Atalanta’s attacking lineup receives a boost as their leading goalscorer Mateo Retegui resumes training following an injury layoff. While he may not start, Retegui could potentially feature in today’s match against Udinese. Veteran wing-back Juan Cuadrado has also recovered from a thigh issue, adding depth to the squad.
With Retegui unlikely to lead the attack and fellow Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca still regaining full fitness, Charles De Ketelaere might return to the forward position after being left out of the starting lineup against Inter. Supporting him could be Ademola Lookman, who is on the verge of a significant milestone – one more goal would mark his third consecutive Serie A season with double-digit scoring and his 50th goal in Europe’s top five leagues.
Udinese face their own challenges in attack. Their main striker, Lorenzo Lucca, is suspended for the upcoming match. However, Keinan Davis is hopeful of being cleared to play, while the experienced Alexis Sanchez, at 36, is also in contention to partner with Florian Thauvin up front.
Thauvin, who provided the assist for Udinese’s goal in their 2-1 loss to Atalanta earlier this season, has already matched his Serie A goal involvement tally from last season (11) with half of the current campaign still to play.
In defence, Udinese’s recent acquisition Oumar Solet is expected to join Jaka Bijol and Thomas Kristensen in a three-man backline, following his immediate debut last weekend. The visitors will be without Oier Zarraga, Lautaro Giannetti, and their first-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye due to injuries.
Udinese (3-5-2): Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Solet; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp, Kamara; Thauvin, Sanchez
Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; Pasalic; Lookman, De Ketelaere
