With just two days to go until their clash against Real Madrid, Atalanta is facing the challenging aftermath of two heavy defeats. Their recent results, including a 7-0 drubbing against Parma and a 2-0 loss to St. Pauli, have raised concerns ahead of the European Super Cup final. The situation worsened yesterday with the news of a couple more injuries. Defender Rafael Toloi is out due to a left hamstring issue, while there’s some hope that Kamaldeen Sulemana might recover from an ankle sprain sustained during a friendly in Hamburg. Additionally, Nicolò Zaniolo’s return from injury seems virtually impossible.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini is left with only about 13 or 14 outfield players for this demanding matchup. After a day off on Saturday, Gasperini shifted focus to sharpening his team’s preparations for the final. Given the historic significance of this match, they cannot afford to underperform. Despite the clear technical superiority and experience of the Madrid squad, Atalanta needs to rise to the occasion.
The team’s summer training aimed to set them up for this match, and although they struggled mentally in the second half of the recent friendly in Germany, they appeared more lively compared to their previous outings. Players who have completed their fitness work from the start of the training camp show promising physical data, while others still have two days to get to the required fitness level for such a high-stakes game. However, maintaining performance over the full 90 minutes remains a concern, especially against a squad as deep as Real Madrid’s, which boasts a wealth of fresh players.
The theoretical signing of Marc Pubill, who just competed in the Olympics, was seen as a potential boost for Atalanta, but because of medical issues, that hope has now been dashed. These are the types of matches that players usually prepare for instinctively. It’s expected that Atalanta will display a different mindset, clarity, focus, and determination against Real Madrid than they have shown in past pre-season matches.
Gasperini is acutely aware that his psychological management will be crucial in avoiding the defensive lapses witnessed previously. As he pointed out, he needs players who can lead the team rather than those still celebrating past accomplishments. Remaining in Dublin after the semi-final would be a critical error for a team that thrives on realism and humility.
The prestigious match that Atalanta has earned the right to play in cannot turn into an insurmountable obstacle due to a lack of the correct approach. The potential of achieving silverware should serve as a source of strength, not a weakness. This mindset is vital not only for the upcoming match but for the entire season.
Unfortunately, hopes of seeing Zaniolo available for the final are dim, as he continues his recovery from foot surgery and is working through a tendon issue. However, there are rising expectations for Mateo Retegui, who performed well and showed eagerness during training, possibly earning a starting spot. The starting eleven will likely be composed mainly of familiar faces from previous campaigns, underscoring the merit of those who have worked hard to reach this final.
One player to watch is Ademola Lookman, who has demonstrated exceptional form recently and thrives in critical matches. Gasperini is keen on employing offensive strategies that maximize Lookman’s impact against the Madrid defense, particularly looking to rekindle his connection with Charles De Ketelaere, who has had an inconsistent start but remains a key part of the attacking setup. With a crucial final approaching, Atalanta must find their rhythm and perform at their best.
