Atalanta vs Sassuolo Match Preview: Team News, Lineups & Prediction

Atalanta BC, fresh from a vital midweek European victory, will look to translate that success to their domestic campaign when they host Sassuolo on Sunday. Both sides enter the contest in Bergamo level on 13 points, though the hosts are aiming to reignite a challenge for European qualification while the newly-promoted visitors continue to impress on their return to the top flight.

After a frustrating run of seven draws and just two wins in Serie A, Atalanta’s nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions was snapped last weekend by a 1-0 defeat to Udinese, a match in which they failed to register a single shot on target. The result left the Bergamaschi languishing in mid-table. However, pressure was eased with a commanding performance in Europe on Wednesday, securing a crucial win that they hope will provide much-needed momentum. Ahead of the international break, Atalanta will be keen to capitalize on their formidable home record against Sassuolo, having won the last seven consecutive meetings in Bergamo while scoring at least twice on each occasion.

Sassuolo, meanwhile, have made a seamless return to Italy’s top tier under manager Fabio Grosso. After securing the Serie B title last season, the Emilian club has defied expectations and currently sits well clear of the relegation zone. Their positive run was checked last Monday by a heartbreaking stoppage-time loss at home to Genoa, where a second-half strike from Domenico Berardi had appeared to salvage a point. Despite the defeat, the Neroverdi will travel to Lombardy with confidence, being unbeaten in their last three away fixtures and aiming to exploit any lingering inconsistency in the Atalanta side.

For the hosts, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to have a nearly full-strength squad available. Captain Marten de Roon returned to the starting lineup midweek, providing a significant boost, while star forward Ademola Lookman is in line to make his 100th Serie A appearance.

In contrast, Sassuolo are contending with a growing injury list. Cristian Volpato and Filippo Romagna are the latest to be sidelined, joining Daniel Boloca, Laurs Skjellerup, and long-term absentee Edoardo Pieragnolo. Nevertheless, talismanic winger Domenico Berardi is fit and will be crucial to his team’s chances, having already been directly involved in four league goals this season.



Source link