Antonio Conte is facing a tough match with Napoli. © ANSA / stringer

League leader Napoli wants to stop Atalanta's winning streak

In the three-way battle for the Scudetto, a duel between two title contenders will take place in Serie A on Saturday.

17 January 2025

From: apa/sn

Third-placed Atalanta (43 points) hosts league leaders Napoli (47) and wants to continue its winning streak to keep its chances of winning the first championship title in the club's history alive. Inter (44) hosts Empoli, who are in a relegation battle, on Sunday.

Atalanta has been unbeaten in 24 league matches since September 15th, and has drawn three times after eleven wins in a row. "Atalanta is a strong team, and has been for some time. But when you win, you gain confidence and the awareness that you can keep up with anyone. And today they have that strength," said Napoli coach Antonio Conte.

Fit again: Mateo Retegui from Atalanta. © ANSA / MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

Napoli themselves travelled to Bergamo in top form. The southern Italians have won five times recently and only conceded two goals. The team from Naples still has a score to settle with Atalanta, having lost their home game at the beginning of November 0-3.

Inter coach Inzaghi suspended

Inter, which has played one game less than its two title rivals, can catch up with the southern Italians if Napoli slip up. The champions will be led by assistant coach Massimiliano Farris on Sunday because head coach Simone Inzaghi is suspended.

In the unusual shadow of another top match, record champions Juventus (5th) and Milan (7th) will meet in Turin. Host Juventus is the only team still unbeaten this season, but has only drawn in 13 of its 20 games, including seven of its last eight matches. Milan is still unbeaten under Sergio Conceicao since the change of coach at the end of last year and has started the new year successfully with its victory in the Supercup.