Date: January 25, 2020
Time: 2:45 EST
Atalanta are looking to get back on track in Serie A and avenge a 3-2 loss to Torino this weekend in Turin. Duvan Zapata netted his first two goals of the campaign in their first meeting in September, and now more than ever would be a perfect time for him to get back on track for the Nerazzurri. Even with Castagne likely healthy, it may be a gerat opportunity for Atalanta to feature their brand new left back, Lennart Czyborra. Gasperini likes to work his new players in slowly, but I’d love to see Czyborra get some game time and bring some energy to the squad, even if it is only off the bench.
As always for Atalanta it’s staying tight at the back, and using their press to move the offense forward. They should have no problems playing away from home, especially in Stade Olimpico Grande Torino, which at times feels like a tombstone more than a football pitch. There’s no reason Atalanta shouldn’t bring the game to Torino, although they have been tidy at the back only giving up 6 goals in their last 5 matches, including a clean sheet at Roma.
This will be the first time I will have had the chance to see Caldara play (if he starts), and how well he can gel with Toloi, Palomino, and Djimsiti. I envisage Gasperini sees him as the playmaker out of the back 3, so I’m much more excited to see him handling the ball than Palomino and leading an effective attack out of the back. As far as the offense goes, Ilicic can steal the game with his torrid form, but I want to see Zapata and Muriel begin to work their way back into the attack’s favor. As I continuously mention, both are essential going forward, and getting them back on track as soon as possible is essential for Atalanta heading into their matches with Valencia. Two straight losses makes it difficult to bank on a victory. However, with Torino’s average form, and a match against AC Milan 3 days later in the Coppa Italia, it could be just enough for Atalanta to get back on track and onward with their goal scoring ways. I cannot wait for Saturday, and as always Forza Atalanta!
