Overview
Atalanta and Napoli are competitors for the Serie A championship this season. However, while Napoli is flying high with 5 consecutive wins, Atalanta is showing signs of running out of steam after being held to a draw in the last 3 rounds.
The poor results have seen Atalanta drop to third place and create a four-point gap with Napoli. In the next match, Atalanta will play at home and they need to take advantage of this to narrow the gap with their opponents on the rankings.
Home ground is a big support for Atalanta this season when they won 7, drew 1 and lost only 1. They scored 26 goals in 9 home matches this season in Serie A. Therefore, although they are not in good form, home ground will be a support for Atalanta to hope for a good result against the top team.
Napoli have suffered a major blow as star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has joined Paris St Germain. Napoli are currently unable to immediately replace the 23-year-old winger.
Kvaratskhelia's departure will greatly affect Napoli's playing style and spirit in the next match. Besides, they also have not had a good record against Atalanta recently.
Napoli were beaten 3-0 by Atalanta at Diego Maradona in the first leg of their season. It was one of the rare occasions Napoli conceded more than one goal this campaign.
With home ground advantage and high determination, Atalanta is expected to win at least 1 point against Napoli.
Human resources situation
In addition to Kolasinac's suspension, Atalanta are also without Scamacca, Cuadrado and Kossounou due to injury. Notably, Zaniolo will be suspended for the next match if he receives another yellow card.
On the other side of the front line, Napoli will have to find a way to fill the void left by Kvaratskhelia. Meanwhile, defender Buongiorno is also unable to return due to injury.
Expected lineup:
Atalanta: Carnesecchi, Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti, Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri, De Ketelaere, Lookman, Retegui.
Napoli: Meret, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Olivera, Anguissa, Lobotka, Politano, McTominay, Neres, Lukaku.
The match between Atalanta and Napoli takes place at 2:45 a.m. on January 19 (Vietnam time).
