Atalanta vs Venezia live : De Ketelaere and Lookman lead attack in Serie A clash

As the clock ticks towards kickoff at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, anticipation builds for a thrilling Serie A clash between Atalanta and Venezia. With the home side pushing for Champions League qualification and the visitors fighting to escape relegation, this match promises high stakes and intense action.

In Short

Atalanta’s high-flying attack faces stern test

Atalanta enters this fixture in scintillating form, having netted an impressive five goals in their last outing against Empoli. The Bergamo-based club currently sits third in the Serie A table, just three points behind league leaders Inter Milan. Their prolific attack, spearheaded by the in-form duo of Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman, has been a key factor in their success this season.

De Ketelaere, the Belgian international, has been a revelation since joining Atalanta. His ability to create chances and link play has added a new dimension to Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical setup. Lookman, on the other hand, has been a constant threat with his pace and clinical finishing, netting 12 goals in the campaign so far.

However, Atalanta will need to be wary of complacency against a Venezia side fighting for survival. The home team’s recent record at the Gewiss Stadium has been somewhat inconsistent, with two draws and a loss in their last six home fixtures. This unpredictability at home could provide a glimmer of hope for the struggling visitors.

Venezia’s uphill battle for survival

Languishing in 19th place, Venezia faces a daunting task as they travel to Bergamo. The Lagunari have managed to secure only two points from their last five matches, including a hard-fought draw against Lazio in their previous outing. Manager Eusebio Di Francesco will be hoping his team can build on that result and cause an upset against the high-flying Atalanta.

Venezia’s struggles this season can be largely attributed to their lack of firepower in front of goal. With just 22 goals scored in 26 matches, they boast the second-worst attacking record in the league. Their top scorer, Joel Pohjanpalo, has managed only six goals, highlighting the team’s offensive woes.

Despite their attacking struggles, Venezia has shown flashes of resilience in recent weeks. The addition of Alessio Zerbin in January has provided a spark, with the young Italian creating eight chances for his teammates since his debut. If Venezia is to have any hope of securing a positive result, they will need Zerbin and his fellow attackers to be at their very best.

Key battles that could decide the match

The outcome of this encounter may well hinge on a few crucial individual battles across the pitch. In midfield, the duel between Atalanta’s Ederson and Venezia’s Tanner Tessmann could prove pivotal. Ederson’s ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball will be crucial for the home side, while Tessmann will be tasked with disrupting Atalanta’s rhythm and launching counterattacks.

In the final third, all eyes will be on Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui. The Argentine striker has been in blistering form, netting 21 goals this season and establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most lethal finishers. Venezia’s defense, led by the experienced Michael Svoboda, will have their work cut out trying to contain Retegui’s movement and clinical finishing.

On the flanks, the battle between Atalanta’s Davide Zappacosta and Venezia’s Ridgeciano Haps could be crucial in determining the flow of the game. Zappacosta’s attacking forays and pinpoint crosses have been a key feature of Atalanta’s play, while Haps will need to balance his defensive duties with supporting Venezia’s counterattacks.

Statistical insights and historical context

The head-to-head record between these two sides heavily favors Atalanta. The Bergamo club has won their last six encounters against Venezia in Serie A, conceding just one goal in the process. This dominant run is part of a larger trend, with Atalanta winning 13 of their 21 top-flight meetings overall.

Atalanta’s home form against Venezia is particularly impressive, with eight wins from ten matches at the Gewiss Stadium. The hosts have scored an average of 2.2 goals per game in these fixtures, underlining their attacking prowess when facing the Lagunari on home turf.

However, recent history suggests that this match might not be as straightforward as the statistics indicate. Atalanta has alternated between winless home games and away victories in their last six fixtures, scoring just three goals at home compared to 12 on the road during this period. This inconsistency at the Gewiss Stadium could provide Venezia with a glimmer of hope.

As the teams prepare to take the field, the stage is set for an intriguing battle between Atalanta’s high-powered offense and Venezia’s desperate fight for survival. With Champions League qualification and top-flight status on the line, both sides have everything to play for in what promises to be a captivating Serie A encounter.