Napoli vs Atalanta Predictions

• Napoli had won seven successive games prior to last week’s 1-0 loss to Lazio.
• Atalanta, on the other hand, have only won one of their last six matches, losing four.
• The last five meetings between Napoli and Atalanta have contained a total of 22 goals.

Can Partenopei respond to stumble?

Napoli saw their seven-game winning run halted by a surprise 1-0 reverse against Lazio last Friday, a result which led to their lead at the Serie A summit being cut, albeit to a huge 15 points. The game also offered a timely reminder that Maurizio Sarri’s Partenopei side of 2017-18 had actually amassed more points by this stage of the season than Luciano Spalletti’s current crop – only to miss out on the Scudetto to Juventus. The absence of any serious contenders means that won’t happen this time around, and Saturday’s meeting with Atalanta should see Napoli hit their groove again.

Indeed, the hosts have won 10 of their 12 league games at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this season, scoring 31 times on their own turf and only conceding nine goals. The defeat to Lazio was somewhat unfortunate, with Matias Vecino scoring from range with the Biancocelesti’s only shot on target and the Partenopei dominating possession, and before that fixture, Napoli hit two or more goals in 10 successive games across all competitions.

While there are often fireworks when Napoli meet Atalanta, the hosts look good for a third consecutive victory in the sides’ head-to-head meetings, with La Dea’s top-four hopes at risk following a poor run. Last week’s 0-0 draw with Udinese made it one win from six matches for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men – with four defeats in that run – and put them five points adrift of the Champions League spots. On their travels, Atalanta have lost three of their last four games.

Below-par visitors unlikely to best leaders

Given the offensive talent available to them and their terrific levels of consistency this season, backing Napoli to respond to an undeserved defeat to Lazio by beating out-of-form Atalanta looks a prudent play.

Meanwhile, with a huge 22 goals being scored in the last five meetings between two typically attack-minded outfits, a 3-1 home win could represent a potentially lucrative correct score play.

You can watch live sport on your mobile, tablet or desktop including Soccer, Tennis and Basketball. All you need is a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to qualify. Geo location and live streaming rules apply.