SPAL vs Atalanta Predictions

Atalanta have a huge task on their hands to follow up last year’s brilliant top-three finish. It was a great season for la Dea, who will feature in the Champions League for the first time in September. That European campaign could prove to be a distraction, while they have plenty of competition for another top-four finish. With the club being written off already, this clash could be a defining one as their season kicks off.

SPAL had a solid season as they confirmed their place in the top flight once again. They’ve not traditionally been a top-flight side, but they’ve managed to sustain themselves in the highest tier thanks to good management. They stepped up in the latter stages of the season, but the departure of Manuel Lazzari was a major blow. Now they have a difficult fixture to start the new season, playing host to a side who are readying themselves for a campaign in the Champions League.

Atalanta haven’t made major signings ahead of their European bid, they’ve managed to retain their top stars and keep a settled side. The visitors have managed to stick with the side which has taken them this far. Last term they were one of the best sides to watch in Italy, as they scored 41 times across 19 away trips.

The visitors have hit some decent form on the road, winning four of their last six Serie A trips and scoring twice in each of those victories. They aren’t going to be far removed from the side which hit that form, with the only new signings set to feature are defender Martin Skrtel and new forward Luis Muriel. They still have the same pattern of play up front, while they are taking on a SPAL side who conceded twice in seven of their 10 meetings with the league’s top five last term.

Atalanta scored two goals or more on 12 occasions last season, averaging 2.1 goals per game on the road last term. They head to SPAL – a side who have conceded twice or more in their last three games. Their previous two home games have seen them lose to Napoli and Milan, so we’re backing Atalanta to boss this game. We’re going with the visitors to score at least two goals in Sunday’s game, while we’re backing la Dea for a 2-1 victory on the road this weekend.