Atalanta vs Cremonese: Official Lineups and Match Preview
In the heart of Italy's Serie A, Atalanta BC welcomes US Cremonese to the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo for a crucial mid-season encounter. As the 2023-2024 campaign intensifies, Atalanta aims to solidify their push for European spots, while Cremonese fights tooth and nail to escape the relegation mire. With official lineups now confirmed via sources like Gazzetta dello Sport, this matchup promises tactical intrigue and high drama. Let's break it down.
Match Context and Stakes
Atalanta, under the guidance of veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, has been a model of consistency at home. Sitting comfortably in the upper echelons of the Serie A table—currently around fourth place—they boast an unbeaten streak in their last five home games, scoring an impressive 12 goals in that span. Their aggressive, high-pressing style has become a hallmark, making the Gewiss Stadium a fortress that's tough to breach.
On the flip side, Cremonese languishes near the bottom, just two points above the drop zone. Newly promoted last season, they've struggled to adapt to the top flight's rigors, winning only three of their 20 league outings so far. Away form has been particularly dismal, with no victories on the road since August. This game is a must-win for the Grigò, as every point counts in their survival bid.
Historically, Atalanta holds the edge. In their last five meetings across all competitions, Atalanta has won three, drawn one, and lost just once to Cremonese. The most recent clash in 2019 saw Atalanta triumph 2-1 in Cremona, setting a tone of dominance.
Official Lineups: Who's Starting?
Gazzetta.it has dropped the official formations, revealing no major surprises but some intriguing tweaks. Atalanta lines up in their trusted 3-4-2-1 setup, emphasizing width and midfield control:
- Goalkeeper: Marco Carnesecchi
- Defenders: Rafael Tolói, Giorgio Scalvini, Berat Djimsiti
- Midfielders: Davide Zappacosta, Teun Koopmeiners, Marten de Roon, Emil Holm
- Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, Mateo Retegui
Key omissions include the injured Gianluca Scamacca up top, with Retegui stepping in as the focal point. Lookman and De Ketelaere, both in scintillating form with five goals apiece this season, will roam behind, looking to exploit Cremonese's shaky backline.
Cremonese's Defensive Setup
Cremonese opts for a cautious 3-5-2, aiming to absorb pressure and hit on the counter:
- Goalkeeper: Marco Sarraco
- Defenders: Vladimir Golemic, Matteo Bianchetti, Emanuele Valeri
- Midfielders: Gianluca Saro, Johan Vásquez, César Falletti, Pablo Álvarez, Dennis Aslanbegović
- Forwards: David Okereke, Cyriel Dessers
Manager Giovanni Stroppa has shuffled the pack slightly, bringing back Okereke after a minor knock. Falletti's creativity in midfield will be pivotal, but the absence of suspended defender Luca Cervi leaves them vulnerable to Atalanta's pace.
Key Players to Watch
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta): The Nigerian winger has been Atalanta's talisman, netting seven goals and providing four assists. His dribbling and eye for goal could dismantle Cremonese's defense early. Expect him to target the flanks where Cremonese has conceded 60% of their away goals.
Cyriel Dessers (Cremonese): The Belgian striker is Cremonese's main threat, with six goals this term. If he can hold up play and link with Falletti, they might snag a rare away point. However, facing Atalanta's robust midfield duo of Koopmeiners and De Roon will test his resolve.
Don't sleep on Teun Koopmeiners for Atalanta—he's the engine room, dictating tempo and chipping in with set-piece threats. For Cremonese, Pablo Álvarez's crossing from the right could be a wildcard if they manage transitions.
Tactical Breakdown and Predictions
Atalanta's game plan is straightforward: dominate possession (they average 58% at home) and press high to force errors. Gasperini's wing-backs, Zappacosta and Holm, will stretch the pitch, creating space for Lookman and De Ketelaere to operate. Cremonese, conversely, will park the bus, relying on Golemic's aerial prowess and quick counters through Okereke and Dessers.
Weather in Bergamo this weekend looks clear, with temperatures around 10°C (50°F), favoring Atalanta's fluid style. Injury updates are minimal, though Atalanta misses Scamacca, potentially capping their scoring ceiling.
Our prediction? Atalanta 2-0 Cremonese. The hosts' home invincibility and superior squad depth should see them through, but Cremonese's grit might keep it tight until halftime. For US fans tuning in via ESPN+ or Paramount+, kickoff is at 2:45 PM ET—perfect for a Sunday soccer fix.
Broader Serie A Implications
A win catapults Atalanta closer to Champions League qualification, intensifying their rivalry with Juventus and Inter. For Cremonese, points here could spark a survival run, mirroring their gritty 2022 promotion campaign. As Serie A heats up, matches like this underscore the league's blend of tactical mastery and underdog spirit, captivating global audiences—including our American readers who appreciate the passion rivaling MLS intensity.
Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for live updates, post-match analysis, and highlights. Whether you're a die-hard Nerazzurri supporter or just dipping into Italian football, this one's not to miss.
