The injuries keep piling up for Atalanta and their strength in depth really will be tested in a trip to surprising Empoli.
Gian Piero Gasperini is having a tough start to this campaign, losing several key players for several weeks or even months, but at least Luis Muriel is ready to start again. Confidence is also low following the home defeat to Milan, the final 3-2 scoreline not reflecting the extent of their disappointing performance.
Last year’s Serie B title winners Empoli have caused a few upsets already this term, beating Juventus, Bologna and Cagliari. Andrea Pinamonti’s injury points to Federico Di Francesco and Leonardo Mancuso upfront rather than Patrick Cutrone.
Form Guide: Empoli (L W W L L) Atalanta (L D W W L)
Stat fact: Empoli could reach Week 8 without a Serie A draw for the first time since 1986-87, so far with three wins and four defeats.
Probable line-ups
Empoli (4-3-1-2): Vicario; Stojanovic, Romagnoli, Viti, Marchizza; Haas, Stulac, Bandinelli; Bajrami; Di Francesco, Mancuso
Suspended: None
Injured: Damiani, Pinamonti, Furlan
On a yellow card: None
Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Musso; Toloi, Demiral, Palomino; Zappacosta, De Roon, Freuler, Maehle; Pasalic; Malinovskyi, Muriel
Suspended: None
Injured: Hateboer, Gosens, Pessina, Djimsiti
On a yellow card: None