In live football today, Serie A returns to action after the international break. UEFA Champions League and Scudetto hopefuls Napoli and Atalanta take on each other for an exciting encounter.
Napoli have reinforced their ranks and demolished Genoa 6-0 at the San Paolo. They were due to travel to Turin, but the Covid-19 outbreak made them miss their match against Juventus. The game was considered a forfeit by Serie A and points awarded to Juventus.
The fate of both side’s 2020/21 Serie A campaign is on the line, and they will be looking to give a good account of themselves. Their last meeting in Napoli was a 2-2 draw, and only time will tell if things will be different this time.
You can live stream the game from the confines of your home but before that, let’s take a look at how things have panned out for both sides so far this season.
Napoli to struggle in their title bid against Atalanta?
The 3-0 result awarded against Napoli is now in litigation, but the Partenopei cannot keep looking in the rearview mirror and have to move on. They take on the challenge of Atalanta, who have been impressing everyone in Italy and on the continent with their attacking displays.
In football today, you need to be on guard at all times so this game is going to be a big test for the Neopolitans.
Gian Pierro Gasperini’s men are on a three-match winning run and swatted away everyone in their path. Both Torino and Lazio suffered a drubbing at their hands while they saved their best for Cagliari in their first home game of the season.
Gennaro Gattuso will have blood on his head going in this fixture, so will his team. But they will have to be mindful of attack and in defense against their enterprising rivals. Papu Gomez and co. can spring a surprise if they are not careful. They have made the best in Europe pay with their attacking forays that bring principles of Total Football to life in Gasperini’s image.
However, the hosts have their own tricks up their sleeves. Gattuso has reunited the squad after they lost ways under Carlo Ancelotti and Aurelio de Laurentis’ enforced ritiro. In Victor Osimhen, they have an enterprising forward who does not fatigue and should lead their lines for a successful assault at the title.
Napoli - Atalanta to be an even encounter
Both sides will take on the field after enjoying goals galore in their recent outings. The international break brought a pause to the feel-good factor, but they will be looking to rekindle their aspirations once Serie A resumes.
Atalanta have been impressive going forward, but they look susceptible at the back. Torino, Lazio, and even Cagliari managed to breach their defenses and get on the scoreboard. However, their motto is to outscore their rivals, and La Dea have managed it in all their outings.
They have their most challenging task of the season against the Neapolitans. Gattuso’s men have not conceded a goal when on the pitch, and the three goals in the against the column should be wiped out soon as well. It does not mean that Atalanta will not pressurize them. The Serie A fixture will be an open encounter, and both sides should provide plenty of entertainment.
Managers in spotlight
Gennaro Gattuso (Napoli)
Gattuso is slowly transforming into a manager with the same ethos that made him a star at Rangers and AC Milan. He does not let up and surely does not forgive. It is being witnessed at the San Paolo, and the players have found a liking for his ways.
Napoli is being transformed under him, and this team is surely being formed in his image. The change in approach has seen the likes of Dries Mertens to rejuvenate their careers while Kalidou Koulibaly is also thriving after being denied a transfer yet again.
The Partenopei have given a warning signal to the rest of Serie A with their impregnable outings, and Atalanta have their work cut out for themselves. It is going to be an interesting matchup of two sides who are changing the views about Italian football.
Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)
After impressing in Genoa, Gian Piero Gasperini went on a downward spiral with his stints with Inter Milan and Palermo. He resurrected his career back in the humble surrounding of Genoa and is at the peak of his tactical prowess in Bergamo with Atalanta.
La Dea have been transformed under his reign. They are no longer the laughing stock of Italian football but the pride of Serie A. Not only are they feared in Italy but also in Europe. And they have managed all of this without breaking the bank.
While Bergamo was the place for troubled talents to find solace, Gasperini has made it the destination for all and sundry alike. The club plays an exciting brand of football, and their intensity does not drop. It will be interesting to see how Atalanta tweak themselves tactically for their battle against Napoli.
Watch Serie A Football Today Live on TV and Live Stream in the UK
The live stream for all 2020/21 season Serie A matches can be found here.
Premier Sports is the official broadcaster of the Serie A in the UK.
Serie A Live Football on TV This Weekend
Free of charge Serie A live streams are available here
Saturday 17 October(All UK times)
Inter Milan v AC Milan (17:00)
Sampdoria v Lazio (17:00)
Crotone v Juventus (19:45)
Sunday 18 October(All UK times)
Bologna v Sassuolo (11:30)
Spezi v Fiorentina (14:00)
Torino v Cagliari (14:00)
Udinese v Parma (17:00)
AS Roma v Benevento (19:45)
Monday 19 October(All UK times)
Verona v Genoa (19:45)
