As the Champions League group stage reaches its midway point, Atalanta and Celtic prepare to face off in a crucial matchup at the Gewiss Stadium on Wednesday. Both teams enter the contest with contrasting fortunes in their European campaigns so far, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in Bergamo.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta side has made a strong start to their Champions League campaign, collecting four points from their opening two matches. A resilient goalless draw against Arsenal on matchday one was followed by an impressive 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, propelling the Italian outfit to the top of their group.
The Bergamo-based club has carried that momentum into their domestic fixtures, stringing together three consecutive wins across all competitions. Their most recent triumph, a 2-0 away victory against Venezia, saw in-form striker Mateo Retegui continue his hot streak with his eighth goal in as many Serie A appearances.
In stark contrast, Celtic’s Champions League journey has been a rollercoaster ride. After a commanding 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava in their opener, the Scottish champions suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund. This Jekyll and Hyde performance has left Brendan Rodgers’ men with much to prove as they travel to Italy.
The Hoops’ domestic form has also hit a slight bump, with their perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season coming to an end in a 2-2 draw with Aberdeen last weekend. However, they remain unbeaten in their domestic campaign and will be eager to translate that form onto the European stage.
For Atalanta, all eyes will be on the prolific Mateo Retegui. The Argentine-born Italian international has been in scintillating form since his summer move from Genoa. Alongside Retegui, Ademola Lookman poses a significant threat, having already netted in the Champions League this season.
Celtic will look to their Japanese duo of Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda to provide the attacking impetus. Maeda, in particular, has been impressive in Europe, scoring in both of Celtic’s Champions League matches so far.
Gasperini’s Atalanta are known for their high-intensity, attacking football. Their 3-4-1-2 formation allows for fluid movement and quick transitions, which could pose problems for Celtic’s defense. The Scottish side will need to be wary of Atalanta’s wing-backs, who often provide width and attacking threat.
Rodgers may opt for a more cautious approach following the heavy defeat in Dortmund. Celtic’s ability to maintain possession and hit on the counter could be crucial in nullifying Atalanta’s attacking prowess.
This match marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Atalanta and Celtic. However, the Scottish side has a poor record in Italy, having lost all seven of their previous Champions League visits to the country.
Team News
Atalanta have been boosted by the return of Matteo Ruggeri and Berat Djimsiti, while Sead Kolasinac is expected to shake off an illness to feature. However, they remain without long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini.
Celtic continue to miss left-back Greg Taylor due to a hamstring injury, while there are doubts over the fitness of key defender Cameron Carter-Vickers. Alex Valle and Auston Trusty are likely to continue in defense.
Expected Starting XIs
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; Samardzic, Lookman; Retegui
Celtic: Schmeichel; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Valle; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Furuhashi, Maeda
Match Prediction
Given Atalanta’s strong home form and Celtic’s struggles away from home in Europe, the Italian side enters the match as favorites. However, Celtic’s attacking prowess should not be underestimated. A closely fought contest could be on the cards, but Atalanta’s recent momentum and home advantage may prove decisive.
Prediction: Atalanta 2-1 Celtic