Atalanta continue to fly high in Serie A this season and Gian Piero Gasperini’s team look a home banker against struggling Udinese on Monday night (Premier Sports 2, kick-off: 18:00 BST)
Victory for the Coppa Italia finalists will take them back into fourth place and a point clear of other Champions League hopefuls with just four games left after this.
Gasperini has led Atalanta to a top four finish before back in 2016-17 – his first season at the club. Repeating the feat comes with extra incentive now, as it was only good enough back then for Europa League football.
The coach has been on a remarkable journey since an ill-fated winless spell of five matches with Inter Milan back in 2011. Gasperini has repaired the reputation he tarnished with that dismal, short stint at the San Siro.
Udinese were once the team getting in and among Italian football’s big boys, but no longer. The days of Antonio Di Natale in his pomp seem distant now.
Visitors can score despite struggles
While no Udinese player has scored for three matches, five of Kevin Lasagna’s six goals this season have come in away games. The other was against Atalanta in the reverse fixture.
That suggests the visitors are capable of offering some threat, and the 39/20 available with 888Sport on an Atlanta win but both teams scoring looks well worth chancing.
Gasperini’s side have won three of their last five home games despite conceding, while recent victories over Napoli and Fiorentina both ended 2-1.
Colombia forward Duvan Zapata has been a revelation for Atalanta this season and he hit a hat-trick in the reverse fixture. That potent threat remains for the hosts as he has four in his last five appearances.
It certainly looks wise to side with Atalanta to outscore Udinese, who have a four point cushion on the Serie A relegation zone.
Bet of the Day: 39/20 with 888Sport, Atalanta to beat Udinese and both teams to score.
