Atalanta have received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming match against Fiorentina on Saturday the newly renovated Gewiss Stadium. Calciomercato report how Manager Gian Piero Gasperini will be able to call upon Nicolo Zaniolo once again, the number ten who represents a personal challenge for the coach following the successful rejuvenation of Scamacca and De Ketelaere, both of whom have flourished in Bergamo and contributed to the club’s Europa League triumph.
However, the Bergamo-based club is approaching Zaniolo’s return with caution, given his recent history of tendinitis and adductor problems. While he may not be at peak fitness for the Fiorentina match, having only resumed group training today after an intermittent preparation, his inclusion in the squad list and potential involvement in the game is seen as a positive step. This is particularly important with an eye on the Champions League debut against Arsenal on September 19th.
In further good news, midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana has also returned to group training. Although he was omitted from the UEFA list for tactical reasons, his availability will be crucial for the upcoming busy schedule in the domestic league.
On the defensive front, Atalanta continues to face challenges. Sead Kolasinac is still training individually, away from the main group, while Berat Djimsiti and Giorgio Scalvini remain in the treatment room. This leaves the Nerazzurri’s backline stretched thin. New signing Ben Godfrey had not fully integrated before the international break, and Odilon Kossounou, brought in to address the defensive shortage, has been away on international duty with Ivory Coast, though he only played for one minute.
As a result, Martin De Roon is prepared to drop back into defense once again, allowing Mario Pasalic to partner with Ederson in midfield. Despite these defensive concerns, the return of key attacking options provides a silver lining for Gasperini as he prepares his team for the crucial match against Fiorentina and the upcoming Champions League campaign.
