Saturday’s Serie A showdown between Napoli and Atalanta promises high drama as the reigning champions look to reclaim top spot while Atalanta’s new manager Raffaele Palladino faces the ultimate baptism of fire. With Napoli stung by their Bologna defeat and trailing Inter by two points, this Matchday 12 encounter could define both teams’ seasons.
Table of Contents
Napoli vs Atalanta: Match Information
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Napoli vs Atalanta |
| Competition | Serie A – Matchday 12 |
| Date | Saturday, November 22, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 7:45 PM GMT / 2:45 PM EST / 11:45 AM PT |
| Venue | Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples |
| Capacity | 54,726 |
| Prediction | Napoli 2-1 Atalanta |
| Watch | DAZN (UK, Ireland, US, Canada) |
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
Napoli’s Title Ambitions
The Partenopei have had two weeks to stew over their disappointing defeat to Bologna—a loss that saw them tumble from the Serie A summit. Now sitting two points behind leaders Inter, Antonio Conte’s men cannot afford another slip-up at home. The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, formerly known as Stadio San Paolo and renamed following Diego Maradona’s death in 2020, must become a fortress once again.
Napoli’s squad depth will be tested with injury concerns mounting. Frank Anguissa suffered a knock on international duty, and his availability remains uncertain. Billy Gilmour is also doubtful, while long-term absentees Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku continue their recovery. The champions need to rediscover their winning formula despite the injury crisis.
Atalanta’s Managerial Revolution
First games in charge rarely come tougher than this. Raffaele Palladino replaced the sacked Ivan Juric during the international break and now faces the daunting task of reviving Atalanta’s fortunes at the home of the defending champions. Languishing in 13th place with just two wins all season, La Dea desperately needs a turnaround.
The good news? Palladino inherits an almost fully fit squad, with only Mitchel Bakker sidelined long-term. The new manager bounce could provide the spark Atalanta needs, but engineering an upset in Naples represents a monumental challenge.
For more Serie A tactical breakdowns, visit our Italian football hub.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Napoli Injury Concerns:
- Frank Anguissa (International duty knock) – Doubtful
- Billy Gilmour – Doubtful
- Kevin De Bruyne – Out (Long-term)
- Romelu Lukaku – Out (Long-term)
Expected XI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; McTominay, Lobotka, Zielinski; Politano, Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen
Atalanta Squad Status:
- Mitchel Bakker – Out (Long-term)
- Otherwise fully fit squad available
Expected XI: Carnesecchi; Kolasinac, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Ederson, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Lookman, De Ketelaere; Scamacca
Tactical Battle: Experience vs Fresh Ideas
Palladino faces the challenge of implementing his philosophy with minimal preparation time. Will he adopt a cautious approach to steady the ship, or come out swinging to make an immediate statement? His opposite number, Antonio Conte, is a master tactician who has transformed Napoli into champions—expect the home side to exploit any uncertainty in Atalanta’s structure.
Napoli’s attacking trio will test Atalanta’s reorganized defense, while the visitors’ counter-attacking potential through Ademola Lookman could prove dangerous if given space. The midfield battle between Napoli’s Scott McTominay and Atalanta’s Ederson will be crucial in controlling tempo.
Discover more match analysis at TechnoSports.
How to Watch on DAZN
DAZN provides comprehensive Serie A coverage with all 380 games live throughout the 2025-26 season.
Subscription Options (UK & Ireland):
- Monthly Installments: £14.99/month (Annual subscription paid monthly)
- Annual Payment: £119.99 (One-off payment, saves £60)
- Monthly Flex: £24.99/month (Cancel with 30 days’ notice)
Additional DAZN Benefits:
- UEFA Women’s Champions League
- NFL coverage
- PDC Darts
- LIV Golf
- Super League Basketball
- Saudi Pro League
US and Canadian customers get Serie A included in their regular DAZN subscription. Visit DAZN’s official website to subscribe.
The Verdict
Despite Atalanta’s managerial change potentially providing fresh impetus, Napoli’s quality and desperation for three points should prove decisive. The champions will be wounded after their Bologna loss and eager to reassert their title credentials before their passionate home support. Expect a tight encounter with Napoli grinding out a narrow 2-1 victory.
Palladino’s tenure may ultimately prove successful, but this baptism of fire in Naples represents an almost impossible opening assignment for the new Atalanta boss.
For complete Serie A standings and fixtures, check Lega Serie A.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Atalanta’s previous manager Ivan Juric?
A: Ivan Juric was sacked during the recent international break after Atalanta’s disastrous start to the season saw them win just two of their opening eleven matches, leaving them stranded in 13th place. The club moved quickly to appoint Raffaele Palladino, hoping a fresh voice can salvage their campaign and return them to their usual top-six position.
Q: How significant is Frank Anguissa’s potential absence for Napoli?
A: Anguissa’s injury is a major concern for Napoli. The Cameroonian midfielder has been instrumental in their title-winning formula, providing defensive steel and box-to-box energy that allows their attacking talents to flourish. With Billy Gilmour also doubtful and long-term absences already depleting the squad, losing Anguissa could force tactical adjustments that might disrupt Napoli’s rhythm against an unpredictable opponent under new management. His fitness test will be crucial to Conte’s game plan.
