Date: March 13, 2022
Time: 18:00 CET, 13:00 EST
Proceedings get serious now for Atalanta. As Serie A enters the final home stretch, every point is vital for a Dea squad that cannot fail to slip up in its chase for a top four spot in the league. Especially in matches such as these. Genoa is all but guaranteed to be relegated this season, which of course means the Ligurian side will continue be a thorn in everyone’s side. Atalanta’s nil-nil draw with the Rossoblu is still fresh on the tifosi’s mind, but ever since the coal in the stocking Genoa delivered to Atalanta, anti-football has become an unglamorous yet effective trend for Genoa.
Amazingly Genoa have gone unbeaten in its last six Serie A matches. Yes it is six consecutive draws, but its still an impressive unbeaten streak for a team that has struggled so mightily this year. Goalless draws against Roma and Inter are the highlights of this streak, and these results must be in the back of Atalanta’s mind as the men take the pitch on Sunday. Atalanta got its obligatory goalless draw to a relegation contender out of the way, no need for it to happen twice this year, especially to the same squad.
Genoa Player to Watch- Nicolo Rovella
Nicolo Rovella may sport the demeanor and haircut of an emo high school student trying to “find himself.” But don’t let the looks fool you, the kid can ball. After missing a swath of time due to injury, the Juventus loanee is slowly working his way back into a midfield rotation desperately in need of some playmaking chops. One of Serie A’s best per 90 creators this year, his ability to continually dish off passes leading to shots is even more remarkable given the lack of attacking options Genoa has at its disposal. Genoa may struggle to create offense, but if Rovella plays, it is probable that he will be the catalyst on any dangerous plays.
Atalanta Passione’s Predicted Starting XI
Slowly but surely Atalanta is working its way back to full strength. Duvan Zapata is still down with injury, leaving Atalanta with almost a complete squad – save for Marten de Roon’s absence thanks to last week’s red card. While earning three points are vital, there still is some flexibility for gaffer Gian Piero Gasperini to mix in some fresher legs and not sacrifice on-field quality. Giuseppe Pezzella has not started on the left flank since mid-February, and he may be a welcomed addition to the left side after Davide Zappacosta has received a lion’s share of the minutes
Not that Zappacosta has been poor, but mixing a left-footed Pezzella with a right-footed Jeremie Boga on the flank may give Boga more space to cut in on his favored right foot, rather than jockey for cut-in position space with a similarly right-footed Zappacosta. Speaking of what happens upfront, Jeremie Boga feels like a must-start. His directness and ability to pass men at will is necessary against a near certain Genoa low block. Perhaps he and Luis Muriel on the same pitch is redundant, but after Muriel’s midweek, stormer he has to be the preferred option over Atalanta’s newest makeshift striker Mario Pasalic.
Also a shoutout to eighteen year old Guinean Moustapha Cisse. Only a month ago Cisse was toiling amongst amateurs playing for ASD Rinascita Refugees – a team entirely comprised of players and staff seeking asylum in Italy. The youngster caught Atalanta’s eye, especially Gasperini’s, and after putting away three goals in the Primavera – he gets his first call up to the senior squad. What a story it would be if he actually comes onto the pitch and scores in his debut – especially amid the crazy rollercoaster that must be his life over the last month.
As Atalanta moves further back the pitch, it is important to remember the name of the game is offensive overload. Genoa will hardly push to score, so Atalanta may as well insert its best attacking centerbacks. Merih Demiral is probably the weakest moving forward, and could use the rest for Thursday’s all-important match. A press monster in Rafael Toloi combined with Berat Djimsiti resembling a holding midfielder on the opposite side will ensure that Atalanta is consistently looking to create dangerous chances at all times.
Three Small Keys to Three Big Points
Always Be Charging Forward- Oftentimes for possession’s sake Atalanta can get a bit too happy with the back pass to defenders and thus recycling possession. Its a valid strategy, but against Genoa feels unnecessary. As much time as possible should be spent with the ball as close to Genoa’s box as possible. And if Atalanta loses the ball, chances are Genoa will be looking to immediately clear the ball – with little threat for a counterattack to be ignited by a misplaced pass or dribble.
Mind The Counterattack- Only Cagliari has conceded more goals from counterattacks than Atalanta this year. Fortunately for La Dea, Genoa has failed to score from a counterattack this year. But if Genoa does indeed score, something’s has to give because it is highly unlikely the Rossoblu score from open play. Just be extremely positive Mattia Destro doesn’t find a way to creep into open space.
Simply Play with Passion- Play with passion is a stale, antiquated, and almost meaningless phrase – but Thursday against Bayer Leverkusen was the first time in 2022 that Atalanta actually looked like Atalanta. The pressing was strong and players looked like they had another gear in their sprints. Now hopefully the stalemate in Genoa is still fresh in the players mind, adding more impetus to the team to push on for a resounding victory. Genoa is a team that can just wear one down mentally with its frequent negativity – and oftentimes an overly positive demeanor is the only way to charge through it. Scoring early would also help!
Life was good last time Atalanta played a club in Genoa at the Gewiss. Energy and strength led Atalanta to a resounding cleansheet victory against Sampdoria, and the exact same energy will be needed to overcome Genoa. The Rossoblu is not good, but every team is capable of going on its own decent stretch. Six points in six matches, while conceding only two goals, is a good return for the Grifone – but all ‘hot streaks’ end eventually. Let’s be the team that makes that happen. No nil-nil draws, no prancing in and around the box, just strong and direct attacks that give Genoa little to no time to react! As always, Forza Dea!!!
