Atalanta
SassuoloAtalanta begin their Serie A campaign at home against Sassuolo on August 23, marking the start of the Maurizio Sarri era in Bergamo. The new manager arrives following Raffaele Palladino's departure, with expectations high for a return to title contention. However, preparation has been disrupted—Atalanta drew 0-0 with Hapoel in a UEFA Conference League play-off just three days before this fixture, forcing Sarri to consider squad rotation. Sassuolo, under new boss Alberto Aquilani, face a daunting opening assignment. The visitors showed promise in the Coppa Italia with a 3-0 win over Cesena but struggled defensively during pre-season against stronger opposition. Atalanta's injury list includes Isak Hien, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Charles De Ketelaere (doubtful), while Domenico Berardi remains a concern for Sassuolo. Interestingly, last season's encounters favour the visitors—Sassuolo won both meetings, including a 3-0 away victory and 2-1 home success.
Form and H2H
Atalanta's home form shows four wins, three draws, and three losses in their last ten matches, averaging 1.42 goals for and 1.06 against. Sassuolo's away record is considerably weaker: two wins, two draws, and six losses, with 1.32 goals scored and 1.57 conceded per game. The head-to-head record between these sides reveals a mixed picture. While Atalanta won 3-0 at home in 2016, recent encounters have been tighter, with draws at 1-1 and 2-2. Critically, in nine of their last eleven Serie A meetings, both teams have scored—a pattern that underscores the attacking nature of these fixtures despite Atalanta's defensive solidity this pre-season.
Best Bet
Both teams to score represents the most compelling option. Atalanta's home record shows they rarely keep clean sheets, and Sassuolo have demonstrated attacking intent even without Berardi. The nine-from-eleven pattern of mutual goals in recent encounters, combined with Sarri's likely squad rotation and Sassuolo's proven ability to trouble defences, makes this outcome highly probable. The fixture sits between two European commitments for the hosts, adding another layer of vulnerability.
Odds to Watch
Atalanta are clear favourites across all partner books. Melbet offers 1.53 for a home win, 1xBet 1.58, 1Win 1.51, and Mostbet 1.56. The draw is priced at 4.26 (Melbet), 4.45 (1xBet), 4.2 (1Win), and 4.3 (Mostbet), while Sassuolo's victory ranges from 6.0 (1Win) to 6.39 (1xBet). Given Atalanta's personnel issues and Sarri's transition period, the draw carries some value, though the hosts' superior squad quality and home advantage make their victory the most likely outcome.
