Date: September 26, 2020
Time: 9:00 EST
We’re back everyone! Spoiled by summertime Serie A football, six weeks has felt like an eternity, but the wait is over. Atalanta have the perfect chance to get off to a 3-point start against Torino side who struggled quite mightily in its opener against Fiorentina. Atalanta should be licking its chops against a Giampaolo team that is still looking to find its rhythm and looked out of sorts offensively in it’s new two striker setup. With both Djimsiti and Romero out for suspension, it will hopefully give some leeway to La Dea to settle back into their attacking game, and quite possibly match at least some of their heroics last time they played Torino.
Poor Salvatore Sirigu…. One of the best keepers in Serie A who seemingly time in time against has to bail his team out either to scrape out a draw, or make a defeat look much closer than it actually was. Last week against Fiorentina was no exception, as Sirigu made some phenomenal saves to make a game that felt like 4-0 actually 1-0. Still will he be enough for Torino’s leaky defense to prevent a hungry Atalanta attack? Towards the end of last year, either fatigue, complacency, predictability or a combination of everything tempered Atalanta’s furious offensive attacking style. I think Atalanta spoiled everyone with their goal scoring machine, that it almost became commonplace that they’d score at least 3 a game, which in retrospect as a fan is incredibly greedy.
As a fan the win and the 3 points is the most important, and Atalanta have to pounce on the opportunity against Sirigu and his minions, even if its a 1-0 clean sheet. More than goals, I’m curious to see how the team gels and bounces back after a heartbreaking PSG loss, how the back three look, does Pasalic keep getting looks in the midfield, and how Gasperini manages the attacking trio?
Of course, with Atalanta, everything starts and ends with the attack. Surely Zapata gets the start, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Lammers get minutes as he already has Eredivisie miles in his legs, and has at least a semblance of match fitness. It also gives Gasp a chance to see what he has with Lammers prior to Miranchuk and Ilicic being fully fit. And as I write it truly is scary at the offensive options at Gasperini’s disposal even with two of southpaws hurt. Just look at the list:
- Zapata
- Gomez
- Muriel
- Lammers
- Malinovskyi
- Pasalic
- Ilicic
- Miranchuk
Eventually there’ll be eight players to choose from to fill three attacking positions, all capable and lethal in their own way, and almost an embarrassment of riches that reaches the point of not knowing how to divvy up the playing time. If anything that’s what I’m worried about most, too much depth that either Gasperini gets cute with changing up the lineups frequently, or he goes with the hot hands and guys on the bench get disgruntled. I’m getting ahead of myself, but 7-0 against Torino still rings so freshly in my ears that its impossible not to think about the attack, what Atalanta do best. I’m not expecting 7 goals again (even the entire season), but after the skipped match against Lazio the soccer Gods have given La Dea the perfect opportunity to ease into the season and let the attack loose. Lets hope Sirigu isn’t a world-beater again, and get the offensive engine firing on all cylinders. I’m all revved up to go, and can’t wait for tomorrow, and as always Forza La Dea, and let’s show Vojvoda he absolutely chose the wrong squad to sign with!
