Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio enters the 2024‑25 season with a high‑profile signing, key injuries, tactical tweaks, and a demanding schedule across Serie A, the Champions League, and the Coppa Italia. Niccolò Raspadori adds depth to the attack, while the squad balances rotation, youth promotion, and the race for a top‑four finish.
Injury Update and Squad Availability
Centre‑back Alessandro Bastoni remains out with a muscular strain, and forward Luis Muriel is sidelined by a minor ankle sprain expected to keep him unavailable for up to two weeks. Midfielder Franck Kessié faces a suspension after receiving a second yellow card in the recent league clash against Juventus, missing the upcoming match against Udinese.
The club’s medical team expects most listed players to return to full training within five days, expanding coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s options for squad rotation.
The Raspadori Factor: New Offensive Spark
Atalanta secured Niccolò Raspadori on a three‑year contract after his 11‑goal Serie A campaign with Fiorentina. The 22‑year‑old versatile forward can operate as a second striker or inverted winger, offering the ability to drop deep, link play, and provide a sharper goal threat in the final third.
Raspadori’s arrival prompts speculation about potential departures, including forward Marco D’Alessandro, whose contract expires soon, and possible loan moves for younger prospects to guarantee regular minutes.
Tactical Evolution Under Gasperini
In the second half of the recent Serie A match against Pisa, Gasperini’s staff shifted to a 3‑4‑2‑1 formation, tightened the midfield, and gave full‑backs greater overlapping freedom. The changes boosted possession and created several half‑chances, though the team still lacked a decisive finish.
Assistant coach Luca Palladino highlighted defensive growth but stressed the need for a clinical striker—a role Raspadori is expected to fill. Training now emphasizes specialized finishing drills to improve composure in the box.
Grueling Schedule: Serie A, Champions League, Coppa Italia
Atalanta currently sits fifth in Serie A, within reach of a Champions League qualification spot. Upcoming fixtures include a league clash with Udinese, a Champions League group stage home game against Paris Saint‑Germain, and a Coppa Italia semi‑final versus Lazio, all within a ten‑day span.
The demanding calendar underscores the importance of squad depth. The Primavera academy has supplied several players to senior training, reflecting the club’s commitment to nurturing home‑grown talent for the multiple competitions ahead.
Implications and Outlook
If Raspadori adapts quickly and the attacking inefficiencies are resolved, Atalanta could solidify a top‑four finish and advance deeper in Europe. Persistent injury concerns and the challenge of balancing three competitions, however, may expose squad limits.
Supporters can expect optimism tempered by patience as the team strives to convert pressure into goals, maintain defensive solidity, and integrate emerging talents throughout the season.
