Two of Italy’s high three lock horns on Saturday night, as Ademola Lookman‘s Atalanta host Napoli on the Gewiss Stadium in a high-stakes Serie A encounter.
This conflict pits Scudetto contenders in opposition to one another, with Napoli aiming to increase their lead on the summit, whereas Atalanta look to take care of their exceptional unbeaten run within the league. The reverse fixture in November noticed Gian Piero Gasperini’s males stun Napoli 3-0 in Naples, with Lookman stealing the headlines with a brace.
Nevertheless, the Partenopei have discovered their kind since then, profitable 5 straight league video games and recording probably the most clear sheets (12) in Europe’s high 5 leagues this season. Atalanta, in the meantime, have drawn their final three league matches however stay unbeaten in 15 Serie A video games, making this a pivotal match within the title race.
Appropriate Rating Prediction: Atalanta BC vs Napoli
Atalanta’s formidable house kind and Napoli’s distinctive defensive solidity recommend a carefully fought contest.
Gasperini’s attacking philosophy will take a look at Napoli’s resolve, whereas Antonio Conte’s compact unit will look to capitalize on counterattacks.
A draw appears the likeliest consequence, with either side sharing the spoils on this heavyweight conflict.
Atalanta BC 1-1 Napoli
Lookman eyes milestone second
Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has been in imperious kind for Atalanta this season, tallying 9 targets and 5 assists in simply 17 Serie A appearances. His electrifying kind for each membership and nation earned him the 2024 CAF Footballer of the Yr award.
Regardless of going 4 league video games with no objective, Lookman stays a key determine in Gasperini’s attacking setup.
The 27-year-old wants only one extra strike to achieve 50 profession targets throughout Europe’s high 5 leagues. His present tally of 49 targets consists of 11 within the Premier League, 5 within the Bundesliga, and 33 in Serie A.
As well as, Lookman has the chance to turn into the primary participant to attain 10 or extra targets in every of the final three Serie A campaigns. Such consistency locations him among the many league’s elite, outshining notable forwards like Lautaro Martínez and Romelu Lukaku this time period.
Lookman’s brilliance was on full show within the reverse fixture, the place he netted twice to encourage Atalanta to a commanding victory in Naples. The Gewiss Stadium devoted will likely be hoping for a repeat efficiency as La Dea look to reignite their Scudetto ambitions.
With Atalanta’s spectacular document of scoring of their final 25 house league matches, averaging 2.5 targets per sport, Lookman’s affect will likely be essential. Napoli’s protection, nonetheless, has confirmed resilient on the highway, with only one loss in 9 away video games this season.
