Atalanta’s visit to Parma on Saturday evening could potentially see them climb to the top of the Serie A table, depending on results elsewhere. La Dea, currently part of a four-team cluster within a point of the league leaders, face a crucial test in their title aspirations.
The match brings positive news for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, with Italy international Giorgio Scalvini making a remarkable recovery. Just over five months after suffering an ACL rupture, Scalvini has been cleared to travel with the team, though his involvement in the match remains uncertain.
However, Atalanta will be without Davide Zappacosta, Berat Djimsiti, and Sead Kolasinac, who have not made the trip. Gianluca Scamacca continues his long-term recovery from an ACL injury.
Despite these absences, Gasperini has a strong squad at his disposal. The attack is likely to be spearheaded by Serie A’s top scorer Mateo Retegui, supported by Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman.
For Parma, meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Adrian Bernabe has been ruled out until January, joining a growing list of injured players that includes Hernani, Lautaro Valenti, and long-term absentee Alessandro Circati.
Despite these challenges, manager Fabio Pecchia will look to Ange-Yoan Bonny to lead the attack. The young striker, fresh from his first France Under-21s call-up, will aim to build on his current tally of five goal involvements in Serie A.
Supporting Bonny’s efforts will be Romanian wingers Valentin Mihaila and Dennis Man, who are expected to provide width and creativity in what promises to be a challenging encounter against high-flying Atalanta.
Parma (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Coulibaly, Delprato, Balogh, Valeri; Keita, Sohm; Man, Mihaila, Cancellieri; Bonny
Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, de Roon; Bellanova, Pasalic, Ederson, Ruggeri; Samardzic; Retegui, Zaniolo
