Atalanta-Bayer Leverkusen, all set in Dublin for the Europa League final: Dea and Werkself are one step closer to history.
The final in Dublin pits two teams against each other, both bursting with health, playing great soccer and, most importantly, ready to write an important page in their history. On one side is Atalanta, which has never before played a continental final.
After losing the Coppa Italia one a week ago against Juventus, La Dea has in front of them another chance to bring home a trophy and crown the fantastic Gasperini era, a coach who in the space of 8 years has been able to make competitive both in Italy and in Europe a team whose goal, before his arrival in Bergamo, was to save themselves as soon as possible. On the other we have Bayer Leverkusen, one step away from a mythological Triplete. The Aspirins, still undefeated in the season, have already won the Bundesliga – the first time ever – and can enrich the “booty” by adding the Europa League – it would be the second after the one they won in the 1987-88 season – and the German Cup. Xabi Alonso’s, while lacking big names, is a “perfect machine,” one that knows how to change clothes according to the opponent’s characteristics and that practically never gives up. Indeed, there have been numerous matches that have been reeled back in the dying minutes, when it seemed that nothing more could be done. Leverkusen, just like Atalanta, never gives up attacking. That is why it is very likely that the spectacle should not be lacking in the Aviva Stadium challenge.
Atalanta-Bayer Leverkusen, bogeyman Wirtz for the Nerazzurri defense
The main bogeyman, for the Nerazzurri defense, can only be him, Florian Wirtz. The German jewel is the great protagonist, as well as symbol, of Leverkusen’s phantasmagorical season (18 goals and 19 assists).
And against Atalanta he will most likely fill the role the “false nueve” role. Xabi Alonso will prefer him to both Schick and Boniface, so as to give Gasperini no reference points in that area of the field. Impossible not to consider him among the probable scorers or even among the potential assist-man. The other player to keep an eye on in terms of goals is Gianluca Scamacca. The Roma-raised striker has now become an irreplaceable cog in Dea’s “engine,” and his absence was very noticeable in the Coppa Italia final. De Ketelaere, Grimaldo and Frimpong, three elements that are making a difference, could also create quite a few dangers. Along with the Belgian, reborn at Atalanta after a disappointing experience at AC Milan, we cannot fail to mention the Dutch Koopmeiners.
The former AZ Alkmaar man, currently the object of desire of several European bigwigs, is likely to make at least two shots towards the opponent’s goal. And Leverkusen’s Argentine Palacios, freshly called up for the upcoming Copa America, could imitate him. Cautions chapter: Ederson, without the disqualified de Roon, is likely to struggle in the middle of the field and should pick up at least one yellow card. Neither will Ruggeri sleep soundly in the duel with the snappy Frimpong. Watch out for Xhaka and Kolasinac as well.
