Alisson Santos could earn a surprise start for Napoli at Atalanta — a boost for punters considering Napoli's attacking depth. Expect stronger anytime-scorer interest in Santos and value on Napoli to score 2+ goals if Højlund and Vergara join him up front, while late changes may create live in-play betting opportunities.
NAPOLI TEAM NEWS: Santos in contention for surprise start at Atalanta
Antonio Conte faces selection headaches but may hand Alisson Santos a first start as Napoli travel to Atalanta on Sunday (15:00 CET). The Brazilian forward impressed off the bench last weekend with a late equaliser and could be thrust into the front three as Conte looks to refresh his attack amid injuries.
Attack: Front three reshuffle possible
If Santos starts, he is likely to join Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Højlund, giving Napoli more direct pace and finishing threat. That trio would add dynamism to the final third and could force Atalanta into a more cautious approach early on.
Midfield: Elmas to drop deeper, McTominay to the bench
Eljif Elmas is expected to operate in a deeper pairing with Stanislav Lobotka, nudging Scott McTominay toward the bench. Billy Gilmour is likely to be named among the substitutes and could provide fresh legs if Conte needs to protect a lead or chase the game.
Wings and wide options
Matteo Politano may be omitted from the starting XI, with Mazzocchi favoured on the right flank and Gutierrez on the left. Those changes would prioritise work-rate and defensive balance on the flanks against a typically aggressive Atalanta side.
Defence and goalkeeper choices
Conte appears set to stick with a back three of Sam Beukema, Juan Jesus and Alessandro Buongiorno to provide the required defensive foundation. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is expected to retain the goalkeeper role, continuing a recent pattern of selection.
Tactical outlook and betting implications
A Santos start would signal a more attack-oriented Napoli, increasing the likelihood of goalmouth action. Punters might consider backing Santos in anytime-scorer markets or targeting Napoli to score multiple goals. Conversely, late changes and rotation could make pre-match lines fluid, creating opportunities for in-play value.
Watch: Malen stuns with early goal in Napoli vs Roma
Antonio Conte could hand Alisson Santos a surprise start when Napoli travel to Atalanta on Sunday.The Serie A clash kicks-off at 15:00 CET on Sunday and January addition Alisson looks set to start, ac...
Yahoo! News
