Empoli vs. Atalanta: Preview and betting tips

Atalanta travel to Empoli in the eighth round of Serie A. They absolutely need to win, as the start of the season has not gone well. The opponent is in scoring form and is only two points behind Atalanta. Who will win?

Empoli are in the middle of the table after seven rounds. With nine points and tenth place, they must be happy with their financial situation. But beware, the relegation cushion is only five points.

Atalanta, surprisingly, are not much better off. Only eleven points out of a possible twenty-one, the last two rounds with a gain of one point. On the other hand, the previous year’s Champions League quarter-finalist is only one point behind fifth place.

The mainstay of the home team is the young Albanian Nedim Bajrami, who has already had a hand in four league goals (2+2). Of the otherwise relatively young squad, left winger Federico Di Francesco, author of one goal and one assist, is also worth mentioning.

Atalanta are not scoring nearly as many goals as we are used to. The experienced Duván Zapata has been a mainstay in the attack, scoring five league goals (3+2). Robin Gosens has also been a long-term mainstay, scoring one goal and assisting once from the left-back position.

Empoli have started to do well at the back, scoring at least two goals in three of their last four games.

This does not play into the hands of Atalanta, who have scored six times in the last three rounds.

Given the breadth and experience of Atalanta’s squad, I think they will handle the much unpopular first game after the national break with a winning record.