Serie A Game5 Atalanta BC vs. Como

24 Sept 2024 02:45

Gewiss Stadium

Preview and Prediction

After their Champions League exploits in midweek, Atalanta BC will host promoted Como on Monday evening, as they resume Serie A duty at Gewiss Stadium.

The Nerazzurri came close to toppling Arsenal last time out, having previously beaten Fiorentina in a five-goal thriller; now, a third straight home game brings the winless Lariani to Bergamo.

A tight and tense tactical battle may have ended goalless between Atalanta and Arsenal on Thursday evening, as both sides kicked off their league-phase campaign, but at the full-time whistle La Dea may have felt more frustration at not taking maximum points.

Marco Carnesecchi made fine first-half save against the Gunners, but it was his opposite number David Raya's spot-kick heroics that grabbed the headlines and twice denied Mateo Retegui what could have been the winner.

Nonetheless, last season's Europa League winners banked a valuable point on their Champions League return, following hot on the heels of a superb fightback to defeat Fiorentina just a few days earlier.

They twice fought back from behind to beat the Viola 3-2 in Bergamo, with recalled star Ademola Lookman scoring the winner in first-half stoppage time, and moved onto six points from four Serie A matches as a result.

Only last week's opponents have recorded more shots on target so far, and the Nerazzurri also have the highest Expected Goals total (7.89). A versatile attack has helped in that regard, as Atalanta are renowned for neat passing, but they have actually scored the most headed goals this term (four).

Gian Piero Gasperini's team could now win back-to-back matches for the first time this season, as they welcome visitors whom they historically get the better of when on home turf. Atalanta are unbeaten in eight Serie A home matches against Como - albeit it has been quite a while since they last met.

Before these teams convene in the top flight for the first time in 21 years, Como actually lead the overall head-to-head, with seven wins and five losses across 19 previous Serie A meetings.

Continuing in that vein will surely prove a tough assignment for current boss Cesc Fabregas, who is a relative rookie in coaching terms - particularly in contrast to Gasperini's vast experience.

Como occupy 18th place in the standings, and are still seeking their first win of a season that started with elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Serie B side Sampdoria.

Having been promoted from the second tier last season, the Lariani had to hastily renovate their Stadio Sinigaglia headquarters, so each of their first three league games were played away from home, bringing just one point before last week's long-awaited return home.

However, they let a two-goal lead slip during the last 20 minutes against Bologna, after an own goal and Patrick Cutrone's second-half strike had put them within touching distance of three precious points.

Few would now expect Como to bring anything back from nearby Bergamo, but they will hope to put pressure on Atalanta's sometimes vulnerable defence.

Injuries and Suspensions

42G. Scalvini

9G. Scamacca

5B. Godfrey

2R. Toloi

Como

93F. Barba

19R. Varane

Possible starting lineups

Atalanta

29Carnesecchi(GK)

19Djimsiti(DC)

23Kolasinac(DC)

4Hien(DC)

77Zappacosta(DMR)

22Ruggeri(DML)

13Éderson(MC)

15Roon(MC)

17Ketelaere(AMC)

11Lookman(AMC)

32Retegui(FW)

Como

1Audero(GK)

6Iovine(DR)

2Kempf(DC)

13Dossena(DC)

18Moreno(DL)

23Perrone(DMC)

20Roberto(DMC)

7Strefezza(AMR)

79Paz(AMC)

16Fadera(AML)

10Cutrone(FW)