Prediction: Atalanta vs Monza

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what could prove to be an action-packed affair from the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday night, Atalanta will welcome Monza to Bergamo.

Atalanta

Starting with the hosts, making an immediate return to losing ways last weekend after another worrying display, Atalanta have drastically failed to find much stability over the final few weeks. Eventually getting hit with a lively 3-2 defeat away at Inter Milan, La Dea have now lost three of their last four Serie A appearances. With it looking like their 3-1 win against Verona on May 20th might have just been a minor blip, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side know that they have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. Opening up their final domestic showdown on Sunday night holding a two-point buffer from slipping out of the top-six, Atalanta have continued to show some extended defensive issues. Including a 2-0 defeat when they welcomed a struggling Juventus to Bergamo on May 7th, it should be highlighted that Gasperini’s men have remarkably failed to record a single clean sheet from any of their last 12 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to the start of March.

Team News

Dealing with what has been a mounting injury list, Atalanta will once again be without the likes of Lukas Vorlicky, Jeremie Boga, Hans Hateboer, Matteo Ruggeri and Jose Luis Palomino. Likewise, La Dea are still sweating over the fitness of Duvan Zapata due to a recent calf issue.

While Rasmus Hojlund might have recorded just a single strike from his previous eight domestic appearances, the 20-year-old sensation should once again spearhead Gasperini’s attack here. Former Leicester star Ademola Lookman could be handed a full recall.

Monza

As for the visitors, although Monza might have watched their unbeaten run come to an abrupt end last weekend, the Biancorossi have continued to impress since making their Serie A return this season. Despite being last seen getting hit with a shock 1-0 loss at home against Leece, Raffaele Palladino’s men still find themselves sat in pole position to claim what would be a stellar top-half finish. Unbeaten in each of their other eight domestic appearances – a run that stems all the way back to April 2nd – the Reds have also picked up some heavyweight scalps. Producing a remarkable display as they clinched a deserved 2-0 victory against newly-crowned Serie A champions Napoli last month, Monza have also claimed wins against the likes of Fiorentina and Inter Milan on their rampant run. Likewise, suffering just a single top-flight defeat away from the Stadio Brianteo since back on January 19th, Palladino’s side could be smelling the chance to spring another upset here.

Team News

In what could be a welcomed boost for Monza on Sunday night, defender Luca Caldirola should make a full return after serving a one-match suspension last weekend. However, the Biancorossi have reported a clean bill of health ahead of their trip to Bergamo here.

Although Gambian international Assan Ceesay might have recorded just a single goal in any of his previous seven domestic appearances, the 29-year-old should once again spearhead Monza’s attack this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse Serie A meeting on September 5th, Atalanta picked up a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Brianteo.
• However, including a 3-2 loss away at AC Milan last weekend, La Dea have lost three of their last four Serie A appearances.
• Likewise, Sunday’s hosts have remarkably failed to record a single clean sheet from any of their last 12 straight appearances across all competitions.
• Monza have not suffered a single Serie A defeat on their travels since the middle of January.
• The Biancorossi have seen four of their previous six top-flight away fixtures finish with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Although Atalanta might find themselves sat in pole position to book a lucrative top-six finish this weekend, La Dea are in the midst of a recent wobble. Last seen getting hit with an action-packed 3-2 defeat away at AC Milan and now losing three of their previous four Serie A appearances, Sunday’s hosts have also gained a real reputation for their struggles at the back. Remarkably failing to muster a single top-flight clean sheet from any of their last 12 straight attempts, chances could come thick and fast here. Meeting a Monza squad who have not suffered a single defeat away from the Stadio Brianteo since the middle of January, neutrals could be treated to a lively showdown here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet