In a season that promised a potential Champions League spot on the table looks like it will end with a Europa League spot instead for Atalanta; they will have to win the match when they go one-on-one against midtable Monza on Sunday at 19:00 GMT.
Atalanta will have a lot to play for in the final match of this Serie A season. They currently sit 5th on the table with 61 points; however, the two sides behind them – Roma (60 points) and Juventus (59 points) – are within touching distance of leapfrogging Atalanta if they slip up in the final match.
Monza will look to solidify their midtable credentials when they travel to face Atalanta on Sunday in the season’s final match.
Key Highlights
Atalanta’s Bid to Seal Europa League Football Next Season
Atalanta have won just two of their last five matches; they have lost three in this run. In this regard, this run of results that has resulted in six gained and nine dropped points has deflated Atalanta’s ability to compete for the top four alongside Milan and Inter.
However, they find themselves fifth on the table and in the driving seat to qualify for the Europa League next season. However, they will have to win to ensure that outcome in their final match of the season, at home to Monza.
Atalanta will have to return to winning ways after losing a thrilling match against Inter at the San Siro 3-2 last Saturday.
Sealing a Europa League position will be a consolation for Atalanta, who were inside Serie A’s top four at some point earlier in the season.
Monza’s Midtable Comforts
Monza have had a brilliant season in their first experience of Serie A ever. They currently sit 10th on the table with 52 points and within a point of the two sides immediately above them on the table – Fiorentina and Torino – both with 53 points.
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They will look to win their last match of the season and either maintain or improve their position on the table.
Their current form trajectory also shows that they have the momentum and motivation to fight for a win at Atalanta on Sunday. Before they lost 0-1 at home to Lecce, Monza had won two consecutive matches in Serie A and gone four matches unbeaten (two wins and two draws).
Monza will, therefore, look to bounce back to winning ways in Serie A when they face Atalanta on Sunday and end the season on a high.
Injury Report
Atalanta
Atalanta will be without several of their matchday squad players in the final match of the Serie A season.
Center-forward Duvan Zapata (leg injury), left-winger Jeremie Boga (distortion of the ankle), right-back Brandon Soppy (muscle problem), and centre-back Jose Luis Palomino (hamstring) are all unavailable.
Atalanta will also be without the services of left-back Matteo Ruggeri (muscular problems), left-winger Lukas Vorlicky (knee problems), and right-back Hans Hateboer (cruciate ligament rupture).
Monza
Monza will have the full complement of their squad available for selection ahead of their trip to face Atalanta on Sunday.
Possible Lineups
Atalanta
M. Sportiello; G. Scalvini, B. Djimsiti, R. Toloi; D. Zappacosta, M. Pasalic, M. de Roon, J. Maehle; Ederson, T. Koopmeiners; R. Hojlund
Monza
M. Di Gregorio; Marlon, P. Mari, A. Izzo; P. Ciurria, N. Rovella, M. Pessina, C. A; D. Mota; A. Petagna, G. Caprari
Prediction
Atalanta will be motivated to win this match and take the three points they need to seal European football for next season. They will play on the front foot and dominate possession as they look to create goalscoring chances.
Monza will be aggressive in their tackling, work ethic and disciplined in their shape and compactness.
Atalanta will win the match and qualify for Europe.
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