Hellas Verona is set to face Atalanta on Saturday, February 8, at 15:00 local time, for a key Serie A clash at the Stadio Bentegodi. The matchup is particularly significant as Verona fights to distance itself from the relegation zone, whereas Atalanta aims to secure points to fortify their standing for Champions League qualification.
The game will be broadcast live on DAZN, with viewers also able to access it through the Sky Q service. Fans can easily tune in by opening the DAZN app on smart TVs or using their subscritions via various devices, including PlayStation and Xbox consoles and more.
Atalanta arrives at the contest recovering from recent disappointments, including their elimination from the Coppa Italia by Bologna, with much anticipation riding on their performance against the struggling Hellas Verona squad. "A match can weigh heavily on the salvation struggle and the Champions League zone," reported by Il Corriere dello Sport, highlighting the stakes of this encounter.
Verona's performance has seen them win only one point from the last six home games against Atalanta, indicating the historical struggle they have faced against this opponent. "Verona has had only one point from their last six home games against Atalanta," noted Football Italia. This poor record is compounded by their need to secure safety, as they currently sit with just 23 points, narrowly above the relegation zone.
On the other hand, Atalanta has encountered challenges themselves lately. "After 11 consecutive wins, Atalanta has only one win in the last six Serie A matches," according to Calcio Mercato. Once positioned at the top of the table, their results have slipped due to draws and their unexpected elimination from competitive matches.
Remarkably, following their strong start to the season, the expectations of the Atalanta squad, improved roster, and styles of play are being evaluated closely following their series of inconsistent performances. The once-celebrated team is now facing some hard questions as they prepare to battle it out against Verona.
Both clubs have faced their own respective hurdles this season. Verona recently notched back-to-back performances, with their latest saw them achieve victory over Monza amid mounting pressure to stay afloat. "Verona won their last match against Monza but hasn't secured back-to-back wins since March 2024," highlighted Sky Sports, pointing to the instability surrounding their campaign.
Player absences also loom large, with Verona missing key components on their midfield due to injury and suspension. This absence may shape their formation choices, with the squad doing their best to compensate effectively. Reports suggest Niasse and Bernede may take on key responsibilities, with Suslov expected to play behind strikers Sarr and Mosquera.
Meanwhile, Atalanta, struggling with the loss of significant players, will have Rui Patricio back between the posts, as they look to firm up their defensive options with players such as Posch stepping up. The pressure on Italain’s squad (Atalanta) remains heavy as the match is seen as pivotal to steering them clear of the bottom of the table, particularly with Championship playdates around the corner.
Analysts and sports commentators alike will be tuning in, and some have peculated about the outcome of the game. "The Dea has suffered diminishing returns; from leading the table to struggles for Champions placements on consistent performances," stated Gazzetta dello Sport, emphasizing the importance of the result from both perspectives.
On the other hand, Hellas Verona has historical advantages, but they strive to generate momentum against past failures to achieve goals against Atalanta. With everything at stake, this confrontation is set to be electrifying, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
A victory for Verona could help them consolidate their escape from relegation, whereas three points for Atalanta could rekindle their ambitions of climbing up the Serie A ladder. It promises to be more than just another matchday, but one steeped with emotional and competitive significance as both teams prepare to battle it out for points.