Preview and Prediction
This is the final round of Serie A. The champions remains the same, but the big change is about to be settled in the second place. Both teams which have been competing for runner up position, Atalanta and Inter Milan happen to be squaring off this weekend. Such is the only objective left for both as well as sealing the Champions League spots next season. It might not be as crucial as the title decider but still offers a tight clash.
The teams’ previous matches
Gian Gasperini’s men still lingers on with their series of unbeaten results. In the previous outing, they managed to come from behind against Parma and won 2-1 on the road. The host took the lead first by Dejan Kulusevski’s goal at the first half. Yet, at the second half, the table was turning. It all began with Ruslan Malinovsky’s free kick and ended with Papu Gomez’s long range strike on the 6th minute before the final whistle.
Meanwhile, La Beniamata had a more convincing win while hosting Napoli. They trashed Gatusso’s men 2-0. Danilo D’Ambrosio opened the scoring and Lautaro Martinez doubled their lead. Their solid defense was also able to ensure Lorenzo Insigne and Co kept at bay.
Possible tactic
The former Genoa boss with the brief spell in Inter, Gian Gasperini has always been deploying the fluid 3-4-3 with the transition to 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2. He counts on the physical game and versatility in their players. It has been Atalanta’s trademark and such may lead to unexpected starting IX. Yet, with the injury of Josip Illicic, the Colombian duo, Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel are likely to return to the line up with Papu Gomez or Mario Pasalic behind them.
His counterpart, Antonio Conte, practically employs the similar formation as his opponent. Yet, his tactic focuses more on the solid defense and the swift attack from both flanks instead of the fluidity of their midfield play. Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku are still the main frontmen. However, Stefan De Vrij, Matias Vecino and Stefano Sensi will be sidelined.
Players to watch
In Atalanta, Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata are the main scorer after Josip Illicic’s absence. Both have netted 18 goals each. Some other notable figures to watch are Ruslan Malinovsky, Robin Gosens and the Croatian Mario Pasalic.
Nerazzurri also counts on the dynamic duo, Lukaku and Martinez. Yet, the one who steals the spotlight after the restart is Alexis Sanchez. The Manchester United loanee has scored four goals and provided eight assists. Another key man to watch is the Croatian midfielder Mario Brozovic.
Atalanta vs Inter Prediction
This game, despite their quasi-essential objective, is likely to be the chance for both teams to experiment their back-up tactical approach to prepare themselves in the Champions League and Europa League next week. They also would not risk playing their key figures here, if necessary to avoid the crisis in the squad. Overall, the result is bound to be a draw.
Betting odds
The punters seem to stick to the home side as the slight favourite. They are projected to win at 2.20, whereas Inte’s win market is at 3.10. The odds for the draw result are at the value of 3.60.
