Atalanta host newly-promoted Como at the Gewiss Stadium, with Como’s manager Cesc Fabregas still seeking his first Serie A win. Como have had a difficult start to the season, failing to secure a win or keep a clean sheet in their opening five matches.

They’ve suffered defeats to Udinese, Juventus, and Sampdoria, which has left them struggling for form. On the other hand, Atalanta have been solid at home, where they’ve beaten Fiorentina 3-2 and held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw in the Champions League.

With Atalanta averaging two goals per game in Serie A, this goal-scoring form is expected to increase further now that Ademola Lookman has returned from injury.

Only Inter Milan have a better home record than Atalanta last season and with Como yet to show they can compete at this level, a home victory looks very likely.

Davide Zappacosta has become an integral part of Atalanta’s attacking play under Gian Piero Gasperini. The former Chelsea wing-back is known for his offensive contributions, often taking on a more forward role in Atalanta’s dynamic system.

Last season, Zappacosta averaged over one shot per game across 21 Serie A appearances, placing him among the most aggressive fullbacks in the league in terms of shots taken. This season, he’s upped his average to two shots per game, reflecting his growing confidence and role in Atalanta’s attack.

Notably, Zappacosta recorded three shots against Torino and two each against Fiorentina and Lecce, demonstrating consistency in getting into shooting positions.

Como’s defensive vulnerabilities further support this bet, as they’ve allowed 48 shots across their last four matches. Given his current form and Como’s defensive struggles, Zappacosta is highly likely to take at least two shots during the match, making over 1.5 shots a strong bet.

Belgian forward Charles De Ketelaere has made an immediate impact since his permanent move to Atalanta following a successful loan spell. Last season, De Ketelaere scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists, showcasing his ability as both a scorer and creator.

He has carried this form into the current season, leading Atalanta in shots on target with an impressive 1.80 per game. De Ketelaere registered two shots on target in matches against Torino and Fiorentina, and one against Lecce.

His shot accuracy and willingness to test the goalkeeper make him a constant threat in the final third. Last season, the Belgian international averaged over one shot on target per 90 minutes, hitting the target 24 times in total.

With Como yet to keep a clean sheet and allowing an average of five shots on target per game, De Ketelaere is expected to have at least one shot on target in this matchup, making this bet highly favourable.

Atalanta’s attacking philosophy under Gian Piero Gasperini often results in a high number of corners, particularly when playing at home. This season, Atalanta has averaged 4.75 corners per game, consistently reaching at least four corners in matches against teams like Fiorentina, Inter Milan, Torino, and Lecce.

Their aggressive, high-pressing style forces opponents to clear the ball frequently, leading to a substantial number of corner opportunities. Last season, only Napoli earned more corners than Atalanta, further demonstrating their ability to accumulate corner kicks, especially in home matches.

On the other side, Como’s defence has been shaky, conceding an average of four corners per game in their fixtures against top-flight sides like AC Milan, Udinese, Cagliari, and Lecce.

Given Atalanta’s track record and Como’s defensive struggles, it’s highly likely that the home side will take at least four corners in this match, making this bet a safe option at odds of 1.20.

As noted above, Como have really struggled this season, going winless through their opening five games of the season, and failing to keep a single clean sheet.

Defeats to Juventus and Udinese were understandable, but a penalty shoot-out loss to Serie B Sampdoria was more worrying for Como boss Cesc Fabregas. A creditable home draw to Bologna may have restored some confidence, but Atalanta away is no easy task for any side in Serie A, let alone a newly-promoted one.

Atalanta’s form has been patchy at best, but they are unbeaten at home so far, having beaten Fiorentina 3-2 before managing an impressive 0-0 draw with Arsenal in the Champions League. Atalanta have lost twice, but there is no shame in being beaten by Inter, or Torino, who currently top the Serie A table.

The return of Ademola Lookman is a further boost for Atalanta, who look highly likely to secure three points here.

Davide Zappacosta has solidified his role as a key attacking threat under Gian Piero Gasperini, averaging two shots per game so far this season. He’s shown a knack for getting into shooting positions, with shots on target against formidable opponents like Fiorentina and Inter Milan.

This track record makes him a strong candidate for a shot on target against Como, especially with odds of 2.25 offering significant value. Over the last two seasons, Zappacosta has had 20 shots on target, averaging 0.61 per appearance in 2022/23 and 0.48 per appearance in 2023/24.

His ability to deliver in crucial moments suggests that he’s more than capable of hitting the target again in this match. Como’s defence has already allowed an average of five shots on target per game this season, further boosting the likelihood that Zappacosta will be able to test their goalkeeper at least once during the match.

Charles De Ketelaere was a revelation during his loan spell at Atalanta last season, quickly becoming a fan favourite with his 14 goals and 11 assists.

Now a permanent signing, De Ketelaere has continued his excellent form, showcasing his importance in Gian Piero Gasperini’s attacking setup. In Atalanta’s recent win against Fiorentina, the Belgian attacker was instrumental, scoring the equaliser just before half-time and assisting Ademola Lookman’s winner moments later.

His creativity and goal-scoring prowess make him a constant threat in the final third. With Como yet to keep a clean sheet this season and Atalanta averaging two goals per game, De Ketelaere is well-positioned to either score or assist in this fixture.

Odds of 2.30 for him to be involved in a goal present great value, especially given his proven ability to influence games in multiple ways, whether through finishing or playmaking.

Ademola Lookman continues to be a vital figure for Atalanta, endearing himself to the fans last season with standout performances, including a hat-trick in the Europa League final that ended Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten run.

Lookman’s return from injury has been seamless, as he marked his comeback with an assist and the winning goal in Atalanta’s 2-1 victory over Fiorentina. In that match, Lookman attempted five shots, hitting the target twice.

Last season, he averaged 2.34 shots per 90 minutes, hitting the target with 23 of those shots, or 1.12 per game. These stats are no outlier, as he maintained similar accuracy the season prior, with 26 shots on target (1.35 per game).

Given Lookman’s consistency in getting shots on target and Como’s defensive frailties, which include an inability to keep a clean sheet, the odds of 1.36 for Lookman to have a shot on target seem highly-priced.