On Saturday, October 25, at the Giovanni Zini Stadium in Cremona, the Lombardy derby of Serie A Matchday 8 will take place between Cremonese and Atalanta — two teams eager to return to winning ways after a series of draws. The hosts have undoubtedly been one of the main surprises of this Serie A start, already boasting a comfortable seven-point lead over the relegation zone. However, with a long season ahead, Davide Nicola’s men cannot rest on their laurels, as a few negative results in a row could drag them back down the table. Facing Atalanta is, on paper, one of the toughest challenges for a newly promoted side, but Cremonese have already shown they can trouble the big teams, snatching a surprising win on opening day against AC Milan. Atalanta, on the other hand, have slightly slowed down in recent weeks — not so much in terms of performance, but rather in results, recording four draws in their last five matches across all competitions. The Bergamo side, the only unbeaten team in Serie A after seven rounds, will look to get back to winning ways to stay close to the European qualification zone and keep their hopes alive for another standout season. That is, of course, if Lookman and company can quickly rediscover their scoring touch, which has deserted them in the last two matches against Lazio and Slavia Prague.

Cremonese's Recent Form and Key Stats

Cremonese are enjoying a good run of form, having lost only once in their last ten games across all competitions. In their most recent outing on October 20, they drew 1-1 at home against Udinese, taking the lead through Terracciano before conceding an equalizer from Zaniolo.

In their last five matches, the “Grigiorossi” have failed to win, collecting four draws and one defeat, with an average of 0.6 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per game. The attack has struggled to convert the numerous chances created, and Nicola will hope that the full return of Jamie Vardy — Premier League champion with Leicester in 2016 — can help turn things around.

Cremonese currently sit 10th in Serie A with 10 points (2 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss), having scored 8 goals and conceded 9. Coach Nicola will be without goalkeeper Audero and midfielder Collocolo, while in attack there’s a close battle between Bonazzoli and Vázquez to partner Vardy up front.

Atalanta's Recent Form and Key Stats

Atalanta come into this fixture unbeaten in their last six matches, though they have managed only two wins and four draws in that span. Midweek, “La Dea” were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Slavia Prague in the third round of the UEFA Champions League, replicating the goalless draw from the previous Serie A weekend against Lazio.

Ivan Juric’s team have not lost in their last five matches in all competitions, with a record of 1 win and 4 draws, averaging 0.8 goals scored and 0.6 conceded per game. On one hand, the defense has shown solidity — keeping clean sheets in their last two outings — but the attack is clearly struggling, having failed to score in the last 180 minutes.

After seven Serie A games, the Bergamo side sit in 8th place with 11 points (2 wins, 5 draws), scoring 11 and conceding 5 goals. Atalanta also boast a strong away record, having gone unbeaten in their last seven Serie A trips. Juric has nearly a full squad available, except for long-term absentees Scalvini and Kolašinac.

Cremonese vs Atalanta Prediction by BetMines

Despite Cremonese’s strong start to the season and home advantage — though they haven’t won at the Giovanni Zini in their last five games — BetMines favor Atalanta to take all three points.

Head-to-head history supports this view: the last five meetings between these sides have produced four Atalanta wins and just one Cremonese victory.

Given the current struggles of both attacks, BetMines expects a tight and low-scoring match, with fewer than three total goals and possibly one team failing to find the net.

Cremonese have proven to be very compact at home, especially thanks to Baschirotto’s defensive consistency, who’s been a nightmare for opposing strikers. Therefore, the recommended betting tips are: Under 2.5 goals, “Both teams to score – No” and Away Win (Atalanta).

Probable Lineups Cremonese vs Atalanta

CREMONESE (3-5-2): Silvestri; Terracciano, Baschirotto, Bianchetti; Zerbin, Payero, Bondo, Vandeputte, Pezzella; Bonazzoli, Vardy. Coach: Nicola

ATALANTA (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Ahanor; Bellanova, Éderson, Pašalić, Zalewski; De Ketelaere, Sulemana; Scamacca. Coach: Juric