Preview: Atalanta BC vs. Como – Prediction, team news, lineups

After their Champions League successes during the week Atalanta BC Host is supported Como on Monday evening when they resume their Serie A matches at the Gewiss Stadium.

The Nerazzurri came close to defeating Arsenal last time out, having previously beaten Fiorentina in a five-goal thriller, and now their third consecutive home game brings the winless Lariani to Bergamo.

Game Preview

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A close and exciting tactical game between Atalanta and Arsenal ended goalless on Thursday night as both teams began their league campaign, but at the final whistle La Dea may have been more frustrated at not picking up maximum points.

Marco Carnesecchi made a great save against the Gunners in the first half, but his counterpart David Raya's heroic penalty kick that made headlines and twice prevented Mateo Retegui what the winner could have been.

Nevertheless, last season's Europa League winners secured a valuable point on their return to the Champions League after a superb comeback against Fiorentina just days earlier.

They fought back from behind twice and beat the Viola in Bergamo 3-2, with the recalled star Ademola Lookman scored the winning goal in injury time in the first half and now has six points from four Serie A games.

Only last week's opponents have had more shots on goal so far and the Nerazzurri also have the highest total expected goals (7.89). A versatile attack has helped, as Atalanta are known for their clean passing game, but they have actually scored the most headed goals this season (four).

Gian Piero GasperiniThe team can now win two games in a row for the first time this season as they host visitors they traditionally beat on home soil. Atalanta are unbeaten in eight Serie A home games against Como – although it has been quite a while since they last met.

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Before these teams meet in the top division for the first time in 21 years, Como are actually at the top of the head-to-head table with seven wins and five losses in 19 previous Serie A meetings.

A continuation in this style will certainly be a difficult task for the current boss. Cesc Fabregaswho is a relative newcomer when it comes to coaching – especially compared to Gasperini’s vast experience.

Como sits 19th in the table and is still waiting for its first win of a season that began with its Coppa Italia elimination against Serie B side Sampdoria.

After being promoted from the second division last season, the Lariani had to hastily renovate their headquarters at the Stadio Sinigaglia, meaning they had to play their first three league games away from home, picking up just one point before their long-awaited return home last week.

However, they let a two-goal lead slip away in the last 20 minutes against Bologna, after an own goal and Patrick CutroneWith their goal in the second half, they were close to scoring three important points.

Few would expect Como to bring anything from nearby Bergamo, but they will hope to put pressure on Atalanta's sometimes vulnerable defence.

Atalanta BC Serie A Form:

Atalanta BC form (all competitions):

Como Serie A form:

Como Form (All Competitions):

Team News

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After investing in the development of his team over the summer, Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini could make some changes on Monday after making a major switch against Arsenal and ahead of next weekend's away game at Bologna.

Either Ademola Lookman or Mateo Retegui could get a break, with Marco Brescianini, Lazar Samardzic And Nicolo Zaniolo all fighting for promotion from the bench; summer newcomers Raoul Bellanova And Odilon Kossounou are candidates to provide fresh air on the wings and in defense.

Mario Pasalic – who made his 200th league appearance for the club last week – is also in the running. The former Chelsea player is just one goal away from scoring 50 goals in the Italian top flight, which would make him the most dangerous Croatian in Serie A history – he is currently level with Ivan Perišić.

La Dea must again do without long-term injuries Gianluca Scamacca And Giorgio Scalvini (both ACL), plus experienced defender Rafael Toloi (muscular).

Meanwhile, Como is still missing a top-class new signing Raphael Varanewhile his centre-back colleague Alberto Dossena Due to a calf strain there is a significant question mark.

After Cesc Fabregas dropped his ailing striker Andrea Belotti It remains to be seen whether “Il Gallo” will be brought back: after unsuccessful appearances for Roma and Fiorentina, he has not yet scored a goal for his new club.

Unless, Nico Paz would support Patrick Cutrone in attack, while the former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto operates the visitors' engine room.

Possible starting lineup of Atalanta BC:
Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Ederson, Pasalic, Ruggeri; Samardzic, Lookman; De Ketelaere

Como possible starting eleven:
Audero; Iovine, Kempf, Goldaniga, Moreno; Perrone, Roberto; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone

We think: Atalanta BC 2-0 Como

Even if Atalanta decide to rotate its squad after a busy start to the season, it has too much quality and top-class know-how for a Como side that has so far shown little sign of adapting to the demands of Serie A.

In the third home game in a row after the renovation of the stadium, La Dea should confidently take the maximum points and build on the good performance against Arsenal.

Click here to see a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.

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