Atalanta is set to face Lecce this evening in a crucial Serie A match that could solidify their hold on third place in the standings. The match, part of the 34th matchday of the Serie A Enilive 2024/25 season, will kick off at 20:45 at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.
The anticipation surrounding this game has been heightened due to the uncertainty over the fitness of Atalanta's star striker, Mateo Retegui. Earlier in the week, there were concerns about Retegui's availability after he sustained a muscle strain in his right thigh. However, those fears were alleviated when Atalanta's coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, announced the squad list today, confirming that Retegui is included, albeit with the possibility of starting on the bench to avoid any further risk.
Retegui's presence in the squad is a significant boost for Atalanta, as he has been in sensational form this season. The Argentine forward has netted 23 goals and provided 4 assists in 31 matches, making him one of the top scorers in the league. His ability to convert chances is crucial for Atalanta, especially against a Lecce side that is fighting to avoid relegation.
In addition to Retegui, Gasperini has called up a total of 21 players for this evening’s match. The squad includes notable names such as Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and Marten De Roon, who are all expected to play pivotal roles in the game. The full squad list includes: Marco Carnesecchi, Francesco Rossi, Rui Patricio, Raoul Bellanova, Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, Matteo Ruggeri, Rafael Toloi, Davide Zappacosta, Marco Brescianini, Juan Cuadrado, Ederson, Mario Pasalic, Lazar Samardzic, Ibrahim Sulemana, Daniel Maldini, and Mateo Retegui.
Lecce arrives at the Gewiss Stadium under challenging circumstances. The team has been rocked by the tragic passing of their masseur, Graziano Fiorita, who died unexpectedly while the team was in pre-match retreat. This incident has cast a shadow over their preparations, and the club had initially considered postponing the match until after Fiorita's funeral. Nevertheless, Lecce has decided to proceed with the match, albeit with a heavy heart.
Coach Giampaolo will be without key players Berisha and Krstovic, both of whom are suspended for tonight's game. Despite these setbacks, Lecce will be eager to put in a strong performance against Atalanta, a team that is currently in excellent form and looking to secure European qualification.
The home crowd is expected to be supportive but will also show respect for the Lecce team in light of the recent tragedy. The Atalanta fans have pledged not to display banners or flags during the match as a sign of solidarity with their opponents.
This match is not just a battle for points; it’s also a test of character for both teams. Atalanta will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and maintain their position in the top three, while Lecce will seek to gather momentum in their fight against relegation.
In the context of the season, this game is pivotal for both sides. A win for Atalanta could further cement their place in the Champions League spots, while Lecce desperately needs points to escape the relegation zone. With Retegui back in the fold, Atalanta is poised to make a strong statement, but Lecce's determination cannot be underestimated.
As the match approaches, fans from both sides are brimming with anticipation. Will Atalanta secure a vital home win, or can Lecce pull off an upset in a match filled with emotional weight? The stage is set for an unforgettable evening of Serie A football.
