Atalanta’s Scudetto dream may have vanished for good in their head-to-head clash two weeks ago against Inter, who once again proved to be the Bergamo side’s bogey team. In a match that could have sent Dea flying to the top of the table with just two months to go until the end of the season, it was the Nerazzurri who came out on top, winning 2-0 at the Gewiss Stadium. Gian Piero Gasperini – according to the latest rumors among the candidates to coach Roma next season – came out defeated for the umpteenth time against his colleague Simone Inzaghi, who is still unbeaten against him (7 wins and 2 draws in previous matches).
There are now six points separating third-placed Atalanta from leaders Inter. De Roon and his teammates will need to improve their home form if they are to close the gap. In fact, La Dea have not won in front of their own fans since December, at least in the league.
It is a different story away from home, however. In their last three away games, they have scored 14 goals in total against Verona, Empoli, and Juventus, without conceding a single goal. Fiorentina will have to be careful in what is undoubtedly the match of the day, along with the game between Napoli and Milan at the Maradona stadium. However, after yet another tactical revolution, Raffaele Palladino seems to have found the right formula, dispelling rumors of his dismissal. Before the break, the Viola won two important games, advancing in the Conference League (coming from behind to beat Panathinaikos) and crushing Thiago Motta’s Juventus, who collapsed 3-0 in Florence in one of the most anticipated and emotional games for the Viola fans. The victory over the Bianconeri was also good for the standings, with Fiorentina remaining eighth but still part of the group of teams fighting for a place in Europe.
Fiorentina-Atalanta: the latest news on the lineups
Palladino seems set to field the same eleven that faced Juventus. Pablo Marì will start in central defense alongside Ranieri and Pongracic, with Fagioli and Mandragora in midfield alongside Cataldi and Gudmundsson and Kean up front, the latter fresh from his sensational brace against Germany for Italy. Everyone is available after the break, with the exception of Colpani.
On the other side, Gasperini has a surprise return for Retegui: the Italian-Argentine striker, who was unable to take part in the Azzurri’s international commitments, is among those called up and, according to the latest news, could even start. On the right wing, Bellanova should get the nod ahead of Ruggeri.
Odds comparison
A goal is priced at 1.65 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 1.67 on Snai. Over 2.5 goals is priced at 1.80 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai.
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The prediction
Important points at stake for both teams, who are still in contention in their respective competitions (Europa League and Serie A). Retegui’s absence is a significant blow for Atalanta, but Gasperini still has several weapons that can hurt Fiorentina, who are more solid and balanced after switching to a back three. The feeling is that, as in the first leg, which ended 3-2 for Atalanta, we will see an emotional rollercoaster, as has always been the case in the last three league meetings, in which there have never been fewer than five goals scored.
Probable line-ups for Fiorentina-Atalanta
FIORENTINA (3-5-2): De Gea; Pongracic, Pablo Marì, Ranieri; Dodô, Mandragora, Cataldi, Fagioli, Gosens; Gudmundsson, Kean.
ATALANTA (3-4-3): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Pasalic, de Roon, Zappacosta; Brescianini, Lookman, Retegui.