Priority to Europe. Gian Piero Gasperini and his Atalanta side seem to have clear ideas on how to approach a season finale that could yet open up different scenarios. However, the temptation to go all-in on the cup is strong. Especially after the collapse in the championship against Sassuolo, which caused the Nerazzurri to slip to eighth place, losing contact not only with the fourth place but also with the two Romans and Fiorentina.
Yes, the comeback is possible, but triumphing in the second international competition would represent not only a historic achievement, but also a ‘short cut’ to get back into the Champions League and even do it from the top flight. In any case, La Dea gives the impression of being short of energy and this is not so surprising after an exhausting season in which they have played so many matches. Which is why you cannot expect to keep going at full speed on all fronts. It is better to concentrate on just one, and the first leg match against the daring Leipzig showed that the primary goal now is the Europa League. The match against Domenico Tedesco’s Roten Bullen did not disappoint the expectations: at the Red Bull Arena it ended 1-1, but there was never a dull moment, with both teams – very similar in characteristics and mentality – who did not give up to challenge each other openly, avoiding paralysing themselves with tactics.
How Atalanta and Leipzig fare and the latest line-ups
Nerazzurri goalkeeper Musso saves André Silva’s penalty ©️Ansafoto
One half on each side – Atalanta took the lead with a great goal from Muriel, then in the second half Leipzig equalised thanks to an own goal – and a result that sends everything back to the return match at the Gewiss Stadium, where the orobici have often stuttered this year, failing in almost all the direct clashes. Gasperini hasn’t won in front of his home crowd for over a month, while Gulacsi and his team-mates secured their 12th consecutive win on Sunday by thrashing Hoffenheim 3-0 to secure fourth place.
Atalanta will play Pessina and one of Malinovskyi or Pasalic to support Muriel, who will alternate with the restored Zapata, who will come off the bench. Freuler is unavailable, as are Djimsiti and Ilicic. Only one change for Leipzig compared to the first leg: in defence Simakan seems to be ahead of Klostermann.
The Prediction
Atalanta can reach the second European semi-final in their history, thirty-four years after the last time: at that time it was the Cup Winners’ Cup and the Nerazzurri’s dream was broken by Belgian side Malines. There is no clear favourite in the challenge with Leipzig, as the first leg showed. La Dea has everything to pass the round but will have to exploit the home factor again to succeed in imposing themselves on the Germans. In any case, it will be another lively and spectacular match, with more than two goals in total and with both teams scoring like seven days ago. In our opinion, Atalanta will ultimately come out on top, not necessarily in regulation time.
Atalanta-Leipzig matchday squad
ATALANTA (3-4-2-1): Musso; Toloi, Demiral, Palomino; Hateboer, Koopmeiners, de Roon, Zappacosta; Pasalic, Malinovskyi; Muriel.
LIPSIA (3-4-1-2): Gulacsi; Simakan, Orban, Gvardiol; Henrichs, Kampl, Laimer, Angelino; Dani Olmo; Nkunku, André Silva.
Vote
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
