Atalanta needed just three Serie A rounds to neutralize the six-point penalty, meaning they can now finally start climbing the standings. Novara did well to beat struggling Inter in midweek, thus recording their first victory in the top flight, but Attilio Tesser’s side will have to play another perfect game if they are to avoid defeat in Bergamo.

Atalanta back where they belong

The club with arguably the best youth school in Italy finally managed to return to the top flight, following some impressive displays in Serie B, but Atalanta were handed a six-point penalty for their involvement in the match fixing scandal just before the season started and that threatened to ruin everything the players had worked for. However, boosted by the arrivals of Maxi Moralez, German Denis and Andrea Masilello, to name just a few, the Nerazzurri started the season in impressive fashion, beating Palermo and Lecce following the opening draw against Genoa. Things are much easier now that the team are finally on par with other Serie A sides and Atalanta now have a great chance to get one over their relegation rivals. The players are brimming with confidence after seeing they have what it takes to play at this level and Nerazzurri have got to be considered favourites in this clash.

Cristiano Doni is serving his three-and-a-half-year ban, whereas Stefano Lucchini, Andrea Consigli and Leonardo Pettinari are sidelined.

Novara beat Inter

With no Serie A experience and a pretty modest squad, Novara are everyone’s main favourites for the drop, and I have to say I am not impressed by their performances so far. Attilio Tesser’s side were lucky to bring one point from their opening game in Verona, as Chievo only squandered a two-goal lead after Gennaro Sardo was sent off, whereas the defeat in Cagliari was more or less expected. The only notable result for Novara is a 3:1 win over Inter, which was a result of Inter’s disappointing performance rather than Novara’s impressive showing. The newly promoted side have yet to convince me they have what it takes to fight with the best sides in Italy and it is important to note that three out of their six goals were scored with extra man on the pitch. The Biancoazzurri are now set to face high-flying Atalanta away from home, and I really doubt they can get something out of this clash.

Former Atalanta midfielder Alex Pinardi misses out through injury, and he is the only absentee at the moment.

Verdict

Back to back victories over Palermo and Lecce showed that Atalanta are on top of their game at the moment, which cannot be said of Novara, even if they have beaten dismal Inter side. The hosts are flying high after the run of impressive results and they are unlikely to miss such a good opportunity to further improve their league position.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 1.80 (4/5)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power