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Atalanta and Spezia will trade tackles at the Gewiss Stadium on Friday, with three points at stake in Serie A.
The hosts suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Inter Milan on Monday, with a second-half strike by Milan Skriniar giving the Nerazzurri all three points.
Spezia could not be separated in their relegation six-pointer at home to Benevento. Goals in each half from Adolfo Gaiche and Daniele Verde ensured that both sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
The hosts sit just outside the top four and are one point behind fourth-placed AS Roma. A win will see Atalanta climb into the top four temporarily, pending the conclusion of the weekend's games.
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Spezia are further down in 15th spot and are just six points above the dropzone.
Atalanta vs Spezia Head-to-Head
This will be the second competitive meeting between the sides. Their first leg clash in November ended in a goalless draw.
Atalanta have been in good form of late, with five victories recorded in their last seven games in all competitions. Spezia are currently on a four-game winless run in the league.
Atalanta form guide (all competitions): L-W-W-L-W
Spezia form guide: D-L-D-L-W
Atalanta vs Spezia Team News
Atalanta
The hosts will be without Hans Hateboer, who has been ruled out with a foot injury. There are no suspension concerns for manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
Injuries: Hans Hateboer
Suspension: None
Spezia
Three players have been sidelined for the trip to Atalanta. Ivan Provedel (COVID-19), Riccardo Saponara (ankle) and Rafael (sprained wrist) are all unavailable for selection.
Spezia have no suspension worries.
Injuries: Rafael, Riccardo Saponara, Ivan Provedel
Suspension: None
Atalanta vs Spezia Predicted XI
Atalanta Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Pierluigi Gollini (GK); Jose Palomino, Christian Romero, Rafael Toloi; Robin Gossens, Remo Freuler, Martin de Roon, Joakim Maehle; Matteo Pessina, Josip Ilicic; Duvan Zapata
Spezia Predicted XI (4-3-3): Jeroen Zoet (GK); Simone Bastoni, Claudio Terzi, Adrian Ismajili, Salvador Ferrer; Nahuel Estevez, Matteo Ricci, Leo Sena; Emmanuel Gyasi, M'Bala Nzola, Daniel Verde
Atalanta vs Spezia Prediction
Atalanta very rarely slip up against lower opposition. Having suffered a defeat in their most recent fixture, the Bergamo outfit will be keen to get back to winning ways.
Spezia's extremely porous defense is bound to be exploited by a rampant Atalanta side and we are predicting a comfortable victory for the hosts.
Prediction: Atalanta 4-1 Spezia
