THE’Atalanta by Gian Piero Gasperini and the Celtic by Brendan Rodgers face each other in Bergamo in a match of Champions League which promises spectacle. A meeting between two different footballing realities, but both with important ambitions in this renewed competition, which sees only one ranking deciding qualification for the quarter-finals. Kick-off at Gewiss Stadion starting at 6.45pm.
HOW ATALANTA ARRIVES – La Dea, after the draw against Arsenal and the 0-3 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk, goes into the match with high morale and 4 points in the standings. The month of September saw Atalanta fluctuating, but in recent weeks the team has found defensive solidity and continuity of play, collecting three consecutive victories and four consecutive useful results. Gasperini, while underlining the importance of maintaining concentration game after game, expressed optimism: “Easy with the streaks, we have to play all the games, no result is a given. With Celtic, well, it’s a different competition, we’re facing a team used to winning championships, a fast team especially in attack”. The objective is to win another three points and remain in the top positions. In view of the match, Gasperini will have to do without Scalvini, Kossounou, Toloi and Brescianini, while Kolasinac. is in doubt due to flu. De Roon in defense with Hien and Djimsiti as midfielders with De Ketelaere and Lookman.
HOW THE CELTIC ARRIVED – Celtic’s European journey has so far been characterized by ups and downs. The 5-1 victory against Slovan Bratislava had given rise to hope, but the subsequent 7-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund highlighted the fragility of the Scottish team, especially in the defensive phase. Eight goals conceded in just two games is an alarming figure. In the league, the 2-2 draw against Aberdeen ended a run of seven consecutive victories, but still kept Celtic at the top of the table on equal points with their opponents. Rodgers, despite showing confidence in his team and its team spirit, admitted that he was not satisfied with the result against Aberdeen: “We deserved to win, but I think we have an excellent team and a winning team spirit. we will get satisfaction by showing our mentality”. For the match against Atalanta, Celtic should have the whole squad available, with the exception of Carter-Vickers.