Atalanta is fighting hard to secure that European spot, and facing Bologna at home on May 17 could be their big chance to climb higher. They've mixed results lately, with a gritty 3-2 win over Milan showing their fighting spirit, but draws against Genoa, Lazio, and Roma, plus a loss to Cagliari, mean consistency has been elusive. Bologna isn't far behind in the standings, sitting eighth with 52 points after 36 games, and their recent form includes a battling 3-2 victory against Napoli, a solid draw with Cagliari, but defeats to Roma, Juventus, and even Aston Villa in another competition. This late-season clash at Gewiss Stadium feels tense, with both sides desperate for points in the race for continental football.
You can sense the pressure building for Atalanta in seventh place on 58 points; they're not safe yet, and a win here would ease the nerves. Bologna, just six points back, has shown they can compete, especially with that Napoli scalp, but their defense has looked shaky in losses. Injuries are hitting both teams hard. Atalanta will miss Lorenzo Bernasconi and Berat Djimsiti, along with suspensions for Isak Hien and others like Odilon Kossounou and Giorgio Scalvini, which might disrupt their backline. Over at Bologna, Nicolò Cambiaghi, Nicolò Casale, and Martin Vitík are out, plus Jhon Lucumí's suspension could leave gaps that Atalanta might exploit. It's a test of depth for both squads.
Looking at the expected lineups, Atalanta might line up in a 3-4-2-1 with Carnesecchi in goal, hoping players like Gianluca Scamacca can lead the charge—he's bagged 10 goals this season and could be the difference. Nikola Krstovic is another to watch in that setup. Bologna's partial 4-2-3-1 includes names like Riccardo Orsolini, who's been their star with 13 goals, and Santiago Castro with nine, so they'll push forward too. Historically, Atalanta has the edge in head-to-heads, but let's focus on what's happening now; their position in the table suggests they're favorites to edge this one.
I'd say Atalanta has the momentum, even with the absences, because their home form has been reliable and Scamacca's scoring threat stands out. Bologna fights back, no doubt, but they might struggle to contain Atalanta's attack in this setup. It's going to be a lively match, full of the drama that defines Serie A battles for Europe.
That brings us to the picks. Based on the forms and key players, here's where I'm putting my money.
Apuestas recomendadas
Apuesta 1 @1.75 — Atalanta to win, given their better league standing and recent home performances against a Bologna side hampered by injuries.
Apuesta 2 @2.10 — Over 2.5 goals, as both teams have seen high-scoring games lately, like Atalanta's 3-2 win and Bologna's similar results.
Apuesta 3 @3.50 — Gianluca Scamacca to score anytime, he's hit 10 goals this season and features in the predicted lineup for a must-win game.
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