19 November 2021, 13:12 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Atalanta B.C. vs. Spezia Calcio kicks off at 15:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, November 20, at Gewiss Stadium.
Preview Atalanta Serie A, Nov 20, 2021
Preview Atalanta picked up a 2-1 win in the game against Cagliari at the Sardegna Arena right before the World Cup qualifying round of fixtures. The visitors were on the front foot right from the get-go and were eventually rewarded for their efforts in the final third when Pasalic (6') tucked the ball away for an Atalanta lead. Minutes later, Cagliari’s skipper, Pedro (27'), found the leveler to put the home team back in contention for a point. However, two minutes before the stroke of half-time, Duvan Zapata (43') restored Atalanta's lead with what was his 7th goal of the season. The results left Atalanta unbeaten in five Serie A games: WDWDW and saw the club move one spot higher, from 5th to 4th place on the table. Atalanta has 22 points after 6W, 4D, & 2L, which equals their best Serie A start at this point of the season in the modern era of three points for the win. Focusing on the numbers, the club has a goal ratio of 1.83 g.p.g. this season, having scored 22 goals in 12 Serie A games. The club has also conceded 15 goals and has a G.D. of +7. An average of 1.25 gcpg. Atalanta haven’t won in their last three home Serie A games: 2D & 1L. However, the last time the club went four home games without a win in Serie A was in March 2016, - seven under Edoardo Reja, who currently manages Albania's national team. Gian Piero Gasperini’s 3—4—2—1 formation could see Duvan Zapata at the top of the shape once again. Robin Gosens (hamstring) is in doubt for this fixture, along with Hans Hateboer (foot injury).
Preview Spezia Serie A, Nov 20, 2021
Preview Spezia picked up a narrow 1-0 win over Torino at the Stadio Alberto Picco on Saturday, the 6th of November. Jacopo Sala (58’) bagged the only goal of the game two minutes short of the hour mark. The win saw Spezia stay afloat with two points above the bottom three. The club is in 16th place with 11 points after 3W, 2D & 7L. Thiago Motta aims to cause an upset on Saturday when his side, having the form, WLDLW, takes on Atalanta. However, Spezia must keep it tight at the back throughout the length of the game to pick up at least a point in this duel of ninety minutes. No team has conceded more goals than Spezia in the current Serie A campaign (26), along with Cagliari and Salernitana. A 4—2—3—1 formation with M'Bala Nzola in attack is expected for this game against Atalanta.