Atalanta Faces Club Brugge Amidst Injury Crisis

BERGAMO, Italy – Atalanta is gearing up for a challenging Champions League match against Club Brugge on Wednesday, even as key players remain sidelined due to injuries. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is determined to focus on the game rather than the obstacles posed by their current injury crisis.

Last season’s Europa League champions, Atalanta, will face Brugge in a two-legged clash for a chance to reach the tournament’s last 16. With a depleted squad, the team will rely heavily on goalkeeper Rui Patricio, who has filled in for first-choice keeper Marco Carnesecchi, who is out with a thigh injury.

“Rui Patricio will play. We brought Carnesecchi but he is not at his best,” Gasperini told reporters. “We have had some excellent performances but unfortunately, the issue of injuries has an impact. In all teams there are these particular periods, with many games in quick succession.”

Atalanta’s injury woes are compounded by the recent announcements that defender Giorgio Scalvini and forward Gianluca Scamacca are out for the rest of the season due to shoulder and thigh injuries, respectively. The Italian side has not seen a fully fit squad in recent matches, leading to a string of tough games.

Despite missing key players, Gasperini is hopeful for the return of midfielder Ademola Lookman and defender Sead Kolasinac in the near future. “We need to make up for some absences, maybe we will soon recover Lookman and Kolasinac. In 10 days they have missed four games,” he said.

Atalanta concluded the league phase of the Champions League in ninth place after a 2-2 draw against Barcelona, narrowly missing automatic qualification for the tournament’s knockout stages. Gasperini expressed a desire for the competition format to revert to the traditional two-legged approach, emphasizing the benefits of playing at home.

“Let’s go back to the formula of the old Champions League, with the return leg. Playing it at home may seem like a small advantage,” explained Gasperini. “Playing many games in Europe and at a high level has given us good growth and a better approach to matches, even away. But every time it’s different; the emotion is different in every match.”

When discussing the upcoming match, Gasperini remained grounded regarding their chances. “I don’t believe in predictions; they are of little use,” he said. “From what I’ve seen several times, we’re facing a tactically prepared team, a team used to winning. They played defensively against Manchester City, always maintaining their team concepts.”

As the match approaches, Gasperini is acutely aware of the challenges ahead. “It will be difficult to face them. We’ll have to play well; they know how to stay close in a few meters, they have good individuality and intensity,” he noted. The stage is set for a crucial contest as Atalanta seeks to navigate through their setbacks and overcome a formidable opponent.