With the difficult fixture list finally over, Atalanta will see this match as a perfect opportunity to return to winning ways and arrest their latest poor run of results. Cagliari have just ended a five-match losing streak, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be in for a tough task at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.

Atalanta in danger zone

Even if Atalanta had overcome a six-point penalty and numerous problems to finish the previous league campaign in mid table, not too many people believed Orobici would escape the relegation tussle this season. However, Stefano Colantuono’s side quickly proved the doubters wrong and enjoyed a bright start to the league campaign. After playing really well during the opening exchanges, Atalanta recorded four defeats in last five matches in all competitions, but it was a difficult fixture list that was to blame for the disappointing results. Orobici were beaten away from home by Roma, Juventus, Chievo and Lazio, while failing to beat in-form Udinese at home, but they now have an excellent chance to return to winning ways. With all key players available for selection and struggling Cagliari arriving in Bergamo, Atalanta should be able to rediscover the form that saw them win 4 of last 6 games at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.

Carlos Carmona and Cristian Raimondi are both suspended, while Daniele Capelli, Guido Marilungo and Gianpaolo Bellini are out injured.

Cagliari finally return to winning ways

After the team finished the previous league campaign just few places above the relegation zone, the club chiefs failed to properly reinforce the squad, meaning they have nobody else to blame but themselves for the fact that Cagliari are once again involved in the survival fight. A four-match winning run in October hinted the Rossoblu might just be able to exceed expectations this term, but their uptrend in fortunes was short-lived. Cagliari had since picked up just 2 points from next 9 league games, before finally recording a win over fellow strugglers Genoa at the weekend. However, having picked up just one point from last five away games in Serie A, the Rossoblu clearly have little reason for optimism ahead of the clash with very motivated Atalanta. With Marco Sau the only in-form forward at the moment, Isolani will find it hard to score in Bergamo.

Important attackers Nene and Andrea Cossu miss out through injury and suspension respectively, while Sebastian Eriksson and Lorenzo Ariaudo also sidelined.

Verdict

Having played four of last five games away from home, Atalanta will relish the opportunity to return at Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, where they have been pretty convincing of late. Cagliari, on the other hand, are not only awful on the travels, but is also without two very important players, which makes home win a good option here.

Top pick: Home win   2.10 (11/10) @ 888sport

Alternative pick 1: Atalanta to score two or more   2.25 (5/4) @ Coral

Alternative pick 2: Over 2.5 goals   2.20 (6/5) @ Paddy Power

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