Atalanta vs Milan

Bergamo is bracing for a high-stakes Serie A showdown as Atalanta prepare to host AC Milan at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, with kickoff at 20:45 CET. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with both sides in need of a statement performance — Atalanta to reinforce their defensive consistency at home, and Milan to maintain their chase near the top of the league table. This fixture has developed into one of Serie A’s most intense rivalries in recent years, and anticipation is building among fans across Lombardy.

Team news adds a layer of complexity for both managers. Atalanta will be without promising centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, who continues his recovery from a thigh injury, while Sead Kolašinac remains doubtful after a knock sustained in training. Ivan Juric is expected to rely on José Luis Palomino and Berat Djimsiti to anchor the back three. For Milan, the list of absentees is longer — Christian Pulisic is sidelined with a minor hamstring strain, Adrien Rabiot and Pervis Estupiñán are unavailable, and veteran playmaker Luka Modrić faces a late fitness test. These setbacks could push Massimiliano Allegri to turn to youngsters such as Luka Romero and Yunus Musah to fill the gaps, while Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud are expected to lead the attack.

From a tactical standpoint, Atalanta are likely to stick to their trademark high-energy 3-4-2-1 system, pressing aggressively and looking to transition quickly through their wing-backs. Juric’s side will aim to compress midfield space and rely on Lookman and De Ketelaere to exploit Milan’s defensive transitions. Allegri’s Milan, meanwhile, are expected to favour a more measured 3-5-2 setup, focusing on control through midfield and quick vertical play through Leão and Theo Hernández on the left. Milan’s shape may shift fluidly between attack and defence, with Allegri stressing positional discipline and patience rather than open aggression.

In the build-up, the Italian sports press has described this as a tactical chess match between two managers with very different football philosophies. Outlets in Bergamo have highlighted Atalanta’s defensive stability and the home crowd’s role as a decisive factor, while Milan-based journalists have focused on the team’s injury problems and Allegri’s need to find balance without several key players. Commentators have also noted Milan’s recent struggles against compact defensive systems, suggesting that Atalanta could frustrate them if they control the rhythm early on. Predictions across national newspapers have been split, with many expecting a narrow, hard-fought contest.

In studio discussions ahead of kickoff, analysts have underlined how both sides approach the game from opposite perspectives — Atalanta eager to prove their progress under Juric, Milan determined to reassert dominance after a few inconsistent weeks. Some pundits believe Atalanta’s high pressing could unsettle Milan’s midfield trio, while others argue Allegri’s experience and adaptability will eventually tell. Several former players have pointed out that the opening stages could define the night: if Atalanta manage to disrupt Milan’s buildup and gain momentum, the visitors could be forced into a tactical rethink. Whatever the outcome, most analysts agree that this encounter promises to be one of the most tightly balanced fixtures of the round.

Watch and Download Lecce vs Napoli full match replay and highlights, At Sunday, October 28, 2025. The match played at New Balance Arena, in EFL Cup, England.

Lecce vs Napoli