The Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo is set to host a crucial Serie A encounter this Saturday as Atalanta welcomes Torino in a match that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons. Atalanta, fresh from their European exploits, aim to reignite their domestic title challenge, while Torino look to continue their recent positive form and climb further up the table.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta side come into this fixture on the back of an impressive 2-2 draw against Barcelona at the Camp Nou in their final Champions League group stage match. Despite the creditable result, La Dea narrowly missed out on direct qualification to the round of 16, instead securing a place in the playoffs where they will face either Sporting Lisbon or Club Brugge.
In Serie A, Atalanta’s recent form has been a mixed bag. Their 2-1 victory over Como last week ended a concerning four-game winless streak in the league. However, they still find themselves seven points adrift of league leaders Napoli, with reigning champions Inter Milan occupying second place. The Bergamaschi have shown remarkable resilience this season, picking up more points from losing positions than any other team in Serie A.
Torino, under the guidance of Paolo Vanoli, arrive in Bergamo in good spirits. The Granata are unbeaten in their last five league matches, a run that has seen them climb into the top half of the table and establish a six-point cushion above the relegation zone. Their recent 2-0 victory over Cagliari, courtesy of a Che Adams double, further boosted their confidence.
Interestingly, Torino have had recent success against Atalanta, winning two of their last three encounters. This includes a 2-1 triumph in the reverse fixture earlier this season, where Che Adams netted the winner. The Scottish international has been in fine form, scoring seven times in Serie A so far, and is closing in on Denis Law’s record for most goals by a Scottish player in a single Serie A season.
Team News
Atalanta face some defensive concerns ahead of this clash. Sead Kolasinac and Giorgio Scalvini both suffered injuries during the midweek Champions League match, while Odilon Kossounou is also unavailable. The absence of Ademola Lookman until late February and Gianluca Scamacca’s continued recovery further limit Gasperini’s options in attack.
Despite these setbacks, Atalanta still boast formidable firepower. Mateo Retegui, currently leading the Capocannoniere rankings, has been in scintillating form, scoring multiple goals in four separate games this season. Charles De Ketelaere is expected to support Retegui in attack, with the creative Mario Pasalic likely to feature in midfield.
For Torino, the return of Ali Dembele from suspension provides a boost to their midfield options. However, they will be without Mergim Vojvoda and Ivan Ilic, who join long-term absentees Perr Schuurs and former Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata on the sidelines. New signing Eljif Elmas could make his debut from the bench.
Expected Starting XIs
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Toloi, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Pasalic; Retegui
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Pedersen, Maripan, Coco, Sosa; Ricci, Gineitis; Lazaro, Vlasic, Karamoh; Adams
Match Prediction
This match promises to be an intriguing tactical battle. Atalanta’s high-pressing, possession-based game will be tested against Torino’s resilient defence and quick counter-attacks. The hosts’ ability to turn games around will be crucial, especially if Torino manages to take an early lead. La Dea should hold all the cards, and a 2-0 win looks likely.
Prediction: Atalanta 2-0 Torino
