Duvan Zapata is finally back and hopefully fit and ready to contribute. While Muriel, Ilicic, and Gomez have filled in admirably in his absence, having Zapata in the middle to finish off goals in a variety of different ways is a much needed and welcomed addition to any side. Injuring his thigh in a meaningless friendly against Chile (which got Gasperini all fired up), Zapata didn’t see action for over two months, and was notably absent from Atalanta’s dramatic turnaround in the Champion’s League group stage.
Netting only 70 minutes in his first two games back in action, it’s obvious he’ll need a bit of time to get back his football fitness. Inter’s studly back three were able to neutralize him (which seemed to be their gameplan), but there should be no concern about him coming back to full strength and doing what he does best. He’ll be essential for Atalanta to knock off Valencia in February, and is a much welcomed addition to an attack that sometimes can become too reliant on Gomez and Ilicic trying to dribble past everyone. Vienvenido de Vuelta, Duvan!
