Verona vs Atalanta Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this one. Verona are having an absolute shocker of a season, aren't they? Bottom of the table with zero wins from 13 games - that's proper relegation form, that is. They've managed just 6 goals all season and are shipping them at the other end with 17 conceded in their last 10 alone.

Looking at their recent results, it's grim reading for the Verona faithful. A 2-1 loss to Genoa, 1-2 defeat at home to Parma, and they could only muster a 0-0 draw against Lecce. The only time they've looked remotely decent was that 2-2 draw with Cagliari, but let's be honest, that's not exactly setting the world alight, is it?

Now for Atalanta. They're not setting the Serie A alight either, sitting in 12th, but they're a different kettle of fish entirely. Recent form shows they're finding their feet - a 4-0 thumping of Genoa in the cup, 2-0 win over Fiorentina, and a cracking 3-0 away win in the Champions League against Frankfurt. They're keeping clean sheets and scoring goals, which is more than can be said for Verona.

The head-to-head tells you everything you need to know, really. Atalanta have won 7 of the 9 meetings between these two, and Verona have NEVER beaten them at home. Not once! The last two meetings have ended 0-5 and 1-6 to Atalanta - that's proper domination, that is.

Verona are averaging just 10.9 shots per game with poor accuracy, while Atalanta are firing in 16.5 shots and controlling possession with 57.5% compared to Verona's paltry 38.3%. The stats don't lie, do they?

Yeah, Atalanta have had less rest (3 days vs Verona's 7), but when you're playing this well and the opposition are this bad, fatigue shouldn't matter too much. Verona simply don't look like they know where the back of the net is, and their defence is about as solid as a chocolate teapot.

Key Points:

• Verona are winless all season (0 wins, 6 draws, 7 losses)

• Atalanta have won 7 of 9 head-to-head meetings

• Verona have NEVER beaten Atalanta at home (0-0-5 record)

• Atalanta keeping clean sheets in 50% of recent games

• Verona scoring just 0.6 goals per game

• Last two meetings ended 0-5 and 1-6 to Atalanta

The way I see it, this is straightforward. Atalanta should have too much quality for a Verona side that looks completely bereft of confidence. The odds of 1.70 for an away win look about right to me, and I'd fancy them to get the job done comfortably.