Italian Serie A
2008-12-14 - Genoa vs Atalanta
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: Italy, Serie A
Sunday, 14th December 2008 - Kickoff 14:00
Genoa are riding high in the table and fresh from a derby win over fierce rivals Sampdoria last weekend - can they maintain their form?
Genoa (6th - Home : 6-1-0 16:5)
The Grifone will still be feeling good about their 1-0 win over Sampdoria in last Sunday’s Derby della Lanterna, but they need to get back to basics to make sure that they do not slip up here.
Genoa are only one decent result away from a top four spot and potential Champions League qualification, and that sort of pressure can make teams play well - or crack under the scrutiny.
Genoa are still unbeaten at home with 16 goals scored and just five conceded at Marassi.
Genoa Team News :
Matteo Paro, Andrea Gasbarroni and Giandomenico Mesto are injured for Genoa, while Giuseppe Biava is suspended.
Atalanta (7th - Away : 1-1-5 5:11)
Atalanta started the season brightly and are back picking up points again with a 3-0 win over Udinese after a bit of a dodgy spell.
That win took Atalanta up to 7th place, but the Bergamo boys need to find ways to win games on the road, something that they haven't managed since mid-September.
Atalanta Team News :
Antonino D’Agostino, Luca Cigarini and Alessio Cerci are absent for the visitors.
Probable Teams
Rubinho;
Papastathopoulos, Bocchetti, Ferrari, Criscito;
Rossi, Juric, Thiago Motta;
Sculli, Milito, Palladino
Atalanta :
Coppola;
Garics, Talamonti, Manfredini, Bellini;
Ferreira Pinto, Guarente, Padoin, Valdes;
Doni, Floccari
Head to Head
Home advantage was the difference last year with Genoa winnnig this game 2-1, while Atalanta won their home fixture 2-0.
THe Verdict
Serie A has been a "home banker" paradise so far this season with nearly 60% of home sides making the advantage count.
Both of these teams have played their part in following that trend, and I'll take Genoa to continue the pattern in this game.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Genoa 2-1 Atalanta
