Serie A Kick-Off: Can Lecce Stun Champions Atalanta?
The curtain rises on the new Serie A season on Monday with a clash between Lecce and Atalanta BC, two teams with contrasting ambitions. The reigning Europa League champions, Atalanta, are aiming for a seventh straight opening-day victory, while Lecce, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, are looking to start their campaign on a positive note.
Europa League Triumph and Summer of Change for Atalanta
Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta enjoyed a remarkable 2023-24 season, culminating in a historic Europa League triumph over Bayer Leverkusen. The victory brought the coveted trophy back to Bergamo after a 61-year wait, solidifying Gasperini's legacy at the club. However, the summer transfer window has seen significant changes at the club.
Star striker Gianluca Scamacca is ruled out for several months with an ACL injury, while fellow Italian international Nicolò Zaniolo will miss his Atalanta debut due to tendonitis. The departures of Teun Koopmeiners and El-Bilal Toure, coupled with the potential exits of Ademola Lookman and others, have left Gasperini with a depleted squad.
Lecce Aiming for Stability After a Nail-Biting Finish
Lecce, meanwhile, endured a tense battle for survival last season. Former Chelsea assistant Luca Gotti, who replaced the sacked Roberto D'Aversa, ultimately steered the Giallorossi to safety, finishing in 14th place. The Salentini will be hoping to build on this foundation and establish themselves as a more stable force in the Italian top flight.
The departure of star striker Roberto Piccoli to Cagliari leaves a gap in the Lecce attack, but Nikola Krstovic, last season's leading scorer, will be eager to fill the void. Gotti will also be looking to replace the departures of Gabriel Strefezza and Marin Pongracic, while Mohamed Kaba remains sidelined with a serious knee injury.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Atalanta will be without Gianluca Scamacca, Giorgio Scalvini, Nicolò Zaniolo, and possibly Rafael Toloi and Sead Kolasinac. New signings Ben Godfrey, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Mateo Retegui are expected to feature, while captain Marten De Roon has recovered from injury. Charles De Ketelaere, who joined permanently from AC Milan, will be hoping to pick up where he left off last season.
Lecce's key players include Nikola Krstovic, Kialonda Gaspar, and midfielder Morten Hjulmand. The Giallorossi will be without Mohamed Kaba, but the rest of the squad is available for selection.
Possible Starting Lineups
Lecce: Falcone; Gendrey, Baschirotto, Gaspar, Gallo; Ramadani, Hjulmand; Oudin, Marchwinski, Dorgu; Krstovic
Atalanta BC: Musso; Godfrey, Hien, Djimsiti; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Retegui
Predictions
Atalanta, despite their summer upheaval, remain a formidable force. However, their opening-day trip to Via del Mare, a ground where Lecce lost only seven times last season, will be a stern test. Lecce, with a morale-boosting cup win under their belt, will be confident of causing an upset.
A tight and competitive encounter is expected, with a draw a likely outcome.
Prediction: Lecce 1-1 Atalanta BC
