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Atalanta logo
Serie A | Gameweek 12
Nov 10, 2024 at 11.30am UK
Gewiss Stadium
Udinese logo

Atalanta
2 - 1
Udinese

Pasalic (56'), Toure (60' og.)
Lookman (90+1')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Kamara (45+3')
Toure (84')

Preview: Atalanta BC vs. Udinese - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Serie A clash between Atalanta BC and Udinese, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Four wins in a fortnight have boosted Atalanta BC's hopes of collecting more silverware this season, and La Dea will aim to extend that fine form by beating Udinese on Sunday.

Not only did they sweep aside Serie A leaders Napoli last weekend, but Gian Piero Gasperini's men then secured three points in Stuttgart, striding closer to the Champions League's knockout stage.


Match preview

Ademola Lookman scores for Atalanta BC on November 6, 2024© Imago

Three days after his match-winning display in Naples, where two first-half strikes helped earn a superb 3-0 victory at Stadio Maradona, Ademola Lookman was back on the scoresheet in the Champions League.

During the dying embers, substitute Nicolo Zaniolo applied the finishing touch to ensure Atalanta would see off Stuttgart and move within one point of the all-important top eight in UEFA's new league phase.

Tuesday's win came on the back of five straight Serie A victories, helping La Dea to within three points of Napoli at the summit and sparking talk of a potential Scudetto push.

Atalanta have scored 29 league goals this season, with 18 - or 62% - coming from October onwards; since the start of last month, Italy striker Mateo Retegui has been directly involved in 10, while Lookman has played a part in seven.

Demonstrating their ambition and confidence, the Nerazzurri have also netted the most goals from outside box this term (seven), including Lookman's second strike at the Maradona.

In a further sign that things are coming together for a possible title challenge, they have also tightened up at the back: yet to concede in the Champions League, Atalanta have kept a clean sheet in both of their last two league matches.

Having gone undefeated in 13 meetings with Sunday's visitors - their longest ongoing streak against any opponent - they may expect to sign off for the international break in style.

Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic, November 2024© Imago

Udinese have won only once in their last 16 visits to Bergamo, and that drought dates back to October 2017, so precedent will not be on their side this weekend.

More recently, the previously buoyant Bianconeri have lost their last three away fixtures - against Roma, AC Milan and Venezia - and are showing increasing signs of fragility on the road.

Following a 2-0 home defeat to Juventus - which swiftly followed the collapse in Venice that saw them lose after leading by two goals - Kosta Runjaic has seen his side slip back into mid-table, having made an unexpectedly sharp start to the season.

Runjaic inherited a squad that came dangerously close to relegation last term, but they are now well clear of the drop zone after 11 games of the 2024-25 campaign.

That represents success so far, and taking anything away from a tough assignment in Bergamo would be considered a bonus.

Atalanta BC Serie A form:


Atalanta BC form (all competitions):


Udinese Serie A form:


Team News

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini of Atalanta BC on September 24, 2024© Imago

Gian Piero Gasperini is sure to make some changes after Tuesday's trip to Stuttgart, particularly as Sead Kolasinac was forced off by a thigh strain and is now ruled out.

The Bosnian defender joins Atalanta's long-term absentees - Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini - on the sidelines, and Gasperini will also be missing a key creator.

After sitting on the bench in midweek, Charles De Ketelaere - who has provided half of his 14 Serie A assists for Ademola Lookman - is injured, meaning Lazar Samardzic should start against his former club.

While La Dea's attack is packed with potency, Udinese have heavily relied on Italy striker Lorenzo Lucca over the past year or so.

Lucca has been directly involved in 16 league goals since the start of last term; so after being rested against Juventus he should replace Keinan Davis up front.

The Friulani will have Isaak Toure back from suspension, while Thomas Kristensen and Florian Thauvin recently returned from injury; however, Alexis Sanchez is still awaiting his first minutes of the season due to a calf problem.


Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; Samardzic, Lookman; Retegui

Udinese possible starting lineup:
Okoye; Giannetti, Bijol, Toure; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Kamara; Thauvin, Lucca


SM words green background

We say: Atalanta BC 2-1 Udinese

Although Udinese pose more of a threat than last term, Atalanta's recent defensive record is only outshone by their towering tally of goals.

Even if the Bianconeri do find the net, La Dea should still out-score them and seal a fifth straight success.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


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Written by
Jonathan O'Shea

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Game History

How you voted: Atalanta vs Udinese

Atalanta BC
89.2%
Draw
8.8%
Udinese
2.0%
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rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atalanta BCAtalanta15111338172134
2Napoli15102321101132
3Inter Milan1494134151931
4Fiorentina1494128101831
5Lazio15101430171331
6Juventus1569024101427
7AC Milan146442416822
8Bologna145722018222
9Udinese156271822-420
10Empoli154741415-119
11Roma154471821-316
12Torino154471620-416
13Parma153662125-415
14Genoa153661324-1115
15CagliariCagliari153571525-1014
16Lecce15348826-1813
17Como152671628-1212
18Hellas VeronaHellas Verona1540111837-1912
19Monza151771319-610
20VeneziaVenezia1523101327-149


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