Heading into this scintillating Serie A clash between Atalanta and Bologna, we’ve got a mixed assortment of past performance data to chew on.
Let's start with the custodians of the nets. Atalanta's goalie Marco Carnesecchi might need to spend less time admiring the Italian scenery between the sticks with a middling rating of 6.53 and 9 saves. Bologna, on the other hand, presents a double threat in this department with Federico Ravaglia boasting a tidy 7.20 rating and 2 saves, while Łukasz Skorupski just about mirrors Marco with a 6.57 rating and 6 saves.
Turning our gaze to the outfield, Atalanta's standout performer is clearly Ademola Lookman. He sports a DJ Khaled-like rating of 9.10 and has managed to put one in the back of the net in recent times. Other notable mentions include Charles De Ketelaere and Lazar Samardžić, who've done their part and put in respectable performances too.
Over in Bologna's camp, Santiago Castro, the man of the moment, has plucked 2 goals, making him more lethal than an espresso-intake-overdosing Italian granny. Kacper Urbański and Dan Ndoye are also contenders for the metaphorical 'Man of the Series' award, holding strong with commendable stats all-around.
Looking at recent history, we’ve got a patchwork quilt of results. Last four-meetings between these sides suggest that Bologna has been as successful as a Ferrari at a Formula One race, bagging three victories to Atalanta's lone win. But if we're talking recent form, Atalanta seems to have found some jelly for their spaghetti, whereas Bologna seems to have misplaced the secret ingredient for their Bolognese.
Analyzing all the numbers, it's clear this contest is as unpredictable as a Pope's hat in a tornado. Both teams have had their moments of glory and disappointment, but a closer look says that Atalanta is due a victory and the glued-to-ground Pope’s hat.
Albert’s Prediction: Atalanta by 1