Atalanta vs Hellas Verona

April 18, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Having failed to mount a serious challenge for Europa League positions, Atalanta and Hellas Verona have little to play for at the moment, albeit maybe a chance to finish the season in the top half of the standings. This is enough to suggest we should see a highly entertaining encounter in Bergamo.

Great run comes to an end

The club with arguably the most successful youth academy in Italy have been showing a great deal of potential since returning to the elite division in 2011. The continuity with coach Stefan Colantuono has proved to be key to some impressive results of late, with Orobici on the road to become a top table side in Serie A. The team played well throughout the season, but they never really got close to the European qualification, although they almost managed to join the chase for Europa League berths of late. Atalanta went on to win stunning six games on the bounce in March, which saw them close the gap behind fifth-placed Inter to mere three points. However, the good run came to an end when they least expected, with relegation-threatened Sassuolo claiming maximum points at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. Atalanta were then also beaten by AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico, but that should make them even more determined to defeat Hellas Verona and cement a place in the top 10. With the likes of Denis, Moralez and Bonaventura up front, Orobici should have no problems scoring a couple on Saturday, but their shaky back line led by 38-year-old Mario Yepes could have their work cut out for them.

Defenders Stefano Lucchini and Guglielmo Stendardo are doubtful, whereas Lionel Scaloni, Riccardo Cazzola and Franco Brienza are definitely out.

Verona continue to entertain

Similar to their next opponents, Hellas Verona largely impressed in their first season upon the return to the top flight, and they almost managed to cap it off with European qualification. Andrea Mandorlini’s side were ultimately unable to keep up with their more illustrious rivals, but they still have a good chance to end the campaign in the top half of the standings. Following back to back victories over Genoa and local rivals Chievo, the Gialloblu suffered a 5-3 home defeat to Fiorentina, once again proving they are rightly considered one of league’s most entertaining sides. Verona have built a reputation for their attack-minded football and with Atalanta likely to adopt a positive approach as well, chances are we will see goals galore in Bergamo. Opposition defenders will need to be at their very best to contain free-scoring Luca Toni and one of league’s most sought-after players Juan Manuel Iturbe, with Verona scoring 21 goals in 16 away fixtures, albeit conceding no less than 31 during that period.

Jacopo Sala, Marco Donadel and Domenico Maietta are all banned, but the good news is the injury list is completely empty.

Verdict

Chances are we will see a great game of football between two evenly matched side who will be looking to utilize their attacking potential to the max. Atalanta may be closer to victory at the moment, but whatever happens, there should be quite a few players getting on the scoresheet.

Top pick: Over 2.5 goals   1.95 (19/20) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score   1.73 (8/11) @ bet365

Alternative pick 2: Over 3.5 goals   3.30 (23/10) @ BetVictor

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