The visit of a Parma side who are languishing in the bottom three seems opportunely timed for Atalanta, who are struggling for form this season.
Match News and Current Form
Atalanta have won just three of their nine Serie A games this season (D2, L4), with defensive frailties and mounting injury issues contributing to them residing in the bottom half. Thursday’s 2-2 draw at Fiorentina, in which they squandered the lead, perfectly highlighted the problems facing head coach Maurizio Sarri as La Dea haven’t kept a league clean sheet since matchday two and were missing eight players in midweek. They’ve at least fared better at home, where they’ve only lost once in Serie A this season (W3, D1), although conceding eight times in their last four competitive games at the New Balance Arena is somewhat concerning.
Parma have the opposite problem to Atalanta, scoring just once since Alberto Gilardino’s appointment in late September (D1, L3), leaving them in the relegation zone with only one Serie A victory this season (D2, L6). Following Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Udinese in which they missed a penalty, this is now their worst nine-game start in the Italian top flight since 2014/15, a worrying statistic given that the Gialloblu were eventually relegated that season. As their desperate search for goals continues, prospects for immediate improvement look bleak as they’ve lost each of their last six away league games.
Head-to-Head History
Atalanta have won eight of the last ten H2Hs at any venue (D1, L1) and five of the last six they hosted (L1). All five of those home victories were accompanied by a clean sheet.
Hot Stats and Streaks
None of Atalanta’s last six league games were goalless at half-time.
Atalanta have scored a pre-round league-high four goals before the 15th minute this term.
Five of Parma’s last six league fixtures produced exactly three goals.
Parma have won just two of their last 14 Monday-held Serie A away games (D3, L9).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Atalanta’s Nicola Zalewski has three goal contributions (G1, A2) across his last three Serie A appearances, with his goal against Fiorentina meaning his three strikes for Atalanta all arrived on or beyond the hour mark. David Romero has scored two of Parma’s last four goals, and each of his last seven goalscoring appearances at club level saw both teams score.
Atalanta’s Thomas Kristensen went off early against Fiorentina, with Gianluca Gaetano also appearing to suffer an injury in that game. Parma seem to have no fresh injury worries.
Betting Analysis
Atalanta tend to enjoy playing at home, and with Parma struggling to find the net, backing Atalanta to win to nil could be worth considering.
Author: John Pennington