Beaten by a gut-punch goal in midweek, Atalanta BC will switch their attention back to Serie A on Saturday, when they welcome relegation-threatened Cagliari to Bergamo.
The Nerazzurri were on course for a Champions League draw with Club Brugge before conceding a controversial penalty; ahead of next week's return, they must try to strengthen their grip on a top-four place in Italy.
Match preview
© Imago
Having missed out on direct entry to the Champions League's last 16 by only one point, Atalanta may have expected to beat Club Brugge in Brussels, as the pair fought it out in the first leg of their playoff.
After Mario Pasalic guided a header home to draw La Dea level, the visitors instead looked set for a 1-1 draw, but a moment of late drama saw the pendulum swing towards Brugge: Isak Hien was penalised for barely brushing his opponent in the box, before Gustaf Nilsson struck from the spot.
To no avail, the penalty award was loudly protested by Atalanta's players and coaching staff alike, but they have a chance to gain swift revenge when the Belgian side visit Bergamo next Tuesday - the winners will then play either Lille or Aston Villa.
As a result of that setback, the Nerazzuri have now won just three of their last 12 games, including defeat to Bologna in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.
All but out of the Serie A title race, they at least firmed their grip on third spot last weekend, as in-form striker Mateo Retegui scored four of their five goals in a comprehensive victory over Hellas Verona.
Gian Piero Gasperini will hope his side can now post back-to-back league wins for the first time this year, and success on Saturday would also see him reach a personal milestone: 'Gasp' is just one point away from tallying 600 as Atalanta head coach.
© Imago
Though they were beaten 1-0 in December's reverse fixture, Cagliari have actually won four of their last six away games against this week's hosts, after failing to win any of the previous 14.
Davide Nicola's side recently pulled further away from the drop zone by beating direct rivals Parma last week, as debutant Florinel Coman fired in from long range to secure a vital 2-1 home win.
While they moved four points ahead of their visitors, who occupy the final relegation place, the Rossoblu's defensive record still gives some cause for concern - particularly when faced by La Dea's prolific front line.
Cagliari have kept only two clean sheets this season, and none away from home. Unsurprisingly, then, they have won just one of their last nine league games on the road - and that was against rock-bottom Monza.
Prior results against Italy's big hitters also suggest they may struggle to take anything back home to Sardinia: a mere four of their 24 points have come against teams inside the top half.
Team News
© Imago
Gian Piero Gasperini has suggested that Ademola Lookman, Sead Kolasinac and recent signing Daniel Maldini could return from injury for next week's re-match with Club Brugge, but all three are set to miss out on Saturday.
First-choice goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi is also a doubt, while centre-back Odilon Kossounou certainly joins long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini on the sidelines.
Unless rested between two Champions League contests, Mateo Retegui will lead La Dea's attack, having already scored 20 Serie A goals this season - only four men have ever netted more for Atalanta in a single campaign.
Cagliari's star striker Roberto Piccoli made his top-flight debut for the Nerazzurri in April 2019. Curiously, he has scored 16 of his 19 league goals during the second half, and each one has also come against a different club.
After making a major impact from the bench last time out, Florinel Coman will hope to displace Mattia Felici on the Rossoblu's left wing, but Davide Nicola is likely to keep a settled side.
The visitors should have a full squad to choose from, as Zito Luvumbo recently returned to full training after overcoming an ankle injury.
Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Carnesecchi; Toloi, Hien, Djimsiti; Cuadrado, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; Brescianini; De Ketelaere, Retegui
Cagliari possible starting lineup:
Caprile; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello; Zortea, Makoumbou, Adopo, Felici; Viola; Piccoli
We say: Atalanta BC 3-1 Cagliari
Atalanta (15) and Cagliari (13) have gained the most points from losing positions in Serie A this season, so one goal will not settle this contest.
There have been no draws in any of the teams' last 19 league meetings, and that trend will continue with another Nerazzurri win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Jonathan O'Shea
