Atalanta and Bologna Clash in Coppa Italia Quarter-Finals

BERGAMO, Italy — Atalanta BC and Bologna will face off in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the Gewiss Stadium. This marks the first-ever cup meeting between the two Serie A sides, with both teams aiming to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Atalanta, known as La Dea, advanced to this stage after a dominant 6-1 victory over Serie B side Cesena. Bologna, on the other hand, cruised past Monza with a 4-0 win. The hosts are making their fifth consecutive quarter-final appearance, having reached the final twice in the last four seasons, though they fell short both times.

Atalanta’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last seven domestic matches. They enter the match following a 1-1 draw against Torino in Serie A, leaving them third in the league standings, six points behind leaders Napoli. Bologna, meanwhile, are in sixth place and come into the game on a seven-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, including a 2-0 win over Como in their last outing.

Bologna will be looking to reach the semi-finals for the first time since the 1998-99 season, when they were eliminated by Fiorentina. Atalanta, however, have struggled against Bologna in recent encounters, failing to win any of their last four meetings, with three defeats and a draw.

Atalanta will be without three key players due to injuries: (shoulder), (knee), and (hamstring). Despite these absences, manager Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to field a strong lineup, with the club’s top scorer leading the attack. Bologna will miss (hamstring), while Orsolini remains a doubt after missing the last three games with a similar issue.

Possible starting lineups: Atalanta BC – Patricio; Kolasinac, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Samardzic; Retegui. Bologna – Ravaglia; Holm, Lucumi, Beukema, Lykogiannis; Freuler, Pobega; Ndoye, Odgaard, Dominguez; Castro.

The match is expected to be closely contested, with the possibility of extra time given Atalanta’s recent struggles and Bologna’s resilience. However, Atalanta’s pedigree in the competition and home advantage could give them the edge.