2 Nov 2026

Atalanta vs Parma: Serie A preview and key stats

Round 10 in Serie A takes us to Bergamo, where Atalanta host Parma at the New Balance Arena. Both clubs arrive without a win in four, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to a matchup that often produces goals. You can follow the matchup hub for live momentum, lineups and instant Sofascore Ratings on Sofascore, and track the entire Serie A season in one place.

Match context and key details

This is a meeting with history behind it and a few current storylines. Atalanta stay at home in Bergamo, a setting where their results against Parma have usually tilted their way. The home side have seven wins in the recent head-to-head sample, with Parma owning two and just one draw splitting them. The last league game in Bergamo ended 4-0 to Atalanta, while the most recent clash overall finished 1-1 in Parma. Both dugouts bring notable names, with Maurizio Sarri guiding Atalanta and Alberto Gilardino on Parma’s sideline. The managers have split their past duels evenly at one win apiece with one draw. Referee Valerio Crezzini takes charge and tends to let play flow yet still averages a solid clip of yellow cards across his 70 matches. That should keep transitions and set plays in focus. With both sides winless in four, a fast start could loom large.

The New Balance Arena fits 23,439 and often rewards early pressure from the hosts. Atalanta have been first to score in six of the last seven head-to-head meetings. That trend will be on Parma’s radar, especially given their habit of conceding first this season. If the tone follows recent history, we may again get an open contest with chances at both ends. It sounds like one for the neutral, and a test of in-box efficiency.

Form guide and head-to-head trends

Form lines are clear and a bit unforgiving. Both Atalanta and Parma are without a win in their last four matches. Atalanta have also gone nine straight without a clean sheet, which sets a challenge for the back line. Goals often flow when these two meet, as nine of the last ten head-to-head games produced over 2.5 goals. Both teams have scored in five of the last six H2H meetings, and in five of Atalanta’s last six games overall. The first-goal trend favors the hosts, as Atalanta opened the scoring in six of the last seven against Parma. First-half results often lean the same way, with Atalanta winning five of the last seven first halves in this fixture. Parma have been first to concede in eight of their last ten, a stat they will want to flip quickly in Bergamo.

Discipline and set-piece rhythm could matter too. Less than 4.5 cards has landed in eight of the last eight head-to-head clashes, suggesting a game that keeps its cool. Corners rarely explode on Parma’s side of late, with under 10.5 corners seen in four of their last five. Given the open-play history here, the contest may still hinge on conversion rather than a parade of dead balls. Fans expecting a cagey stalemate might want to adjust that view.

The numbers: attack, defense, and xG

Atalanta’s attack has produced 16 goals from 125 shots, with 46 on target and an expected goals total of 12.90. They create enough danger, generating 19 big chances and 13 big chances created in open play, though 10 big chances have gone begging. Passing is solid, with 4,163 total passes at 86.62 percent accuracy, and a useful 32 accurate crosses from 125 attempts. The flipside is a defense that has allowed 17 goals and 55 shots on target against, and only one clean sheet to show for nine matches. The duels picture is near even, as they win 48.21 percent overall and 52.5 percent in the air. Those aerial numbers may help against Parma’s direct moments and early deliveries.

Parma have scored five times with 30 shots on target, while their xG sits at 7.37. They actually fashion chances, posting 13 big chances and 11 big chances created, but the finishing has not kept pace, with 11 big chances missed. Passing accuracy is 80.48 percent from 3,396 total passes, and they cross often at 145 total attempts, though accuracy is 22.76 percent. Defensively, Parma have conceded 15 goals and faced 161 shots, with 47 on target against, but do have one clean sheet. Duels won overall are 48.96 percent, with ground duels at 50.71 percent, which hints at a midfield that can stand its ground. To tilt the balance, they will need sharper final-third execution and a clean start.

Probable lineups, absentees, and tactical notes

Lineups are not confirmed at the time of writing, but the shapes look familiar. Atalanta are listed in a 4-2-3-1 with Marco Carnesecchi in goal. Davide Zappacosta, Giorgio Scalvini, Relja Obrić and Lorenzo Bernasconi provide the defensive line. Mario Pašalić and Éderson anchor midfield, while Eljif Elmas, Charles De Ketelaere and Jonathan Rowe support Nikola Krstović up front. This unit blends runners and passers, with De Ketelaere linking zones and Krstović driving shots on frame.

Parma are set up as a 3-5-2 that can switch into a back five without the ball. Giovanni Daffara stands in goal after an eye-catching outing. Enrico Delprato, Mariano Troilo, Diego Carlos and Sascha Britschgi shape the back line options, with Emanuele Valeri offering width from midfield. Adrián Bernabé, Vincent Sierro and Mandela Keita bring control and energy in the middle. Up front, El Bilal Touré and David Romero provide movement in behind and presence in the box. Expect Parma to look for quick outlets and targeted counters.

There are notable absences. For Atalanta, Franck Kessié (M, calf injury), Giacomo Raspadori (F, muscle injury), Gianluca Gaetano (M, thigh injury), Gianluca Scamacca (F, thigh injury), Odilon Kossounou (D, thigh injury), Raoul Bellanova (M, thigh injury), Thomas Kristensen (D, thigh injury) and Thomas Pompei (G, broken finger) are unavailable. For Parma, Nesta Elphege (F, appendicitis) is out. Depth will matter, but both squads retain enough tools to stick to their preferred plans.

Players to watch

Atalanta: Charles De Ketelaere carries the highest average Sofascore Rating in Serie A for the hosts at 7.32. He has 1 goal, 3 assists and 21 key passes so far. His passing in advanced areas stands out, with 97 accurate final-third passes and 10 accurate long balls. He adds 12 successful dribbles and wins 61.90 percent of his aerial duels, a useful trick for switches and back-post actions. The creative output matches the eye test, with 1.86 expected assists behind his chance creation. If he links cleanly with Krstović, Atalanta’s chance volume should rise. Keep an eye on his timing between the lines and at the top of the box.

Parma: Giovanni Daffara posted an 8.8 Sofascore Rating in his lone appearance, which included 4 saves and a clean sheet. He prevented an estimated 1.089 goals and looked calm with 10 accurate long balls, a small but meaningful sample. His distribution can start counters quickly and may relieve pressure when Parma sit deep. One game is not a season, but if he repeats that level, Parma gain a platform. Around him, David Romero has 2 goals from 10 shots on target and profiles as their sharpest finisher. Emanuele Valeri adds 22 key passes and five big chances created from wide, which pairs well with quick breaks. Parma need both ends to click; Daffara’s floor and Valeri’s service could be the combo.

Final notes and how to follow on Sofascore

Expect tempo swings and plenty of entries into the penalty area. Atalanta’s strength is chance volume and set patterns in the final third, while Parma lean on direct runs and quick diagonals. Cards have stayed low in recent meetings, and corners have not spiked for Parma, which keeps the spotlight on open play. The first goal should tell a lot, given the head-to-head trend of Atalanta starting fast and Parma often conceding early. At the same time, both teams have been involved in high-scoring games lately. That suggests we could once again see a lively scoreboard in Bergamo.

Follow the match center on Sofascore for real-time Sofascore Ratings, live momentum, instant lineups and player heatmaps. You will also find head-to-head charts, xG timelines and pass maps that bring context to every chance. It is a tidy way to track how the numbers match the eye test. If you love data-driven football, this one offers plenty to chew on.