The stakes are high for both teams, as Atalanta prepare to face Udinese in a crucial Serie A clash on Sunday. La Dea, buoyed by an impressive run of form, will look to extend their winning streak and solidify their position near the top of the table.
Atalanta have been in remarkable form, securing four victories in just two weeks. Their recent triumph over Serie A leaders Napoli, where they clinched a convincing 3-0 victory at Stadio Maradona, has significantly boosted their confidence. Following that, they continued their success in the UEFA Champions League with a win against Stuttgart, where substitute Nicolo Zaniolo sealed the match late on. This victory not only brought them closer to advancing in the Champions League but also kept them within striking distance of Napoli in the league standings.
Currently, the Bergamasci sit just two points behind Napoli with a total of 29 goals scored this season—18 of which have come since October. Key players such as Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui have been instrumental in their attacking prowess. Lookman, who netted twice against Napoli, has been directly involved in seven goals during this period. The team has also demonstrated defensive solidity, maintaining clean sheets in their last two league matches and remaining unbeaten in the Champions League.
Atalanta’s dominance over Udinese is evident in their historical encounters; they have not lost to the Bianconeri in their last 13 meetings. The last time Udinese secured a victory at Gewiss Stadium was back in October 2017. Moreover, Udinese’s struggles on the road have been pronounced, with only one win in their last 16 visits to Bergamo.
Under the guidance of coach Kosta Runjaic, the club have had a mixed season thus far. After a promising start, they have faltered recently, losing three consecutive away matches against Roma, AC Milan, and Venezia. Their latest defeat came at home against Juventus, which saw them slip back into mid-table after a strong beginning to the campaign.
Despite these challenges, Udinese remain six points behind Atalanta and will be eager to turn their fortunes around. They will rely heavily on striker Lorenzo Lucca, who has been pivotal for them over the past year with direct involvement in 16 league goals since last season.
Team News
Coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces some injury concerns as defender Sead Kolasinac is ruled out due to a thigh strain. He joins long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini on the sidelines. However, Gasperini is expected to field a strong lineup with players like Charles De Ketelaere returning after being rested midweek.
Udinese welcome back Isaak Toure from suspension but continues to deal with injuries affecting key players like Alexis Sanchez. The team will look to regain some consistency as they aim to challenge Atalanta.
Expected Starting XIs
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Udinese: Okoye; Giannetti, Bijol, Toure; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Kamara; Thauvin, Lucca
Match Prediction
Given Atalanta’s current form and historical advantage over Udinese, predictions lean heavily towards a home victory for La Dea. While Udinese may pose some threats offensively, Atalanta’s potent attack and recent defensive improvements suggest they will likely secure all three points.
Prediction: Atalanta BC 2 – 0 Udinese
