Match preview: Atalanta vs Napoli - Serie A (9:00 PM, February 22nd)

The clash between Atalanta and Napoli at the New Balance Arena took place against a backdrop of contrasting goals from both teams, both desperate for points to solidify their positions in the league table. While Napoli strived to defend their third-place spot, Atalanta displayed the tenacity of a formidable challenger.

Ranking position and current context

Napoli currently sits in 3rd place with 50 points after 25 matches. The visiting team boasts a strong attack with 38 goals scored, averaging 1.5 goals per game. However, the Southern Italian team's recent form has shown signs of stagnation, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in their last 5 matches.

Conversely, Atalanta are currently ranked 7th with 42 points. Gian Piero Gasperini's team's biggest strength is their extremely solid defense, having conceded only 21 goals since the start of the season (an average of 0.8 goals per game). With two wins and three draws in their last five matches, Atalanta are maintaining the necessary unbeaten streak to put pressure on the European qualification spots.

Head-to-head history and recent form

In their last five encounters, Napoli have the edge with three wins, while Atalanta have triumphed twice. However, both of Atalanta's victories came away from home with the same emphatic 3-0 scoreline in 2024, demonstrating their ability to exploit their opponent's weaknesses.

In terms of overall form, Napoli have shown more consistency throughout the season with 15 wins, but they have suffered 5 defeats away from home. On the other hand, Atalanta have only lost 2 matches at their home ground, making New Balance Arena an impenetrable fortress.

Team news: Napoli is in serious crisis.

This is a crucial factor that could determine the outcome of the match. Napoli travel to Bergamo with a long list of injuries. Key players unavailable include Kevin De Bruyne (thigh injury), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (knee injury), Scott McTominay (muscle injury), and David Neres (ankle injury). The absence of center-back Amir Rrahmani and the uncertain availability of Frank Anguissa severely weaken Napoli's system across all three lines.

On Atalanta's side, the absence of Charles De Ketelaere (knee injury) and Giacomo Raspadori (thigh injury) are significant losses, but considering the current squad depth, the home team still has a much stronger position than their opponents.

Tactical analysis and predictions

Based on their personnel situation, Atalanta are considered the favorites, with a high probability of winning or at least drawing (predicted at 90%). Their high-pressing style and solid defense will pose a significant challenge to Napoli's makeshift midfield.

The match is expected to be tight with few goals scored. Experts predict both teams will score under 2.5 goals. The advice for this match is to choose Atalanta to win or draw (Double chance) based on their superior personnel and home advantage.

Team lineup updated at 20:45 on 22/02/2026

Official lineup

Atalanta

Diagram: 3-4-2-1

CoachRaffaele Palladino

Starting lineup:

• 29. Marco Carnesecchi (G)
• 42. Giorgio Scalvini (D)
• 4. Isak Hien (D)
• 23. Sead Kolašinac (D)
• 16. Raoul Bellanova (M)
• 15. Marten de Roon (M)
• 8. Mario Pašalić (M)
• 77. Davide Zappacosta (M)
• 7. Kamaldeen Sulemana (F)
• 59. Nicola Zalewski (F)
• 90. Nikola Krstović (F)

Substitutes:

• 31. Francesco Rossi
• 57. Marco Sportiello
• 69. Honest Ahanor
• 19. Berat Djimsiti
• 3. Odilon Kossounou
• 5. Mitchel Bakker
• 13. Ederson
• 47. Lorenzo Bernasconi
• 10. Lazar Samardžić
• 6. Yunus Musah
• 9. Gianluca Scamacca
• 45. Dominic Vasassori

Napoli

Diagram: 3-4-2-1

CoachAntonio Conte

Starting lineup:

• 32. Vanja Milinković-Savić (G)
• 31. Sam Beukema (D)
• 5. Juan Jesus (D)
• 4. Alessandro Buongiorno (D)
• 30. Pasquale Mazzocchi (M)
• 68. Stanislav Lobotka (M)
• 20. Eljif Elmas (M)
• 3. Miguel Gutiérrez (M)
• 27. Alisson Santos (F)
• 26. Antonio Vergara (F)
• 19. Rasmus Højlund (F)

Substitutes:

• 1. Alex Meret
• 14. Nikita Contini
• 37. Leonardo Spinazzola
• 17. Mathías Olivera
• 6. Billy Gilmour
• 95. Vincenzo Prisco
• 98. Emmanuele De Chiara
• 9. Romelu Lukaku
• 23. Giovane
• 21. Matteo Politano