The highly anticipated Coppa Italia Last 16 clash is upon us, as Atalanta BC prepares to host Genoa CFC at the New Balance Arena. Both clubs are riding waves of recent success in Serie A, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling encounter. With a quarter-final spot on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Atalanta extend their impressive winning streak against the Grifone, or can Genoa pull off an upset?
Atalanta’s Resurgence Under Palladino
Life under Raffaele Palladino has injected new energy into the Bergamaschi. Following an initial stumble against Napoli, La Dea have found their rhythm, securing back-to-back victories in all competitions. Their recent 2-0 triumph over Fiorentina in Serie A marked Palladino’s first league win, a significant milestone for the former Monza boss. This victory was preceded by a convincing 3-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, showcasing their defensive solidity with consecutive clean sheets.
A key figure in Atalanta’s renewed offensive prowess is Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian forward, who has put past transfer speculations behind him, has been in scintillating form, bagging two goals and an assist in his last two outings. His resurgence is a massive boost for Atalanta, making him a player to watch closely in this Atalanta vs Genoa fixture.
Genoa’s Unbeaten Run and Defensive Questions
Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa arrives in Bergamo with confidence, boasting an impressive four-match unbeaten streak. Their recent 2-1 Serie A victory over Hellas Verona marked De Rossi’s first league win as manager, highlighting a positive shift in team dynamics. Their journey in the Coppa Italia so far has been commendable, with wins over Vicenza (3-0) and Empoli (3-1), proving their cup credentials.
Despite their improved form, defensive frailties remain a concern for the Grifone. They haven’t kept a clean sheet in six games, hinting at vulnerabilities that a potent Atalanta attack could exploit. Can they tighten up their defense against a free-scoring La Dea?
Head-to-Head History: Atalanta’s Dominance
Historically, this fixture has recently favored Atalanta. La Dea have won their last four encounters against Genoa, scoring an overwhelming 14 goals to Genoa’s 4. The Grifone haven’t tasted victory against Atalanta since December 2018, and their last win in Bergamo dates even further back to January 2016. While Genoa enjoyed a dominant period against Atalanta earlier in the decade, the tables have firmly turned, with Atalanta winning 16 of their last 17 Serie A meetings. This history adds an extra layer of challenge for Genoa as they seek to reverse this trend in the Coppa Italia Last 16.
Team News & Key Players to Watch
Atalanta BC Team News
Atalanta appears to be in good health following their Fiorentina win, with only Mitchel Bakker (knee) and Giorgio Scalvini (muscle) sidelined. We might see some rotation from Palladino, with Nikola Krstovic and Lazar Samardzic potentially earning starts. However, the in-form Ademola Lookman is expected to retain his spot, eager to score in a third consecutive game across all competitions.
- Possible Atalanta Starting Lineup: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kossounou; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Zappacosta; Samardzic, Lookman; Krstovic
Genoa CFC Team News
Genoa also emerged from their comeback win against Verona unscathed. Junior Messias (muscle), Maxwel Cornet (thigh), and Hugo Cuenca remain out. Defender Leo Ostigard, surprisingly their leading goalscorer this season with three goals, is expected to maintain his place at centre-back despite being involved in a recent concession. His attacking threat from defense will be crucial for Genoa.
- Possible Genoa Starting Lineup: Leali; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vazquez; Ellertsson, Malinovskyi, Frendrup, Thorsby, Martin; Colombo, Vitinha
Match Prediction: Who Will Reach the Quarter-Finals?
Considering Atalanta’s dominant head-to-head record, their current momentum under Palladino, and the red-hot form of Ademola Lookman, La Dea seem poised to continue their winning ways. While Genoa has shown resilience, their persistent defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited by Atalanta’s attacking talent.
We anticipate a hard-fought match, but the home advantage and Atalanta’s superior recent form suggest they will ultimately prevail. Expect goals, and perhaps a clean sheet for the Bergamaschi, as they aim to secure their spot in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals against either Juventus or Udinese.
Our Prediction: Atalanta BC 2-0 Genoa CFC
Further Reading & Official Resources
- For official information on Italian football, visit the Serie A official website.
- Keep up with all the Atalanta BC news directly from the club.
- Follow Genoa CFC updates on their official site.
- Explore the Coppa Italia fixtures and results.
Stay tuned for more thrilling football action!
