Inter – Atalanta : Preview & Prediction
Inter Milan beat Lecce 4-0 over the weekend to record a tenth consecutive win in all competitions, with Simone Inzaghi’s side establishing a nine-point gap at the top of Serie A with a game in hand. That win led to an impressive average of 2.5 goals per game in this league campaign and also marked the first time since October 1947 that the Nerazzurri have won three consecutive top-flight games in which they scored four or more goals.
Another three points in this clash would not only extend Inter’s lead at the top of the table, but would also be a fourth consecutive league win against Atalanta for the first time since a six-game winning streak between 1997 and 2001. Having won seven consecutive Serie A games, including six clean sheets, the San Siro has been a fortress of late for Inter, raising hopes of achieving that milestone against their next opponent.
Atalanta will be no easy opponent for Inter, having extended their unbeaten run since Christmas (G8, E2) with a 1-1 draw at this venue against AC Milan on Sunday. Six of those wins have come in the league, including four clean sheets, while there is extra motivation as they have a chance to sneak into the top four, but that will require La Dea to record a first Serie A away win over their arch-rivals in nearly a decade.
Despite all the positives, Atalanta have not had it easy when away. Just one win in their last six league appearances in that capacity (E3, P2) proves that, although 1-1 draws against Roma and Milan since the calendar change show they can be a tough nut to crack.
Players to watch: Lautaro Martinez’s brace against Lecce made him the ninth player to score 100 or more Serie A goals for Inter. Teun Koopmeiners arrives after scoring the equalizer for Atalanta at the San Siro against Milan – his sixth goal in his last eight league goals after halftime of his respective match.
Key stat: Inter have scored first in eight of their last nine Serie A home games against Atalanta, as they did in the previous league meeting between the sides.
Inter – Atalanta : Betting Tips
Inter – Win Odds: 1.65
