Atalanta vs Napoli

Atalanta Bergamo play host to Napoli at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in week 14. It’s a match up of two sides even on points and within a whisker of the European Competition slots. This will be the first meeting between the two sides since 2004 when they were both in the second division.

The home side Atalanta come into this match following a 2-1 loss away to league leaders Inter Milan last week at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza at San Siro. With that result the Bergamaschi saw their modest 5 match unbeaten run halted. The result also allowed Napoli to leap-frog over them into the 6^th position of the Serie A league table. Atalanta are in 7^th place with 18 points and sit just behind them on goal difference.

Napoli are having a blast in this their first season back in the top flight since 2001. They are playing above all expectations thanks to a number of low profile signings who are turning in excellent performances. While many were aware of Uruguayan Marcelo Zalayeta from his days with Juventus, Argentine Ezequiel Lavezzi and fellow Uruguayan Walter Gargano have established themselves as rising stars in Serie A from seemingly out of nowhere. So much so that players such as Bogliacino and Sosa, who were regulars starters over the past two seasons for the club, now watch from the bench. Napoli held serve at home by a score of 2-0 over Catania last week with the aforementioned Zalayeta netting both goals.

There will be a few players missing on the Atalanta side this week. Manager Del Neri will be without the suspended De Ascentis and Simone Inzaghi in addition to the injured Rivalta. The good news is that Langella is back and will be able to take his spot on the left side of midfield. Napoli are at the other end of the spectrum with absolutely no injury or suspension concerns and will be at full strength for this match.

While Atalanta do have the advantage of being at home this week, they have only won 2 of 5 home matches so far this season. By the same token, Napoli have won just 1 of 6 road matches while losing three. Prior to last week, Atalanta had gone unbeaten in 5 matches while Napoli had been winless for 3. If Atalanta are going to make a move in the league table, this is their chance to pass Napoli. In addition, even a full strength Napoli will find that playing Atalanta away is nothing like hosting Catania.

Prediction: Atalanta 1-0