Atalanta vs. Udinese – News and Probable Lineups

Atalanta BC will look to rebound from their first Serie A defeat of the year when they host Udinese in Bergamo this Saturday evening.

The defeat against Sassuolo has put a dent in La Dea’s aspirations for a Champions League spot next season, yet the Bergamaschi remain competitive on three fronts.

Match overview

Following their progression past Juventus into the Coppa Italia semi-finals and a victory over defending champions Napoli, Atalanta eliminated Borussia Dortmund from the Champions League, ending February on a positive note.

However, the beginning of the new month saw Raffaele Palladino’s team suffer a 2-1 loss against Sassuolo, who were down to ten men, leading to the end of their unbeaten domestic streak in 2026.

There was little opportunity for reflection, as La Dea subsequently traveled to Rome for the first leg of a critical cup clash against Lazio, with the winning side set to face either Inter de Milão or Como in this year’s Coppa Italia final.

Atalanta aggressively sought an initial goal at Stadio Olimpico, having one ruled out for offside before hitting the crossbar, but they went behind just after the break.

Mario Pasalic quickly equalized – continuing his impressive form with his third goal in four matches – but a mistake allowed Lazio to regain the lead.

With time dwindling, Yunus Musah netted a late equalizer, making the Nerazzurri favorites for next month’s return leg at home.

This weekend, they remain in Bergamo, with hopes of reaching Italy’s top four very much alive.

Last week’s defeat leaves Palladino and his team six points off the Champions League positions, emphasizing the necessity of securing points on Saturday.

Ahead of their latest encounter, Udinese has struggled at Atalanta’s ground, losing six out of their last eight away fixtures against them, managing only two points while being outscored 19-5.

However, a 1-0 victory at home in the reverse fixture from November gives them hope for consecutive league wins over La Dea for the first time in two decades.

The Bianconeri were last in action on Monday night, achieving a 3-0 triumph over relegation-threatened Fiorentina, aided by the return of key player Keinan Davis.

Davis scored a penalty, while Christian Kabasele and Adam Buksa both found the net, helping the hosts halt a concerning slump.

Before this, they had faced three straight defeats, which threatened to derail what had otherwise been a positive campaign.

Currently back in the top 10, Udinese is on track for mid-table security, with Kosta Runjaic guiding them clear of relegation for a second consecutive season.

Team News

Atalanta’s only confirmed absentee is Charles De Ketelaere, though several other players could be missing on Saturday due to a packed schedule in March.

Ederson, who has not featured in the last four matches due to a muscular injury, remains doubtful, while Giacomo Raspadori has just returned to training and Giorgio Scalvini is nursing a knock from Wednesday.

If Ederson remains unable to play, the in-form midfielder Pasalic might step in again, having previously scored four Serie A goals against Udinese, including three at home.

In contention for a spot upfront, Nikola Krstovic has been involved in six goals in the top flight this year.

On the other hand, Udinese welcomes back Davis, who has contributed to 11 Serie A goals this season, a significant increase from just three last season.

The English forward is expected to partner with former Atalanta player Nicolo Zaniolo in the Bianconeri’s attack.

Along with defensive pair Oumar Solet and Nicolo Bertola – and long-term absentee Alessandro Zanoli – Udinese also has concerns regarding emerging talent Arthur Atta, who is dealing with a muscle injury.

Atalanta BC probable starting XI:

Carnesecchi; Koussonou, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Pasalic, Bernasconi; Samardzic, Zalewski; Scamacca

Udinese probable starting XI:

Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele, Mlacic; Ehizibue, Ekkelenkamp, ​​Karlstrom, Piotrowski, Zemura; Zaniolo, Davis

While Atalanta may have a greater need for the points, Udinese can be tricky opponents and have had a two-day advantage in preparation.

Thus, the Bianconeri could leave Bergamo with another point in hand, potentially making it harder for their hosts to secure a top-four finish.