Atalanta’s injury troubles mount ahead of Arsenal Champions League test | OneFootball

As Atalanta prepare to host Arsenal in a highly anticipated Champions League clash, Italian outlet Corriere della Sera has provided a key injury update on Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

While the excitement is palpable, with the newly completed Gewiss Stadium expected to be a cauldron of noise, several important players for Atalanta remain doubtful ahead of the fixture.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 15: General view outside the stadium ahead of the Serie A match between Atalanta and Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi acknowledged the difficulty of the challenge that awaits, noting, “We will play against a very strong team, and it will be very tough.”

Despite this, the “12th man” advantage of the home crowd is seen as a vital asset in what promises to be a fierce battle.

Injuries threaten Atalanta’s defence

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 15: Sead Kolasinac of Atalanta BC in action during the Serie A match between Atalanta and Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

The report indicates that Atalanta’s backline may be heavily compromised. Ben Godfrey, Rafael Toloi, and former Arsenal man, Sead Kolasinac are all in the treatment room and battling to be fit ahead of Thursday’s match.

Godfrey, in particular, has been receiving intensive treatment in hopes of being ready to strengthen Atalanta’s defence, while Kolasinac’s condition remains uncertain due to the heavy schedule of matches every three days.

New signings Odilon Kossounou and Godfrey have been brought in to provide reinforcement, but their lack of full match fitness could prove problematic for Gasperini’s side.

With Arsenal’s attack spearheaded by dynamic players such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz, a shaky defence might be costly for the Italians.

Scamacca and Zaniolo in doubt

BERLIN, GERMANY – JUNE 29: Gianluca Scamacca of Italy during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Switzerland and Italy at Olympiastadion on June 29, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Up front, Atalanta will also be sweating over the fitness of striker Gianluca Scamacca, who also remains “under therapy” and is doubtful for the clash.

Scamacca has been a key figure in Atalanta’s attack, but his absence could be felt if he is unable to recover in time.

The club is also keeping an eye on Nicolo Zaniolo, who Gasperini believes could be crucial in breaking down Arsenal’s defence. “Brescianini and Samardzic seem more like midfielders than forwards, so we need to get Zaniolo back to full fitness, or we risk being short upfront,” Gasperini said.

Zaniolo, alongside Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui, forms part of a potent attack that excelled in their most recent match against Fiorintina with two goals and an assist between them.

Gasperini emphasised the importance of his forwards ahead of the match, noting that the attack will be Atalanta’s strong point against Arsenal, especially with their proficiency in aerial duels and set-pieces.

“It’s not just their aerial power, the way they run, move the ball and have fantastic dynamism. Arsenal are a great reference point in England, they dominated the Premier League last season along with Manchester City and Liverpool,” noted Gasperini.

“We have never played against them and I think they will be a big test for us because of their intensity, quality and pace. We’re not used to teams with those characteristics, this could be a problem for us. We too are going to be a test for them, we are playing at home and every point against these teams is precious for qualification, because I expect the table will be very tight.”

The GeissIss Stadium: Atalanta’s 12th man

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 15: General view inside the stadium ahead of the Serie A match between Atalanta and Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Despite the injury concerns, Atalanta will be boosted by the atmosphere in the newly completed Gewiss Stadium. The stadium, which has been described as a “masterpiece” by fans and players alike, will provide a hostile atmosphere for Arsenal, with its acoustics amplifying the energy from the home crowd.

Atalanta’s CEO Luca Percassi called it an advantage, highlighting how the echo inside the stadium can fuel the team: “Everything is heard more, the echo is huge, it is a force both when we are below and when we win.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 15: Atalanta BC supporters clap their hands during the Serie A match between Atalanta and Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

The new stadium is expected to replicate the intimidating atmosphere of Borussia Dortmund’s famous “Yellow Wall,” with fans filling the stands and chants bouncing across the pitch.

Tough challenge awaits

Atalanta face an uphill battle against a strong Arsenal team, but Gasperini’s side is no stranger to adversity.

Despite injuries and the uncertainty surrounding the fitness of key players, the Bergamo-based team will be looking to make the most of their home advantage and take the game to their English opponents.

The combination of a passionate crowd, a strong attacking unit, and tactical discipline will be key if Atalanta are to secure a positive result in this Champions League tie.

But, as Percassi said, “It will be very tough.”