Serie A: Atalanta and Inter Milan Will Go Toe to Toe in Bergamo

Atalanta vs Inter Milan

Two of the most entertaining sides in Serie A are about to go head-to-head as Inter Milan visit Atalanta at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia this Sunday evening.

Inter Milan, who remain on top of the table despite losing the lead momentarily to AC Milan, are keen on pulling clear of the chasing pack since they only hold a one-point lead over their second-seeded city rivals.

Atalanta, on the other hand, continue to punch above their weight despite their financial constraints compared to their rivals since they remain steady within the top four – placing fourth with 41 points.

Both are coming off victories in the last matchday as Inter extended their unbeaten run to eight while Atalanta are fresh from one of their best performances this season.

So this is expected to be another belter. And here at SBOTOP, we will give a preview on what’s ahead this weekend.

Talking Points

Atalanta have injury concerns

Gian Piero Gasperini is pessimistic that he’ll have a full squad to choose from in this crucial clash. Duvan Zapata and Robin Gosens are both doubtful to play since both are dealing with niggling injuries sustained in these past few games.

Their absences would certainly hurt La Dea’s chances against the Nerazzurri since they know that they have to match their visitors’ overwhelming firepower in order to win.

But even without Zapata and Gosens, Atalanta can still mount a meaningful threat against the defending champions with their other weapons. Attacking midfielders Mario Pasalic and Ruslan Malinovskyi have accounted for 15 goals and eight assists, while Zapata’s strike partner Luis Muriel has five goals and four assists.

After ending 2021 on a bad note by going winless in their last two league games, La Dea are at the back of two straight wins against Udinese in Serie A and Venezia in the Coppa Italia Round of 16.

In those victories, Atalanta have scored eight goals while conceding only twice, which is a sign that they can do just fine.

Inter Milan can’t stop winning

Simone Inzaghi has added another trophy to Inter Milan’s cabinet after leading his side to win the Supercoppa Italiana last Thursday night. It was the Nerazzurri’s sixth Super Cup triumph and their first since 2010.

The Nerazzuri’s resolve was tested when Weston McKennie gave Juventus the lead inside 30 minutes, but Lautaro Martinez answered back with his equaliser at the 35^th minute.

Following a slow start in the first half, Inter looked much better after the break as they dominated possession – which culminated to a late winner from Alexis Sanchez during added time.

This is the first piece of silverware for Inzaghi as Inter Milan coach and he’ll definitely seek for more here in Serie A.

With a stacked roster full of in-form players, Inter Milan are more than capable of defending their domestic crown once again.

History

Inter Milan will stake their unbeaten run against Atalanta this weekend. Prior to Sunday, the Nerazzurri have won twice and drawn four times against La Dea – with three of them being clean sheets.

Under Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta only have an 18-per cent winning percentage vs. Inter Milan – which is the lowest against any other Italian top-flight side.

Atalanta don’t have a great home record as well since they’ve only won three league home fixtures this term (D3, L3).

These two clubs last met in September where it ended in a 2-2 draw. Atalanta looked like they were on their way to win when Ruslan Malinovskyi and Rafael Toloi nullified Lautaro Martinez’s goal inside five minutes. However, Edin Dzeko found the equaliser at the 71^st minute.

Betting Tip

	Atalanta vs Inter Milan	Inter Milan Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.29
	January 17, 03:45 (GMT+8)

Neither side is heavily favoured by the updated Serie A 2022 odds, which is expected since both appear to be evenly matched. Inter Milan, though, have the slight edge at 2.29 while Atalanta are priced to win at 2.92 and a draw is at 3.45 in the 1X2 market.

We are confident that this will feature a healthy amount of goals and Serie A 2022 highlights, so going to Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.66 or even Over 2.50 @ 2.90 appear to be viable alternative bets.

Given the tightening championship race this season, having momentum is going to be crucial. And since Inter Milan have more as of the moment, we’re backing them to win this time around.

The Nerazzurri winning eight straight in the league is not a coincidence. And with a slightly healthier roster compared to their hosts, they should be able to come out with a close victory.

 

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