Sassuolo vs Atalanta
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 6th November 2016
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Citta del Tricolore (Reggio Emilia).
Are Atalanta going to be this season’s Sassuolo? The Bergamo club are the surprise package in Serie A, they’re up to sixth in the table after a strong run of form. That’s exactly where Sassuolo finished last season. No one is backing the Nerazzurri to stay there, which is exactly the treatment last season’s shock side had on their way to securing a place in the Europa League.
A surprise sixth place finish may be small potatoes post-Leicester, but Sassuolo’s achievements last season were remarkable. That’s what Atalanta are looking to replicate, but is it possible? Form suggests that it is, and quite a few of the bigger sides are faltering in the early stages. The same can’t be said for the Nerazzurri, they’ve gone six games without defeat, winning four of their last five in Serie A. That’s the kind of form which gets you into Europe.
Atalanta have managed to keep four clean sheets in their last five, while they’re now averaging 1.45 goals a game. They’re doing enough to keep themselves within reach of the top five, and some of their results have been impressive. They’ve beaten Napoli and Inter Milan, while they drew away to Fiorentina. They don’t have the resources of a top six side, but they do have that kind of record this season. The question is, can they sustain it?
Sassuolo show that it’s impossible to sustain that kind of rise. Eventually, something will have to give. The hosts are currently paying the price of their success. They made Europe on a shoe-string budget, but now they’re left short. They don’t have the squad to cope with balancing Serie A and the Europa League. They’ve failed to win in five, and they drew 2-2 at home to Rapid Wien on Thursday.
There’s still no sign of Sassuolo’s stars returning from injury, which also hasn’t helped matters. The players they do have are looking jaded, because they’re being pushed further than they’ve gone before. They’ve played 19 games already this season, compared to the away side’s 11. While that’s something that Atalanta need to fear if they finish sixth, it’s also something they can use to their advantage. Sassuolo’s slump gives them a great chance to claim three points, and continue their push for Europe.
The pre-match odds above show how close this game is. However, the away side look a little overpriced at 2/1. We aren’t backing them on the outright market, instead we’re going with Atalanta draw no bet at evens with bet365. Given Sassuolo’s recent winless run, and the visitors run without defeat, that’s good value to back against a home win.
Sassuolo vs Atalanta: Head-to-head statistics
Sassuolo have won six, drawn seven, and lost seven out of their last 20 home games against teams ranked higher than them in the table.
Atalanta have won four, drawn six, and lost 10 out of their last 20 away games against teams ranked below them in the table.
Sassuolo have won just two out of their last 10 meetings with Atalanta (three draws, five losses).
La Dea have won five out of their last six Serie A games.
Discipline could be an issue here, two out of the last three clashes between Sassuolo and Atalanta have seen both teams have a man sent off.
Sassuolo vs Atalanta: Prediction
Atalanta can move further up the table and further consolidate a European spot with a win against Sassuolo, and they are looking like the major favourites to do so. La Dea have the historical advantage here, having lost just two out of their past 10 meetings with the Neroverdi. They are also on that five-match unbeaten run, with wins in four. And beating teams like Napoli and Inter will do wonders for any side’s confidence. Expect the visitors to come out on top on this one.
Sassuolo vs Atalanta: Betting tips
Atalanta to WIN at 2/1 (3.00)
Over 2.5 goals at 23/20 (2.15).
