By Arsenal make their eagerly anticipated return to the UEFA Champions League on Thursday as they face Atalanta BC at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy.
The English side, under manager Mikel Arteta, ended a six-year absence from Europe’s premier club competition last season, reaching the quarter-finals before falling to Bayern Munich. They enter this match on the back of a strong start to their Premier League campaign, most recently securing victory in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Atalanta, led by veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, come into the match as reigning UEFA Europa League champions. The Italian side defeated Bayer Leverkusen in last season’s final, securing their first European trophy. They return to the Champions League for the fourth time in five seasons, having twice reached the knockout stages in previous campaigns.
Both teams face significant injury concerns heading into the match. Arsenal will be without captain Martin Odegaard due to an ankle injury, while winger Bukayo Saka is doubtful after being substituted during Sunday’s derby. Atalanta are missing key players Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini due to long-term injuries.
Arsenal’s recent away form has been impressive, with six consecutive Premier League victories on the road. However, they face a stern test in Bergamo, where Atalanta have lost just one of their last seven Champions League home games.
The match marks a return to Italy for Arsenal midfielder Jorginho, who spent the majority of his career in Serie A before moving to England. For Atalanta, former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac could feature against his old club, having recently returned from injury.
This fixture represents the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides. Arsenal’s record against Italian teams in European competition is mixed, with 8 wins, 8 draws, and 8 losses from 24 previous encounters.
The game promises to be an intriguing tactical battle between Arteta’s possession-based style and Gasperini’s high-intensity, attacking approach. With both teams known for their offensive capabilities, an open and entertaining match is anticipated.
