Verdict: Napoli win
Best Odds: 5/4
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Seeking a much-welcomed boost when they return from November’s international break on Saturday night, Napoli will welcome Atalanta to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Napoli
Starting with the hosts, while Napoli might still be dreaming of the chance to defend their Serie A crown this season, Antonio Conte’s men entered November’s international break in the midst of a worrying rut. Last seen putting in another toothless performance as they slumped to a deserved 2-0 loss away at Bologna, the former Chelsea boss is calling on his squad to claim an essential boost here. However, getting November underway with consecutive 0-0 stalemates against Como and German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt, Napoli have won just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Looking to dust themselves down on Saturday night, Napoli are searching for some fluidity in the final third. Drawing three straight blanks this month, Conte’s side have also recorded just a single strike in almost 300 minutes of action.
Napoli Team News
Dealing with a thigh injury prior to November’s international break, there are concerns that former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne might miss the remainder of the calendar year. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance so far this season, Romelu Lukaku remains on the sidelines and will not feature on Saturday night.
While Scotland international Billy Gilmour might have been forced to miss out this month after dealing with a recent groin issue, the ex-Chelsea starlet could return to Conte’s squad here. Notching a pair of Serie A strikes since completing a season-long loan switch from Manchester United, Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line.
Atalanta
As for the visitors, while new boss Raffaele Palladino might have only arrived in Bergamo less than a fortnight ago, the former Fiorentina manager will be aware that he has a real job on his hands. Last seen heading into November’s international break with a woeful 3-0 drumming at home against Sassuolo, La Dea have rightfully come under serious scrutiny. Despite registering seven points from their previous three Champions League appearances, Saturday’s guests find themselves at the heart of a domestic nightmare. Getting November underway with a 1-0 defeat away at Udinese, Atalanta are scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the Serie A standings. Failing to muster a single top-flight win since back on September 21st, Palldino’s new squad look set for another stern challenge here.
Atalanta Team News
Yet to make a single appearance so far this season, Dutch defender Mitchel Bakker remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury. However, aside from the former PGS star, Atalanta have reported a clean bill of health ahead of their trip to Naples.
Eventually staying put in Bergamo following intense summer interest, Nigerian international Ademola Lookman will play a leading role in the final third. Former AC Milan playmaker Charles De Ketelaere could make a first Serie A start since October 28th.
Napoli vs Atalanta Key Factors to Consider
- When Napoli and Atalanta last met back in January, Saturday’s hosts collected a 2-0 victory in Bergamo.
- The reigning Italian champions have won just a pair of their previous seven matchups across all competitions.,
- Napoli have failed to find the net in any of their last three appearances.
- Atalanta have failed to win any of their previous seven consecutive Serie A appearances.
- Each of Napoli’s last four appearances have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Heading into November’s international break in the midst of a worrying rut, Napoli will know the importance of dusting themselves down. Marking their return on Saturday night sat just two points adrift of reclaiming their spot at the top of the Serie A table, Conte’s men should be smelling a potential opportunity here. Despite their issues in the final third, Napoli will meet an Atalanta squad who are enduring a public Serie A nightmare. With La Dea scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the standings and failing to win any of their previous seven consecutive domestic appearances, we are backing a home win at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Verdict: Napoli win
Best Odds: 5/4
Bookmaker: Olympusbet