
Verdict & Prediction
Atalanta are the form side in Serie A at the moment and will make the trip to Bologna in high spirits having beaten Roma at home last time out. They’ve won seven of their last eight matches, winning the last five on the bounce, so belief is high in their ranks. Gasperini is doing an excellent job with a group of young players and they’re earning a lot of plaudits at this moment in time. They’ll be hungry to keep their good run going and will target another three points, as they continue to do battle in the upper echelons of the Serie A table.
Prediction: Atalanta +0.00 AH (same as Draw no Bet)
Odds: 2.04 Dafabet, 12Bet
