Two of Italy’s top three lock horns on Saturday evening, as Ademola Lookman‘s Atalanta host Napoli at the Gewiss Stadium in a high-stakes Serie A encounter.
This clash pits Scudetto contenders against each other, with Napoli aiming to extend their lead at the summit, while Atalanta look to maintain their remarkable unbeaten run in the league. The reverse fixture in November saw Gian Piero Gasperini’s men stun Napoli 3-0 in Naples, with Lookman stealing the headlines with a brace.
However, the Partenopei have found their form since then, winning five straight league games and recording the most clean sheets (12) in Europe’s top five leagues this season. Atalanta, meanwhile, have drawn their last three league matches but remain unbeaten in 15 Serie A games, making this a pivotal match in the title race.
Correct Score Prediction: Atalanta BC vs Napoli
Atalanta’s formidable home form and Napoli’s exceptional defensive solidity suggest a closely fought contest.
Gasperini’s attacking philosophy will test Napoli’s resolve, while Antonio Conte’s compact unit will look to capitalize on counterattacks.
A draw seems the likeliest outcome, with both sides sharing the spoils in this heavyweight clash.
Atalanta BC 1-1 Napoli
Lookman eyes milestone moment
Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has been in imperious form for Atalanta this season, tallying nine goals and five assists in just 17 Serie A appearances. His electrifying form for both club and country earned him the 2024 CAF Footballer of the Year award.
Despite going four league games without a goal, Lookman remains a key figure in Gasperini’s attacking setup.
The 27-year-old needs just one more strike to reach 50 career goals across Europe’s top five leagues. His current tally of 49 goals includes 11 in the Premier League, five in the Bundesliga, and 33 in Serie A.
In addition, Lookman has the opportunity to become the first player to score 10 or more goals in each of the last three Serie A campaigns. Such consistency places him among the league’s elite, outshining notable forwards like Lautaro Martínez and Romelu Lukaku this term.
Lookman’s brilliance was on full display in the reverse fixture, where he netted twice to inspire Atalanta to a commanding victory in Naples. The Gewiss Stadium faithful will be hoping for a repeat performance as La Dea look to reignite their Scudetto ambitions.
With Atalanta’s impressive record of scoring in their last 25 home league matches, averaging 2.5 goals per game, Lookman’s influence will be crucial. Napoli’s defense, however, has proven resilient on the road, with just one loss in nine away games this season.
