Only one game from this round of Serie A fixtures catches my eye, and that is the opening game of the weekend. Roma managed their first win last weekend at Parma, whereas visitors Atalanta are unbeaten, and would in fact be two points clear at the top of the table had they not begun the season with a six-point deficit (due to their involvement in match fixing last season).
Roma were expected to take time to settle into new coach Luis Enrique’s new system, and that has certainly proven to be the case. They’re not there yet – although they showed signs of improvement at Parma, the truth is that they owed thier victory to Parma’s inept finishing and poor overall play for the majority of the game.
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| Spaniard Luis Enrique is now in the hot seat at Roma |
The Romans are heavily favoured to record their first home win on Saturday, though an in-form Atalanta side may have other ideas. Their start to the season has surpassed all expectations, but coach Stefano Colantuono has organised this team well and they will provide a much tougher test for Roma than Parma did last week.
Simone Perrotta and Borriello may overcome minor injuries to feature for Roma, while goalkeeper Maaretn Stekelenburg returns after missing last week’s game. The visitors are expected to field the same team which beat Novara 2-1 on Sunday.
Roma will always be favourites to beat a newly-promoted team at home, but I think the odds are too short for this one. Atalanta have won their last three games, and I expect them to avoid defeat again tomorrow.
Prediction – Atalanta +1 (handicap betting) – 5pts
Match odds: Roma 4/7
Draw 11/4
Atalanta 9/2
Atalanta +1 11/10
