Serie A’s surprise title contenders Atalanta travel to face newly-promoted Parma on Saturday, looking to extend their impressive winning streak and keep pace at the top of the table. The Bergamo-based club have been in scintillating form, winning their last six league matches to surge into second place, just one point off the summit.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have been simply irresistible in recent weeks, sweeping aside all before them with a potent mix of attacking flair and defensive solidity. Their 2-1 victory over Udinese before the international break was their sixth consecutive Serie A win, moving them to within touching distance of top spot.
The Nerazzurri have been particularly prolific in front of goal, netting 31 times in just 12 league games. The dynamic duo of Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui have been at the forefront of this goalscoring explosion, terrorizing defenses across Italy.
But it’s not just in attack where Atalanta have excelled. Their backline, marshaled by the impressive Swedish center-back Isak Hien, has been equally formidable. La Dea are yet to concede a goal in the Champions League and have kept clean sheets in their last two away Serie A fixtures.
In stark contrast to their high-flying visitors, Parma find themselves embroiled in a relegation scrap upon their return to the top flight. The Gialloblu have struggled to adapt to life back in Serie A, winning just twice all season.
However, there were signs of life before the international break as Fabio Pecchia’s side secured a crucial 2-1 away victory over bottom club Venezia. Goals from Emanuele Valeri and French striker Ange-Yoan Bonny helped Parma come from behind to claim three vital points and some breathing space above the drop zone.
The clash between Parma’s attack-minded wingers Valentin Mihaila and Dennis Man against Atalanta’s marauding wing-backs could be crucial. If the Romanian duo can pin back Atalanta’s wide players, it could disrupt the visitors’ rhythm.
In midfield, the battle between Parma’s industrious pairing of Keita and Estevez against Atalanta’s creative forces Marten de Roon and Ederson will be fascinating. The home side must find a way to disrupt Atalanta’s passing game if they are to have any chance of an upset.
Team News
Atalanta received a boost with news that Giorgio Scalvini could make the bench following his recovery from an ACL injury. However, wing-back Davide Zappacosta is out for three weeks with a thigh problem, while defensive duo Sead Kolasinac and Berat Djimsiti are doubtful.
Parma have several absentees, with Spanish star Adrian Bernabe ruled out until January. Hernani, Lautaro Valenti and long-term absentee Alessandro Circati are also unavailable for selection.
Expected Starting XIs
Parma: Suzuki; Coulibaly, Del Prato, Balogh, Valeri; Keita, Estevez; Man, Sohm, Mihaila; Bonny
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; Samardzic, Lookman; Retegui
Match Prediction
While Parma will be buoyed by their recent victory, the gulf in class between these two sides is likely to tell over the 90 minutes. Atalanta’s attacking prowess should prove too much for the hosts’ leaky defense. Expect an entertaining encounter with goals at both ends, but ultimately a comfortable away win for the title-chasing Bergamaschi.
Prediction: Parma 1-3 Atalanta
