Analysing Atalanta FC ahead of Arsenal’s clash in the UCL

Analysing Gian Pierro Gasperini’s coaching style and some of his most influential players that will face Arsenal

Gasperini’s influence on Italian football and football in general doesn’t need any introduction. Winning the UEL, beating the likes of Liverpool, Marseille and Leverkusen to clinch the title, he managed to make a statement worldwide to how underrated of a coach he’s been in football

It’s expected that the Italian side will lead a man to man press that could suffocate Arsenal’s build up play with sheer intensity OOP. A side that is tactical very compact, give less spaces and can ping you on the counter out of nowhere.

Flank to flank movements in build up where they’ll overload spaces for easier passing routines (triangles, boxes, diamonds) to get additional numbers and play through pressure > from which they can change the point of attack to the far side winger

Key Players:

Ademola Lookman – Nigeria
26 | LW/AM | 5’9

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A versatile attacker that looks hungry everytime he gets on the ball. Dribbling being his bread and butter, he’s very electric in keeping defenders on the back foot. Agile body that lets him shift to different angles and find shots.

Charles De Ketelaere – Belgium
23 | AM | 6’4

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Having failed to impress people at Milan, the Belgian has been Gasperini’s dependable cheatcode, providing 25G/A last szn. Atalanta’s creative force boasts powerful ballstriking and is a handy target through set pieces due to his towering height.

Isak Hien – Sweden
25 | CB | 6’3

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The Swedish defensive acumen has been a physically imposing CB that tends to make things very difficult for attackers. Winning the ball, recovery tackles and also carrying the ball to midfield and showcasing his wonderful range of passes – he’s got it all!

Matteo Retegui – Italy
25 | CF | 6’1

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Atalanta’s newest attacking reinforcement has massively stepped up in Scamacca’s injury absence having netted 4 goals in 4 games. A fox in the box that moderates his game based on elite OTB movements to separate markers. Beware of his channel running

An away trip to Italy will be a challenge for Arteta considering how difficult Gasperini likes to make things for possession oriented sides. Patience in build up and sticking to their tactical approach could see them pull off a favourable result

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