For their third evening in a row, a Serie A club locked horns with a Premier League opponent in a Champions League showdown. And for the second night in a row, it ended in a stalemate. This time, it was Atalanta’s turn to share the spoils with Arsenal in a rather cagey affair. The match witnessed few chances on either end of the field, but Mateo Retegui will be kicking himself for squandering a spot-kick and the ensuing rebound, as both attempts were denied by a majestic David Raya. So here are our player ratings for Atalanta who settled for a goalless draw against Arsenal on their return to Europe’s elite club competition.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1)
Marco Carnesecchi – 6.5
The Italian custodian produced a sensational save on Bukayo Saka’s low freekick attempt before closing his near post to deny the rebound as well. He had a surprisingly quiet evening otherwise.
Berat Djimsiti – 6.5
The big Albanian remained at the back, keeping Gabriel Martinelli at bay. He also had a few attacking forrays and delivered a dangerous cross to the box.
Isak Hien – 6.5
The former Verona defender nullified Gabriel Jesus’ threat. Following a shaky start, he gained confidence as the match wore on.
Sead Kolasinac – 6.5
The former Arsenal man had a solid outing against his former teammates. He was charged with one of toughest tasks on the night, as he had to track Saka’s runs, and he certainly fared better that many others.
Davide Zappacosta – 6
The Atalanta wingback was less influential than usual in the attacking phase, but still made a few daring runs. Nevertheless, he had an important role to play at the back.
Marten de Roon – 6.5
The Atalanta skipper led by example with another hardworking display in the middle of the park. Helped La Dea prevail in the midfield battle in the second half.
Ederson – 7
The Brazilian was impeded by an early yellow, but still put up a fine showing. Won the spot kick that could have easily gifted the Orobici the win.
Matteo Ruggeri – 6
The young Italian ran his socks off for as long as he lasted. Helped Kolasinac deal with Saka, but hardly made any attacking contributions.
Charles De Ketelaere – 5.5
The Belgian worked hard for the team and kept tracking back to support his teammates at the back, but couldn’t inflict the damage upfront and was the first Atalanta played to leave the pitch.
Ademola Lookman – 5.5
The Europa League hero had an off night compared to his high standards. He tried to penetrate from the left flank and then through the middle, but couldn’t find his way to Raya’s goal.
Mateo Retegui – 5.5
The Italy international almost set up a goal for De Ketelaere in the first half, but he emerged as the ultimate culprit on the night for failing to score from a penalty kick, and then wasting the rebound with a weak header.
Substitutes
Juan Cuadrado – 6.5
The former Juventus man set the left flank ablaze following his introduction. Came close to scoring from two fabulous shots from the edge of the box.
Nicolò Zaniolo – 6
Encouraging signs from the former Roma man who showed tenacity and fighting spirit.
Raoul Bellanova – 6
The wingback never charged forward, as Gian Piero Gasperini had clearly given him defensive instructions.
Lazar Samardzic – N/A
Mario Pasalic – N/A
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