Atalanta’s Struggles Continue as Key Midfielder Suffers Injury

On September 28, 2024, Marco Brescianini, a player for Atalanta, suffered a suspected thigh injury during a Serie A match. The game, which was goalless as it approached half-time, saw Brescianini stumble on the turf as he attempted to latch onto a pull-back from the by-line. Despite his efforts to continue playing, he was ultimately forced to leave the field due to his injury. This setback adds to the difficulties faced by Atalanta’s coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, who is already dealing with the absence of Isak Hien, Rafael Toloi, Giorgio Scalvini, and Gianluca Scamacca. Additionally, Nicolò Zaniolo is not fully fit, further compounding the team’s challenges.

Atalanta, who are set to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday in Gelsenkirchen, have commenced their European campaign with a 0-0 draw against Arsenal. The team is under pressure to accumulate points in upcoming matches, as their current form poses several concerns.

Following the match, Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged the team’s struggles, describing their form as inconsistent. “We will blow hot and cold as we try to completely rebuild the squad,” Gasperini noted, adding that the team won two of their six Serie A matches, drawing one and losing three. During a recent match against Bologna, which was down to 10 men for 40 minutes, Atalanta only managed to secure a point with a last-minute goal from Lazar Samardzic, who curled in his first goal for the club.

The match also saw a key turning point when the referee initially awarded a penalty for a foul by Jhon Lucumi on Charles De Ketelaere. However, the VAR review confirmed the contact occurred outside the box, changing the call to a red card. Gasperini remarked, “When Bologna were down to 10, we weren’t sharp enough and didn’t bring enough quality.”

Nicolò Zaniolo came off the bench and showed promise alongside Ademola Lookman, despite recent injury setbacks. “The important thing is that he gets some consistency on the pitch,” Gasperini said, highlighting Zaniolo’s progress towards full fitness.

Reflecting on the recent turnover in the squad, Gasperini expressed the challenges of finding a new identity for the team. “Unfortunately, we have changed so many players that it will take time to lay those foundations again,” he remarked. This season, Atalanta had anticipated building on their Europa League success, but instead faced the task of integrating new arrivals late in the transfer window.

In preparation for their next Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, Atalanta faces uncertainty over Marco Brescianini’s availability. Meanwhile, Bologna is set to visit Liverpool at Anfield, with coach Gasperini offering advice on facing such a formidable opponent. “To play in that stadium full of people, even just hearing the club anthem they sing before kick-off is worth everything,” he commented.