Preview: Atalanta BC vs. Bologna - prediction, team news, lineups
Atalanta BC play host to Bologna on Tuesday evening knowing that they will ill-afford any longer dropped points if they need to stay within the Serie A title race.
Meanwhile, Bologna make the trip to the Gewiss Stadium looking to recover from an important defeat to AC Milan, a result which extended their winless streak to four matches.
While Atalanta are still considered contenders for the league title, being held to a 1-1 draw at Hellas Verona has done nothing positive for his or her hopes of landing a first-ever top-flight crown.
Although a share of the spoils extended their unbeaten run altogether competitions to 16 matches, Gian Piero Gasperini are going to be frustrated that his side sit no nearer to leaders Juventus.
All things considered, I Nerazzurri require four consecutive victories if they want to challenge the reigning champions, also as giving themselves the simplest chance of claiming a runners-up spot which might still be classed as an impressive achievement.
With each of their remaining opponents - which incorporates rivals Inter Milan - sitting within the top 12, Gasperini can a minimum of be reassured that his players won't take anything without any consideration over the approaching weeks.
Gasperini's message are going to be that there are places up for grabs before the Champions League quarter-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain on August 12, something which can soon become their priority if Juventus build an unassailable lead.
Earlier this month, Bologna would have had their own hopes of a late surge proving decisive in their bid to say an unlikely spot in next season's Europa League.
However, a run of two points from four matches has left I Rossoblu in mid-table, effectively leading to eighth position now becoming their most realistic target.
A tough fixture schedule has contributed to their downfall, with their defeats coming against in-form Sassuolo and AC Milan, but credit should even be given for a draw with Napoli.
Although Atalanta only extends that daunting run of games, Sinisa Mihajlovic can a minimum of anticipate to a closing triple-header against clubs situated within the bottom half the table.
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