Six league games without a win, only 11th place after ten matchdays: Ivan Juric is under enormous pressure at Atalanta Bergamo when Sassuolo, who are level on points, visit the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday. With 13 points each, only goal difference separates the two teams, with Atalanta narrowly ahead in 11th place and Sassuolo in 12th. The situation is particularly precarious for the hosts, who have only managed two wins all season. At least their recent Champions League success in Marseille, where Samardžić scored the decisive 1-0 goal in the 90th minute, could give them some momentum, even if a heated exchange between Juric and Lookman on the sideline caused some unrest. In terms of personnel, Atalanta will continue to be without Brescianini, who has adductor problems, and Scalvini, who is out with a long-term injury. Sassuolo, on the other hand, travels with the confidence of three unbeaten away games, including two wins and a draw. Particularly noteworthy: nine of their eleven goals this season have come after the break – a pattern that could be relevant against an Atalanta side that may be tired after their European trip.
- Venue: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo
- Date and time: November 9, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
- Competition: Serie A (Matchday 11)
Both teams have shown strong defensive orientation recently, which is why a tactically cautious exchange of blows with few goals is likely. Recommended bets: Under 2.5 goals as the main recommendation. Atalanta has had fewer than three goals per game in its last five games, with many encounters ending in low scores. Sassuolo scores predominantly in the second half, with 82 percent of their goals coming in the second half, and has failed to score in the first 45 minutes of their last five games. Both teams to score: No. Atalanta’s defensive stability and strong goalkeeping performances, especially from Carnesecchi, suggest this. Since Sassuolo’s threat mainly comes after the break and Atalanta will take few risks at home, this bet is plausible. A draw at odds of around 4.5 is a value bet for those willing to take risks. Both teams are level on points and play cautiously and defensively. Double chance 1X is a safe option for those who recognize Atalanta’s quality advantage but want to take into account their recent home weakness. The psychological boost from their recent Champions League victory could help. Key factors are the lack of creative players in both teams: Atalanta is missing Brescianini and the still-injured Scalvini, while Sassuolo has to do without Volpato and Boloca. Atalanta has the greater squad depth and, after six league games without a win, is showing a defensive focus, while coach Juric is under considerable pressure. Please note that betting odds, last-minute injury or lineup changes, and the course of the game, especially an early goal, may influence the recommendations.
Atalanta Form & Record Check
Atalanta is in a serious crisis: six league games without a win, including five draws and one defeat, mean that after ten games they are only 11th, nine points behind the leaders. The table is tight, with Sassuolo in 12th place level on points, showing how crowded the mid-table is. In contrast, the team is more stable in the Champions League. The recent 1-0 win in Marseille thanks to Samardžić’s late goal in the 90th minute, despite a missed penalty by De Ketelaere, gives cause for hope. However, a heated scene between Juric and Lookman on the sideline overshadowed the success. Atalanta are currently alarmingly harmless in attack. They have scored less than three goals in each of their last five competitive games, with four goalless halves being particularly notable. The defeat at Udinese, where only Zaniolo scored, further exacerbated the crisis. Important players are missing: Scalvini is out with a thigh injury until at least after the international break, Brescianini is unlikely to be available against Sassuolo despite having no injuries, and Bakker is out long-term with a cruciate ligament rupture. The defense looks relatively stable, but the lack of punch in the final third is slowing the team down considerably. The key to the coming weeks will be the return of injured players, more creativity in attack, and a return to consistency in the league to avoid slipping further down the table.
Coach Juric is expected to start with his usual 3-4-2-1 formation after the narrow Champions League win in Marseille. Three players are out with injuries: Scalvini with a thigh injury, Brescianini with adductor problems, and Bakker, who is out long term. At least there is good news for Brescianini, as tests have shown no structural damage. Youngster Ahanor could play a role in defense again after impressing in France with his energy and strength in challenges. Bellanova and Zappacosta seem set to start on the wings. In midfield, the tried-and-tested duo of de Roon and Ederson should provide stability. In attack, Krstović is expected to lead the line, supported by Samardžić, who was the match winner in Marseille with his spectacular winning goal, and Lookman, provided that the dispute with coach Juric has no lasting effects.
Sassuolo Form & Record Check
Sassuolo currently occupies 12th place with 13 points, level on points with Atalanta, who are just ahead on goal difference. Their recent record of two wins, two defeats, and one draw shows a team without a clear direction. Their slow starts are particularly noticeable: Sassuolo have never been ahead at halftime in their last five games. Of their eleven goals this season, a remarkable nine have come in the second half, revealing both late strength and early vulnerability. Their most recent home game against Genoa perfectly illustrated both sides of the coin. Berardi scored the equalizer to make it 1-1 after the break, his 150th goal for the club, but Ostigard scored in stoppage time to seal a bitter 2-1 defeat. The away record, with wins in Cagliari and Verona and a draw in Lecce, looks more stable than the weak home record, with defeats against Roma and Genoa. Offensively, Berardi, Pinamonti, and Laurienté have potential, but they are too inconsistent. Personnel concerns exacerbate the situation: Volpato is out with a muscle injury, Boloca will not return until mid-November, which limits rotation and tactical flexibility. Vulnerability in the early stages remains the main problem, with the intensity of pressing and concentration in the first 15 minutes in particular needing to be improved. Set-piece defense also needs work to avoid late goals like those conceded against Genoa. In the current personnel situation, a compact starting formation with a stable central defense will be crucial.
Despite personnel problems, coach Fabio Grosso is likely to stick with his tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation. Walukiewicz, Idzes, Candé, and Doig are expected to form the back four in front of goalkeeper Muric. In midfield, the trio of Thorstvedt, Matić, and Koné will have to provide stability. Volpato is definitely out with a thigh muscle injury, and Boloca is still missing due to knee problems. In attack, Grosso will rely on Berardi and Laurienté on the wings and Pinamonti as the central striker. Berardi is in good form after his recent goal against Genoa, his 150th for Sassuolo. The Neroverdi’s attack can be dangerous, even if the away game in Bergamo poses a particular challenge.
Atalanta – Sassuolo Head-to-head & statistics
In the last five meetings between Atalanta and Sassuolo from October 2022 to February 2024, Atalanta won four times, Sassuolo once, and there were no draws. The most recent encounter in February 2024 ended in a clear 3-0 victory for Atalanta. Atalanta showed its strength especially in the second half. In four of the five games, the decisive or additional goals were scored after the break, while the score was tied at halftime three times. Sassuolo’s only win dates back to February 2023 with a narrow 1-0 victory. Overall, Atalanta scored in four of the five games, while Sassuolo only scored in two. The games were mostly high-scoring: four matches saw more than 1.5 goals, but three remained below 3.5 goals. Atalanta’s dominance continued in the Coppa Italia in January 2024 with a 3-1 win and was confirmed a month later in the league duel with a 3-0 win.
