Champions League Hangover Hits Atalanta, While Lazio's Taylor Terror Shakes Bologna
Atalanta aim to recover from Champions League elimination by Bayern Munich when hosting struggling Hellas Verona, with Marten de Roon set for a club appearance record. Bologna suffered a 2-0 home defeat to in-form Lazio, where Kenneth Taylor scored twice and a penalty save proved pivotal, despite their recent Europa League progress. Injuries plague both sides as Serie A intensity ramps up.
If you're settling in for some Serie A action, grab your scarf and a brew – we've got Atalanta desperate to dust off their Bayern blues against basement-dwelling Hellas Verona, and Bologna licking wounds from a gritty Lazio defeat after their Europa League heroics.
As reported by Susy Campanale at Football Italia, the pressure's on with midweek European jaunts barely in the rearview. Both Atalanta vs Verona and a recent Bologna vs Lazio clash highlight the chaos of the schedule. Let's break it down, shall we?
Atalanta's Milestone Day Amid Injury Woes
La Dea are still smarting from their Champions League knockout by Bayern Munich – talk about a midweek nightmare. With just two points from their last three Serie A outings, Gian Piero Gasperini's lads can't afford slip-ups at the Gewiss Stadium. Gianluca Scamacca's latest injury is a proper gut-punch, but silver linings: Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori are nearing full tilt.
It's a landmark for skipper Marten de Roon, clocking his 436th appearance for Atalanta – the club's all-time record holder. Expect fireworks from him in midfield alongside Ederson. Hellas Verona, meanwhile, are propping up the table after a loss to Genoa, missing Armel Bella-Kotchap, Domagoj Bradaric, Sandi Lovric and Suat Serdar. Rock bottom never looked so vulnerable.
Predicted lineups? Atalanta could roll with Carnesecchi in goal; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac at the back; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi in midfield; De Ketelaere, Zalewski feeding Krstovic. Verona: Montipò behind Nelsson, Edmundsson, Valentini; Belghali, Akpa Akpro, Gagliardini, Harroui, Frese supporting Bowie and Orban. Kick-off at 14:00 GMT – Atalanta to cruise it, I'd wager.
Bologna Stunned as Lazio's Sub Plot Delivers Thriller
Over in Bologna, the Rossoblu were buzzing post their Europa League quarter-final ticket punch against Roma – extra-time drama, pure joy. But it cost them: Jens Odgaard and Tommaso Pobega crocked, joining Lukasz Skorupski and Lorenzo De Silvestri on the sidelines. Hosting Lazio? Meant to be their wave to ride.
Except Lazio are purring, fresh off wins against Sassuolo and Milan. Despite absentees like Mattia Zaccagni, Ivan Provedel, Danilo Cataldi and more, Alessio Romagnoli returned. Assistant coach Marco Ianni stepped up with Maurizio Sarri banned, and boy, did they deliver a 2-0 smash at the Dall'Ara.
Kenneth Taylor, the Dutch dynamo, was the unlikely hat-trick hero – nah, brace actually, both in the second half. Edoardo Motta's penalty save from Riccardo Orsolini (his third Serie A start!) sparked the turnaround. Subs Boulaye Dia and Tijjani Noslin injected zip, while Mario Gila limped off with a knee niggle – 'grit your teeth' stuff, per Ianni.
'The subs gave fresh legs,' grinned Ianni post-match. Lazio leapfrogged Bologna to eighth, their third straight league win. Lineups for that one: Bologna Ravaglia; Zortea, Vitik, Heggem, Miranda; Moro, Sohm; Orsolini, Bernardeschi, Rowe; Castro. Lazio Motta; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Dele-Bashiru, Patric, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Pedro.
What's Next in This Serie A Madness?
Atalanta need points to climb, Verona to escape the drop zone trap. Bologna must regroup amid injuries, but Lazio's form screams danger – Taylor 'just knows what to do on the pitch,' says Ianni. With international breaks looming, these results could define runs. Tune into the liveblog for the build-up; Serie A never disappoints when fatigue meets fire. Cheers to the beautiful chaos!