Atalanta vs Sassuolo – News and Probable Lineups

Atalanta BC will kick off their latest attempt to reclaim a top-four position on Sunday as they host Sassuolo in the opening fixture of the Serie A season.

Both teams have recently resumed competitive play, with La Dea finishing their European match in a stalemate and the Neroverdi advancing comfortably to the second round of the Coppa Italia.

Match overview

After a series of successful seasons, including winning the Europa League in 2024, Atalanta missed out on a top-four Serie A finish last year.

The Bergamo team’s first season after Gian Piero Gasperini’s departure started poorly under Ivan Juric, who left them in a lower mid-table position before Raffaele Palladino stepped in.

The latter managed to gradually guide La Dea up the table and earned qualification for the Conference League, but the board opted for a clean slate with new management.

Veteran manager Maurizio Sarri has taken on the role following a contentious exit from Lazio, and he has overseen three victories and one defeat during the pre-season.

The ‘Sarri-ball’ era at Atalanta began in earnest on Thursday night with the first leg of their Conference League playoff against Hapoel Tel Aviv.

However, the Nerazzurri found themselves frustrated with a 0-0 draw at home, meaning they need to perform better in the return leg to secure advancement to the group stage.

Before they face Hapoel again, Atalanta will look to maintain their impressive record in Serie A season openers, having won seven out of their last eight encounters and averaging close to three goals per match.

Sassuolo, including their 2-0 loss to Atalanta in August 2023, have endured defeats in their last three league openers, failing to find the back of the net while conceding seven goals.

The Neroverdi have also faced difficulties away against La Dea, losing eight out of their twelve visits in Serie A, though they did achieve victory in Bergamo last November, and again at home four months later.

After managing to secure their safety in the top tier of Italian football, Sassuolo had to replace head coach Fabio Grosso, who joined Fiorentina earlier this summer.

Alberto Aquilani, previously of Liverpool and Roma, has taken charge and is eager to build upon last season’s 11th-place finish after being promoted from Catanzaro.

Despite his lack of experience at the highest level, Aquilani’s pre-season was less than reassuring as his side secured just one win in their first five friendlies after starting with a 4-1 victory over Padova.

Sassuolo ended last term with three consecutive defeats, but commenced their 2026-27 campaign on a more positive note this past Monday.

A 3-0 victory over regional rivals Cesena allowed the Emilian club to progress to the next round of the Coppa Italia, setting up a home match against Frosinone next month.

Team News

As anticipated, Sarri has abolished Atalanta’s trademark three-man defence, which is fortunate given the ongoing absences of Isak Hien and Honest Ahanor.

Another central defender, Giorgio Scalvini, was substituted due to an ankle injury in midweek, so summer recruit Thomas Kristensen could be set to make his full debut.

Forward duo Charles De Ketelaere (leg) and Kamaldeen Sulemana (knee) are also ruled out, but Ederson has remained in Bergamo following a failed move to Manchester United and is expected to start in the midfield.

Either Gianluca Scamacca or Nikola Krstovic will be featured in the attack, both having scored ten league goals last season; the latter has additionally accumulated 31 goal contributions over the last two Serie A campaigns.

Recently mentioned in connection with a transfer to Hull City or Lazio, Andrea Pinamonti was Sassuolo’s leading scorer in 2025-26, but new striker Kieron Bowie made his start in the cup match against Cesena.

The away side also welcomed Benjamin Dominguez and Vasilije Adzic, but Tarik Muharemovic has joined Leeds United and influential midfielder Ismael Kone sustained a grave injury while representing World Cup co-hosts Canada.

Fali Cande and Edoardo Pieragnolo are also unavailable, while minor injuries could potentially sideline Daniel Boloca and captain Domenico Berardi for Sunday’s match.

Atalanta BC probable starting XI:

Carnesecchi; Bellanova, Kossounou, Kristensen, Bernasconi; Ederson, Gaetano, Pasalic; Zalewski, Scamacca, Raspadori

Sassuolo probable starting XI:

Muric; Missori, Odenthal, Idzes, Doig; Matic, Bakola; Volpato, Adzic, Lauriente; Bowie

Atalanta may require some time to adjust to Sarri’s tactics, thus after a disjointed Conference League performance midweek, a spectacular showing may not be on the cards.

Nevertheless, Sassuolo are also undergoing a transitional phase under Aquilani, while the hosts possess sufficient attacking flair to claim maximum points on the opening matchday.