Atalanta Hosts Cagliari in Critical Serie A Clash

BERGAMO, Italy – Atalanta BC faces Cagliari on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 2 p.m. UK time in a crucial Serie A matchup as they seek to maintain their title hopes while Cagliari aims to escape relegation.

Gian Piero Gasperini‘s Atalanta squad is currently in third place with 50 points, five points behind league leaders Napoli. The team is looking to rebound after a disappointing defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League and aim for consecutive league victories for the first time this year. Despite missing several key players, they remain favorites against the struggling Cagliari side, who is fighting to avoid relegation.

After a midweek loss in Belgium, Atalanta’s recent form shows just three wins in their last 12 matches across all competitions, including a recent exit from the Coppa Italia. Their previous Serie A game ended in a commanding 5-0 win over Hellas Verona, with striker Mateo Retegui scoring four goals. Retegui has been influential this season, netting 20 Serie A goals and standing as the team’s primary offensive threat.

Cagliari enters the match fresh from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Atalanta in December. However, the Islanders have won four of their last six away matches against Atalanta and are four points clear of the relegation zone. They will count on their offensive players, including veteran leader Viola, to exploit Atalanta’s vulnerabilities, particularly their defensive lapses.

Despite their impressive capability to earn points from losing positions—both teams being among the top in Serie A in that regard—Cagliari has registered only two clean sheets this season. In their last nine league encounters away from home, they’ve managed only one victory against bottom-placed Monza.

In the lead-up to the match, Gasperini confirmed a few injuries including first-choice goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi and key center-back players. Yet, Cagliari also struggles with injury concerns, with only Giuseppe Ciocci as their notable absentee. The rest of the squad is reportedly fit and will be eager to disrupt Atalanta’s rhythm.

Looking at expected lineups, Atalanta is likely to field Carnesecchi; Toloi, Hien, Djimsiti; Cuadrado, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; Brescianini; De Ketelaere, Retegui. Cagliari may start Caprile; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello; Zortea, Makoumbou, Adopo, Felici; Viola; Piccoli.

The stakes are high as both teams enter the match with different motivations. Atalanta hopes to secure a vital win to stay in contention for the championship, while Cagliari fights to prove they can avoid relegation. With their last 19 league meetings devoid of any draws, a competitive match is expected with high implications for both teams’ seasons.