Atalanta are preparing for an upcoming match with a strategic approach to squad rotation. The team is set to provide opportunities to fringe players, with Nicolo Zaniolo and Lazar Samardzic potentially in line for rare starting roles.
Mateo Retegui, the Serie A top scorer, might be rested, while team captain Marten de Roon could be reintroduced to the starting lineup after being benched in a recent match. The squad is navigating some injury challenges, with Giorgio Scalvini struggling with a muscular issue and Gianluca Scamacca still recovering from an ACL rupture.
Isak Hien has recovered from minor bruising and is expected to sit out the upcoming game. Meanwhile, their opponents face their own setbacks. Cesena has suffered a significant blow with their main striker Cristian Shpendi potentially sidelined for weeks due to a sprained ankle.
In response to these challenges, Cesena is likely to promote Sydney van Hooijdonk from the bench, potentially pairing him with rising star Tommaso Berti. Sierra Leone striker Augustus Kargbo is also being considered as a potential replacement, with the team expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Patricio; Djimsiti, Toloi, Godfrey; Palestra, De Roon, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Samardzic, Brescianini; Zaniolo
Cesena (3-4-2-1): Pisseri; Curto, Prestia, Mangraviti; Ceesay, Calo, Bastoni, Donnarumma; Berti, Antonucci; Van Hooijdonk
