With their eyes fixed on a UEFA Champions League return, Atalanta BC aim to fortify their position in the top four of Serie A as they host struggling US Lecce on Friday evening at the Gewiss Stadium. The hosts come into this clash off the back of two vital victories, while the visitors are desperately trying to halt their freefall towards relegation.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men seem to have found form at the right time. A clinical 1-0 triumph over AC Milan at San Siro last week followed their impressive win over Bologna, sending a clear message to their rivals in the top-four race. With Ederson netting the decisive goal in a high-stakes Lombardy derby, Atalanta solidified their grip on third place, leapfrogging faltering contenders like Juventus and Roma in the process.
Despite boasting Serie A’s best away record this season, just one defeat in their last 14 on the road, Atalanta’s home performances have been more inconsistent. They’ve won just 8 of their 16 matches at the Gewiss Stadium, leaving little room for error during the run-in, especially with Juventus, Bologna, Lazio and AS Roma hot on their heels.
While Gasperini’s potential exit this summer has cast a shadow over the club’s future, his current mission remains clear: lead Atalanta into the Champions League for the fifth time in seven seasons. Victory over Lecce would be a step closer to ensuring that ambition becomes reality.
Lecce, meanwhile, are teetering on the edge of a relegation crisis. Their demoralising 3-0 loss at home to newly promoted Como last weekend was met with frustration and fury from the supporters, anger that reflects the club’s bleak trajectory in 2024.
The Giallorossi have now gone 10 consecutive matches without a win, losing eight of them and collecting just a single point. Their attack has faltered, their defence is leaky, and the spirit of early-season resilience has all but evaporated. Marco Giampaolo finds himself in increasingly desperate territory.
Making matters worse, Lecce were demolished 4-0 by Atalanta earlier this season, and history offers little comfort: they’ve conceded 16 goals in their last six encounters against La Dea, losing four of them. Their form on the road is no more encouraging, with just two away wins all season.
The run-in offers no respite; Lecce still face Atalanta, Lazio, Napoli, and two more tough assignments. If they are to survive, they’ll need to pull off an unlikely upset somewhere. But few will expect that to happen on Friday. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Atalanta BC are once again facing significant defensive challenges as they prepare for the visit of Lecce. Injuries continue to plague Gian Piero Gasperini’s backline, with Sead Kolasinac and Giorgio Scalvini remaining long-term absentees, while Stefan Posch is also ruled out.
To compound their issues, Berat Djimsiti picked up an ankle sprain in the AC Milan clash and will not be available for selection, while Odilon Kossounou is still not back to full match sharpness after a lengthy three-month layoff. Veteran defender Rafael Toloi, although rarely a starter these days, may be forced to step in to provide cover.
Gasperini may again need to deploy Raoul Bellanova in a hybrid role, starting centrally in defence before shifting to his more natural wing-back position when the situation allows. Further forward, Charles De Ketelaere, who made a short substitute appearance against Milan, is pushing to return to the starting XI after managing his recent fitness concerns. The Belgian playmaker could line up in support of Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui, the latter continuing to lead the line as he chases the Capocannoniere award.
In terms of formation, Atalanta are expected to set up in a 3-4-2-1 shape. Marco Carnesecchi will start in goal, shielded by a makeshift back three of Rafael Toloi, Isak Hien, and Odilon Kossounou. On the flanks, Raoul Bellanova and Davide Zappacosta will provide width and attacking thrust, while midfield dynamo Marten de Roon partners Ederson in the engine room. Further ahead, Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman are set to operate in creative roles behind the central striker, Mateo Retegui.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Toloi, Hien, Kossounou; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Lecce enter this crucial fixture in Bergamo severely undermanned, particularly in attack. Top scorer Nikola Krstovic, who has contributed 10 of Lecce’s modest total of 23 league goals, will serve a one-match suspension after accumulating too many yellow cards.
The Montenegrin striker’s absence leaves a glaring void at the top end of the pitch, one which coach Marco Giampaolo will struggle to fill. Fellow forward Medon Berisha is also suspended for yellow card accumulation, further limiting Lecce’s options in the final third.
Injuries continue to pile up for the struggling Salentini as well. Young defender Gaby Jean recently underwent knee surgery and has been ruled out for the rest of the season. His absence means that Kialonda Gaspar will retain his place at the heart of the defence, alongside ever-present captain Federico Baschirotto. With little to rotate in defence or midfield, Giampaolo is expected to stick with his regular core of players.
Lecce are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation at the Gewiss Stadium. Wladimiro Falcone will take his usual place in goal, behind a back four of Danilo Veiga (right-back), Kialonda Gaspar and Federico Baschirotto (centre-backs), and Antonino Gallo on the left. Shielding the defence will be midfielders Balthazar Pierret and Ylber Ramadani, although Pierret and Lassana Coulibaly may also come into contention depending on tactical needs.
In attack, Santiago Pierotti, Thorir Johann Helgason, and Tete Morente will provide creativity and width behind the lone striker, which is likely to be Ante Rebic in Krstovic’s absence. Alternatively, Lameck Banda or Konan N’Dri could be drafted in as emergency options through the centre, though neither is a natural fit for the role.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Veiga, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Pierret, Coulibaly; Pierotti, Helgason, Morente; Rebic
Atalanta have won four of their last six meetings with Lecce, including a 4-0 victory earlier this season. During that span, they have scored 16 goals, averaging 2.6 goals per game against the Salentini.
Despite their league position, Atalanta have won just 50% of their home games in Serie A this season, ranking 7th in the home standings. They’ve been more consistent on the road.
Lecce are currently on a 10-match winless run, collecting just 1 point in their last 8 matches. They have scored only 3 goals during that stretch and conceded 17.
With Nikola Krstovic suspended, Lecce will be without their top scorer, who has netted 10 of their 23 goals, over 43% of their total tally. No other player in the squad has scored more than 3.
As Atalanta aim to tighten their grip on a top-four spot and continue their late-season resurgence, all eyes will be on Mateo Retegui, who has emerged as one of Serie A’s most prolific and decisive forwards this campaign. The Italian-Argentine striker has been in clinical form, sitting firmly among the league’s top scorers and showcasing an all-round forward game that blends physicality, intelligent movement, and ruthlessness in front of goal.
Retegui has a knack for appearing at the right place at the right time, and his ability to convert even half-chances into goals has made him a constant threat for defenders. His hold-up play is also invaluable to Gian Piero Gasperini’s system, often allowing the likes of Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and Ederson to join attacks in advanced positions.
Against a shaky Lecce backline that has struggled to deal with pace and aerial duels, Retegui’s presence could prove decisive. With Nikola Krstovic missing for the visitors, the attacking spotlight on Friday night will be firmly on Retegui to deliver once again, and potentially edge closer to the Capocannoniere crown.
On paper and in practice, this is a mismatch. Atalanta are clicking into gear when it matters most, while Lecce are a team in crisis. With Ederson and Ademola Lookman capable of turning the game on its head, expect Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to dominate from the outset. The hosts should cruise to a comfortable win, extending their winning run and pushing Lecce closer to the dreaded drop.
