Serie A 2021/22 preview: What do Napoli need to consider vs Atalanta to remain in the title battle? – tactical analysis

Atalanta host Napoli in the 31^st round of Serie A in an important game for both teams. La Dea are still hoping to reach a Champions League spot, while Napoli, despite being three points behind Milan, still have a chance to win the Scudetto for the first time since 1990.

A few poor results against the top teams put Atalanta’s qualification for the European competitions on a map as they currently sit sixth in the table, eight points behind the fourth Juventus and nine points behind the third Inter.

Napoli, on the other side, cannot afford to lose this game if they want to remain in the title battle as a potential six-point gap might be impossible to close in the last nine games of the season. Luciano Spalletti managed to keep his team in the loop with a balanced performance in and out of possession that allowed them to dream big.

Gian Piero Gasperini has to show that he still has the ability to step up against the top teams and outwit them tactically if he wants to keep La Dea’s “top team” status in Serie A.

In this preview, we will use tactical analysis to explain how both teams could expose each other and what is it in Gasperini’s tactics that Spalletti needs to be careful about.

Atalanta’s threat from distance

Atalanta could threaten Napoli in many ways and Spalletti should consider a few players’ movement in order to avoid any unexpected threats in front of Napoli’s goal.

La Dea are known for their short pass combinations and creativity in attack but while they rely on through balls and smart balls to break through defences and expose the opposition, their ability to exploit spaces and create opportunities from distance should not be underestimated.

Ruslan

is proficient in creating goalscoring chances from outside the box. His strong positioning allows him to take advantage of such opportunities and he increases the team’s explosiveness in attack. His occupation of the half-spaces often puts him into a quality position to catch the opposition off guard and shoot, although he is the most efficient when he moves centrally.

He is not Atalanta’s only weapon when it comes to shots from distance. Teun Koopmeiners settled pretty well and developed into one of the team’s key players in possession. Napoli should put effort into limiting his movement in midfield as his actions are crucial for Atalanta’s ball progression. Spalletti’s side need to increase their positional awareness as the Dutch player combines well with his teammates and constantly supports the attacking actions.