Atalanta drop crucial points on Monday night, suffering defeat at the hands of Andrea Petagna and SPAL. Overcoming a 0-1 halftime deficit, SPAL was able to put two goals away in the span six minutes, including a game-tying goal by former Nerazzurri Andrea Petagna. This was his 5th goal in 4 matches against his former squad, and seems to be the kryptonite that Gasperini and company cannot seem to figure out.
I unfortunately did not get to watch the game, due to the Monday fixture schedule, but it seems like Atalanta never really got going. Forced to play an improvised style with both right back options, Hateboer and Castagne, out for suspension and injury respectively, Atalanta slogged through both halves. A furious late attempt to tie the game with strikes from Zapata and Malinovskyi were denied, and Atalanta saw any hopes of stealing a point wither away. Positively, Ilicic connected on a pass from Zapata with a cheeky back-heel to start the scoring, as he continues his furious form to start 2020. But that may be all that is positive on this day.
To me Atalanta’s biggest weakness came through in a big way today, lack of depth. With neither Castagne nor Hateboer available, the need to improvise a formation essentially set the team up for a rough day right from the beginning. In a system that relies so heavily on the wing-backs providing so much in terms of attacking creativity and scoring, Hateboer and Castagne were sorely missed on the right flank today, allowing SPAL to focus on the left side, neutralizing Papu Gomez and Gosens.
All in all without the excellent form of Ilicic, La Dea are in need of of getting their attacking options some much needed confidence. Zapata has not scored since his return (albeit, he’s played less than two games), though he did hit the woodwork today, and provided Atalanta’s only assist. Even worse, Muriel has been extremely difficult to watch since his excellent start, only netting goals from the penalty line, and does not have a goal from open play since the 7-1 drubbing of Udinese. The Colombians will be sorely needed as the second half rolls along, but I’m confident that both will be able to regain the form they demonstrated in the early part of the year.
Next up for Atalanta is Torino away from Bergamo as they look for revenge to their 2-3 loss against Il Toro back in September. Currently sitting 9th after a weekend loss to Sassuolo, they are a club not to be taken lightly, but nonetheless, its a perfect opportunity to come back strong La Dea and get even with Roma in the table again (who play in the Derby against Lazio).
It’s important to keep everything in context. It’s a long season, and while this loss may sting, if Gasperini and company can keep doing what they are capable of doing, I am confident that they will keep battling for Champion’s League placings, and continue to take Europe by storm. As always Forza Atalanta!
