Atalanta's remarkable turnaround continues
La Dea welcome Cagliari to the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday evening in what should be a straightforward home fixture for Gian Piero Gasperini's men. Atalanta have rediscovered their best form following a difficult start to the season that saw them change managers.
Under their new coach, Atalanta have returned to the aggressive, high-pressing style that brought them so much success in recent seasons. The Bergamaschi are particularly dangerous at home, where their wing play and diagonal balls have torn apart many visiting defences.
Cagliari arrive in Bergamo in a precarious position. The Sardinians sit 13th in the table with just 14 points from their opening fixtures and have won only one of their last ten matches. Their compact defensive structure may help them survive for periods, but Atalanta's quality should ultimately prove too much.
Lazio face Parma test
Earlier in the afternoon, Lazio travel to the Ennio Tardini Stadium to face Parma in a match that could have significant implications for the European places. The Biancocelesti have been inconsistent this season but possess enough quality to challenge for a top-four finish.
Parma, in their second season back in Serie A, have shown resilience throughout the campaign. Playing at home against one of the league's bigger clubs represents an opportunity to grab a notable scalp.
Torino host Cremonese in early kickoff
The Saturday action begins at 14:00 GMT with Torino welcoming newly-promoted Cremonese to the Olimpico Grande Torino. The Granata have endured a mixed campaign and will see this as an opportunity to collect three points against one of the league's newcomers.
Cremonese, who earned promotion alongside Pisa last season, have found life challenging in Serie A. Away matches have proven particularly difficult, and they will need to improve significantly to avoid an immediate return to Serie B.
Title race update
Friday night's action saw Lecce defeat Pisa 1-0, with the Salentini continuing to fight against relegation. The bigger picture sees Inter Milan leading the title race, with Napoli and Juventus both in pursuit.
Sunday's fixtures include heavyweight clashes: Milan host Sassuolo, Bologna welcome Juventus, while Inter travel to Genoa. The title race remains wide open as the season approaches its midway point.
What to watch
Atalanta's home form will be crucial to their ambitions this season. After struggling early on, they have the talent to challenge for European places and potentially more. Cagliari's survival fight makes every point precious, but the visit to Bergamo represents one of their tougher assignments.
