The Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo is set to host an intriguing Coppa Italia Round of 16 clash as Serie A leaders Atalanta BC welcome Serie B outfit Cesena on Wednesday. This match presents a classic cup tie scenario, pitting the high-flying Nerazzurri against the ambitious Bianconeri.
Atalanta, under the astute guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, have been in scintillating form this season. They currently sit atop the Serie A table, having strung together an impressive run of 10 consecutive league victories. Their most recent triumph, a hard-fought 1-0 win over Cagliari, saw Nicolo Zaniolo find the net while goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi put on a masterclass between the sticks.
La Dea’s ambitions extend beyond domestic success. They are still in contention for a top-eight finish in their Champions League group, despite a recent setback against Real Madrid. With the Supercoppa Italiana on the horizon and their status as reigning Europa League champions, Atalanta are eyeing an unprecedented quadruple.
The Coppa Italia represents another opportunity for silverware, and Atalanta will be keen to erase the memory of their narrow 1-0 loss to Juventus in last year’s final. Their recent record against Cesena is favorable, having won four of their last five meetings since knocking them out of this competition in 2009.
Cesena, meanwhile, have taken a more arduous route to reach this stage. Michele Mignani’s side navigated through the preliminary rounds, including a notable upset win over Serie A outfit Hellas Verona. They followed this with a victory against fellow Serie B promotion hopefuls Pisa.
Currently sitting fourth in Serie B, Cesena harbor their own ambitions. While automatic promotion may be a stretch, they are well-positioned for a playoff spot. However, they face an uphill battle against an Atalanta side that has been nearly unstoppable on home turf.
Team News
In team news, Gasperini is expected to rotate his squad given the congested fixture list. This could see players like Nicolo Zaniolo and Lazar Samardzic handed rare starts, while Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui might be rested. Captain Marten de Roon could return to the starting lineup after being benched in the weekend’s match.
Atalanta will have to make do without Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca due to injuries, while Isak Hien is likely to be rested after a recent scare.
Cesena have been dealt a significant blow with the injury to their top scorer Cristian Shpendi. The Serie B leading marksman left the field in tears during their recent win over Cosenza and could be sidelined for several weeks. This opens the door for Sydney van Hooijdonk or Augustus Kargbo to lead the line, potentially supported by the talented Tommaso Berti.
Expected Starting XIs
Atalanta: Patricio; Djimsiti, Toloi, Godfrey; Palestra, De Roon, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Samardzic, Brescianini; Zaniolo
Cesena: Pisseri; Curto, Prestia, Mangraviti; Ceesay, Calo, Bastoni, Donnarumma; Berti, Antonucci; Van Hooijdonk
Match Prediction
Given Atalanta’s formidable home record and their current rich vein of form, they enter the match as clear favorites. Their potent attack, the most prolific in Serie A, will be facing one of Serie B’s least effective away sides. Even with a rotated squad, Atalanta should have enough quality to overcome Cesena and secure their place in the last eight.
Prediction: Atalanta 3-0 Cesena
