This Sunday, Serie A leaders Napoli will welcome Atalanta BC to Stadio Maradona for a crucial lunchtime showdown.
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Riding a wave of six consecutive wins in all competitions, Napoli solidified their position at the top of the table with a clinical 2-0 victory over AC Milan on Tuesday. This result not only reinforced their title credentials but also showcased Antonio Conte’s impact since taking charge.
Match Preview
Conte’s revamped Napoli, featuring star players like Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, has stormed to an 11-point lead over Milan, with Conte openly acknowledging their readiness to challenge for the Scudetto. The win marked Napoli’s fifth consecutive Serie A triumph, their best streak since early 2023 under Luciano Spalletti.
Conte’s side is noted for its remarkable home form, boasting a flawless record at Stadio Maradona, where they have secured victory in every match under the new coach. This weekend, however, presents a formidable test as Atalanta comes to town on a hot streak of their own.
Atalanta’s Form and Resilience
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta, having shaken off early-season inconsistencies, now find themselves in third place after a series of emphatic performances. Their recent 2-0 triumph over Monza, highlighted by impactful contributions from substitutes Lazar Samardzic and Davide Zappacosta, showcased their depth and versatility. This followed a dominant 6-1 victory against Hellas Verona, signaling their attacking prowess.
Though Atalanta stumbled with a 0-0 draw against Celtic, their domestic goal-scoring average remains at an impressive 2.6 goals per game. With the European campaign continuing in Stuttgart midweek, Gasperini’s squad is bracing for back-to-back challenges that could define their season.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Napoli are expected to field an unchanged lineup, with only Stanislav Lobotka sidelined due to a thigh injury. Conte’s midfield will likely feature Billy Gilmour, Frank Anguissa, and Scott McTominay, forming a robust support for the attacking trio of Politano, Kvaratskhelia, and Lukaku. Lukaku has been a standout, contributing to eight goals this season and matching Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman for combined goals and assists.
Atalanta face the absence of Marco Brescianini, with long-term injuries keeping Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini out. Veteran captain Marten de Roon is set to make his 281st Serie A appearance, equaling a club record, and will anchor the midfield alongside Ederson. Up front, Mateo Retegui, Serie A’s leading scorer with four goals in five away appearances, poses a serious threat to Napoli’s defense.
Napoli possible starting lineup: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, McTominay; Politano, Kvaratskhelia; Lukaku Atalanta possible starting lineup: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Match Outlook
Napoli’s form, particularly defensively with seven clean sheets in their last eight games and an 18-1 aggregate scoreline, puts them in a strong position. Yet Atalanta, boosted by their recent success, will push for a breakthrough. Gasperini’s side would be content with a draw – a rare outcome in recent encounters between these two clubs.
Can Napoli continue their flawless run, or will Atalanta’s firepower disrupt their momentum? This clash promises to be a defining moment in the Serie A title race.
