Atalanta prepare for Champions League squad announcement

Atalanta are set to unveil its Champions League squad list by midnight tonight. The UEFA A list allows for a maximum of 25 players, including a requirement for eight locally trained players—four trained in Italy and four at Atalanta’s own Zingonia academy. The club faces no significant challenges in finalizing their squad, especially after the departure of Teun Koopmeiners to Juventus, which freed up a slot. Meanwhile, Atalanta have  bolstered its defence with the addition of young defender Kossounou.

Potential Exclusions

Currently, Atalanta has 18 players who are not considered homegrown by either the club or another Italian team. However, there are considerations regarding the physical condition of two key players who have faced significant injuries over the summer. Gianluca Scamacca suffered a cruciate ligament injury during pre-season and is expected to return next year. Nicolò Zaniolo has also been dealing with various physical issues, and coach Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed some doubts about his readiness.

Squad Composition

Atalanta’s squad for their fourth Champions League campaign is expected to be comprehensive, thanks to their strong focus on acquiring Italian players during the transfer window. This strategy allows them to avoid leaving out any significant players.

Seventeen Free Slots:

– Carnesecchi (also qualifies as Italian-trained)
– Sulemana (also qualifies as Italian-trained)
– Scamacca (injured until 2025, also qualifies as Italian-trained)
– Rui Patricio
– Hien
– Kossounou
– Godfrey
– Djimsiti
– Kolasinac
– Toloi
– De Roon
– Ederson
– Samardzic
– Pasalic
– Cuadrado
– De Ketelaere
– Lookman
– Retegui

Four Homegrown at Atalanta:

– Scalvini (potential return between December and January)
– Ruggeri
– Rossi
– Palestra

Four Homegrown in Italy:

– Brescianini
– Zaniolo
– Bellanova
– Zappacosta