Empoli vs Atalanta: Serie A Match Preview and Predictions
Image credits: EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA
Atalanta BC is looking to regain their footing in Serie A after a disappointing exit from the Champions League. The team's recent performance has been marred by inconsistency, and they currently sit in third place, trailing behind Inter Milan and Napoli. However, they have a chance to redeem themselves as they face Empoli, a team that has been struggling to stay afloat in the league. Empoli has lost five of their last six games and is in danger of being relegated to Serie B.
The hosts, Empoli, have been plagued by injuries and poor form, which has seen them drop into the relegation zone. They have gained only two points this calendar year, the joint-fewest in the league, and have conceded the most goals, with 17. Their recent performances have been lackluster, with a 3-0 loss to Udinese in their last outing. Atalanta, on the other hand, has been performing well away from home, with a 10-match unbeaten streak in Serie A, representing the second-best run of the Gian Piero Gasperini era.
Atalanta's recent Champions League elimination has been a setback, but they are looking to bounce back with a win against Empoli. The team has been dealing with injuries, including the absence of Isak Hien, Daniel Maldini, Odilon Kossounou, Giorgio Scalvini, and Gianluca Scamacca. However, they have Ademola Lookman back in the starting lineup, which should provide a boost to their attack. Lookman has been instrumental in Atalanta's success, with the team winning 68% of their league matches when he is on the pitch.
The match is expected to be a challenging one for Empoli, given their recent form and the fact that they have lost their last five games against Atalanta. The visitors have produced the most attempts on target in Serie A this season, with 140, while Empoli has conceded the most shots overall, with 381. The direction of traffic in this clash seems pre-ordained, with Atalanta expected to dominate the game. The possible starting lineups for the match are: Empoli: Silvestri; De Sciglio, Goglichidze, Pezzella; Gyasi, Grassi, Henderson, Cacace; Esposito, Maleh; Kouame, and Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Posch, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Pasalic, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman.
Some of the key statistics and facts about the match include:
- Atalanta has won 68% of their league matches with Ademola Lookman on the pitch.
- Empoli has conceded the most goals in the league this calendar year, with 17.
- Atalanta has produced the most attempts on target in Serie A this season, with 140.
- Empoli has lost their last five games against Atalanta.
- Mateo Retegui is targeting the Capocannoniere crown and has scored 12 away goals in the league this season.
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