Napoli vs. Atalanta: Key Issues That Will Shape Serie a Game
Napoli host Atalanta on Sunday evening in Round 28 of Serie A action. The Partenopei have been inconsistent as of late, winning just once in their last five domestic matches.
It’s become obvious that coach Rafael Benitez is putting all the side’s effort and energy into the Europa League, draining his men in Serie A play. Additionally, WhoScored.com notes that Napoli have also played the most games compared to their competitors, with 43.
The weekend’s fixtures make up the last round of play before the international break, so Rafa will need every ounce of strength from his men to compete with Atalanta. The Bergamo outfit have surprisingly defeated Napoli twice in the past five encounters. Napoli sit in fourth place, three points behind Lazio and just one point behind Fiorentina and Sampdoria.
With the race for third place in full swing, it’s a match Napoli cannot take for granted. Over the following pages is a look at the key issues and talking points that will shape this game.
How Will Rafael Benitez Form His Attack?
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We’re all aware of Benitez’s obsessive rotation policy, and as previously mentioned, it seems as though the Spanish tactician has been going all out for Europa League matches.
Since the Campania outfit hosts some depth in attack, Rafa has had an enjoyable dilemma. New signing Manolo Gabbiadini has arguably been one the sharpest of the bunch, livening up Napoli’s attack since joining the club in January. The 23-year-old, however, has been used primarily in cup competitions and most notably benched in consecutive crucial away losses to Palermo and Torino.
But as of right now, it’s probable that Gabbiadini will indeed sit out in place of Jose Callejon. Gonzalo Higuain, Dries Mertens and captain Marek Hamsik will round out Napoli’s attack.
How Will Napoli Cope in Defence?
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Napoli’s defence has needed to be strengthened for quite a few years now. However, Benitez will need to make some important decisions, as the club will currently have to make do without suspended defenders Raul Albiol and Faouzi Ghoulam.
With left-back Ivan Strinic out injured, it’s looking likely that Miguel Britos will start in his place. The Uruguayan is habitually error-prone when played in his natural position at centre-back but even more so when flanked on the left.
Kalidou Koulibaly will be returning from injury and will most likely pair up with Henrique in the centre. The latter has endured a poor season, and there was speculation of his departure in January, but the Brazilian remained with the club. Veteran Christian Maggio is also probable to start at right-back.
Bruno Uvini was also called up for the matchday squad. The 23-year-old has only made one appearance for Napoli since joining the club in 2012 and could double his tally if brought on.
Will German Denis Continue to Haunt Napoli?
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German Denis was once a Napoli player. Between the 2008 and 2010 seasons, the Argentinian netted just 14 times in all competitions in 71 appearances, per Transfermarkt.
But since moving on to Udinese and then Atalanta, the striker has netted six times in nine appearances against his former employers.
The 33-year-old doesn’t rely on speed to wreak havoc—just great positioning and awareness of play, squeezing in between defenders to deliver the final blow. If Napoli allow him a few inches of space, he’ll be sure to at least trouble Napoli goalkeeper Mariano Andujar.
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