The Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo is set to host an intriguing Serie A clash on Monday evening as Atalanta BC welcome newly-promoted Como. Fresh off their midweek Champions League exploits, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men will be eager to continue their positive momentum in domestic competition. Meanwhile, Como are still searching for their first win of the season and face a daunting challenge against one of Italy’s most dynamic sides.
Atalanta enter this fixture in buoyant spirits following a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Arsenal in their Champions League opener. The Nerazzurri were arguably the better side on the night and were only denied victory by some heroic goalkeeping from David Raya, who saved two penalties. This result came on the heels of a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fiorentina in Serie A, where Ademola Lookman’s stoppage-time winner capped off a remarkable comeback.
Como, on the other hand, are still finding their feet in the top flight. The Lariani have managed just two points from their opening four matches, most recently squandering a two-goal lead at home to Bologna. Manager Cesc Fabregas, a relative novice in the coaching world, faces a stern test as he looks to guide his team to safety in their first Serie A campaign in over two decades.
While Como actually lead the all-time head-to-head record in Serie A meetings between these two sides, it’s worth noting that they haven’t faced each other in the top flight for 21 years. Atalanta have been a force to be reckoned with in recent seasons, consistently challenging for European places and even reaching the Champions League quarter-finals in 2020. The gulf in quality and experience between the two sides is significant.
Atalanta’s fluid 3-4-2-1 system under Gasperini has become renowned throughout Europe for its attacking verve and positional flexibility. The Bergamo outfit lead Serie A in Expected Goals (7.89) and have shown a particular prowess for headed goals this term, netting four already. Their ability to create chances from various angles and situations makes them a constant threat.
Como will likely adopt a more defensive approach, looking to frustrate Atalanta and hit on the counter-attack. Fabregas has experimented with different formations in the early stages of the season, but a compact 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 seems the most probable setup for this challenging away fixture.
For Atalanta, the creative spark of Ademola Lookman could be crucial. The Nigerian international has hit the ground running this season and possesses the skill to unlock tight defenses. Charles De Ketelaere, on loan from AC Milan, is another player to watch as he looks to rediscover his best form in Bergamo.
Como will be relying heavily on the experience of veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina to keep Atalanta at bay. In attack, much will depend on whether Andrea Belotti can rediscover his goalscoring touch after a difficult spell. The former Torino striker is yet to open his account for Como but has the pedigree to trouble any defense on his day.
Team News
Atalanta continue to be without long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini due to ACL injuries, while Rafael Toloi is sidelined with a muscular problem. Gasperini may opt to rotate his squad given the quick turnaround from Thursday’s European encounter, with the likes of Marco Brescianini, Lazar Samardzic, and Nicolo Zaniolo pushing for starting berths.
Como are still missing their marquee summer signing Raphael Varane, while defender Alberto Dossena is doubtful with a calf strain. Fabregas faces a selection dilemma up front, with Patrick Cutrone potentially keeping his place ahead of the out-of-form Belotti.
Expected Starting XIs
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Ederson, Pasalic, Ruggeri; Samardzic, Lookman; De Ketelaere
Como:Reina; Iovine, Kempf, Goldaniga, Moreno; Perrone, Roberto; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone
Match Prediction
Given the disparity in quality and Atalanta’s impressive home record against Como historically, it’s difficult to see past a comfortable win for the hosts. Atalanta’s attacking prowess should prove too much for Como’s defense to handle over 90 minutes. This match represents a significant challenge for Como in their bid for Serie A survival, while Atalanta will view it as an opportunity to build momentum and climb the table. With European commitments to balance, Gasperini’s men will be keen to make short work of their promoted opponents and continue their push for another top-four finish this season.
Prediction: Atalanta BC 3-0 Como
