Serie A: Torino vs. Atalanta Preview, Odds, Prediction

Torino and Atalanta promise a good battle at Olimpico Grande Stadium this Saturday night. Both teams want to win. Torino to wash away an embarrassing 0-7 defeat from 2020, and Atalanta to start the title chase successfully. The two sides had mixed results in the prep period, but that doesn’t have to mean anything, especially when we have the Italian teams in the mix. Both units have injury troubles, which have a solid impact on their tactics and plans, but we’ll discuss that in the next few lines.

Preview

Torino (+450) had to go through a lot of trouble to eliminate Cremonese in Copa Italia’s first round. The Bulls were through following a penalty shootout, and one very pale performance that didn’t encourage their fans.

That contest was the fourth straight, including the preseason ones, in which Torino couldn’t win during the regular 90 minutes. Two were draws and two defeats. But what is even worse is that in three games, the Bulls couldn’t score, which was one of their biggest problems during the previous season. Despite having Belotti upfront, we often saw them impotent in attack.

The big problem now, could be Belotti’s ankle sprain. If he isn’t available, the hosts could be in big, big problems. They are already struggling badly, but not having their leader would definitely ruin prospects for a good result.

Atalanta (-200) lost to Juventus in the last test before the start of the championship, 3-1, but that didn’t disturb Gasperini and his boys. They are aware that the real deal starts now.

We don’t need to write too much about Atalanta and the style of play preferred by this team. For the past three years, La Dea was the most efficient team in Italy, and in Europe.

“Offense” is the only word they know on the field, and regardless of the result, Atalanta will constantly attack, trying to bury you and inflict as high as possible defeat. Simply, that is the way they play.

Latest News

The situation with Belotti is questionable for now. The veteran striker Simone Zaza is doubtful because of a knee injury.

On the other side, Atalanta has serious trouble when talking about injuries. Several of La Dea’s starters are out, De Roon, Freuler, Hateboer, Miranchuk, Toloi, and Zapata all won’t play due to various injuries and suspensions (Freuler and Toloi).

Head to Head Games

The last game was in Bergamo this February, and it ended 3-3. Previously, Atalanta had two straight wins, 2-4 and 0-7, both in Torino. That was by far one of the biggest humiliations in the Bulls’ history.

Prediction

With or without Belotti, Torino is an underdog in this match, and we strongly suggest betting on the hosts’ victory. Yes, Atalanta has certain issues with absent players, but their depth is too big for this to be a problem. If you are not satisfied with the odds offered for this pick, going with Atalanta -1.5 would be a better choice. The odds for that one are at +125, and they should be suitable for any punter who reads this preview.

Pick: Atalanta wins