Atalanta in Genoa without Lookman, Pasalic and half the defense: Palladino’s revolution

Atalanta is on the upswing, but on the eve of the Marassi trip to Genoa’s home ground the mood around the team and club is somber. Indeed, a historical Nerazzurri symbol like Eugenio Perico and the father of a staple of today’s Orobici, Mario Pasalic, passed away during the week. For this reason Raffaele Palladino stressed in a press conference the difficulties there will be on Ligurian soil, where moreover there will be numerous absences due to injury and the African Cup of Nations. Starting with the one, very heavy from both technical and tactical points of view, of a now definitely relaunched Ademola Lookman.

Marco Enzo Venturini

“We come from a touching week – admitted Palladino from the Bortolotti Center in Zingonia -Yesterday as Atalanta we all brought our closeness to Mario. He is in Croatia, it is a delicate moment for him and against Genoa he will not be there to be with his family. Pasalic is important for us, we are waiting for him. Then we will also have to deal with absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations. That is why I expect 110% from all the players who can be there. Going forward, without Lookman, I have tried many solutions. Also Sulemana, who is recovered. Samardzic has the qualities to make a difference and he always gives his best effort. I want my forwards to feel free to express themselves at their best”.

Problems for his Atalanta concern all departments, however, considering the unavailability of Berat Djimsiti and Raoul Bellanova precisely while Sead Kolasinac is still trying to regain his best form and Giorgio Scalvini has not yet returned to the field. “Giorgio is fine – pointed out Palladino -. Given the emergency at the back, he will be able to contribute with Genoa. The problem for him will be to recover the match rhythm, as it happened for Kolasinac. But for us he is a very important player, who can also act as a low director when needed. Although we have several options in that role, including Musah and Brescianini as well as De Roon”.

But Palladino also studies new tactical alternatives for this Atalanta full of absences. Some emerged just in the pre-Genoa press conference: “Zalewski has the characteristics to be able to play also as a trequartista. He is a possible solution, although I am using him as a fifth on the wing since Bellanova is injured. Then we also have Krstovic, who can lend a hand in the running game”.

“This on the field of Genoa is the most important match since I arrived in Bergamo– however, Palladino noted -We face a team that against Inter did very well, but we need to regain continuity. I want to see on the field an’Atalanta with the same winning mentality, capable of adapting to the difficulties we will face”.