Atalanta vs Sassuolo Betting Tips 23/08

Sassuolo’s momentum from the cup

Sassuolo arrive at the New Balance Arena with a confidence boost after a convincing 3-0 victory over Cesena in the Coppa Italia. This result serves as a stark contrast to their difficult end to the previous league season, where they struggled to find consistency in the final weeks.

Under the guidance of their expected starting XI, featuring Arijanet Muric in goal and Kieron Bowie leading the line, the visitors will look to exploit any early-season rustiness from their hosts. Their ability to transition quickly through midfield will be a key factor in their game plan.

A history of unpredictable encounters

Recent meetings between these two clubs have been anything but predictable, with the pendulum swinging back and forth over the last two years. Sassuolo claimed a 2-1 victory in their most recent Serie A clash back in March 2026, building on a dominant 3-0 win earlier that same season.

Atalanta will be keen to restore their dominance at home, having previously enjoyed comfortable wins against the visitors in both league and cup competitions. This historical back-and-forth suggests that neither side will be willing to concede ground in this opening encounter.

Tactical battles in the middle of the park

Much of the game will likely be decided in the engine room, where Atalanta’s midfield trio of Nicola Zalewski, Ederson, and Lazar Samardzic will face off against the experienced Nemanja Matic and his teammates. The battle for control will dictate which side can feed their forwards effectively.

With the expected lineups suggesting a high-intensity approach from both managers, the match is set to be a tactical chess match. How the defensive units, led by Odilon Kossounou for the hosts and Cas Odenthal for the visitors, handle the pressure of the first game of the season may ultimately determine the outcome.