Atalanta BC vs. Fiorentina – preview and prediction, team news, and lineups

Team News

Atalanta are set to rotate their resources as they begin a difficult run of matches in the coming weeks, which includes a key match against fellow top-four hopefuls Juventus on Sunday and a Europa League double-header with Olympiacos.

Following a year marred by injuries and illness, Gian Piero Gasperini has a number of choices throughout the pitch, but star striker Duvan Zapata, who had only recently returned from a muscular injury, has suffered a new injury and might be out for more than a month.

After making his debut off the bench on Sunday, newly signed winger Jeremie Boga could be given his first start, although it’s unclear whether Gasperini will revert to a three-man defense, which would include at least one of Rafael Toloi and Merih Demiral.

Meanwhile, in the visitors’ traditional 4-3-3 formation, Fiorentina’s new striker Arthur Cabral will compete with loan signing Krzysztof Piatek to lead the line. Piatek has scored more goals in the Coppa Italia than anyone else since the 2018-19 season, with ten in total (one more than former Fiorentina star Federico Chiesa), though only one has come away from home.

Jonathan Ikone, Riccardo Sottil – whose father Andrea played for both of these clubs – Jose Callejon, and Riccardo Saponara will form the wide support pairing.

Nicolas Gonzalez, who returned from injury at the weekend, and Alvaro Odriozola, who served a Serie A suspension, could also be considered.

Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Musso; Djimsiti, Demiral, Toloi; Hateboer, De Roon, Freuler, Maehle; Boga, Malinovskyi; Muriel

Fiorentina possible starting lineup:
Terracciano; Odriozola, Milenkovic, Igor, Biraghi; Bonaventura, Amrabat, Maleh; Ikone, Piatek, Sottil

Head-to-Head

Atalanta BC vs. Fiorentina
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Our Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals

Even if both sides have been hit-or-miss recently, the first of two meetings between these attack-minded clubs in the coming fortnight promises to produce some thrilling football.

Fiorentina travels poorly and is currently undergoing a post-Vlahovic reorganization, therefore the hosts should go to the semi-finals once more.

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Atalanta BC vs. Fiorentina