FRESH off the back of lifting silverware for the first time since 1963, Atalanta return to Serie A action with a home game against Torino on Sunday evening.
Ademola Lookman stole the show as La Dea produced a stunning performance to earn a thoroughly deserved 3-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen in Wednesday night’s Europa League final.
That triumph also means Gian Piero Gasperini's team will once again take a seat at Europe’s top table next season, irrespective of where they finish in Serie A.
The Bergamo-based outfit are currently occupying fifth spot in the standings following a 2-1 win at Leece last weekend.
Meanwhile, ninth-placed Torino are also ticking along nicely and are on track for a top-half finish following a 3-1 win against AC Milan last Saturday.
Given that the team who finishes in ninth place could potentially qualify for Europe next season, Ivan Juric’s side will be desperately seeking to bank maximum points from their final fixture of the season this weekend.
How the bookies view it: Torino to take advantage
Following their exploits in midweek, along with the celebrations that no doubt followed, Atalanta are 23/10 (Bet 365) outsiders on Sunday while the draw is trading at 5/2 (Bet 365).
Torino are 11/10 favourites on Bet 365 to pick up the victory that would guarantee them a top-nine finish.
Head to head: Torino targeting two in a row
Atalanta were swept aside by Torino in December’s reverse fixture, with La Dea loanee Duvan Zapata bagging a brace against his current employers.
That was the first time that Torino had taken top honours in seven attempts against Atalanta, with their last victory prior to that success stretching all the way back to September 2019.
Players to watch: Lookman worth another look?
After etching himself into Atalanta history in midweek, Ademola Lookman looks overpriced at 3/1 (Bet 365) to strike on Sunday. It's worth noting that the Super Eagles forward is a 100/1 (Bet 365) to hit another hat-trick this weekend.
The aforementioned Duvan Zapata will be looking to do more damage on his return to Bergamo. The Torino attacker is 7/5 (Bet 365) to get on the scoresheet.
Predicted line-ups
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini is likely to make some changes to his starting XI after their Europa League exertions in midweek.
Following last week’s impressive 3-1 win over AC Milan, Torino chief Ivan Juric is expected to name an unchanged starting line-up at the Gewiss Stadium.
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti; Hateboer, Ederson, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Miranchuk, Lookman; Scamacca
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Vojvoda, Buongiorno, Masina; Bellanova, Ilic, Tameze, Rodriguez; Ricci; Pellegri, Zapata
Anything else catch the eye?
Dipping into Bet 365’s Bet Builder feature, the combination of Under Five Match Goals and Over Three Torino Corners holds appeal at 4/5 (Bet 365).
Goals tend to be in short supply when Torino are involved, with a league-high 26 of their 37 league games producing under 2.5 strikes, and I suspect that trend will continue against potentially leggy opponents.
Given that Turin club will have to go all out for the win on Sunday, I’m also prepared to back the visitors to earn at least four corners in this contest.
This Bet Builder would have banked profit from four of Torino's last six Serie A assignments.
This Serie A match between Atalanta and Torino will be played on May 26, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Atalanta vs Torino prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
