Injury Woes Mount for Atalanta
Atalanta is currently navigating a challenging period marked by a significant number of player injuries. The club has seen several key figures sidelined, impacting both their defensive and attacking options. Defenders Giorgio Scalvini, Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, and David Luiz are all out due to various injuries, with Scalvini’s absence stemming from international duty [1]. Midfielders Franck Kessié, Raoul Bellanova, Kamal Deen Sulemana, and Ibrahim Sulemana are also unavailable, further depleting the squad’s depth [2]. In attack, Giacomo Raspadori has suffered a relapse of a flexor issue, forcing him out of contention [1]. This extensive injury list has led manager Maurizio Sarri to express frustration over what he termed an “absurd calendar” contributing to the player welfare issues [1]. The sheer volume of unavailable players presents a considerable challenge for Atalanta as they look to compete on multiple fronts.
Tactical Adjustments and Recent Performances
In response to the personnel challenges, Atalanta has adapted its tactical approach. The team has transitioned from its traditional 4-3-3 formation to a 4-2-3-1 in recent outings [1]. This shift aims to accommodate available players and maintain competitive balance. Despite the injury crisis, Atalanta secured a 3-1 victory in their Conference League opener against Pafos. Goals from Eljif Elmas, Giacomo Raspadori, and Gianluca Scamacca sealed the win, though the match also saw Raspadori forced off with a new muscular injury [3]. Charles De Ketelaere is expected to step in for the injured Raspadori in upcoming fixtures [3]. Other expected starters include Gianluca Scamacca as centre-forward, with Eljif Elmas and Nicola Zalewski also featuring in the lineup [4]. Elmas, despite a Serie A suspension, was available for the Conference League match [2].
What it means
Atalanta currently sits in 10th position in Serie A, having accumulated 9 points from six matches. Their domestic form has been inconsistent, with three wins and three losses, scoring 8 goals and conceding 8. Recent results show a mixed bag: a 3-1 home win against Venezia FC, followed by three consecutive losses to Juventus FC (0-2 away), Cagliari Calcio (1-2 home), and AS Roma (1-2 away), before an earlier 1-0 home win against Bologna FC 1909. This form suggests a team capable of winning but also susceptible to defeats, particularly against stronger opposition. The upcoming fixture sees Atalanta travel to Milan on October 18th for a Serie A clash. This match will be a significant test, especially given the extensive injury list and the recent tactical adjustments. The team’s ability to integrate returning players and manage the workload of those available will be crucial in determining their performance against a top-tier opponent.
Sources
- Football Italia: Sarri pleased with Atalanta progress, but fury at ‘absurd’ fixture list football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Atalanta vs. Pafos: Bellanova rested as a precaution, Scalvini and Kessié out football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: UECL | Atalanta 3-1 Pafos: Dea comfortable victory football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Conference League line-ups: Atalanta vs. Pafos football-italia.net ↩
