Preview:Udinese vs Atalanta BC – predictions, team news, line-ups

Series AThe draw specialists will look to score a rare victory on Saturday, as Atalanta BC travel north to find yourself in the middle of the table Udinese.

La Dea dominated local rivals AC Milan in midweek but ultimately settled for a point, while crisis-hit Juventus beat the Fruilani.

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Still the only undefeated team in Serie A this season, Atalanta are also Italy’s stalemate specialists, taking just one point in seven of their nine league matches.

In all competitions, the Bergamaschi have suffered just one defeat so far – against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League – but they are struggling to capitalize on their chances.

Last weekend, La Dea drew 1-1 against regional rivals Cremonese, and hosted another Lombardy side on Tuesday evening, when Milan made a short trip to Bergamo.

Despite falling behind at the start, Atalanta rose to the level Ademola LookmanThe fierce finale – his first goal since an unseemly summer transfer saga.

Ivan Juric later lamented that his team failed to win, having produced 17 attempts and had more possession of the ball, and they have now drawn their last five domestic matches – plus one in the Champions League.

This frustrating run leaves them lagging behind their fellow European hopefuls in Series Aone point above Udinese, 10th.

Not only have Saturday’s hosts won just one of their last nine home games against Atalanta, but they are also winless in the last 15 league meetings in total.

Such a record suggests they might find life difficult this weekend, but it has been a relatively bright start to the season so far.

After an entertaining 3-2 win over Lecce last week, Udinese faced Juventus on equal terms in league standingsafter accumulating 12 points in eight matches.

The Friulans were just behind Juve on goal difference, and with less than 30 minutes remaining they were tied in Turin, after Nicolas ZanioloThe goal during stoppage time in the first half made the score 1-1.

However, their sick hosts – who recently sacked former Udinese coach Igor Tudor – then finds a second wind and wins 3-1, after peppering Maduka Okoyethe goal of a barrage of shots.

Now occupying 10th place, Costa Runjaic and co return home to Udine, where they have won just once in the league this season.

Udinese Serie A form:

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Udinese form (all competitions):

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Atalanta BC Serie A form:

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Atalanta BC form (all competitions):

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Team News

Atalanta’s long injury list has cleared up somewhat, but they suffered a setback in midweek, as captain Roon Marten limped out of the draw against Milan.

Replaced by Marco Brescianini on Tuesday evening, it remains to be seen whether he can recover for Saturday’s match. Mario Pasalic or Yunus Musah may therefore have to join forces. Ederson in central midfield.

Meanwhile, in front, failed attackers Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic were both left on the bench; With Juric confirming it was a technical decision, Lookman could once again lead La Dea’s attack.

Alongside De Roon, Sead Kolasinac, Mitchel Bakker, Daniel Maldini and Giorgio Scalvini are also unavailable, while Udinese will be without Thomas Kristensenwho is still sidelined by a thigh problem.

Top scorer with three goals Keinan Davis received a minor blow on Tuesday and could therefore miss his shot; Adam Buksa and Vakoun Bayo will compete to be the spearhead of the Fruilani front line,

Another injury-prone striker, former Atalanta loanee Zaniolo, is expected to partner either centre-forward.

Possible starting line-up of Udinese:

All right ; Goglichidze Kabasele, Solet; Zanoli, Lovric, Karlström, Atta, Kamara; Zaniolo, Bayo

Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:

Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Ederson, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Samardzic, Sulemana; Lookman

We say: Udinese 1-1 Atalanta BC

There may be more misery in the draw for Atalanta, who have proven difficult to beat but still lack a razor edge.

Udinese have scored in all but one of their league and cup matches this season, so they should find the net at least once and hold on for a point.

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