Sabasports Match Preview
Coppa Italia: Inter vs Atalanta
Kickoff Time: 2024-01-03 03:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
Last weekend, Inter swept Cagliari 3-0 in an away match, achieving four consecutive wins across all competitions and demonstrating impressive form. Under Simone Inzaghi’s management, Inter employs a unique 3-5-2 formation. In this system, the wing-backs play more like wingers, frequently making forward runs, while the central and defensive lines drop back as a unit. Hakan Calhanoglu even retreats to the defensive line to make long passes to the wings. The key to this tactic is that Lautaro Martinez needs to drop back to support, creating an uninterrupted cycle of pressing in the front line and intercepting plays in midfield. By maintaining control of the ball, they establish dominance in the match. This flexible 3-5-2 formation allows Inter to have over seven players involved in attacking plays, significantly increasing their goal conversion rate.
Atalanta drew 1-1 away against Lazio in the last match and remains unbeaten in the last four games with three wins and one draw, showing good form as well. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta primarily plays a 3-4-1-2 formation, emphasizing wing play and midfield control. During matches, Atalanta relies on their strong off-the-ball movement to penetrate the opponent’s half, creating more attacking opportunities. Notably, set pieces and headers are also significant scoring methods for Atalanta, who have shown high efficiency in their set-piece arrangements and execution. Particularly, Charles De Ketelaere not only possesses excellent passing abilities but also demonstrates strong physical qualities and aerial prowess. According to statistics, Atalanta has scored eight goals from set pieces and nine from headers in the league this season, both leading in Serie A.
In terms of strength, Inter is undoubtedly slightly superior to Atalanta; however, the latter has shown more explosive performance this season. The Italian Super Cup will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, making it an away game for both teams. The lack of home advantage for Inter undoubtedly increases Atalanta’s chances of success. Considering Atalanta’s strong performance this season, it would be reasonable to predict that they can remain unbeaten in regular time for this match.
Inter’s Last 5 Games: WWWWL
24-12-29 Cagliari 0-3 Inter
24-12-24 Inter 2-0 Como 1907
24-12-20 Inter 2-0 Udinese
24-12-17 Lazio 0-6 Inter
24-12-11 Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Inter
Atalanta’s Last 5 Games: DWWWL
24-12-29 Lazio 1-1 Atalanta
24-12-23 Atalanta 3-2 Empoli
24-12-19 Atalanta 6-1 Cesena FC
24-12-14 Cagliari 0-1 Atalanta
24-12-11 Atalanta 2-3 Real Madrid
Head To Head Record:
24-08-31 Inter 4-0 Atalanta
24-02-29 Inter 4-0 Atalanta
23-11-05 Atalanta 1-2 Inter
23-05-28 Inter 3-2 Atalanta
23-02-01 Inter 1-0 Atalanta
Prediction: Atalanta to win or Draw