Atalanta will aim to rekindle their Serie A title push when they take on Como at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Saturday.
Atalanta BC will travel to Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Saturday to face a steadily improving Como 1907, aiming to end a four-match winless streak in Serie A that has derailed their title ambitions. While Atalanta enjoyed a confidence-boosting Champions League win in midweek, their domestic form has seen them slip to third place behind Inter Milan and Napoli. Meanwhile, Como, fresh off a resounding victory over Udinese, will hope to continue their climb away from the relegation zone.
Atalanta’s blistering start to the season has given way to frustration, as they remain without a Serie A win in 2025. Last weekend’s dramatic 3-2 loss to Napoli epitomised their struggles, despite goals from Mateo Retegui and Ademola Lookman. Their inability to close out games has seen them slip down the standings after an 11-game winning streak earlier in the campaign.
However, their emphatic 5-0 midweek victory over Sturm Graz in the UEFA Champions League offered some respite. Goals from Lookman and Retegui highlighted their attacking potency, as La Dea secured a playoff spot with one group-stage game remaining. Now, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men will aim to translate that European momentum into Serie A success, particularly as they seek revenge for September’s shock 3-2 loss to Como.
Como’s debut Serie A campaign has been marked by a notable home form, highlighted by their September triumph over Atalanta in Bergamo. Historically, the Lariani have excelled at home against Atalanta, losing just once in nine top-flight meetings.
Recent results further suggest that Como can trouble their high-flying visitors. Cesc Fabregas has steered his team to three wins in their last six league matches, including a commanding 4-1 win over Udinese on Monday. Rising star Nico Paz and new signing Assane Diao have added firepower, and Como’s improved home record – nine points from their last four matches – is proving pivotal in their fight for survival.
A victory here could move them further away from the relegation zone and cap off a promising January. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Como 1907
Cesc Fabregas will have several attacking options at his disposal for this crucial clash. Rising star Nico Paz returned to action earlier this week, and new signing Assane Diao has quickly made an impact with goals in consecutive games. Meanwhile, Patrick Cutrone is likely to get the nod over Andrea Belotti to spearhead the attack.
In midfield, Sergi Roberto remains sidelined with a muscular injury, while Edoardo Goldaniga is suspended following his red card against Udinese. However, Fabregas will be hopeful that full-backs Alberto Moreno and Ignace Van der Brempt recover from flexor issues in time to start. Long-serving striker Alessandro Gabrielloni is also in a race against time to shake off a calf injury.
Fabregas is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation on the night. Jean Butez is set to retain his place between the posts, with Alberto Moreno and Alessio Iovine offering width from the full-back positions. Alberto Dossena and Marc-Oliver Kempf will form the central defensive pairing.
In midfield, Lucas Da Cunha and Maxence Caqueret are expected to provide stability and link-up play, while an attacking trio of Assane Diao, Nico Paz, and Alieu Fadera will support lone striker Patrick Cutrone.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Butez; Iovine, Dossena, Kempf, Moreno; Da Cunha, Caqueret; Diao, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone
Atalanta BC
Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to field his strongest lineup for this crucial Serie A clash, although he will have to make do without several key players. Defensive stalwarts Odilon Kossounou and Isak Hien will miss out, with the latter serving a suspension. Additionally, Italy internationals Nicolo Zaniolo and Gianluca Scamacca remain sidelined due to injuries.
Despite these absences, Gasperini will rely on his potent attacking trio of Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and Mateo Retegui. Retegui has been in scintillating form, scoring 14 goals in 19 league appearances this season, including recent strikes against Juventus and Napoli. Lookman, a constant threat on the wings, and De Ketelaere, offering creative flair in the final third, are expected to support Retegui in breaking down Como’s defence.
In midfield, Ederson and Marten de Roon will provide the foundation, combining defensive discipline with forward thrusts. Bellanova and Matteo Ruggeri are likely to feature as wing-backs, offering width and attacking impetus. At the back, Giorgio Scalvini, Berat Djimsiti, and Sead Kolasinac will form a three-man defence, shielding goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Key Stats
- Como have won more Serie A matches against Atalanta (8) than against any other team except Fiorentina (9). Their win percentage of 42% (W8 D6 L5) against Atalanta is joint-highest among teams they have faced at least 10 times in Serie A, level with Bologna.
- Following their 3-2 away victory over Atalanta in September, Como could win both matches against Atalanta in a single Serie A season for only the second time in their history, previously achieving this feat in the 1949/50 season.
- Como have lost just one of their nine previous home Serie A matches against Atalanta, securing six wins and two draws. Only against Bologna (7 home wins) have they recorded more victories at home in the top flight, with six wins also against Fiorentina.
- Como have won three of their last six Serie A matches (D1 L2), equaling the number of victories they managed in their previous 23 matches in the division (D8 L12). They could also secure back-to-back wins in Serie A for the second time this season, a feat they hadn’t achieved in their previous two participations (1988/89 and 2002/03).
- Como have won three of their last four home Serie A matches (L1). Since the start of December, only Roma (4 wins, but with one more match played than Como) have won more home matches in the league, with Inter also achieving three home wins in this period.
Player to Watch
Ademola Lookman
The versatile forward has been a pivotal figure in Gian Piero Gasperini’s attacking setup, offering a blend of pace, creativity, and clinical finishing.
This season, Lookman has consistently stepped up in crucial moments, as evidenced by his recent goals against Napoli, and Sturm Graz. With his ability to play both as a winger and a secondary striker, he has formed a formidable partnership with Mateo Retegui in Atalanta’s frontline. Lookman’s knack for exploiting spaces and his composure in one-on-one situations make him a constant threat to opposition defences.
Lookman has also demonstrated his capability to perform under pressure, often shouldering the responsibility of delivering in tight contests. His ability to create and score goals will undoubtedly be a key factor as Atalanta aim to end their winless run in Serie A and rekindle their title challenge. Against a Como side that has shown resilience at home, Lookman’s flair and decisiveness could be the difference-maker.
Prediction
Como 1907 1-2 Atalanta BC
Atalanta’s superior quality and motivation to end their winless run give them the edge, but Como’s strong home form and historical advantage make this a tricky fixture for Gasperini’s men. Expect an engaging contest with goals on both ends, but Atalanta’s firepower might just see them edge it. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Gian Piero Gasperini and his charges.
