We conclude the semifinals of the Coppa Italia this Wednesday as Atalanta and Napoli go at each other for the second time in the space of one week. At the end of the 90 minutes, we would know which one of the sides will face either Inter or Juventus in the final. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
Both sides played out a goalless draw in the first leg which is what pundits and fans alike didn't expect given the attacking quality of both sides. Which side emerges victors in this perfectly poised encounter?
Highly-spirited encounter on the cards
Following that goalless draw, Atalanta failed to get back to winning ways in their most recent game at home to Torino. Atalanta has established a healthy three-goal lead just 20 minutes into the game which was looking like an already secured victory. However, two goals in the latter stages of the first half and an 84th-minute equalizer meant the Turin-based side shared the spoils with Le Dea.
Napoli, on the other hand, lost their most recent game to genoa as they still sit in sixth place but with a game in hand. A Goran Pandev brace proved to be more than enough for the home side to secure maximum points with Politano pulling one back for the hosts. How well will they fair given that they have lost their last two away games?
Atalanta vs Napoli Team News
Hateboer is the only injured players for the hosts while Napoli have both Fabian Ruiz and Dries Mertens ruled out.
Atalanta possible starting XI:
Gollini; Romero, Toloi, Djimsiti; Maehle, de Roon, Freuler, Gosens; Pessina, Ilicic, Zapata
Napoli possible starting XI:
Meret; Rui, Koulibaly, Maksimovic, Di Lorenzo; Bakayoko, Demme; Lozano, Zielinski, Insigne; Osimhen
Atalanta vs Napoli Prediction: 1-1
Both sides haven't been at their best this season and will be looking to secure some silverware given their circumstances in the league. Atalanta has failed to hit the height they did last season. This could be attributed to Gomez's unexpected drop and eventual exit from the squad. Both sides are more than capable of securing this victory but we can't quite see a clear winner in this game.