Atalanta and Arsenal will kickstart their European campaigns in what should be a thrilling contest on a newly-renovated Gewiss Stadium In Bergamo.
The encounter takes place on a Thursday night, which is an unusual timing for a Champions League clash. Nevertheless, the stereotypically superstitious Italians might consider it a sign of good fortune given how La Dea bested every opponent on Thursday throughout the previous campaign en route towards the Europa League final, including a certain red-wearing Premier League giant.
After sending shockwaves throughout Europe by steamrolling Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Anfield Road, Atalanta are hardly a hidden gem on English soil. Mikel Arteta knows exactly what awaits him and his men in Bergamo. In fact, his old mentor Pep Guardiola has been singing Gian Piero Gasperini’s praise for years, comparing a clash against Atalanta to an unsavory visit to the dentist’s clinic.
Therefore, another showdown between the Serie A and the Premier League is upon us. So who will prevail on this occasion?
Match Preview
Atalanta
The Orobici have been blowing hot and cold in the early weeks of the campaign, as they obviously haven’t hit their stride just yet. While falling short in the UEFA Super Cup clash against Real Madrid is hardly a reason to be ashamed, their defeat against Torino and the 0-4 beatdown suffered at the hands of Inter certainly raised a few concerns.
Atalanta rebounded by besting Fiorentina in a back-and-forth clash this weekend, but it was hardly enough to dispel all the doubts. Nevertheless, it must be said that Gasperini’s work has been hindered by a combination of ill-advised planning on the club’s part and some unpleasant circumstances. The coach could only watch as his main attacking trio from last season was disbanded.
Teun Koopmeiners was left on the shelf for several weeks before his inevitable transfer to Juventus, while Gianluca Scamacca suffered a horrific ACL injury in pre-season. At least they got back Ademola Lookman whose transfer to Paris Saint-Germain didn’t materialize.
If Atalanta can find their optimal form against Arsenal, it will certainly make for a fascinating contest. But it remains a big if.
Arsenal
While it wasn’t their finest performance in recent memory, a win over Tottenham in the North London Derby is the ultimate morale booster for Arsenal.
For their third season in a row, the Gunners appear to be Manchester City’s most (or perhaps only) legitimate contender for the title. Arteta’s men have gradually matured, forming a solid, well-organized band.
The Londoners have some top-notch talents among their ranks who can inflict damage with their individual skills, but they mostly rely on the collective based on the orders of their Spanish boss. On their day, very few sides can hang with Arsenal’s fast-paced football, while Gabriel and William Saliba ensure the team stays compact at the back
All in all, the English capital side has all the required attributes to go far in the competition, but they first make an immediate statement with a strong performance in the Italian peninsula.
Team News
Atalanta will be without the injured Rafael Toloi and Ben Godfrey, while Italy internationals Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini are long-term absentees. But the good news for Gasperini is the return of defensive stalwarts Sead Kolasinac and Berat Djimsiti.
As for Arsenal, they will have to do without the services of their playmaker Martin Odegaard who picked up an ankle injury while on international duty. Riccardo Calafiori had returned to London carrying a knock, but has now resumed training with his teammates. However, the Italian isn’t expected to start.
Atalanta vs Arsenal Potential Line-ups
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Magalhaes, Timber; Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz
Atalanta vs Arsenal Prediction
While Arsenal have been consistent thus far, Atalanta have been anything but. Therefore, the main question remains whether Gasperini’s men will be tactically, physically and mentally prepared to be embroiled in an early Champions League showdown against one of the best clubs on the globe.
But even if the Bergamese find their footong in the attacking phase, their leaky defense is unlikely to withstand their visitors’ inevitable onslaught.
Prediction: Arsenal to outscore Atalanta
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