Atalanta faces Milan with a short bench and forced defensive choices

(PRIMASPORT) BERGAMO – Atalanta celebrates its 119th anniversary on the eve of the match against AC Milan. Atalanta's positive debut in the Conference League demonstrated that they are improving in terms of play and consistency. Against Pafos, Sarri's team performed significantly better than against Venezia, maintaining a high level of focus. The trip to San Siro against the Rossoneri, already difficult, was complicated by the simultaneous absence of seven outfield players: one, Elmas, is suspended, and six are struggling with injuries. The latest report concerns Giacomo Raspadori, For whom instrumental tests revealed a low-grade strain of the right hamstring. Along with him, the long-term injured Hien and Kossounou will miss the trip to the Rossoneri, but will be ready after the next international break. Scalvini has a problem with his left leg flexor, and Kessie is recovering from a calf injury in his right leg. Kamaldeen Sulemana's recovery time is uncertain, having suffered a collateral ligament injury in his left knee. With defender Obric now permanently called up, Sarri has 16 outfield players at his disposal, in addition to Idele, who made his first-team debut towards the end of the Conference match against Pafos, and at least one other player from the Atalanta U23 squad. In his last two matches, Sarri has designed his formation with a 4-2-3-1. The simultaneous absence of Kessie and Raspadori could prompt the coach to revert to a 4-3-3, given that both formations can be adopted depending on how the match unfolds. Bellanova is expected to return in front of Carnesecchi, with either Bernasconi or Zappacosta on the left flank, with Kristensen and Kolasinac as central defenders. Ederson should start, most likely alongside Gaetano, with either Pasalic or Samardzic available to play in a three-man midfield. De Ketelaere, Rowe, and Krstovic are candidates in attack. Atalanta will face AC Milan, who will be playing in a 4-4-2 formation. Amorim is expected to propose Pusilic and Ramos as an attacking pairing, with potential play-offs on the flanks following the Europa League match in Salzburg, where Cisse scored a hat-trick. The requirement to have a fan card to attend the match at San Siro—the Dea Card in Atalanta's case—has sparked protests from the Pisani supporters, who have organized a motorbike ride to the Milan stadium, where they will be watching the match from outside. (PRIMASPORT)